Can Photography Be An NFT?

Non fungible token

For artists, the answer to the question of whether photography can be an NFT is a definitive yes.

Photography is one of the most versatile and widely-used forms of art, and its value as an NFT is clear. By creating digital photographic works and storing them in blockchain-based registries, artists can exercise complete control over their work and ensure that it is protected from unauthorized use. In addition, photography can be used to create unique digital assets that can be traded or exchanged on decentralized platforms. As the use of photography continues to grow in the art world, it is becoming increasingly clear that it has great potential as an NFT.


What is an NFT?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the digital currency of tomorrow. They're more than just an alternative way to trade stocks; they'll soon become an integral part of our everyday lives. The use of cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way people buy and sell items online. NFTs are digital assets that represent real-world objects like art, music or videos--they're bought frequently with crypto money in much loved by collectors all over the world!

A token is basically any object that operates via blockchain technology like cryptocurrency, land rights registration systems etc, but what sets them apart? Well firstly these items cannot easily be changed/exchanged with similar ones worthless may also exist within one single network so making sure no copying NFT is a type of digital asset that can be transferred between people or buyers on the blockchain. The name “non-fungible token” makes it clear what they differ from other types, but we recommend you read more about them to understand their uniqueness in better detail!


Who Invented NFTs?

The NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens as they are also known, have been around since 2015 when unique tokens were added to the Ethereum Blockchain. However, it wasn't until early 2021 that American artist Beeple's composite NFT sold for $69 million at Christie’s London auctions which immediately brought NFT values into mainstream attention with art collectors and buyers. They have since become an increasingly popular way to buy and sell digital work and high profile sales have begun, with less well known creatives attracting plenty more interest in this booming industry which doesn't seem likely dying down anytime soon.


WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF NFTS & WHAT DO THEY SOLVE?

The beauty of blockchain is that it offers new opportunities for artists to monetize their work. NFTs are so easily transferable, yet they come with an invisible feature of being unique in their own way, as they have the ability to come with some kind of utility which makes them more valuable as they are used in specific ways with many benefits.

Another major advantage over regular tokens is the fact that the digital assets are truly non-fungible which means that each one has a different value depending on who you’re selling to and how it will be traded. Now, instead of relying on galleries or auction houses; they can sell directly with an NFT which also lets them keep more profits themselves and guarantees royalties when selling artwork in future transactions, a great feature as most don't receive any subsequent money after the initial sale.


WHY NFTS ARE GREAT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS?

NFTs can be a good way for photographers to supplement their income. Photographers, like other artists and designers, can turn their photos into NFTs to sell them online. You don't have to purposely do new shoots, instead, you could even go through your archival collection for that perfect photo you think still has value. Although NFTs are now a great way for photographers to make money, not all of them will be worth such a high price. This means there is no guarantee any particular piece would ever go viral - though if something does get popularity it could be worth so much more than any original stock photo. They have to be unique and hold some kind of value to have the demand in price and keep in mind, an NFT’s value is based ENTIRELY on what someone else will pay for it. Therefore demand drives the price rather than fundamental or technical indicators which typically influence stocks and at least form part of investor confidence.


HOW CAN I SELL MY PHOTOS AS NFTS?

Selling NFTs is not as simple and straightforward of a process and I'd definitely advise doing more research, but essentially, you must select the platform on which to sell your work; some good starting websites and the most popular, are Opensea or Rarible, which are open to anyone wanting to browse, buy and sell from. Once you have chosen your platform from which to market your work, you will need to set up a digital crypto wallet, such as a MetaMask from which you can buy some Ethereum cryptocurrency. Then once you have the crypto loaded into your wallet, and it is connected to the website you are able to start buying and selling. However also bare in mind, there are fees dues from buying and selling on the Ethereum network.



NFTs Are Here To Stay

As the NFT marketplace continues to evolve, it is hard not to see how this will become a mainstay for photography, art collecting and much more. So much information is now created in digital format already, from art to documentation which makes sense that this format will continue to grow. Despite the negativity, NFTs are here to stay. And as platforms offering Metaverse experiences continue to grow and continue reliance on blockchain related technologies for their marketplaces or events, these virtual worlds will only become more immersive with each new entry into this growing category. Blockchain technology and its implementation in the form of NFTs is still in its early days. However, this does not mean that it is any less promising or valuable. In fact, with every passing day, there are more reasons to invest in NFTs and believe in their potential. Sales and profits are being made through these tokens, which qualifies them as a serious technological front worth watching out for. While risks are inevitable when venturing into new territory, NFTs have already shown enough promise to be considered a sound investment option. Have you invested in any NFTs yet?