Exchange
Rules.
A short set of agreements so every envelope that lands on a member's doorstep is something worth keeping.
This exchange is intended to give you an opportunity to trade high quality, collector-grade prints with other photographers. The rules exist so everyone ends up with something worth keeping.
Printing.
All prints must be made on collector-grade, archival paper. Paper selection is an artistic choice — acceptable manufacturers include Hahnemühle, Moab, Canson, Red River, and other high-quality, acid-free papers. Your paper details are listed on your profile.
Archival pigment inks are preferred for their clarity and longevity. Dye-based inks are accepted but must be disclosed on your profile so your exchange partner can make an informed decision.
Sign in pencil or an archival marker — typically in the lower right, either on the front border or on the back. Title, year, or edition info is welcome. The signature is what turns these prints into genuine collectible objects rather than reprints.
Exchanging.
All proposals, acceptances, and status updates happen on the Exchanges page — propose trades, accept requests, and mark prints as printed, shipped, and received. Instagram DMs are fine for casual chatter, but the official record lives here.
Print size is selected by the proposer from the sizes the other participant offers. The default is A3 (11.69 × 16.54 in), but members may offer smaller sizes. Available sizes appear on each participant's profile.
Up to three exchange proposals per person, per month, with a maximum of three active exchanges at any time. You may still receive proposals from others and initiate your own within those limits.
Rigid mailer or hard tube. Glassine or tissue between print and board. Don't roll unrolled prints. Don't skimp on tape. Any loss or damage is covered by the sender.
International exchanges are supported for participants who opt in. Both parties cover their own shipping, customs declarations, and any import duties. Allow extra time for transit and mark packages as "gift" or "artwork" per your country's requirements.
If you wouldn't want to receive it, don't send it.
The 12 rules here are the letter. This is the spirit. Treat every print you send like it's going to hang in someone's home for the next thirty years — because it probably will.
Conduct.
Each individual covers their own printing, packaging, and shipping. No money exchanges between participants — not for prints, not for paper costs, not for shipping favors. If you need to recoup costs, don't propose the trade.
Before you propose or accept, fill in printing details, shipping address, Instagram handle, and your available print sizes — and upload the prints you're offering so others can see your work and choose what they'd like.
Rights.
You retain all rights to everything you upload. Nobody here sublicenses, resells, or trains an AI on what you sent. The Print Trade never claims ownership, distribution rights, or a license to use your work.
Email, Instagram handle, shipping address, and the images you upload. No third-party analytics, no ad networks. Shipping addresses are visible only to accepted trade partners.
Questions & answers.
Anything unclear?
Rules change as the community grows. If something here doesn't match what you've experienced, tell us.