I've been to 2 peter Lik Galleries this year and i was blown away. The quality of the work when i was there, imo, was of the highest caliber. I looked at images from feet away as well as inches away. I was SO impressed that i spent 50 bucks on a catalog of his work. I must say though the gallery lighting WAS incredible and did indeed help to show off the work. The pricing is there to match though. Some of his prints are into 6 figures, that's right 6.
If I had that kind of extra cash i WOULD collect this guy and would buy the 2000. book. i actually took a look at it...AWESOME.
Just like a rock star can make 100K a night, if the work is of high enough quality (and the marketing is there) a photographer can charge equally insane prices and many people will be happy to pay.

i JUST took a look at Rodney Lough's site for the first time. More work of the highest quality it seems. Looking forward to exploring it fully. Thanks for mentioning it!