Testing the Waters (Street Photograph)

Gordon Lewis, Precipitation, 2009

I have Gordon Lewis's "Precipitation" hanging in my downstairs powder room and it gets more comments and compliments than any other picture in my house. It's a lovely and luminous print, better on paper than onscreen.

One friend, a poet, admitted at the end of his stay with me that he had repeatedly gone into the powder room just to contemplate the picture, over and over again.

The print was taken for a camera review of the Pentax K-7 DSLR that Gordon wrote for TOP in 2009. So many readers liked it that we staged an essentially impromptu print sale. It did well, selling 77 prints.

Since then, however, the acclaim has continued...at least in my powder room! I swear I've heard at least ten people say some version of this: "I remember that. I should have bought one when I had the chance."

Scott Kirkpatrick, the TOP reader who flew in from Boston on Wednesday, was only the latest to say it, as I was giving him a quick tour of the house.

So I finally asked Gordon if he'd like to reprise the sale and offer a Second Edition of the print. He said he wouldn't mind, but that he wanted me to test the waters before we went through all the work involved. Which I am hereby doing.

The picture has had quite a career. It was later featured in the book Why Photographs Work by George Barr.

Gordon, of course, is the author of Street Photography from Rocky Nook. Which is apropos, because my portrait of him in action in New York City, above, is one of my favorite street photographs of my own! (Or does that count?)

Here's one in which you can actually tell what he looks like. Those are Larry Fink photos behind Gordon (thanks to JM for pointing that out).

So what do you say? Would you like us to offer "Precipitation" again? The price would be between one and two hundred dollars. You might also mention if you would be willing to help publicize the sale on other sites and forums you visit.

Thanks!

Mike
(Thanks to Gordon)

UPDATE from Gordon: Thanks to all who answered that they would want a second chance to buy Precipitation. The reason I asked Mike to test the waters in the first place was that neither of us saw any point in putting time and energy into something you have little interest in, and might even find off-putting. Enough people have said, 'Yes, I'd buy a print or two,' that Mike and I have agreed to go set up a sale for some time before the end of the year. We'll keep you posted.

Original contents copyright 2017 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.

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Comments

[Ger Lawlor]

I have an Eliott Erwitt and a Peter Turnley (TOP print sale) in my living room. My own photo of two cows looking over a fence which hangs in our downstairs powder room gets more and better comments than either!!
Hmm.... there's room for research in this one!

[Bill Mitchell]

Great picture.
I bought a print in the original offering, then his book, and now look forward (and pay attention) to any of his comments.

[George McCandless]

I'd be interested in two.

[Mike Lougee]

Sure, I'd make a purchase, and also mention it on other places. Could/should it be "marketed" more heavily in the locale in which it was taken? Or in other rainy spots?? Good luck, I predict it will be a hit, in greater numbers than the first time around...

[Tom]

That is a lovely picture, well worth a wider audience.

[John Abee]

Very interested. Thanks.

[Neill Brower]

I did not have the scratch to buy Precipitation the first time around, and have lamented that ever since. I am a definite sale, and would be happy to spread the word on social media.

[John Krill]

A Gordon Lewis Second Edition print sale?

Yes please.

[Jack Stives]

Yes

[GKFroehlich]

I've missed a handful of TOP print offers due to being totally off the grid for the duration of the print offers. The one print I have most regretted being unable to buy was this one! Yes, count me in!

[Andre Y]

Yes, please!

[Steve Mockford]

I am certainly interested.

[John Krumm]

I missed the first one, so yes.

[Eliot]

This is the print that I've always kicked myself for not getting. I would jump at the chance to get it.

[Gordon Brown]

Yes please.

[Del Bomberger]

This is my "retirement budget" speaking. I'd definitely buy it at $100, possibly at $150, and not likely at $200.00. While your at this, please see if Roy Feldman wants to do a similar printing of his Barbershop photo please. I think about that one all the time. I really do like the umbrella photo enough purchase it as well though.

[Thomas Turnbull]

Very much yes, thanks!

[Jim Meeks]

Yes most definitely!

[Stefan Laarm]

Yes, please

[Erik]

Yes. Missed it the first time and have regretted not buying it every time I have seen it again.

[Moose]

Oh the problems of judging thing on screen . . .

I wasn't convinced by the JPEG for the original offer.

The ~6x8" version in Why Photographs Work changed my mind.

I believe I'd like an 11x14"

Sure, I'd recommend it elsewhere, although I don't have as many elsewheres as many people.

[Tom Farrell]

Yes, I'd be interested - it's one of my favorites.

[Randall Teasley]

I fell in love with this photo when I first saw it and I've regretted not purchasing it ever since. Please offer it again.

[Roberto]

Oh well, I already wrote you once that Gordon's photograph is the one I regret most not having been able to buy from TOP, and this time I will not miss it, guaranteed. And for what is worth, I can certainly advertise the sale in my Facebook page.

[Paul bailey]

Yes

[Lesley Thomas]

I foolishly convinced myself I couldn't afford it the first time around - and have regretted my decision. A second chance? Yes please! Count me in for one.

