Why Collect Photography Now?
Photography has always occupied a curious position in the art world. It is immediate yet enduring, democratic yet rare, and perhaps more than any other medium, it captures the rhythm of modern life. In a time defined by images, collecting photography means engaging with the very language of our age.
There is a paradox at play: we are surrounded by photographs every day, and yet the scarcity of a signed, limited-edition print has never felt more powerful. To live with a photograph on the wall is to transform something fleeting into something permanent, to claim ownership over a moment and a vision that might otherwise dissolve into the endless scroll of digital life.
The art market has already embraced this truth. At auction, photography continues to break records and command attention alongside painting and sculpture. Irving Penn’s elegant portraits and still lifes consistently achieve strong results, with Sotheby’s upcoming sale poised to reaffirm his status as one of the medium’s masters. Richard Avedon’s “Dovima with Elephants” sold for over $1.8 million, while works by Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Diane Arbus, and Cindy Sherman routinely achieve six- and seven-figure prices. More recently, Andreas Gursky’s “Rhein II” set a record at $4.3 million, underscoring photography’s ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most valued works of contemporary art.
Museums, too, are solidifying photography’s place in the canon. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has dramatically expanded its photography department, MoMA continues to foreground groundbreaking photographic exhibitions, and the Getty has invested heavily in acquiring key photographic archives. What was once seen as secondary is now essential: photography is central to how art history is being written today.
At 1905 Contemporary, we believe photography is not only the defining medium of our time but also one of the most compelling areas to collect. Our mission is to serve as the go-to destination for photography, championing both the masters who built the foundation of the medium and the contemporary voices pushing it forward. Alongside names like Penn, Avedon, and Newton, we spotlight emerging talents whose work is reshaping how photography is understood in the 21st century, artists who bring new perspectives, new techniques, and new narratives to the field. By placing these voices in conversation, we create a bridge between legacy and innovation, giving collectors the opportunity to build collections that are both timeless and forward-looking.
Our expertise lies in navigating this landscape with precision and care. We connect collectors with works that resonate beyond the frame: images that invite reflection, inspire connection, and endure as cultural touchstones. To collect photography now is to invest in a medium that is vital, evolving, and continually redefining the future of art.
Explore our program and speak with our team to begin or expand your collection.