While staging your first photography exhibit will pose numerous challenges, you can avoid many headaches and unpleasant surprises by following the actionable tips listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why You Should Do a Photography Exhibit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Photography exhibits are the best way to show your work, find new clients, and receive valuable feedback. It\u2019s your way of telling the world you are an established professional photographer. However, this is only the commercial side of a photo exhibit, and you shouldn\u2019t neglect the personal side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Printing your photographs has a cathartic effect. When you touch the print, you get to see your work in a better light and understand your artistic journey. There is also the narrative effect. An exhibition is a story. You don\u2019t exhibit all your photographs but choose those that match a concept, theme, or period of your life. It helps you gain structure and materialize your ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for Your First Photography Exhibit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"budgeting](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/shutterstock_421874782.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Create a viable budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you\u2019re a creative visionary who\u2019s driven by the call of the Muses. Nevertheless, as mundane as it may sound, staging a successful photography exhibit requires careful planning and a viable budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent expenses from escalating, the budget for your photography show should cover the following costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Venue rental<\/li>
- Printing, mounting, and framing your photographs<\/li>
- Production of marketing materials (business cards, posters, flyers, brochures, etc.)<\/li>
- Food and drinks<\/li>
- Transporting the artwork and miscellaneous pieces such as display mounts<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Decide whether to exhibit solo or as part of a group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether exhibiting solo or exhibiting as part of a group, both will have their pros and cons. If you fly solo, then the show will focus solely on your work. However, one major drawback to exhibiting solo is that all expenses, risks, and miscellaneous headaches will be shouldered by you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some photographers feel more comfortable exhibiting their work for the first time with other photographers. As group exhibitions are a pooled investment, you\u2019ll be able to divide expenses, risks, and miscellaneous headaches with the other exhibitors. Moreover, different members of the group can focus on their area of expertise\u2014whether it\u2019s looking for a suitable venue, booking the catering service, or sending invites to guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other exhibitors don\u2019t even have to be photographers, and you can exhibit with artists working in other mediums such as film, painting, installation, and performance art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One major drawback to exhibiting with a group is that your audience\u2019s attention will be divided between your work and everyone else\u2019s. Also, you\u2019ll have less space in the venue to showcase your photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"viewing](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/shutterstock_495937075.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3. Choose a theme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exhibiting a random collection of photographs won\u2019t have the same coherence and impact as a carefully curated body of work unified by a theme. Consider your theme carefully and select the photographs you\u2019ll be exhibiting based on your theme. You can choose photos from your existing portfolio, snap an entirely new collection of photos, or mix your older work with newer work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what theme to go with? As they say in art school, you have the creative freedom to choose a theme that best suits your ideas, passions, and intentions. Some photographers choose an autobiographical theme, while others prefer to go with themes that tackle social issues<\/a> they want to bring awareness to. If you need some inspiration, go online and check out other photography exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Rent the space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you can book a traditional gallery or art space for your exhibition, you can also book non-traditional spaces in gentrified parts of your city, such as hip bars, restaurants, coffee shops, tea rooms, barber shops, and boutiques. Other possible venues include community centers, public libraries, and schools. All you really need are a few bare walls and enough space to squeeze in an eclectic crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you hold your photography exhibition in a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, the establishment can also serve the refreshments. That will be a win-win situation for all parties involved. You\u2019ll have your exhibition, and the establishment can sell their food and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you\u2019re very particular about venues and want to stage your exhibition in a traditional art space, then by all means, contact the galleries in your area. Visit different galleries, mentally picture your work displayed on the walls, and book the gallery that meets your requirements.
