Fine Art Photography

Clars Auctions is a trusted destination for collectors, institutions, and enthusiasts seeking to appraise, sell, and buy fine art photography.

With decades of experience in the art market, our specialists offer appraisals and access to international buyers through our leading fine art photography auctions. Whether you’re looking to consign a single image or build a photography collection, our team ensures a seamless and rewarding experience.

What Is Fine Art Photography?

It is photography created with an artistic vision and intended for exhibition or collection. Unlike commercial or journalistic photography, fine art photography often emphasizes composition, mood, conceptual ideas, or creative storytelling. Fine art photographs are typically printed in limited editions and often signed or numbered by the artist, which enhances their value in the market.


Ansel Adams (American, 1902–1984), Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico, 1941, gelatin silver print, 15.5″ x 19.25″. Sold: $33,825
Ansel Adams (American, 1902–1984), Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico, 1941, gelatin silver print, 15.5″ x 19.25″.
Sold: $33,825

Fine Art Photography We Sell

Fine art photography is more than documentation — it’s a powerful visual language used to explore beauty, memory, truth, and abstraction. At Clars, we specialize in curating and selling works that showcase photography as an art form. Our auctions feature:

Our Bay Area auction house represents both established names and emerging talents, providing collectors access to compelling works across eras, styles, and movements.

Sell Fine Art Photography

If you are ready to sell a piece or collection of fine art photography, Clars provides personalized, end-to-end support. We begin with a free art valuation to determine market interest and expected returns. Our services include:

Our consignment process is streamlined and fully transparent, whether you’re selling a single print, a thematic series, or a full estate.

Get A Valuation

Sale Highlights

Ansel Adams (American, 1902–1984), Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word, In Memory of Russell Varian San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1963, portfolio of fifteen (15) gelatin silver prints.
Sold: $51,425

Consign One Like This

CEO & President

Rick Unruh

Rick Unruh has been CEO and President of Clars since 2019 and Director of Fine Art since 2010. Under his leadership, Clars’ Fine Art department has had numerous world auction records, as well as, over a decade of consecutive record years of sales growth with over $150 million sold in the fine art division during his tenure. Among his notable achievements, Rick was responsible for the recent sale of Salvador Dali’s painting, Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, which sold for $720,000 as well as Loie Hollowell’s mixed media work, Point of Entry (Blood-Orange Moon Over Orange Sac), selling for $1,050,000. Prior to this, Rick was an institutional equities trader with several international investment banking firms in New York and Paris. Rick has established numerous client relationships with affluent collectors, corporations, museums, galleries, and dealers both in the U.S. and internationally. He has also been a regular guest commentator on several West Coast PBS television stations.

Consign with Rick

Associate Director, Fine Art

Alexa Malvino

Alexa Malvino has been with the company since 2014. Ms. Malvino received her Master’s in Art History from San Francisco State University, with a focus on printmaking, along with her Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art and Visual Culture from University California, Santa Cruz. Today, she manages the print multiples, photography, and contemporary art sales at Clars. Alexa is also one of the auctioneers at the gallery.

Consign with Alexa

Senior Specialist, Fine Art

Erin Cabral

Erin Cabral is a Senior Specialist in the Fine Art Department at Clars. She has worked in the auction industry for over a decade beginning her career at Bonhams in San Francisco where she was a cataloguer then specialist in the California and Western Paintings and Sculpture department. Prior to joining Clars, Erin was the Fine Art Specialist at Fine Estate Inc. She has also worked in fine art galleries, most recently at Berggruen Gallery in San Francisco. Erin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of California, Davis.

Consign with Erin

Buy Fine Art Photography at Auction

Clars offers multiple convenient ways to participate in our fine art photography auctions, making it easy to collect artworks from anywhere. You can:

Each auction catalog is made available online well in advance, complete with artist bios, provenance, and condition reports. Our specialists are available for questions or consultation to help you bid with confidence.

Ways to Buy

Upcoming Auctions & Events

Stay connected with our calendar of fine art photography auctions, appraisal events, and seasonal highlights. From curated sales to special single-owner collections, we provide opportunities throughout the year to buy and sell world-class photographic works.

If you have inquiries, reach out to us. We look forward to assisting you with all your auction and appraisal needs!

View Auction Calendar

Explore All Available Fine Art

In addition to fine art photography, Clars Auctions features a diverse range of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and prints & multiples. Our Fine Art department is dedicated to showcasing diverse media and voices, providing collectors with a comprehensive overview of fine art across various periods and movements.

Browse the Full Fine Art Collection