Promotion Through Exhibition – Showing Your Photographs
There comes a time, usually after your friends have remarked well on your best photos and you already have your own photo website, when you will want to reach a wider audience. I’ve found that exhibiting photographic prints to be the perfect solution to reach more people, and there are several methods in which this can be achieved, and maybe make a few sales on the way:
Organising a solo show: This is the toughest method of self promotion, as you will have many things to consider and do, such as: find a venue, rent the space, find a framer, promote your show and obviously prepare all the prints. Initially it maybe costly, but it is also the most rewarding way to exhibit your photographic prints. The people who come along to see the show are there because they are interested in your theme and the subject matter (for example, urban, portrait, nude, erotic) and they may stay interested in your photography for a long time after.
Group shows: These are usually put together by an organiser/curator and are advertised in art journals or online. For this method your photograph(s) will need their approval for them to be displayed. Always read the entry details as you may need to send them examples of your photography and in what size and format is required. Most shows do have a small entry fee and you need to consider this too.
There are two types of group show: Open and Themed, and whichever one you apply for you will be on an equal terms with all the other artists/applicants and therefore once your photograph is accepted, it will feel great to be part of someone else’s vision. Remember all shows are oversubscribed by artists so if you are not accepted by the organiser, don’t take it too personally. After all their opinion is still subjective, as is the nature of art. Just find another show.
Open show – This has no specific theme to the show and the photography being exhibited will be varied and it could be either a hit or miss selection. It is the nature of an Open show that the visitors will like some of the prints on display but not all.
Themed show – This will attract more interest than an ‘Open’, and the sum of the photography on show can be very interesting. Many themed shows rely on the show title alone for its subject matter, but check the exhibition brief thoroughly. Also for the themed show you should not force your best work to fit its theme, no matter how loosely you think it fits, it probably won’t be strong enough to be accepted. So shoot new photography with the theme in mind if you don’t have the perfect photograph already. Your submission will benefit from it and hopefully it’ll be accepted by the organiser.
Join a Group, Society or a Guild: These not only have like minded souls like you but organise frequent shows of either open or themed. In this instance being a part of the group usually means that you and your photography have already been accepted and you only need to select your exhibition print carefully.
Whatever method of exhibiting you have chosen, remember there can never be enough promotion, so if the show has a curator don’t leave it up to him/her – promote it yourself. Also add the details of the show to your website, facebook page and twitter too. it’s worth noting that some exhibitions have their own specific website and/or facebook page, so do join in the group discussions.
Finally, on the opening night you will meet the exhibited photographers, who are taking part, and maybe some interested buyers, and by talking and networking with them; it could lead you to your next show, project or any number of future collaborations.