SOLD. Dressed and Undressed. From the book of Tableaux Vivants by Tony Ward. 2001. Private Collector Philadelphia
Collecting Fine Art Photography
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The history of collecting fine art photography is a fascinating journey that intertwines technological innovation, artistic evolution, and shifting cultural perceptions. While photography itself was invented in the early 19th century, it took decades for it to be recognized as a legitimate art form worthy of collection. Initially, photography was seen primarily as a scientific tool or a means of documentation, but over time, its artistic potential became undeniable, paving the way for its inclusion in the world of fine art.
In the mid-19th century, pioneers like William Henry Fox Talbot and Julia Margaret Cameron began experimenting with photography as a medium for artistic expression. Cameron, in particular, was known for her evocative portraits that mimicked the aesthetic of painted canvases. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that photography began to gain traction in the art world. The Pictorialist movement, led by photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, sought to elevate photography to the status of painting by emphasizing soft focus, dramatic lighting, and compositional techniques reminiscent of traditional art. Stieglitz’s New York gallery, 291, became a pivotal space for showcasing photography alongside other fine arts, helping to legitimize the medium.
The early 20th century also saw the rise of modernist photography, with artists like Man Ray and László Moholy-Nagy pushing the boundaries of the medium through experimental techniques. These innovations caught the attention of collectors, who began to see photography as a dynamic and collectible art form. By the mid-20th century, institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York established dedicated photography departments, further cementing its place in the art world.
The 1970s marked a turning point for the market of fine art photography. As interest in contemporary art grew, so did the demand for photographic works. Auctions dedicated to photography began to emerge, and prices for iconic images by artists like Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, and Henri Cartier-Bresson soared. Collectors were drawn to the medium’s ability to capture historical moments, evoke emotion, and challenge perceptions.
Today, fine art photography is a thriving segment of the art market, with collectors seeking both vintage prints and contemporary works. The advent of digital photography has further expanded the possibilities for artistic expression, attracting a new generation of photographers and collectors alike. From its humble beginnings as a scientific curiosity to its current status as a respected art form, the history of collecting fine art photography reflects the enduring power of the medium to captivate and inspire.
SOLD. Erin’s Feet. 1993. From the book of Obsessions by Tony Ward. Private collector Philadelphia
When I started working full time in 1980 for Smithkline, the giant pharmaceutical company based in Philadelphia, I had no idea what kind of photographic opportunities would come my way. About 6 months into the job, I’ll never forget walking into my bosses office located at 1500 Spring Garden Street to receive my assignment for June of that year. I was nearly floored when I was assigned to take documentary photographs of Muhammad Ali during his visit to Philadelphia.
Chopsticks. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 1980.
Ali was in town to promote the last fight of his career which was with Larry Holmes. The fight took place four months later in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace on October 2, 1980. Unfortunately, Ali lost the bout by a technical knockout in the 10th round. This fight marked the end of Ali’s legendary boxing career, as he retired shortly thereafter. Holmes (another legend in the annals of boxing history) like many people around the world loved Muhammad Ali as he was a former sparring partner. Realizing his skills as a fighter were greatly diminished he waved and pleaded with the referee to stop the fight knowing Ali had nothing left in the tank after the 9th round.
Muhammad Ali. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 1980.
These photographs were taken at the Philadelphia Zoo. I captured him as he was leaving a press conference while he was on his way out to a waiting limousine with his entourage. He noticed a piano on his way and paused to play his rendition of Chopsticks. It was a humorous moment sealed within these photographic memories. When I turned the photographs in at the public relations department the next day, a senior PR official liked the pictures so much that Ali was contacted at his hotel room and asked him to sign them for me. And so he did on June 30th 1980.
Gina Iannece. Vixen. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025
Text by Gina Ianneci, Copyright 2025
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Model: Gina Iannece
Photographer: Tony Ward
Creative Director: KVaughn
Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor
Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco
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Meeting The Moment. A Career in Fashion
In Tony Ward’s “Heroines and Vixens” photo series, I resonate with the duality of strength and allure that defines these women. As someone who has navigated the dynamic world of fashion, I try to embody the resilience and determination of a heroine, while also embracing the bold, confident spirit of a vixen. This series beautifully captures the multifaceted nature of women, reflecting both the power and grace that I strive to bring to my professional and personal life.
