Do you have a professional take pictures of your work?

Comment by Ruth Finkenbiner on October 31, 2011 at 2:31pm

It depends on the shows you are trying to get into, if you really want to get into the higher end shows professional photos are  a must unless you personally have strong skills.

Each show has different requirements reqarding pictures, but usually 2-4 images plus a booth shot. 

Multiple conversations have been held on credit cards, there are lots ot options out there, search the forum for those conversations.  It definitely helps sales, especially for the higher end price points.

Comment by Larry Berman on October 31, 2011 at 3:13pm

It's not that difficult to take pictures of paintings, if you have the right camera and lighting equipment. A tripod is mandatory and you need two lights at 45 degree angles to start. If you want to show detail as in brush strokes, move one light closer to the side of the painting so it cast shadows across the surface. That's how you show detail in 2D work.

You should have at least five or six artwork images plus your display. Most shows require three, four or five images and Milwaukee is the only show requiring six artwork images and no display.

Easels do not make for a professional looking display. You need walls within your EZUp for hanging the paintings. Not knowing where you live, it's difficult to recommend shows with open juries, but you really need to go and watch artists images projected to see what your competition is doing, or spend some time walking shows you want to apply to for the same reason.

I have a lot of articles on booth images in my web site:
http://bermangraphics.com/artshows/booth-slide.htm

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Comment by phillip hall on October 31, 2011 at 4:18pm

Doesn't anyone read the forum before posting?

Comment by Michael Reimer on October 31, 2011 at 4:52pm

Phillip - if you'd read the rash of recent postings of people asking the same questions over and over again, you'd realize that no, people don't read the forum before posting and you would not have to ask such a question ;-)

Comment by phillip hall on October 31, 2011 at 6:19pm

Rhetorical question!

Comment by Rosie Bryant on October 31, 2011 at 8:33pm

Sorry Fellows,  I thought I had read the postings,

sorry if I asked the same thing over.

Comment by Nancy Grimsley on November 1, 2011 at 12:20am

Rosie....Everyone had to start somewhere....I remember my first show...I was in my 20's, no tent, no credit card machine.  I had three peg board walls, painted and hinged together and one little shelf.   I took my own pictures and had them made into slides for entry into the show.  Funny thing is I easily got into the show and made a nice little profit.  I cringe at the thought of such a booth some 25 years later but that very show has grown too and it's now one of the most prestigious in the country and I wouldn't be able to get in now even if I tried.

Don't feel bad for asking any questions which may or may not have been covered before. Every day there are new artists and many of us really don't mind helping if we can.    Good luck....It will all come in time. 

Comment by Rosie Bryant on November 1, 2011 at 6:56am

Thank you, your comments are greatly appreciated, you remember how it was.   Thanks again,

you are truly a professional!

Comment by Michael Reimer on November 1, 2011 at 8:01am

Sorry Rosie, I was busting on Phillip, not you.  I have my photos taken by a professional - not a must, but unless you know what you are doing, it it worth the time and expense.  Larry covered the # of photos pretty well - each show is different.  There is a wide variety of tents and displays, especially at a non-juried event.  Plenty of people start out simple, but you will be limited to the types of shows you can get into with what you've described.  I think many customers are happy I take credit cards, but many seem to be ready to pay with an alternative method until they see I do take credit cards.  Do NOT sign a long term contract with a credit card processor or invest in equipment - there are easy, low cost methods for taking credit cards if you are just getting into this.  Actually, I switched to one of those methods after doing shows for 9 years - I use the Square.  Search for it on other discussions.  Best of luck. 

 

Comment by Rosie Bryant on November 1, 2011 at 9:06am

Hey Michael,

Thanks a lot, its little things from professionals like you that give me encouragement...I would

pick pockets for info but would get the wrong pockets....It's great to have a place to ask.

Tks  Rosie

 

 

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page