The HELP TOP MOVE Print Sale

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! TOP's host, chief writer, editor, comment moderator, researcher, general factotum, functionary, drudge, and broompusher (me, that would be) is trying to shift digs—i.e. improve the physical plant of mighty yet tiny TOP World Headquarters.

I've written up all the gory details in posts past. The short-short version is that there's a house for sale down the street that has space for a much bigger home office, which would completely solve the stresses and strains of my current (outgrown) space. If I can raise the down payment I can buy the place. Even falling short of that, though, there are less drastic ways this sale will still greatly help improve the office-space situation.

We therefore herewith and hereby launch the great and grand "Help TOP Move" Print Offer—seven prints (count 'em, seven), all Mike originals, all printed by Ctein, offered for purchase starting now and for the next five days.

As regular readers know, we take orders in advance for five days only and then print to fulfill the orders we've gotten. Once the orders close, that's it—and this is no sales gimmick, it's real, based on the way we operate these sales.

To make the proposed move feasible requires this to be one of TOP's more successful sales, so if you've ever thought about buying a TOP print, now's a good time. Every single dollar this sale can bring in will directly and materially improve my life and future economic stability and the growth and health of TOP. Even buying a single one of the $39 prints matters. Heck, if everyone did that (there is no possibility of that) I'd be able to buy the house outright! Please don't underestimate the value and importance of your contribution. (I certainly won't.)

The Old Soo Line Station (bonus print)

Now about the photographs...

Bodies of water have always been a thematic motif of my photography. All of these pictures save two are taken of, on, or near water. (And you'll notice the other two nonetheless prominently feature water, albeit in one of its non-liquid forms!)

Dogs, another favored motif, feature in only one of the pictures, but that's because I restrained myself.  :-)

Because this is a fundraiser, this is our first tiered sale:

First-tier prints

• At the FIRST TIER you have three choices for $39* each, or you can buy all three for $99*. These prints are 5x7" images on 8x10" paper. Ctein was able to get the shipping and handling down to only $10 per order, for any number of prints, to anywhere in the world, international or domestic. (Because who wants to pay $20 shipping on a $39 print?)

The two middle-tier prints

• In the MIDDLE TIER we have two offerings for you at $170* each, one B&W and one color. These are roughly 9x12" images on 11x17" paper. S&H is $25 per order for any number of prints, to anywhere in the world.

Top-tier panorama

• At the TOP TIER (no pun intended) we have one 64-megapixel panoramic lakescape. (I'll write more about these prints and pictures later in the week, and include more detailed technical info.) It is available in two sizes: the smaller is 11x36" on 20x44" paper for $495* plus $35 S&H, and the larger is 16x52" on 24x60" paper for $1,000*, $35 S&H. Again, domestic and international shipping are both the same price.

Bonus: As a special bonus for any yeoman (or yeowoman!) stalwart TOP sustainer/supporter who purchases all six prints, which can include either size of the panorama—you'll also receive a FREE 13x20" image on 17x22" paper of "The Old Soo Line Station." The only way to get this photograph is to buy the full set—you can't order it separately.

Editioning: The larger size of the panorama will be limited to this sale only. And "The Old Soo Line Station" has never been printed before and will never be printed again at any size. All the prints of each of those two that are sold in this sale will be numbered.

About the Prints: All the prints are signed on the front by Mike and on the back by Ctein. Except for the panoramas, all the prints are on Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique fiber-base paper, printed with Epson Ultrachrome K-3 inks on an Epson 3880 printer, and are shipped flat. The panoramas are printed on Epson Semimatte RC paper with Epson Ultrachrome K-3 inks on an Epson 9800 printer and are shipped rolled.

Ordering: [Sale ended 4/7/14 at 7:00. Thanks to all who participated!]

And, as ever, we really hope you like the print(s). And very sincerely: Thanks!

Mike

4-yr.-old Zander and Mike, earlier in the journey

*Ctein is administrating this sale from California, so California residents will also pay sales tax.

Original contents copyright 2014 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

TOP's links!

(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

GKFroelich: "If I buy your Miata, can I get the bonus print?  ;-)  "

Mike replies: Sounds reasonable, but actually, I couldn't do that. The reason is, it's important to do what you say you're going to do. If I say it's only available in this sale and only available to people who buy all the prints, then I can't really go skulking around giving them away under the table, can I? That's not fair to the people who get theirs the above-board, through-regular-channels way.

However, this does make me think of something very interesting. It's quite possible that no one will buy the entire suite of prints during this sale—and therefore no one will be entitled to a bonus print.

What that means—if you follow me—is that this could be the world's first limited edition print that's limited to an edition of ZERO.

LOL (like there's any other way to laugh). But seriously, think about it. Is there any way around that? I don't think there is.

And I've said I'll never print the picture again at any size after this sale. Could I go back on that? I don't think so. Not without being intentionally dishonorable.

Granted, most limited editions include several "artist's proofs" which would not be numbered and would not normally be considered for sale commercially. And, in fact, I have two prints of the "Old Soo Line Station" picture that were indeed used as proofs—one a little cooler, one a little warmer—that Ctein sent to me for approval. The warmer one is presumably identical to the one offered in the sale, since I didn't see anything more that needed to be done to it and I approved it as it was.