Get a floor plan from the gallery and use that to plan the layout of your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, don\u2019t forget to review the contract. Assess the terms and conditions stated in the contract so that you\u2019ll know what the gallery permits and doesn\u2019t permit in its premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Curate your images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before choosing the images to display in an exhibit, you have to decide on the message you want to convey. Photography exhibits require a strong narrative line. Therefore, you must develop a cohesive message that includes location, time, plot, and characters. Then, choose the images that support your idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The images you exhibit should be flawless from a technical point of view. They should also include enough diversity to keep the viewer interested and enough common points to build a consistent story. Choose images with the same aesthetic, such as monochrome or color images, a single aspect ratio, and the same set of post-processing effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fewer images are often better than many images for an exhibition. So don\u2019t plaster the walls with every good image you have. Instead, have one or two images per wall surface at your disposal for an art exhibition where you are the solo exhibitioner. If you are exhibiting together with hundreds of other photographers, you may not be able to use the exclusivity card. In that case, show a few more images with maybe four images per wall. But have a main piece that stands out, is bigger, and has more space around it. Think of this when curating your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/shutterstock_654428323.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Print and frame your photographs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s important to display exhibition-quality prints, choosing an expensive printing service can seriously drain your wallet. To save as much money as you can, choose a reputable printing service that upholds quality but does not charge an arm and a leg for high-quality prints. Alternatively, if you have an inkjet or wide-format printer<\/a>, you can print the photos yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n1. Create a viable budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you\u2019re a creative visionary who\u2019s driven by the call of the Muses. Nevertheless, as mundane as it may sound, staging a successful photography exhibit requires careful planning and a viable budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent expenses from escalating, the budget for your photography show should cover the following costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Venue rental<\/li>
- Printing, mounting, and framing your photographs<\/li>
- Production of marketing materials (business cards, posters, flyers, brochures, etc.)<\/li>
- Food and drinks<\/li>
- Transporting the artwork and miscellaneous pieces such as display mounts<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Decide whether to exhibit solo or as part of a group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether exhibiting solo or exhibiting as part of a group, both will have their pros and cons. If you fly solo, then the show will focus solely on your work. However, one major drawback to exhibiting solo is that all expenses, risks, and miscellaneous headaches will be shouldered by you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some photographers feel more comfortable exhibiting their work for the first time with other photographers. As group exhibitions are a pooled investment, you\u2019ll be able to divide expenses, risks, and miscellaneous headaches with the other exhibitors. Moreover, different members of the group can focus on their area of expertise\u2014whether it\u2019s looking for a suitable venue, booking the catering service, or sending invites to guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other exhibitors don\u2019t even have to be photographers, and you can exhibit with artists working in other mediums such as film, painting, installation, and performance art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One major drawback to exhibiting with a group is that your audience\u2019s attention will be divided between your work and everyone else\u2019s. Also, you\u2019ll have less space in the venue to showcase your photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3. Choose a theme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exhibiting a random collection of photographs won\u2019t have the same coherence and impact as a carefully curated body of work unified by a theme. Consider your theme carefully and select the photographs you\u2019ll be exhibiting based on your theme. You can choose photos from your existing portfolio, snap an entirely new collection of photos, or mix your older work with newer work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure what theme to go with? As they say in art school, you have the creative freedom to choose a theme that best suits your ideas, passions, and intentions. Some photographers choose an autobiographical theme, while others prefer to go with themes that tackle social issues<\/a> they want to bring awareness to. If you need some inspiration, go online and check out other photography exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Rent the space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you can book a traditional gallery or art space for your exhibition, you can also book non-traditional spaces in gentrified parts of your city, such as hip bars, restaurants, coffee shops, tea rooms, barber shops, and boutiques. Other possible venues include community centers, public libraries, and schools. All you really need are a few bare walls and enough space to squeeze in an eclectic crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you hold your photography exhibition in a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, the establishment can also serve the refreshments. That will be a win-win situation for all parties involved. You\u2019ll have your exhibition, and the establishment can sell their food and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you\u2019re very particular about venues and want to stage your exhibition in a traditional art space, then by all means, contact the galleries in your area. Visit different galleries, mentally picture your work displayed on the walls, and book the gallery that meets your requirements.
Get a floor plan from the gallery and use that to plan the layout of your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, don\u2019t forget to review the contract. Assess the terms and conditions stated in the contract so that you\u2019ll know what the gallery permits and doesn\u2019t permit in its premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Curate your images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before choosing the images to display in an exhibit, you have to decide on the message you want to convey. Photography exhibits require a strong narrative line. Therefore, you must develop a cohesive message that includes location, time, plot, and characters. Then, choose the images that support your idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The images you exhibit should be flawless from a technical point of view. They should also include enough diversity to keep the viewer interested and enough common points to build a consistent story. Choose images with the same aesthetic, such as monochrome or color images, a single aspect ratio, and the same set of post-processing effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fewer images are often better than many images for an exhibition. So don\u2019t plaster the walls with every good image you have. Instead, have one or two images per wall surface at your disposal for an art exhibition where you are the solo exhibitioner. If you are exhibiting together with hundreds of other photographers, you may not be able to use the exclusivity card. In that case, show a few more images with maybe four images per wall. But have a main piece that stands out, is bigger, and has more space around it. Think of this when curating your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Print and frame your photographs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s important to display exhibition-quality prints, choosing an expensive printing service can seriously drain your wallet. To save as much money as you can, choose a reputable printing service that upholds quality but does not charge an arm and a leg for high-quality prints. Alternatively, if you have an inkjet or wide-format printer<\/a>, you can print the photos yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"art](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/shutterstock_314926325.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n