World's Most Expensive Photographs - $6.5 Million
11 PHOTOS
On December 9 2014, photographer Peter Lik announced that his work, “Phantom,” was sold to a private buyer for a record-breaking $6.5 million, making it the most expensive photograph in the world to date.
The photograph was made by Australian-born landscape photographer Peter Lik in 2013.
Phantom, now the world’s most expensive photograph ever sold, was shot in a subterranean cavern in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon.
Arizona’s Antelope Canyon – a slot canyon carved out by natural flowing water over the course of millions of years. It is here, in a subterranean cavern, that Peter captured “Phantom” – a stunning, black & white depiction of a ghostlike figure.
It shows a beam of light resembling a “ghostlike figure” (hence the name). It’s a black-and-white version of a photograph that has also been printed in color with the title, “Ghost.”
“The purpose of all my photos is to capture the power of nature and convey it in a way that inspires someone to feel passionate and connected to the image,” said Lik. It appears he has achieved that goal, inspiring passion in the buyer—$6.5 million worth of passion.
The ‘Phantom’ story: Nearly every Peter Lik photograph is printed in a “limited edition” of 995; the first print sells at about $4,000, with the price rising as the edition sells out. With his eye fixed on a record-setting sale, he printed a single copy of “Phantom.” Then he alerted a handful of his most ardent collectors, one of whom, he said, agreed to the $6.5 million price. Before the deal was signed, Mr. Lik hired a public relations firm to make sure that the sale, and the record, was noticed.
Due to privacy concerns, the buyer has requested to remain anonymous, but is represented by Los Angeles lawyer Joshua Roth.
Lik is best known for his panoramic photos, and the large size and overall quality of his prints.
In addition to Phantom, Lik’s Illusion ($2.4 million) and Eternal Moods ($1.1 million) were also sold to the same buyer. These, along with his sale of One ($1 million) in 2010, mean that Like now holds four of the top 20 spots for most expensive photographs ever sold.
If you are would like to know more about Lik, here link to his web site
So – for us photographers it is very interesting to know the equipment which Lik is using in his work.
He typically shoots panoramas with a Linhof 617 Technorama camera, using Fuji film. He spends three months out of every year shooting around the country.
Among digital cameras he mainly using Phase One and Nikon cameras.
Most of his photos he prints on FujiFlex silver-halide paper, which increases the light sensitivity and glow, and helps accentuate the vibrant colors in the print
And talking about other the most expensive photographs:
- in second place is Andreas Gursky’s Rhein II (1999) which sold for $4,338,500 in 2011.
- Cindy Sherman’s Untitled (1981) sold for $3,890,500 in 2011, making it the third most expensive - photograph.
Rhein II by Andreas Gursky, $4,338,500
Rhein II was shot and then digitally edited to remove human items, such as buildings, to provide a natural view of the the Rhine river. A similar photo, Rhein I, was sold by Sotheby’s for $1.8 million.
Untitled #96 by Cindy Sherman, $3,890,500
A self-portrait of Sherman dressed as a teenager around the WWII era. Sherman does not give titles to many of her works, to allow for more interpretation.
Dead Troops Talk by Jeff Wall, $3,666,500
Wall’s photo, like a few of his other works, was staged with actors in a studio. It was taken in several shots and digitally pieced together.
99 Cent II Diptychon by Andreas Gursky, $3,346,456
The Pond – Moonlight by Edward Steichen, $2,928,000
Shot in pictorialist style, this photo was taken in Mamaroneck, New York. Shot in 1904, it was at the forefront of color photography.
| He spends three months out of every year shooting around the country. |
| "Ghost" is a color version of “Phantom”. Credit Peter Lik |
| Phantom - the World's Most Expensive Photograph - $6.5 Million |
| Peter Lik |
| 99 Cent II Diptychon by Andreas Gursky, $3,346,456 |
| Rhein II by Andreas Gursky, $4,338,500 Rhein II was shot and then digitally edited to remove human items, such as buildings, to provide a natural view of the the Rhine river. A similar photo, Rhein I, was sold by Sotheby’s for $1.8 million. |
| Peter Lik |
| Peter Lik |
| Untitled #96 by Cindy Sherman, $3,890,500 A self-portrait of Sherman dressed as a teenager around the WWII era. Sherman does not give titles to many of her works, to allow for more interpretation. |
| The Pond – Moonlight by Edward Steichen, $2,928,000 Shot in pictorialist style, this photo was taken in Mamaroneck, New York. Shot in 1904, it was at the forefront of color photography. |
| Dead Troops Talk by Jeff Wall, $3,666,500 Wall’s photo, like a few of his other works, was staged with actors in a studio. It was taken in several shots and digitally pieced together. |
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