10 Photography NFTs I Collected In 2021
A Spotlight on Five Incredible Photographers.
A brief on the new wave of digital artists building on Ethereum.
We often hear that “photography NFTs are going to blow up.” Although photography is not currently the largest driver of NFT volume, select circles of NFT art collectors have been putting together extensive portfolios of photography throughout 2021.
From Justin Aversano to John Knopf to Michael Yamashita, many notable photographers have begun to successfully distribute their work via the Ethereum network. Through blockchain and internet technology, photographers can now reach a global collector base, making it easier for them to generate funds for travel, new equipment and building their business.
A common theme in NFTs is larger projects scooping up the hype and market share. The commercialization of art brings volume and attention, but it is equally important for NFT investors to scan the market for promising new talent. Highlighted below are 5 up and coming photographers building on Ethereum that I have purchased photography from this year. Enjoy!
Photographer: Chew Lip
Collection Name: Phantasms and Microcosms
Backstory: I was introduced to Chew Lip’s work by her NFT mentor, Burnish. Her 14 photo collection includes close-ups of various flora and fauna, and stunning landscapes from the West Coast such as the first featured photograph ‘Soldiers of the mist.’ It reminds me of the cold, timeless solitude that can accompany so many seemingly endless chores and obligations. The morning dew, sparse weeds and dark forest beyond enshroud the landscape in mystery, like a lost battlefield no longer remembered as hallowed ground. Fallen forest sentinels lay bare for the elements and insects to consume.
The second featured photograph, ‘Last sunset of summer,’ reminds me of the relief of winding down the day on the Pamlico Sound, the bayside of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The silhouette of the trees reminds one of the aroma of salty sea air and red cedar. The dissipating sunlight and coolness of the evening a brings a much welcome relief from the heat of the day, and the dry grasses sing their soothing lullaby and signal the direction of the coastal winds.
Photographer: Ebtesam Ahmed
Collection Name: Earth Spaces
Backstory: I noticed Ebtesam through Twitter in October 2021. The high quality, professional photo collage of his Earth Spaces collection caught my eye. Taken in remote locations throughout Pakistan, the collection includes starry nights, arid deserts, jutting mountains and rivers fed by the Himalayas. I purchased ‘Uncharted’, which reminded me of the mountains of الرأس الطيب (Cap Bon) in Tunisia, viewed from across the Gulf of Tunis in Sidi Bou Said.
The image of the two men inspires bold feelings of adventure and hidden opportunity. The photo is so balanced, starting from the bottom with a dry, parched and almost fiery landscape. Then, the mystery and simplicity of the black outline of men against the flat water. The earthen elements rise gradually with the opposing slope, piercing a vast, hazy sky.
Photographer: Devin the Dude
Ape: 8240
Collection Name: The Dude’s New York City Trip
Backstory: I met Devin in a Butterhoops Twitter space in September 2021. His photos of NYC opened my heart to the city. Having only visited once, it always seemed like a chaotic, dirty and harrowing place. The restaurant scene in Devin’s photo ‘Classy’ recreates the feeling of posting up at your favorite table after a long week of work. The weathered American flag, and décor on the left with an image of the mid 20th century, reminds the viewer of the lifestyle and historical importance of the city. Blossoming into generous overhead light, the red rose compliments the wood tones and radiates a warm, natural and comforting energy. A wonderfully balanced, inviting and evocative photograph!
Photographer: Burnish
Collection Name: With Love From California
Backstory: Burnish and I are both members of the Fame Lady Squad, and met in September 2021 through community networking. I had gone to the California coast for 0xpo in February 2020, and the images brought back fond memories of hiking and exploring there. Her photo ‘Monarch Orange,’ with a butterfly atop a marigold, compliments the fiery skyline of ‘New Year’s Day at Dawn,’ which balances earth and water elements in the perfect Ying & Yang. I often share these photographs together.
Check out her new collection ‘Things I Learned in Therapy’ on OpenSea.
Her ‘Pastel Fog’ works demonstrate her skill in low-light settings, and convey a light, heavenly vibe. The pink hues and rolling clouds of the second photograph successfully capture the mystical and sacred nature of Mt. Tamalpais, also known as the “Holy Right Eye of the Green Turtle,” sacred to the Lakota Sioux, and a point of convergence for many native Americans.
Photographer: Jared Shomo
Collection: Dreams of Infared
Backstory: Jared and I met in a Twitter space in September 2021. Hailing from the US Virgin Islands, he specializes in infrared photography.
The first featured photo, with the words “doze off” in the metadata, gives the feel of reclining on a hammock, enjoying the partial shade provided by golden clouds and Seussian palm trees. The second photograph, earmarked as a “distant memory” in the metadata, evokes the feeling of stepping out onto the beach in the early morning. The pale blue fauna gives the setting a crisp, wintery feel.
Earlier this year, Jared featured his work at the 81C gallery. You can also view his works on Foundation.
