Michael Lee - In Focus: The Market for Rare Photos - [Making Markets, EP.9]

Michael Lee - In Focus: The Market for Rare Photos - [Making Markets, EP.9]

Author: Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts December 22, 2023 Duration: 55:17

My guest today is Michael Lee. Michael is a dealer in rare photographs and the director of Lee Gallery. Today, he takes us on a tour across this under-the-radar market. We talk about the difference between the primary and the secondary market, the buy side, and tastemakers. We also cover his process for finding buyers, pricing inventory and his view on NFTs.

This is exactly the kind of esoteric market I wanted to explore when we transitioned the show to Making Markets, and I hope you enjoy this conversation with Michael Lee.


For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here.

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Show Notes

(00:02:22) - (First question) - Steps to becoming an art dealer

(00:04:22) - Examining funding aspects for art dealers

(00:06:21) - The function of independent art traders

(00:10:09) - Comparing reproducibility: photography versus painting

(00:11:10) - Delving into the buyer's perspective on photography

(00:13:13) - Discussing the absence of external authorities in photography ratings

(00:17:09) - Investigating the influence of museums in art

(00:19:21) - Forecasting future trends in the art market

(00:23:27) - Unraveling how transactions occur in the art world

(00:28:07) - Clarifying the role of art galleries

(00:30:45) - The intricate process of art collection

(00:35:50) - Addressing perceived pretentiousness in art

(00:41:55) - Exploring royalties within the art industry

(00:45:08) - Grasping the factors affecting art pricing

(00:53:00) - Analyzing why photography is currently in a 'fear stage'

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Eric Golden hosts Making Markets, a podcast that digs into the often unseen mechanics and human behaviors driving how value is assigned and traded. Rather than just analyzing charts or headlines, conversations focus on the underlying architecture-the rules, relationships, and psychology-that defines how any marketplace functions. This approach means that one episode might dissect the familiar terrain of bonds or equities, while the next ventures into the specialized worlds of fine art, cryptocurrency, or even vineyard acquisitions. The common thread is a curiosity about the actual transactions and the people who facilitate them, providing a tangible sense of what occurs when assets change hands. By speaking with practitioners and experts each week, the show demystifies the complex systems that form the backbone of global commerce, offering listeners a clearer picture of economic forces at work. As part of the Colossus network of investing and business podcasts, Making Markets builds a comprehensive library of knowledge, turning abstract concepts into accessible narratives. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real-world machinery operating behind the curtain of daily financial news.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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