Photography - Forum - Art Fair Insiders2024-03-29T00:51:50Zhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/feed/tag/PhotographyNeewer Pro C-Stand with Boom Arm, 10.5ft H (New) San Diegohttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/neewer-pro-c-stand-with-boom-arm-10-5ft-h-new-san-diego2024-01-30T03:39:46.000Z2024-01-30T03:39:46.000ZNitya Sarahttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/NityaSara<div><p>I am selling a brand new assembled NEEWER Pro 100% stainless steel, heavy duty C-Stand with Boom Arm, max height 10.5ft,</p><p>photography light stand with 4.2ft holding arm, 2 grip head for studio mono light, softbox, reflector. (photography is not for me!)</p><p>$100 cash and local pick up in San Diego</p><p>Thank you</p></div>Need Advice on e-commerce page and shipping for photographyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/need-advice-on-e-commerce-page-and-shipping-for-photography2023-08-25T21:42:39.000Z2023-08-25T21:42:39.000ZSamantha Fischerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/SamanthaFischer<div><p>Hi everyone! </p><p>I would like to finally bite the bullet and create an e-commerce page on my website. I usually sell my work in person, at art fairs or from galleries.</p><p>My concerns are:</p><p>Shipping from my inventory. </p><p>OR </p><p>Having a liason send out my work.</p><p>I am a photographer and shipping my pieces, be it metals, framed pieces, matted prints, etc. cost a lot of money! Also, it would be terribly difficult to ship my products because of all the packing supplies needed. Which brings me to my thought that I can have a company do this for me, but how? I currently use MPIX and they send everything out but matted prints. How would a comapny be linked? Are there better companies? </p><p>I am at a loss here and would love to get a jump on this as so many people ask me for my card to purchase something at a future date. </p><p>Any advice will be greatly appreciated. </p><p> </p><p>Thank you so much!</p><p>Samantha </p></div>Advice of what color pro panels to gethttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/advice-of-what-color-pro-panels-to-get2022-06-27T15:11:34.000Z2022-06-27T15:11:34.000ZKristen Nazzarohttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/KristenNazzaro<div><p>I'm looking to buy knockdown pro panels but I'm not sure which color to get. All of my framed prints have a black frame and white mat. The clocks are hung as is. I've attached a couple of photos of some of my work bow and I'd really appreciate any input on what color panels I should go with.</p><p> </p><p><br />Also, would the knock down pro panels fit in one (or two) cars - I have a Hyundai Elantra and can also probably use my husband's car which is a Chevy Malibu. <br /><br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10599113258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10599113258,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="10599113258?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10599116897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10599116897,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="10599116897?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10599113855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10599114469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10599114469,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="10599114469?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p></div>Transporting 30x40 and larger metal printshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/transporting-30x40-and-larger-metal-prints2022-05-14T18:19:39.000Z2022-05-14T18:19:39.000ZBrian Doylehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BrianDoyle<div><p>Hello! I am new to the art show community. Does anyone have any recs for transporting 30x40 and larger metal prints?</p></div>Promoter signage responsibility - No Photoshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/promoter-signage-responsibility-no-photos2019-10-23T15:19:08.000Z2019-10-23T15:19:08.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>I believe it must be the Promoter / Director's responsibility to have signage at the entry points, stating "<strong>No photography of the artist's work, without the express permission of the artist". </strong></p>
<p>A) For the artist to have to display such signage in their own booth, takes up precious real estate, we need for our displays.</p>
<p>B) Some artists might not mind the pictures. Fine, they can give permission. </p>
<p>C) For artists who think this is unnecessary... if your medium was photography, you might feel differently. Photography can be duplicated semi-reasonably by a third party. Especially if quality is not an issue.</p>
<p>D) Without such signage, we are faced with having to say "no" or police the customers. Easier and more pleasant to say "yes" than "no". Neither stopping someone, saying "no" or policing, is favorable or conductive to success.</p>
<p>E) Proactive is far better than reactive.</p>
<p>F) As a photographer the signage would be cumbersome, not simple. "No photos" - "No photography" - a camera with the not sign across it - are all not appropriate as they confuse the customer, being our art is photography. Therefore we would have to put up more wordage to be specific, not confusing. Thus larger signage.</p>
<p></p>
