Bella Nuda

General Artwork Information

I personally inspect each limited edition photograph, photobook, and album before signing and sending it to you. When you buy limited edition photography, the amount you pay represents not only the cost of producing and delivering the item to you, but also the effort to collaborate with each model, select the final images, and prepare them for the highest quality production.

We all see photographs on a daily basis, online, in magazines, and as decor. Photographs are of interest to serious collectors when they are from limited editions, created through an archival photographic process. With only 25, 10, or even fewer photographs in most A.K. Nicholas editions, it is extremely unlikely you'll see your artwork hanging in someone else's home. You can find the quantity in the description for each limited edition photograph. I do not make my images available as posters or open (unlimited) editions; nor will you see them merchandised as unsigned editions.

Each photograph in the edition is an object of art with an individual number, followed by a slash, then the edition quantity. For example, in an edition of 10 photographs, the first would be 1/10,  the second 2/10, and the last is 10/10. This unique number is handwritten in the bottom margin. Each of these individually numbered and signed photographs is an original work of art. Once an edition is sold out, no photographs will be added to the edition and no additional editions of that image will be created.

Can't you make as many multiples as you want? No. Although, other artists produce a tirage (all multiples of a work made) including many artist's proofs, printer's proofs, hors d’commerce proofs, and other series of "proofs" beyond the numbered edition. I feel collectors deserve clear information of how many photographs are in the edition. I don't market proofs and never make more than one photograph to keep for myself.

Why don't you have small, medium, and large options for each image? I am traditional in my approach to limited editions. Each artwork is produced in one size, deliberately chosen to present that composition. I feel a connection to traditions dating back for centuries. Serious and repeat collectors appreciate this meticulous philosophy, the distinction from decoration, and a refreshing break from ubiquitous merchandising.

Are the first photographs from an edition more valuable? Traditionally, no. Although some collectors take pride in being among the first, all photographs in an edition are equal in value. The numbering shown on product pages is for illustrative purposes, actual sequence number is on a first-order basis.

How are these different from standard photographs? These archival photographs are produced to my exacting standards. I require faithful rendering of smooth tones, subtle gradients, and crisp vibrant colors. The paper is robust and the inks are extremely opaque; they will be color stable for 100+ years—compared to 40 years for c-type (chromogenic) photographs. Unlike open editions or posters, mass produced in varying caliber, I personally inspect and sign each photograph to attest to the consistent quality.

Are the photographs originals? Yes. Also, see the next topic.

What are the differences between originals, reproductions, and unique art? An original exists in the material/technique in which the artist first created it. Photography, screen printing, etching, and cast sculpture are examples of original artworks created in multiples. A reproduction is a copy of something else, for example, a reproduction of a painting. Unique (one of a kind) artworks are generally most prized, followed by originals in limited edition, then reproductions.