I've been reading around and see mixed advice on having 2 different subjects in your booth.  I'm a landscape and architectural photographer and want to sell both prints at a show.

I've seen some people say 2 is fine as long as they aren't mixed together; have them on different sides of the booth.

I've seen other people say only have 1 subject matter in your booth or else you'll lose that sense of continuity and turn off buyers.

I'd like some opinions as I get prepped to submit to my first shows happening next summer.

Photos attached to show what kind of work I do.

Oquirrh Mtn Autumn Pano-1.jpg

Capitol Reef Pano full-1.jpg

You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!

Join Art Fair Insiders

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • In my experience, the only people who care about the consistency of the work are the jurors.

    Obviously with a poor layout you can turn people away from your images if you do something like putting a bright vibrant image next to a dark moody one, but in terms of subject matter (especially something as broad as architecture vs. landscape) I have seen zero evidence that shows how they are organized is going to turn off buyers.

    You could put your two sample images one right above the other and I don't think it would matter in the least.  Buyers just want something that either looks pretty or has sentimental value to them (a place they've been and have fond memories of, etc).

  • I am probably on the extreme side of the issue as I have a very mixed subject and style collection in my booth. My images range from straight photos to artistic renderings in watercolor or graphic styles. My subjects range from marine to landscape to urban. The only common thread is that they begin as photos and end up as different looking media.

    This is just how developed my “style” not wanting to stick to a specific genre and look. I can see how there are several camps in favor and against this type of exhibit. Purists will state that one needs to stick with a more limited range: B&W, subject matter, unique style, HDR, etc.

    I feel that whatever the artist wants to display in their booth is their business. If they are accepted at a juried show they must have made some impression on the jury to garner an invitation so their art must be worthy enough for the show.

    I have seen all types of art and exhibits in the few years I have been exhibiting and I think that anything goes as long as there is a decent level of quality to it.
  • I'm a maverick. I display a wide range of subject matter, in my booth. I worry less about the consistency of subject matter and more about the draw, presentation and thoughts the pieces invoke.
    I would not put a happy, whimsical piece next to a deep one. Nor a bright very strong color next to a subdued B&W. White matte next to Black matte - NG.
    Let your style be your cohesiveness.
    • Great advice, thanks Larry.
  • Put the work you jury with on the back and one side and the other style on the other side wall.

    Larry Berman

    • Awesome, I will do that.  Thanks

      • I agree with Larry. That's what I do. Jury shots and "bring them in" photos on the back wall and misc color prints of --sometimes--other non-related scenes on side walls. In fact, sometimes I put a different theme, or "non-similar" photos on one side of my 10x20 booth when I use one.

        DaleYakaites

  • Since I am not a photographer I cannot address your question, but your photos are beautiful.

    • Thank you very much, Cindy!

      One of the reasons I decided to start doing art fairs was because of the multitudes of people telling me I need to start selling my work.

This reply was deleted.