<p>It does not matter about copyright, common sense, or intellectual property rights. We are there to display and sell. Not to argue, educate, debate and police the customers. Why should WE be the bad guys saying "NO"? Why not let the promoter take the burden off our shoulders? </p>
<p></p></div>Thanks Red River!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/thanks-red-river2019-06-14T11:41:17.000Z2019-06-14T11:41:17.000ZFletcher Deanhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/FletcherDean<div><p>I've used Red River photography paper in my business for years. So imagine what a happy boy I was when I won a $100 gift certificate from them during the Pledge Drive. Wahoo!</p>
<p>I typically use their UltraPro Luster for regular bin prints as well as their Pecos River Gloss for greeting cards (beautiful). But my favorite is their metallic paper. OMG beautiful and runs through an inkjust like a charm.</p>
<p>My only problem now is do I use this gracios gift card for something new - maybe some canvas roll or a fine art paper - or go with the standbys? Nice problem to have.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks Red River for supporting the Pledge - and making me a happy photo boy! </p></div>Seeking critiques of my photography websitehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/seeking-critiques-of-my-photography-website2019-03-14T20:59:27.000Z2019-03-14T20:59:27.000ZBrent Leftwichhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BrentLeftwich<div><p>Hi Art Fair World,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am seeking honest critiques for my photography website. I have not yet started the show circuit, and my website is currently more of a portfolio than anything else. My background is in anthropology and archaeology, and much of my photography has a leaning towards that theme. I'm sort of a recovering academic. I built the website myself using Wix, but I am certainly not an expert on these things. I am seeking out opinions on the website and photography itself, what works and what doesn't. I'm thick skinned, so constructive criticism is welcome. The website is in many ways a launchpad. Thanks,</p>
<p>Brent</p>
<p></p>
<p>Website:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.brentleftwichphotography.com">https://www.brentleftwichphotography.com</a></p></div>What do you do with your inventory after you throw in the towel?https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-do-you-do-with-your-inventory-after-you-throw-in-the-towel2019-01-27T21:55:20.000Z2019-01-27T21:55:20.000ZSheri Kowalskihttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/SheriKowalski<div><p>What do you do when you need to get rid of your artwork but hate the thought of giving it away after all the work and money you put into it? My stomach flips at the thought of donating the thousands of dollars in prints I had made up when I first started. <br/> <br/> I am a photographer and tried art fairs for two years with very little success. I got in great shows, won awards, but didn't make any money. I sold my tent and display last winter and still have bins of my photography full of packaged prints. I also have large canvases in boxes as well. I've moved to a small home with no garage and do not have storage for this artwork. My parents were storing some of my work, but they are now moving and can't do it anymore. I've tried selling on etsy, but it's very slow moving.<br/> <br/> I need and want to live more minimally. I don't want to have anxiety every time I walk into my laundry room full of photographs that didn't sell. Has anyone encountered this? Should I bite the bullet and just donate it all? <br/> <br/> Thanks!<br/> <br/> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/902311760?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/902311760?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a></p></div>Painters source and disdainhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/painters-source-and-disdain2018-06-22T16:16:56.000Z2018-06-22T16:16:56.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>I am curious, how many painters, or other mediums of art, use a photograph of the subject matter, to work from.</p>
<p>So many painters, I have encountered, know that they cannot paint quickly enough to get all the work done, on their landscape etc, before the scene changes, light changes etc.</p>
<p>They realize their memory may not be perfect.</p>
<p>Therefore they take a photograph and paint while looking at the photo.</p>
<p>I have been told, this is a common practice. I know, not all are done that way. However a significant amount is.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If this is true, and so many fine art painters, sculptors etc, build from a foundation of photography, why do some painters have such disdain for the photographer and not consider photography Fine Art.</p></div>Ann Arbor selling beach sceneshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/ann-arbor-selling-beach-scenes2018-07-14T01:48:32.000Z2018-07-14T01:48:32.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>Does anyone have experience to share of Ann Arbor Art Fair?</p>
<p>Specifically: Do Beach type scenes move well?</p>
<p>Normally I would not bring them, no matter how good, to a high end fair.</p>
<p>However, if it is a market that desires them, who am I to lose the sales :-)</p>
<p>Can anyone share?</p>
