I'm guessing it depends on the terms of the sale. In John's case, bidding on a portfolio makes it sound like he's buying the rights to the pictures and not just prints of them.
Actually no I am not bidding on the rights to the images merely the posession of a portfolio of the work. Reproduction rights etc. is a venture I am not able to afford at this point in life.
I am buying this more because I really admire the work and to be able to say that the pieces on my wall are directly from his portfolio more than anything else.
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"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."