The strength of collecting images can be compared perhaps only to the work of the Large Hadron Collider. Even small private collections change the reality of photography – they define which frames are exceptional, and which artist’s work is extraordinary. They alter sensitivity, because after the first purchase it is very hard to look at the posters hanging on the walls of the supermarket. Finally – changing standards, making it such that "art collection" no longer means only grand collections of paintings. This is why photo collecting is growing in strength. As part of Photomonth we’re looking into this surging trend. To reflect on photography collecting invited we have invited gallerists, collectors, art market experts and artists. This is the first interdisciplinary, common voice.