My fashion career started in wholesale operations and sales for Nomination Jewelry in the 2001 at the height of their composable charm bracelets popularity in North America.
Next, I had the pleasure of working for the iconic sisters Tish and Snooky, the creators and owners of alternate beauty brand Manic Panic NYC. While managing global sales for key accounts, I traveled to London and
Germany to represent the brand. I also personally negotiated a deal for placement in Sephora stores in the United States.
Because of my success at Manic, I was offered a new position, I went from Punk Rock to Polo. Shifting to a more corporate environment at Jones Apparel Group, working on sales for Oxen Workwear and as the assistant to the VP of Design for Polo Jeans Co, was licensed to Jones at the time. Polo Jeans Co was bought back by Ralph Lauren, and I stayed with the brand transitioning into merchandising. I helped create and launch the brand Denim and Supply by Ralph Lauen, managing men and women’s denim apparel and accessories.
The immense popularity of Denim and Supply led to the end of another Ralph Lauren brand Rugby which ended up leading to layoffs. I lost my job. This is the first time I was laid off and I was devastated. I had developed a love of denim while at Ralph. The different fabrications, weaving and wash techniques, I love all of that. So, I was targeting new roles in denim merchandising and this took me to Giorgio Armani.
I joined that A/X Armani Exchange during a new transformative period for the brand. At the time ,ownership was split between Giorgio Armani corporation and Presidio.The creative team was attempting to change the brand direction away from the overly embellished “Jersey Shore Vibes.” I was responsible for merchandising, buying and sales for women’s denim and woven’s and was a part of the team that helped to elevate the assortment and brand back to its 90’s aesthetic.
Unfortunately, this was short lived, and I was laid off again when Armani decided to buy out Presidio as they shifted the merchandising roles to the Italy team. While at A/X, I was responsible for buying and I could see
Ecom taking over retail. Feeling like I wanted a change of direction I started to seek roles in ecommerce, I took an in-between job and eventually landed an opportunity in digital back at Ralph Lauren.
It was a contract freelance position to cover a six-month maternity leave, but I would end up being hired and stayed with the company for four years. There were merchandising aspects to the job, but the primary responsibilities were to manage digital assets to be used for sales and marketing for the Chaps brand. The role grew to include managing operations and Ecom account management. I played a key role in launching Chaps brand apparel accessories and home goods on Amazon, the first RL brand to sell via the platform.
Gina Iannece. Heroine. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025
We reached 2020 and were hit with the Covid 19 Pandemic. Retail stores were shutting their doors. The entire Chaps team in all departments were placed on furlough except me and maybe five others. I continued to manage Ecom accounts and create new content, still traveling to various offices in NY and NJ. I found ways to work with the photo
studio and still adhere to health restrictions. I kept the hustle going. Then one day, I was invited to an MS Teams meeting with the entire team and informed that Ralph had sold Chaps, resulting in immediate layoffs. I was asked to stay until spring 2021.
My most recent position was with Randa Apparel and Accessories. RAA is a private family owned company that has been in business for over one hundred years. They hold licenses for many top brands and produce mostly small leather goods like belts and wallets. I managed operations and sales for their Ecom accounts and marketplace/DTC. I joined as they were starting to move into women’s accessories and facilitated highly successful brand launches for Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Levis, Sam Edleman and Tommy Hilfiger.
But I knew what was coming in 2024, when Randa announced that they would be acquiring Totes and Isotoner. The inevitable restructuring happened, and I was a part of the layoffs. It happened right around the winter holidays when hiring is slower or on hold. So, I began my new job search, started networking, and taking online classes. And I said yes to this chance to be in front of the camera for the first time.
As for this opportunity to be photographed by the TWS team, even though I sought it out, I was not prepared when Tony Ward asked me to contribute to this project, but I am so happy that I did it.I decided to meet the moment, and everything just seemed to align perfectly. I started sharing wardrobe ideas with the creative team and Tony shared the background which I absolutely love. Kvaughn had a vision for silver and Anthony Colagreco found the armor that I ended up wearing. It was giving synchronicity vibes.
The weeks leading up to the shoot were about collaborative preparation. The day of the shoot I was nervous but that quickly turned to excitement by the time Michael Connor finished with me in the makeup chair.Everyone was professional and encouraging. The studio space was incredible – bright with beautiful wood floors and white walls covered in photos. It felt like being in an RL showroom. The energy was infectious and I felt seen and heard in the room. This experience was one of the best of my life. I will cherish the memories, images, and the shoes that Kvaughn sourced and gifted to me forever. A week after this photo shoot, I accepted a job offer and am excited to start a new position soon.
