Etsy: Maybe Not the Best Choice for Buying Photography?
Here’s Why I Don’t Sell on Etsy.
Etsy is one of the biggest online marketplaces for art, photography, and handmade goods. A lot of great photographers sell there, and it’s a platform many people trust. But if the art that you hang in your home is a personal thing for you, then there are other choices you should consider. Etsy is great for some things... I buy lots of stuff there myself. But I’ve chosen a different path for selling my photography, and I'd like to explain why it might matter to you as a buyer.
I Want to Offer You a Better Experience
Etsy is built for mass accessibility, not for fine art.
Its interface is cluttered and generic — it works fine for ordering candles or T-shirts, but it’s not ideal for viewing detailed landscape photography or comparing custom print formats like acrylic, metal, or fine art paper.
My own site allows you to:
- View the artwork in large, high-resolution format
- Explore detailed information about each print type
- Understand the story behind the image
It’s designed for art buyers — not impulse shoppers.
Etsy Adds a Layer Between Me and You
Etsy positions itself between the artist and the buyer. That might make sense for mass-produced goods, but it doesn't work well for something personal like art.
I want to communicate directly with you — whether you're asking about sizing, selecting the right print material for your space, or just curious about where a photo was taken. Etsy makes that more difficult than it has to be.
When you buy from me directly:
- You get direct communication, not a platform inbox
- You can ask questions and get thoughtful, human answers
- I can provide custom recommendations based on your space and goals
Etsy Takes a Cut — You Pay for It
Etsy fees add up fast:
- Listing fees
- Transaction fees
- Processing fees
- Advertising fees
To make it work financially, I'd have to raise my prices, which doesn’t benefit you or me. I'll be honest, I already have to price this stuff higher than I'd like, just to keep up. Selling direct keeps pricing simple and honest.
My Print Lab
I collaborate with New Mexico Fine Art (NMFA) — a fine art printer trusted by top photographers and galleries. NMFA specializes in producing gallery-quality prints using premium materials and meticulous processes, including:
- Acrylic Prints: Vibrant colors and depth, mounted under crystal-clear acrylic for a luxurious, dimensional finish.
- Metal Prints: Brilliant, sharp images infused directly into aluminum for a modern, durable presentation.
- Fine Art Paper Prints: Museum-grade papers and archival inks for collectors who want the purest possible detail.
Each piece is produced to exacting standards, ensuring your print reflects the full beauty and impact of the original photograph. By partnering with NMFA, I can confidently offer work that meets — and often exceeds — the quality of prints sold on large marketplaces.
I Want to Build Relationships — Not Just Sales
Buying a landscape print for your home, office, or as a gift shouldn’t feel like ordering from a warehouse. It should feel meaningful.
When you buy from me directly:
- You’re supporting independent craftsmanship
- You’re getting artwork that’s personally curated and cared for
- You’re becoming part of a story, not just completing a transaction
- I personally ordered your print, with great care, to make sure you are pleased with it.
That’s the kind of experience I want to create — and the kind of art I want you to enjoy for years to come.
When Mass-Market Art Doesn't Cut It
If you’re tired of scrolling through endless generic listings and want to buy from a real artist — welcome.
Here, you’ll find:
- Carefully crafted landscape prints
- Multiple high-end material options
- Honest, transparent pricing
- A personal connection to the art and the artist
Thank you for supporting independent artists — and for choosing art that’s made with intention.