Getting Back on Track: Are You Ready for Your Own Exhibit?

Image copyright Kevin A. Gilligan. All rights reserved.

"The business of life is the acquisition of memories."
Downton Abbey - "Mr. Carson"

by Skip Cohen

If you've followed me for even the shortest amount of time, then you already know me well enough to understand I could never let a quote like that go by without connecting it to imaging. It ties directly to your business as an imaging artist, helping people capture memories.

Business is definitely back, and it's exploding over virtually every specialty...but there's still one key challenge, making the community aware of your skillset and establishing top-of-mind awareness whenever they think about photography.  

​One great way is to do an exhibit of your work in your community. One of the best guest posts I've ever shared is thanks to my good buddy, Kevin Gilligan. While it was first shared in 2015, this isn't like the expiration on a carton of milk! There's nothing in here that "spoils," In fact, with social media today, it's gotten even better with age. Your ability to get the word out in your community today is even stronger!

Kevin shared so much information I had to run it in three parts. Click on the buttons below for parts 1 and 2; the third section is below. I also added short podcasts to the material - nothing beats hearing from the artist directly on a topic like this.

This will sound sappy, but I'm a pretty sentimental guy. I couldn't be more proud to consider Kevin a buddy or Tamron as a supporter of not only SCU but our industry. While Kevin is not a Tamron Image Master today, he's still very active with Tamron and often teaches on their behalf.

Every day Tamron is helping thousands of photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images and, in turn, their business or hobby. Both Kevin and Tamron have a very special common denominator; they always work to exceed our expectations!

Are you Ready for your own exhibition? Part i

Are you ready for your own exhibition? Part 2

Are You Ready for Your Own Exhibition? Part 3

by Kevin A. Gilligan

Tip #11 Test Prints
This will be obvious to some, but test prints are critical.  You need to know how your image will look on the particular medium that you are using. Half of my images were printed on metal for this show. I ordered several metal prints (dye fused on metal) from several print labs before the show.  I experimented with several different finishes on the metal as well i.e. glossy, matte, etc.  The paper prints were even more complicated.  Each paper has a different print quality, price and displays the ink differently. “HELP”….my head was spinning. I spent many hours working with a printer to get each shot right. Finding the right framer, at the right price, can also be challenging. Your network can be invaluable here.

Tip #12 Installation/Hanging Your Images
Hanging images can be very challenging. Honestly, I hate doing it. Give yourself enough time. At least a day. If you have done your model (tip #10), then this will be much easier, you already know which images go together as a group, and where specifically each will go. Ask for help, bring a friend who has done this already if you can.  Keep in mind that some galleries will hang images with wires and some galleries only want “D” rings. You should ask the gallery how they want the images before you frame them, assuming the gallery is going to help you hang the images.
 
Tip #13 Create a Catalog
Create a catalog of your work for the show. Include your artist statement, pictures of the images, the size of the images, the medium, and the price. I made 250 copies of the catalog, and it was well worth it. Hand it out at the show and let people take it home. This will help with your follow-up sales.

Tip #14 Sign-In Book
Purchase a nice leather bound book for the show and have people sign in and provide their name and email address so you can thank them for coming and invite them to future events.

Tip #15 Follow-Up
Follow up with your prospective purchasers after the show. Thank those who came to the show and especially those who purchased an image. 

Tip #16 Hire a Photographer
Hire a photographer for the day, so you get images (with you in them for a change) and you can relax. You’ll be happy to have the images of your friends and for use in future marketing and social media efforts. 
    
Conclusion:
Having a solo exhibition is a landmark in your professional photography career. It says you are serious about your photography and willing to put in much more time and effort than the average photographer. Give yourself lots of time, six-nine months and enjoy the learning process.

Nearly 250 people attended my exhibit, I sold a third of my images during the show, and even more after the show. I met collectors and I'm building my mailing list. It was an exhilarating and somewhat exhausting experience. I couldn’t be happier I did it.  I hope you do it too. 

Email me at: kag@photosbykag.com and tell me about your exhibit. You can see my work on my site: www.photosbykag.com.