Gina Iannece. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025
About The Author:
Gina Iannece is 48 years old, living in New York. She is a decades long Tony Ward Studio fan and first time contributor to this webzine.
Tony Ward Studio located at 361-63 Cadwalader Avenue, Elkins Park, Pa. 19027 is available for day rental. The space is suitable for strobe, continuous and available light photography. The rate to use the facilities is $50.00 per hour with a one hour minimum. Photographers are required to bring their primary gear: that would include cameras, tripods, lighting equipment and backgrounds. The studio can provide additional equipment support if needed including; light stands, background supports, grip equipment, super salon studio stand, extension cords etc.
Amenities include off street parking, private model dressing room, client lounge, prop shop with tools, full service kitchen and dining facilities. Tony Ward Studio also offers creative services, art direction, in house hair & makeup artists on an as needed basis. Additional fees will apply for all creative support services, including Tony Ward private photography classes, consultations, portfolio reviews and tutorials. Tony Ward is a world famous photographer and former instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. The first international book release on his photography Obsessions was published by Edition Stemmle, Zurich, Switzerland in 1998 to critical acclaim.
To schedule studio time: contact Tony Ward at 267-475-0828 or email Tony@TonyWard.com for queries.
Client LoungeFull Service KitchenDressing RoomTony Ward. Self Portrait With Available Light.
Authors Note: I wanted readers to have an experience totally off the literary grid. Sound Effect Infinity is a future paranormal mystery rolled up in puzzles about the real magic of music, then wrapped in questions about the power of the human mind. As one special character says deep into the story: “There’s always been questions people don’t understand to ask about music and sound.” Hopefully, readers will come away from this book understanding those questions and, possibly, realizing some of the answers as well.
The premium hardcover will be released in March. Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter of the book that may touch a little close to home for many these days. The year the narrator is speaking from is 2062.
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“Things had broken down. It always felt like America only half noticed. Certainly, those of us in the media knew better than to harp too much on the breakdown. Somewhere in the course of things had been what we began to call the Drift Away. Some people simply called it the Drift. There was no secession or war, really. Not even an agreement that had been discussed in the media or codified with a memorandum of understanding between those in charge of regions. One of the methods of the Middle Lands was to eliminate much of what was considered official. There had simply been too much turmoil and too much inability to define anything useful between the major groups. Incompetence on all sides. The Middle Lands became a new kind of territory — still America but certainly not the United States thereof.
Sound wave illustration by ImageFx
Rules flattened. Expectations shifted. Laws seemed to have become more fluid, difficult to predict, and weirdly random. Geography itself had lost definition. It was the opposite of a revolution in many ways, even though it had been building since the days of the so-called Final Recession. They called it the last straw here, but we’d sensed where things were going way back in my teen years. Collective memory had long ago dissipated because of computer storage and data. But that kind of predictability wasn’t even available anymore on the coastal zones. Somehow not knowing had become a version of acceptable simplicity. There was a new cognitive process that seemed to come and go with all sorts of people. They wanted to know little about the past and cared less about the future. A vague way of thinking came into vogue that seemed to emphasize the near present. It was difficult to track, though, because people seemed to fluctuate in and out of it. You sensed an intelligence fog around them. There was the present, almost like a version of mindfulness, but it was only attached to a next step or two like going to the store, having dinner, that first cup of coffee in the morning, screen watching, some basic way to catch a buzz, nudge dopamine levels up a few notches. The joke we came up with way out in Philly is that a lot of people in the Middle Lands probably lost interest during sex because they couldn’t remember they were hoping to have an orgasm.”
David Biddle’s latest release Sound Effect Infinity is being published as an ebook by The Story Plant, link here: https://www.thestoryplant.com
About The Author: A freelance writer since he published his first article on appropriate technology education with RAIN: Journal in 1985, David Biddle has published work with the likes of Harvard Business Review, BioCycle, Huffington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, GetUnderground, Resource Recycling, BuzzWorm, Talking Writing, etc. He was also a contributing editor to InBusiness (the 2nd best sustainability publication of all-time) for over a decade. His novel, Old Music for New People, was published by The Story Plant in 2021. This is David Biddle’s first contribution to this webzine.
