Black and white portrait of Jennifer Stoots. PHoto by RAchel Wolf.

Jennifer L. Stoots, AAA

Certified by the Appraisers Association of America (Photography)
IRS and IVS compliant appraisals (USPAP credential valid thru September 12, 2026)
23 years experience appraising Contemporary art, Northwest art & Photography
30 years working professionally in the arts, including gallery and museum experience
Master of Science, History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute (with honors)
Photography historian and lecturer

I have been working professionally in the art world for 30 years and appraising photography, photographic archives, and contemporary art for 23 years. I continue to relish appraisal work for reason that I’m often learning about artists who never made it into the annals of history, see concurrent patterns among creators from diverse areas, and meet the nicest people —collectors, curators, colleagues and artists— who enjoy imagery as much as I do.

Connoisseurship is also exceedingly important to me and my experience gives me advantages beyond mere research and methodology: Originally trained as a photographer and painter, the skills and materials of an artist help me understand the nature of the mediums I’m looking at and how they were made and age; my education as an art historian has provided me with the history and cultural context of photographers and artists as well as a vocabulary for discussing the artwork; working at galleries and art fairs has given me a keen sense of what’s happening in the marketplace, artistic trends, and what collectors are sensitive to and interested in. In short, my skills as a researcher, artist, historian, and saleswoman all enhance my proficiency as an appraiser.

Click here to view her CV.

ART FOCUS: Jennifer Stoots interviewed by Eva Lake on KBOO public radio (December 2010). Listen to or download the audio interview here »

Testimonials

Once in a while we encounter someone who goes above and beyond. Jennifer Stoots is one of those people. I emailed her with a simple question she could have replied to with a few words and a link. For that I would have been grateful. Instead she called to discuss the issue making sure she provided the best referral. Jennifer is a consummate professional who delivered more than I hoped for.

David Paul Bayles, Photographer

I approached Jennifer Stoots after hearing about her work from two men on opposite sides of this country—one has a fine art photography gallery in New York City and the other is a collector of Minor White’s photographs in Washington. They both expressed great confidence in her and, after presenting her with a sizable collection of White’s photographs to appraise in an uncomfortably short time frame, she rose to the challenge, researched, and wrote a well defended appraisal of each artwork. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jennifer as she is highly professional and delightful and I would recommend her to others at any opportunity.

Linda Marrow

I would recommend Jennifer in a heartbeat. You don’t know you need her until you enter her world of buying, selling and appraising art. Stoots is insightful and thorough and practical, personable and funny.

Ellen Van Fleet, Artist & seller of a rare painting by a significant 20th century artist

I highly recommend Jennifer for appraisal and consulting services. I would describe Jennifer as conscientious, detailed and efficient; she is highly regarded by museum curators and has a well respected reputation.

Mark Schlesinger, Senior Property Manager, Schlesinger Companies

Of all the appraisers I’ve worked with in documenting charitable gifts of artwork, your work product was the most complete and professional, providing all of the information required for a valid deduction.

Richard Soloman, CPA

Jennifer exceeded my expectations. Upon meeting with her I experienced a gracious, unassuming, nonjudgmental person. She not only looked carefully at my work, but also answered my questions in great detail. She instructed me on how to choose appropriate galleries, reviews and juried shows where I could submit my work. She also opened up the business part of the art world in such a comprehensive manner I became able to size, price and consider the tax implications for my photographic work, something I could not do before Jennifer. I continue to work with Jennifer and feel that anyone requiring consultation services would do well to choose her; she is a true expert in her field.

Toby MacLennan, Artist (New York)

I so appreciate having you, not only your professional expertise in your field, but also your upbeat, encouraging nature, advising me in the daunting process of being responsible for finding homes for my husband’s life work.

Lynda Lanker, Executor of (Pulitzer Prize winning photographer) Brian Lanker’s estate

I asked Jennifer to appraise my personal art collection, which consists mainly of photography. I was very pleased not only with the thoroughness of her work but also with her clear explanations about how she arrived at the appraised values. She exceeded my expectations and I would refer her to others without hesitation. She is extremely knowledgeable and informative. But more importantly, she is passionate about the appraisal process and a pleasure to work with.

David Pace, Photographer & Educator

My father was an amazing man and left us with photographs, negatives, slides, newspaper clippings and promotional material related to his photo business. I wanted to donated his work to an institution but didn’t know who I should take it to and was overwhelmed by what all we had. Jennifer helped me figure out which institutions would be best to approach, considering that my father was a fine art photographer, photojournalist and a technological innovator. It didn’t take long for her assistant Randy to get everything organized and documented, creating a catalog that I could present to curators. Thanks to Jennifer and Randy, I was able to donate my father’s photographic prints to the Portland Art Museum and other institutions are interested in the rest of his archive.

Sharon Wing

Trustee, Ray Wing Archive

I needed an appraisal of my life’s photographic work to facilitate negotiations with a major university that wished to purchase my collection. The University suggested someone in Seattle as a possible appraiser but after discussion with that person and the University, it was mutually decided that Jennifer would be the more appropriate appraiser.

Jennifer more than fulfilled our expectations by demonstrating a way to create a proper inventory database of my collection, traveling to my studio home for three days to personally inspect my prints, and finally to present us with her appraisal, a highly professional document, rich in detail and fully supporting her valuation. Throughout our long involvement she was always been willing to talk and advise us.

I would heartily recommend her to anyone seeking the services of a most excellent art appraiser.

Tamio Wakayama, retired photographer