articles/Exhibitions/setting_up_an_exhibition-page1
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People will not buy what they cannot see, so why not consider an exhibition
of your work?
Location is all-important
The first step you need to take is to establish the location for your
exhibition; this could be your local shopping centre, library (many of which
have their own exhibition areas), a gallery, restaurant, a visitors centre,
garden centre etc. Have a good look at the available space and talk to the
people who look after it. A tape measure comes in handy so you can work out how
many images that you can display.
Do not over cram the area.
It is better to have fewer pictures of a high standard than a clutter of
everything and anything. Research is vital, by seeing what other exhibits
comprise of will give you a good idea of what is appropriate to exhibit in that
location. Talking to the staff will also be helpful, as they will have the
knowledge of what has worked well for others.
Your first decision is to which images to display in order to demonstrate your
style of imagery. It is a good idea to print out small sample images and
experiment as to the order of the images which you would like them displayed.
Through discussion with the venue you will have to decide on the date for the
exhibition, do not give yourself too little time to prepare as you could end up
franticly trying to get images framed and prepared.
The time of the year that you decide on your exhibition can be critical, for
example if you choose August then many people may be away on holiday, though
alternatively if you site your exhibition is a holiday 'hot spot' which is
popular with tourists then the opposite applies.
Presentation is all-important
One of the decisions that you will have to make is to frame your images or just
display them uncounted. It is always better to display your very best work,
presented in the best manner this is usually framed.
You may think that buying frames is expensive, however a professionally
presented product will achieve a much higher selling. The reason for this is
that it will be perceived as a finished product with a far higher visual impact.
Frames should be chosen carefully, avoid clip frames, as they are fragile and
while some say look modern they are perceived as cheap. Each print should be
window mounted if appropriate (either single or double) and a site line
considered. The frame should also be considered carefully as it will add to the
visual impact the image.
The cost of framing can be recouped through the sale of images, a professionally
presented image, will stand a far better chance of selling than a flimsy mounted
print. The frame gives the images a much greater perceptual value in the eyes of
the client.
Cutting your own mounts can be difficult if you do not have the correct
equipment, though investing in a mount cutter may prove to be a sound investment
if you are considering displaying and selling your images. Mounting boards can
be bought relatively inexpensively from art and craft shops and give you far
more flexibility and choice of colours to harmonise with your work.
Once you have selected your images, mounted and framed them, decide on how you
would like them to be arranged. Make sure that there is continuity and that
colour schemes do note clash.
Remember that framed images are fragile, so packing your exhibition for
transporting to the gallery is important. Bubble wrap can be purchased on the
roll and is relatively inexpensive and will insure that your work will be ready
for display in pristine condition.
There are 37 days to get ready for The Societies of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 17th January 2024