<p></p></div>Edition number trackinghttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/edition-number-tracking2018-04-28T20:46:17.000Z2018-04-28T20:46:17.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>Primarily photographers and possibly painters might have an answer.</p>
<p>ALL of my work is done in limited editions, for any one particular Art work.</p>
<p>I am looking for a system to track edition numbers, for my copies, in my inventory.</p>
<p>I already, hand sign EVERY print, with the edition #:</p>
<p>Example: 3/250 or 5/100 etc.</p>
<p>I also put this in the COA that accompanies the Art work.</p>
<p>This allows me to keep it with the art work. Then at point of sale, I can enter it into the receipt.</p>
<p>However, when working in my shop, I would like to know what the edition number, that I've reached, is. Then I can number the new piece accordingly. It is very important I keep this accurate.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I know I can go back through the receipts to see what sells, however that is not efficient.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Although I am not an advocate of Square, it is what I use at POS.</p>
<p>However I do not find a good way to input that data into the inventory, prior to shows.</p>
<p>Example: I might be bring 5 copies of one particular art piece to a show... 11/250, 12/250, 18/250, 19/250 & 24/250.</p>
<p>I would have to create new items, for every edition, instead of just an inventory count.</p>
<p>I am not proficient with Square, mostly because I don't like it, so I don't want to learn it better :-)</p>
<p>I've talked with the Square support people. Mostly useless.</p>
<p>Anybody have a good system?</p>
<p>In Square would help, however I'm up for other ideas.</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is not a matter of just a few pieces. I have a fairly large inventory.</p>
<p>If the only solution entails they be in consecutive integers, I can handle that by just hand doing the, out of order ones, until I'm back to sequential.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>New to Art Festivals Photographer With Questionshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/new-to-art-festivals-photographer-with-questions2018-04-23T18:53:18.000Z2018-04-23T18:53:18.000ZAubrey David McManushttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/AubreyDavidMcManus<div><p>I am a complete newbie to art fairs and have many questions. I am a photographer specializing in nature including animals, birds, land/seascapes, sunrise/sets and abstracts.</p>
<p></p>
<p>My first show is May 12th in Oriental, NC</p>
<p>My questions are about printing and inventory.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Do you print with a border (1 or 2” per side) or not to allow for buyers to frame their own</li>
<li>My ratio is 4x6 and I print as 16 x 24 and 24 x 36 both portrait and landscape. If I print with a border, what should the image size be? 24 x 26 including the border or 28 x 40 with the border?</li>
<li>Should I use a 3/8” foam backing or mount on a stiff backing and add a mat for the items in the bins?</li>
<li>How much inventory should I start with? I have no idea which images may sell. I have to balance inventory and costs as most people probably do. I was thinking no mare than 3 of each size. Is that enough or too many to start with?</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>I appreciate any feedback or direction to other resources.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Best regards,</p>
<p></p>
<p>David</p>
<p></p>
<p>David McManus Photography</p>
<p>Raleigh, NC</p></div>Transportation and Storage Boxeshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/transportation-and-storage-boxes2017-10-29T18:31:59.000Z2017-10-29T18:31:59.000ZReid Barkleyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ReidBarkley<div><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Transportation and storage boxes, perfect for 2-D artwork. I used them for several years to transport and protect my photography, however I have now retired from doing art shows and no longer need them. Each box is made from heavy corrugated plastic; has a foam insert in the bottom; and a metal frame around the top to which the lifting straps are attached. There are 7 boxes total and all are in good condition. Interior dimensions are: 25x37x7, 42x32x4, 45x36x4, 40x18x8, 25x20x8, and two at 23x20x8. Cost when purchased new was between $75 and $125 each depending on size. Asking $250 for all 7 boxes.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">I'm located near Raleigh, NC.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062792586?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062792586?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062799450?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062799450?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span></p></div>Budding Photographerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/budding-photographer-12017-10-18T02:36:31.000Z2017-10-18T02:36:31.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>Our daughter is a budding photographer, mostly taking photos of sunsets and flowers. There are evenings where we become sunset chasers as opposed to storm chasers! LOL<br/> <br/> What advice would you give her for starting and growing a photography business? Where do you recommend she print her photos? What formats do you recommend she offer ... size(s), matted or not, framed or not, canvas, etc?