[David Lee]

I like the photo but I don't think I'll buy a print.

[Ben]

Yes, definitely interested.

[Francis White]

I would certainly be interested, providing that the total cost including international postage would not exceed $200 (much). I might even if it did, but would have to think harder about it...

[Michael]

I have regretted not buying that print, so provided I don't have any financial disasters I would love to buy one!

[Øyvind Hansen]

Yes!

[Dennis Mook]

I was one of your guests who lamented not buying the print the first time around. I would appreciate another opportunity to purchase a print and I certainly will publicize that opportunity, if Gordon decides to offer it, on my blog.

Also, I would ask Gordon permission to reproduce it, with appropriate credit of course, so my readers would clearly understand what a marvelous image it is.

[Hermon Joyner]

Yes, this is also one of my regrets. I'd welcome a second chance.

[Patrick Perez]

I expect I'd spring for one, I don't really frequent other venues where I'd be able to promote it to a likely interested audience, however.

Patrick

[Micha Drögemüller]

I'm definitely interested!

[JOHN GILLOOLY]

INTERESTED........

[Tim Swan]

Yes, the photo is beautiful. I'd buy at least one.

[BruceK]

Yes!

[Ernie Van Veen]

Our walls are cluttered with photographs and paintings, but I'd love add 'Precipitation' to our collection.

[Sherwood McLernon]

I was sorry I didn't take advantage of the original sale. I would definitely be interested in a copy.

[Clement]

yes!!! I missed the first one and have regretted since then. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

[William Lewis]

Mike,
I've wanted to indulge in print offerings so many times but the job I currently have is unable to even pay all my normal bills each month. That said, I interview next Wednesday for a different position at a significantly higher rate of pay. If I get it it, I would dearly love to buy a copy of that print as a celebration of my ability to do so.

I'll look forward to the opportunity.

Thanks!

[Andrew Kelley]

I have kicked myself several times for passing up on this one the first time around. Count me in.

[David Boyce]

Very likely.

[John London]

Yes please, my copy via TOP was 'lost' in a house move so the opportunity to replace it would be welcome.

[Cliff]

Love the image and would definitely buy a print.

[Chris Klug]

Yes, and Yes!

[Dale Greer]

Always wished I had purchased this one. Yes please!

[Nicholas]

I remember that one. Couldn't afford it at the time, but I had found it arresting even as a JPEG. Count me in (and 11 x 14 would be swell).

[Norm Nicholson]

Count me in. It's a favorite of mine.

[Mark Gunion]

Would definitely buy. Regretted not buying it the first time.

[Pieter de Bruin]

My wife looked over my shoulder while I was looking at this page, and said 'just buy it'. I need no further encouragement.

[Gary]

Yes.

[Ronny Nilsen]

Yes. As others have said: didn't buy it it the first time, and have regretted it every time I have seen it again.

[René]

It's a yes

[AN]

I've regretted missing that one the first time as well. For me, it's the most memorable of all the TOP print sale images to date.

[Peter]

I missed the first sale - count me in for this one.

[Hank]

But I don't have a downstairs powder room! Where will I put it?

[Patrick Medd]

Yes please. I'm in...

[Jose Rosas]

Yes

[Jacob Tarr]

Yes please, missed it first time round and have always regretted it!

[Barry Reid]

Interested, I do regret missing this one,

[Steve Renwick]

Yep. Don't know how I missed it the first time.

[V.I. Voltz]

Yes, would buy.

Voltz

[Bill Allen]

Yes, please.

[Robert Ades]

Yes please. Would love a print.

[Craig C.]

Yes, please!

[Ken Tanaka]

Looks like you have a sale, Mike (and Gordon)!

Gordon: Have you ever considered doing a small edition of C-prints, perhaps at a slightly larger size? This image's palette might work well with this technique.

[Andrea B.]

Yes, please!

[John Friar]

Yes, please!

[Maggie Osterberg]

Yes, please!

[Scott Paris]

I'm in.
Please take my money.

[Roberto]

By the way, I was thinking what is the photo sold on TOP which I regret second most not to have bought (possibly a winter landscape from you Mike), and I thought it would be nice to have a link to a "TOP past sales portfolio".

[Sam Pieter]

Yes, please offer "Precipitation" again.

[Jon Schick]

Definitely very interested depending how much extra it costs to ship to the UK (with our extra taxes too). If it could be kept at around $150 plus shipping etc then an almost certain yes.

[Warren Jones]

I would buy a print

[Richard Halliburton]

Yes! I have learned the hard way not to pass up chances to buy photographs or books that I love.

[Dirk]

Yes! Another person unable to get it the first time around, and have been regretting it every time it pops up elsewhere.

[Tom Hassler]

I would love to own a print of this picture. I missed the first sale but have admired the image since I first saw it. Count me in!

[Jim in Denver]

Yes, absolutely!

[Alex Buisse]

Late to the party, but I'd definitely be interested in a new sale.

[Rob L.]

Please!

[Brian J]

Yes, please!