Why I left FineArtAmerica
In 2007, I began my search for a fine art print-on-demand service that could faithfully render my photographic work. After numerous test prints from multiple companies, I selected FineArtAmerica to be the exclusive printer and distributor of my artwork. Their fine art prints were, in my opinion, stellar. Since 2010, FineArtAmerica’s platform allowed my artwork to garner global recognition. As a result, I have sold over 4500 fine art prints worldwide and my art was featured on national television. Over the last decade, I have had the pleasure of meeting with buyers to sign their prints and was always happy with the print quality I observed. Recently, I noted that FineArtAmerica was recommending “luster” as the paper of choice for artworks sold on their platform. I found this very odd, as “luster” photo paper is usually reserved for general photography and not fine art. Likewise, I heard grumblings through the web about recent print quality and consistency issues with FineArtAmerica. I ordered my recent work, “Alcatraz - The Rock” printed on FineArtAmerica’s Photo Rag fine art paper. When it arrived, I noted the tonal range I had crafted so diligently was washed out. Details, like vintage film grain were non-existent. Luckily, no one had purchased this print!
300% zoom of “Alcatraz Prison- The Rock” printed on FineArtAmerica’s Photo Rag fine art paper. Copyright John Hamlon, 2023. All rights reserved.
Like most fine art photographers, I spend countless hours crafting each piece from capture to the digital darkroom. It is not uncommon for a piece to take over a month to complete. Viewing all of the carefully crafted highlights, mid-tones, shadows, and details on a fine art paper is my reward. I decided to discontinue my exclusive partnership with FineArtAmerica/Pixels and strike out on my own. I started the John Hamlon Fine Art Photography platform and couldn’t be happier with our offering of truly fine art prints.
300% zoom of “Alcatraz Prison - The Rock” printed on John Hamlon Fine Art Photography’s Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Baryta fine art paper. Copyright John Hamlon, 2023. All rights reserved.
The tones of the John Hamlon Fine Art Photography print are rendered perfectly from shadows to highlights and the details (including the vintage film grain) can be seen. I am proud to have my name associated with this fine art print. While I am grateful for everything FineArtAmerica did for my career, ultimately, the pinnacle of a photographer’s work is the print. FineArtAmerica left me no other option.