Collecting Fine Art Photography

May 1, 2025

It’s easy to pick up a piece of art here and there: a photo from a local fair, a print from your travels, and suddenly you’ve got a bunch of images you like, but they don’t quite work together.

If you're collecting fine art photography for your home, it’s worth slowing down and thinking about the bigger picture.

When you buy art your intention isn’t for it to be hidden away. You want to show it off on your walls, where it sets the tone for your space and reveals your style. A cohesive home art collection transforms your space into something personal and polished.

Still, it can feel overwhelming, knowing that your personal art collection on your walls is open to judgment from anyone who walks in.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’ve put together this guide to help you start collecting art with confidence.


The First Move in Your Home Art Collection Journey

The first step in starting an art collection is coming up with a clear vision of what you want from your collection as well as your living spaces.

Think of The Kind of Atmosphere You Want Your Home to Evoke

Do you want your space to feel calm and serene? Or, are you leaning toward something more bold and dramatic? What about a playful and whimsical space? The mood you’re going for will help guide your choices.

Consider Your Personal Style

Whether it's minimalist, eclectic, modern, or something in between, choose a theme or color palette that fits both your taste and your home. This also makes collecting fine art photography more focused and meaningful.

With this information in hand, you’ll have a better understanding of whether you need landscapes, black-and-white shots, or abstract pieces.

My Quick Tips on Starting with Style and Intention

  • You don’t have to match the color of your artwork to the room–it can look boring and formulaic.
  • Think of complementary colors, not identical shades.
  • Avoid copying someone else’s space—it’s your home, your story.
  • Take inspiration from coffee table books, Pinterest, decor mags, and artists on social media.
  • Start a mood board to see how pieces might flow together before you buy.
Zenfinity is a peaceful abstract ocean sunset image over the Pacific Ocean in Maui created by intentional camera movement.  Photograph by Andrew Shoemaker
Zenfinity

I created Zenfinity panning with my camera across the horizon during a beautiful Maui sunset. This camera effect creates such a peaceful, serene image when the conditions are just right. I can stare at this forever!

Collector's Edition of 100


Collecting Fine Art Photography That Feels Personal and Fits Your Space

When you start an art collection, don’t chase trends, choose pieces that you actually like and are drawn to. I think a strong home art collection balances personal favorites with collector-worthy photography prints that elevate your space.

Photography styles can dramatically shape the feel of a room, so think about the vision you have for your space before choosing what to hang.

  • Landscapes create a calm, grounding atmosphere—perfect for bedrooms or quiet corners.
  • Abstracts bring bold energy and movement and are great for modern spaces or areas where you want a pop of personality.
  • Black and white photography adds drama and elegance.

Working on Your Home Art Collection? Here’s How to Nail the Display

The walls of your home are like blank canvases just waiting to be filled with fine art photography—but that doesn’t mean every inch needs to be covered. The key to displaying your personal art collection is to make it feel curated, not chaotic.

Start by thinking beyond the obvious. You don’t always need a giant wall, tuck a favorite photo into that forgotten corner or make use of a narrow hallway. If you have a large space and want to break it up into different zones–say for dining, sitting, entertainment, or relaxation–place art pieces at what you want to be the focal point of each zone.

Get creative–try floating shelves to rotate pieces, lean framed prints casually against a wall, or go big with an oversized print for instant impact.

And remember, this isn’t a museum—don’t isolate a single print on a big empty wall. Try building around a central piece that sets the tone, then layer in supporting photos that tell a visual story.

Not sure how a piece will look on your wall? Try my Wall Art Visualizer. Just send over a photo and your wall dimensions—I’ll create a custom mockup so you can see your art in place before you commit.

Placement and flow matter just as much as the art itself.


Longevity is a long exposure of the beautiful red Torii Shirahige shrine on Lake Biwa in Japan.  Fine Art Photography by artist Andrew Shoemaker
Longevity

I was drawn to this mystical Torii gate floating in the water on Lake Biwa in Japan. It's name means "white beard" or longevity. The Torii gates are believed to be a gateway between worlds in Japanese culture and the journey within is what draws me to them. This historic shrine is over 2000 years old and Lake Biwa is believed to be about 4 million years old. Longevity. I decided on a long exposure to fully capture the magic of this scene.

Collector's Edition of 100

The 4 S’s of Displaying Your Home Art Collection

Size

A single small photography print can feel lost on a large wall. So why not group several small pieces into a collage? On the flip side, a large print in a tiny nook can feel overpowering.

Spacing

Give your art room to breathe. Whether you’re working with a grid layout or an eclectic gallery wall, consistent spacing (usually 2–5 inches between pieces) keeps things tidy and intentional.

Scale

It’s not just about size but proportions too. Hang larger works in open rooms and save smaller photos for hallways, shelves, or tucked-away corners. Arrange smaller pieces together to make the overall collection more impactful.

Sightline

A general rule that I follow is that the middle of the art piece should be at eye level. That comes out to about 57 inches from the floor. If you’re hanging artwork above seating furniture, make sure it’s high enough so make sure it’s high enough so no one bumps their head when they lean back.


How Print Medium and Framing Shape Your Collection’s Impact

The medium and frame you choose can completely transform how a photograph feels in your space. Mixing materials like sleek metal, soft matte paper, or glossy acrylic adds depth and texture to your home art collection, keeping things visually interesting.

Choose frame styles that complement your photo’s vibe. You don’t need an ornate or expensive frame as sometimes they compete with the artwork or decor. You can also skip the frame altogether for a clean, modern look.

Here’s my Quick Guide to Printing Mediums:

  • Paper – It’s classic, versatile, and great for a traditional framed look
  • Metal – Metal prints are becoming increasingly popular as they are bold, durable, and ultra-modern with vibrant colors.
  • Acrylic – These prints offer a sleek and glossy look with a gallery-like depth.
  • Canvas – Textured, soft, and painterly that works best for a relaxed vibe.

Build an Art Collection That is Timeless and Striking

The most meaningful collections aren’t rushed—they evolve naturally, shaped by what speaks to you over time. As your home changes and your story unfolds, your art can reflect that journey. I’m here to help you find those standout pieces that feel like they’ve been waiting for your walls all along.

Browse the gallery for inspiration. Feel free to reach out if something catches your eye or if you’re not sure where to start. I’m always happy to help you find artwork that fits your style and space perfectly.

a beautiful panorama captured by photographer Andrew Shoemaker of a Japanese lace maple tree in the Portland Japanese garden in Oregon.  Autumn colors galore
Pulse

One of the most beautiful trees in the world, this Japanese lace maple tree comes to life with extraordinary color in the fall. A panorama here just looked mesmerizing to me with the colors and contrasts of this incredible scene.

Collector's Edition of 100, Artist Proof of 1