I like affordable art. Everyone else does too. It seems like every week there’s a new outlet for wallet-friendly prints. But I’ve latched on to an even more novel idea lately: free Art. In fact, I’m pretty much psyched about anything that costs me zero dollars. Zero is a number this economy can handle.
It was with this in mind that I got in gear for my latest wall-decoration attempt, and harkened back to some familiar sources. Some time back I got extremely excited about the Library of Congress’ archive, where you can directly download high-res files, or order prints.
I wrote all about it here.
Then I recently was perusing Shorpy (which is pretty much a daily activity) and found myself with a crush on this picture:
—
Holy cow, I wanted to own that! Well– looks like Mr. Vachon shot for the FSA, so I figured the Library of Congress might have the negative.
First I searched for “john vachon” in the author field. No dice. Then, I search for “vaccination” in the subject line.
Huzzah! Score.
Whoa, this neg is yellllllow.
Photoshop time.
Ok, better.
Power up the trusty Epson R1900, and away we go.
VOILA! A picture on my wall*. Extremely satisfying. Go here and search the Library’s offerings. I do not think you will regret it.
*and yes i know the print is a little dark, but ink cartridges don’t grow on trees.
tim gruber - January 29, 2009 8:14 pm
damn that is awesome Rachel…time to fire up the epson
anon - January 29, 2009 8:54 pm
you don’t post often, but you post well
love the idea –
thanks…
and love the high res file – brilliant !
are these in the public domain, do you know?
a.
Shashank - January 30, 2009 3:31 am
Wow…that a good find. Thanks. I was looking for the “Migrant Mother” frame… and they have have it!!!
Tom - January 30, 2009 9:46 am
Amazing. Great idea.
After weeks of looking I have hundreds of options for images on my wall.
Wayne - January 30, 2009 1:32 pm
How was the quality of the Lange print that you purchased from the LoC?
michael brooks - January 30, 2009 3:33 pm
Very cool. What are these other outlets for wallet friendly prints that you speak of?
eliz - January 30, 2009 8:10 pm
YES. THANK YOU. i always think of doing this but never get around to it. but i’m firing up my (out of production!) R1800 right now and busting out some 13x19s.
Amber - January 31, 2009 3:28 am
very awesome of you
Michael George - February 2, 2009 1:21 am
I’ve really been procrastinating it but one of these days I’m going to sit down, comb through those archives, and go print-crazy.
One of these days, I’m tellin’ ya
G Who - February 5, 2009 10:53 pm
This is a wonderful posting start to finish!
Stacy - February 7, 2009 4:45 am
You’re fabulous. Have I ever told you that? Love this post. Absolutely love the photo of the print and the printer. Keep ‘em coming!
OV - August 23, 2009 5:28 am
Rachel,
You are cool cat.
Big fan of your work.
OV.
OV - August 23, 2009 5:29 am
Rachel,
You are a cool cat.
Big fan of your work.
OV.
A Matter of Wedding Photography Edinburgh - January 21, 2010 5:59 pm
Am I the only one who finds that photo quite a bit creepy? Or perhaps that’s the point.