Sometimes artists cheat on this a little on "limited editions" by running off some number of finished prints and just calling them artist's proofs. But, strictly speaking again, there are, in actuality, just the two proofs. (Unless Ctein kept one or more at his end, in California.)

So the complete edition, all in, would be limited to zero with two artist's proofs.

So would that make the proofs worth more, or worth nothing? I think I could make the case either way. LOL again!

Maybe after the sale is over, if no one qualifies for the bonus print, I'll put the two artist's proofs on Ebay and let people bid on them. But they wouldn't be part of the limited edition, because the edition would be limited to zero prints.

This is blowin' my mind, as the hippies used to say.  :-)

UPDATE: Right after I posted this—in fact as I was writing it—two orders for the full set came in. (Thanks, Jeffrey and Hugh!) So as of now it's an edition of two with two artist's proofs.

But the above is still very interesting, isn't it? —Mike

Comments

[Duncan]

Rats! The one I like best is the rail station, and I can't buy that separately.

[Hugh in Winnipeg]

I've ordered the full package. I figure it's the least I can do for all the years pleasure that I've had from TOP.
Good luck with the sale!

[Jeffrey Behr]

Mike, I hope we keep Ctein busy for months. My 'everything' order is in.

Good luck.

[Jim Witkowski]

Sure! Hold the kid up in a picture and tell us that the kid is going to get it if we don't buy a print . . . wait, hasn't that been done before?

[(g)The kid's fine. He's in college now.

I do recall an ad in "Listener" with a cat in a pot on the stove, and text to the effect that if people don't subscribe he'd have to eat the cat. (That magazine failed, though.)

I just have very few pictures of myself. I found one of me with a camera, but it was so small and blurry I just couldn't bring myself to use it. (The camera was a Leica R4). --Mike]

[John Doty]

The Soo Line Station is by far my favorite but there is no way I can order the entire set of prints just to get that one. Once I get home, I will look again at the others ob a larger monitor and see which one I like second best. I guess there has to be a good bonus for those who order the whole set. Ah well such is life.

[JackS]

Having recently changed camera systems, my photo budget is very deep in the red. And given that my favorite photo is the bonus pic, making it even more unattainable, I will console myself by making a simple, premium-free donation to support a site where I've learned so much and been entertained beyond expectations.

GLWYS

Cheers~Jack

[Christian Kurmann]

How about some sort of bar graph to display how far we've reached with the orders. Might spur on some more orders?
I undertand that you don't want financials named but you could still make some meaningful descriptions such as Half Downpayment, Full Downpayment, Bonus Paintjob etc.
I also would have loved the railstation but could only afford the equally beautiful Wisconsin #7

[ctein]

Dear GKF,

Well, I would expect to get a proof print, too, as a courtesy, so I suppose that would make it three proof prints.

