# Blank Photography Auctions Canon's 'Sight Unseen' Auction Took Bids for Blank Frames By Joey Haar | Published 2016-11-29 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sight-unseen References: [digitaltrends](http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/canon-sight-unseen-auction/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7g4U97HMaI) Rather than a silent auction, Canon's 'Sight Unseen' was a [blind auction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectible-art). The photography auction, which was held by [Canon Australia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canon), had bidders place bids on [blank frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-it) with only an educated guess at the photograph that might eventually grace it. Sight Unseen was part of a campaign to show off Canon's professional photo printer, the Prograf Pro-1000. During Sight Unseen, the photographer who had taken the 10 pictures up for auction described their pieces, and bidders had to take a risk based on that description. Once the winning bid was established, Canon Australia would use a Prograf Pro-1000 on site to print the photograph into the blank frame, showing how the technology can turn blank paper into a work of art in the blink of an eye. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Blind Auctions:** The concept of bidding on unknown items could be extended to other product categories, such as fashion and luxury goods. - **On-site Printing:** The ability to print high-quality photos on site opens up opportunities for event photographers and experiential marketing companies. - **Artificial Scarcity:** Creating limited edition prints with blank frames could increase the perceived value and appeal to collectors and art enthusiasts. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Professional photo printers can leverage the trend of on-site printing at events and offer a unique, personalized experience for customers. - **Auctions:** Applying the concept of blind auctions to other industries, such as real estate or high-end collectibles, could create a sense of exclusivity and drive up demand and prices. - **Marketing:** Using artificial scarcity in marketing campaigns, such as limited edition merchandise or events, could create buzz and excitement among consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rare Camera Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pope-francis-leica-ma.md) - [Boundless Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frameless-experience.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Mysterious Painted Car-Door Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crazy-horse.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Gilded Collaboration Camera Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leica-mp-unique-gold.md) - [Voice-Activated Wall Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fraimic.md) - [AI-Powered Color E-Ink Art Frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchbot-ai-art-frame.md) - [AI-Generated Lensless Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paragraphica.md)