If you buy the Miata, you might be able to convince Mike to part with one of his two proof prints. You could ask… [Smile].

~~~~

Dear Jim,

I wanted Mike to Photoshop huge puppy-dog eyes onto him and Zander. Did he listen? Nooooooooo

pax \ Ctein
[ Please excuse any word-salad. MacSpeech in training! ]
======================================
-- Ctein's Online Gallery http://ctein.com 
-- Digital Restorations http://photo-repair.com 
======================================

[steven Ralser]

After all the discussion awhile ago about the dangers of taking photos on railway tracks, look what we get.

All the best on the sale Mike.

[DavidB]

Mike,

I am hit hard this year with taxes. So can't buy a print. Yes even $40 is tight. But I might be able to swing $5 or $10. Can you put up a donate button or e-mail me your pay pal contact so I can help you out.
David Bateman

[Jack]

The Soo station apparently is selling for $1439 and the customer will get six other great prints for free!

[Phil Maus]

Completely rooting for your success Mike. Though the contribution is only a small one, I hope it helps get you into your new digs. And I am looking forward to receiving "Dave Fishing"!

Phil

[darr]

I want that bonus print!!

Thank you for all the wonderful reads over the years and for deciding to make this a warm and cuddly place for the GIRLS!

Best wishes,
Darr/lene

[toto]

Do you have to pay separate shipping for each tier? For instance, if you order one print each from the first and middle tiers, will you pay $35 S/H, or do you pay only $25? (combined shipping)

[Barry]

Double rats! I'm with you Duncan. I love the Rail Station bonus picture, but it's not available separately.

I guess you always want what you cannot have. :-)

[Marino]

I'll shake Hands with you soon, Mike. Great photograph, my first TOP print buy, and I'm too glad to help you broaden and improve your website: I have learned much here, and not just on Photography. Thanks.
Marino

[Joel Bartlett]

A limited edition? I'm disappointed. Quoting from my favorite photo blog discussing limited editions on April 2, 2013, "All this means to the photographer is that he or she is going to be prevented from profiting from his or her desirable photographs." Make a special edition to help fund the new world headquarters for T.O.P., but don't limit your upside.

[Steve Smith]

Sounds reasonable, but actually, I couldn't do that. The reason is, it's important to do what you say you're going to do. If I say it's only available in this sale and only available to people who buy all the prints, then I can't really go skulking around giving them away under the table, can I?

You could always buy a full set of prints yourself and give them as a gift to whoever buys the car!

[Tony Ayling]

My first purchase in a TOP print sale! Hope you do well Mike!

[Bojidar]

Hi Mike,

the bonus print is lovely, congratulations!

But I just had this thought: Wow, a print of railroad tracks. Hey, those are dangerous! And where did I learn that? At TOP.

Sorry for being a pooper...

[Colin B]

I've had so much pleasure from reading TOP over the years I knew I'd be buying at least one print... I had a really tough time choosing. If we weren't saving to move house ourselves (to accommodate our expanding family) I would've loved "Wisconsin #7" but after some agonizing I've put my order in for "Jake Fetching" which I think I'm going to really enjoy.

A great selection for the sale.

[Soeren Engelbrecht]

Dear Mike,

I really, really wanted to contribute to this fundraiser, since you and your site has provided me with so much photographic insight over the years. Unfortunately, however, I already have a large backlog of my own pictures that I need to frame and hang :-(

So I just hit the "Donate" button and spent my 39 USD there instead. Problem solved :-)

Keep up the good work !!

Soeren

[Reese]

The first option in tier 1 reminded me that I always admired the photo on the cover of "Empirical Photographer". How about offering that as a bonus print? I found a lot of inspiration in that photo and that book.

[Michael Perini]

Re the imaginary 'Edition of Zero'
In that case, you would have made the promise to 'no one'
The edition never happened.
And no one could have been harmed economically or otherwise.
Like an item for auction with special conditions that Doesn't sell.
You are fee to auction it again with different or no conditions.
While I am extremely happy that you will not have the 'Edition of Zero' Dilemma, from my point of view, it would not have been a problem at all.
Great good luck with the sale, my order is in, and I'm contemplating a second .

[Dony]

Dear Mike, CMIIW, in the old posts here in TOP i read, i sense that you don't like limiting prints of photograph, but now there is 'has never been printed before and will never be printed again at any size'. would you like to give me an explanation of something i might have missed before about it? thank you.

[Hans Muus]

Splendid idea, hope it succeeds (if possible to such an extent that TOP can keep the Mazda...). Just ordered 'Jake Fetching' - I love the inclusion of the outboard engine, and the way engine/ball/dog and sunlight tell the story.
By the way, the TOP CEO mentions his fondness of bodies of water in his pictures. But apparently he has a weakness for backlit photos as well. Six out of seven are (counting 'Wisconsin #7 in). Nice.

[DavidB]

I just found your donate button on the right side column. Funny I actually never look there.
I would suggest adding a link in line with the text of this post. Says if you prefer to just donate, then let it fly. Or add a new post to draw attention to it. I think you can get a lot more hits that ways.

Good luck and all the best.
David Bateman

[Nick]

Good luck with the print sale Mike, I hope it goes really well!
I also hope your next print sale will include the picture that is on the cover of your book!
Best, Nick

[Joshua Goodey]

Hi Mike,
Lovely photos, and just trying to figure out how I can help out here(!)...but your selection made me wonder - do you personally favour your most recent work over older work? The photo of Zander obviously isn't new, but if I recall correctly the station, hands, Wisconsin and (I think) the lake panorama are all pretty recent photos. Is this fair, or is it an intentional selection based on feedback/demand or what you think readers will remember. I personally feel that I favour much more of my recent work than older work, though largely due to improving my skills and therefore my results.
Genuinely hoping it's a big hit, I'm glad I've a few days to decide how to help!
Josh

[Mark Scholey]

Like a few others, the picture I'd sooner have is the bonus one, well, that and ones that are way out of my price bracket. However, I will make a donation to the cause instead :) Good luck with the fund raising Mike!

[Dennis]

I also just sent a modest donation. Here's the reason. I like all of the photos you're offering as prints. I just don't really know what I'd do with a print. What I'd really love to have is a book with those photos and 100 more like them. I get that good prints are much nicer to look at than reproductions in a book. But photos, in general, are best viewed in series or groups, IMO. So if I can see many photos at a gallery, that's great. But 1 or 2 or 3 in a home collection ? I can put the money to better use buying books of photos. And as for displaying photos, I know some will disagree with me here, but my house is my house, not a gallery, and my walls are part of that house, and I want them filled with *my* photos along with other decorative artwork that I want to see every day, either because it's interesting enough to look at every day, or because it's simply decorative. My collection of photo books is modest compared to many, but I have more photo books than I could ever have prints on display. I almost ordered one of the small prints, just to see another nice print with my own eyes and to see another example of Ctein's printing (I bought the bridge photo he printed to demonstrate the potential of modest gear), but ultimately just guessed at your profit margin on the print and sent that. Why am I telling you all this ? I'm not sure, other than to share a thought on why some people may not buy prints *AND* to hopefully inspire you to get back to your ideas about publishing books. Which, of course, would probably be easier if you had a bigger office ...

Good luck !