</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you recommend framing, what are good sources? We do have a local frame shop that can do custom, but more expensive, framing. Same for matting. We also have a Hobby Lobby if that makes any difference.<br/> <br/> She does not have a lot of $$ to get started. The 2 photos are just 2 of many photos.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871041066?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20139700_765124507018968_2181506501348483743_n.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871041479?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10984280_341614566036633_7828660743754495406_n.jpg</a></p></div>Photography "made under their direct supervision."https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/photography-made-under-their-direct-supervision2017-07-14T22:13:06.000Z2017-07-14T22:13:06.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>I'm hoping people will try to have a beneficial discussion on this and avoid flaming.</p>
<p><br/>In rules for shows, specifically under "Photography" it is often stated..."made under their direct supervision". Heretofore referred to as "UTDS" This is in contrast to most other categories which state the artist must do all the work themselves</p>
<p>There is another thread which partially discusses this, I did not want to hijack it: <br/><a href="http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-louis-the-perfect-show-or-we-partied-like-it-s-1999">http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/st-louis-the-perfect-show-or-we-partied-like-it-s-1999</a><br/>The issue here is what I deem abuse.<br/>According to the concept, in rules of what I read and it's intent: The photographer must be supervising DIRECTLY the people doing the work.<br/>While I do not believe, even this should be allowed, it still is one method. Do I stand near my assistant while they make the settings in the camera, they focus, they crop, they compose, they click the shutter? NO !!!<br/>What I strongly feel even more strongly is wrong, is those that send their work out for completion. That is NOT UTDS.<br/>I was discussing this with a show promoter, whose rules required everyone to do all their own work. There were photogs at the show that did not. She stated, that does not include photography because almost no photographers do their own work, anymore.<br/>Some of us do!<br/>Whether it be film, wet work, digital, inkjet, dye sub, canvas, metal, paper, facemount, glazing etc. If I sell it... I did it all. If I can, they can. I'm not alone. There are many of us.<br/>I have been working on a new process. I have scraped many prints and lots of materials already. Wasted over $3,000 trying to get it right. Many weeks of work. It is still not what I will bring to public. It will give results similar to what others are selling. However I've spoken to those artists. Not one does it themselves. They ALL send it out.<br/>Sending out is cheaper and the companies doing it for them do a great job. To me, that is Buy/Sell. It is not their own work, nor UTDS.<br/>When it is sent out, many companies may alter the image. They are controlling the printing, mounting, glazing whatever is done. does the photog go onsite at those companies and run the calibrations for printing?<br/>It costs me more to do it myself. It takes more time. Time I could be using to do more shooting or other areas of the business. A company that does part of the work for them has the resources to specialize and become expert at just that. This is not a level playing field for those of us following the rules.<br/>This is not about Wet work VS digital. It is about the photographer / artist doing ALL of the process themselves. I may not do as good a job as the "send out company" but the public is buying "MY work". I have signed it and certified it is mine.<br/>UTDS does not include sending anything out.<br/>How about promoters / directors police this better or refine their categories and rules?<br/>Yes, we could knit pick about details. I did not manufacture the paper, I print on. etc.<br/>That is not the point. I am interested in views on following the spirit of the rules.</p>
<p>Otherwise our field will continue to diminish as a true art.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p></div>Hello ... and a questionhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/hello-and-a-question2017-04-13T16:41:50.000Z2017-04-13T16:41:50.000ZFletcher Deanhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/FletcherDean<div><p>Just joined Art Fair Insiders after my first - somewhat uneven - first year. I'm a photographer and learned a ton about what sells, what doesn't and, interestingly, what my own style was. It was a tremendous learning journey and I'm psyched for a second year but realize I need more of a community to build from. So I'm looking forward to the discussions ...</p>
<p>My question is: where do you go to get comparative information on art shows that are on the same days? I've been accepted into two fairs on the same weekend and can't find enough recent information to make a decision about which is right for me.</p>
<p>One is the Orchard Lake show, the other is Art on the Rocks. Both in Michigan. One is slightly farther away but that doesn't really bother me.</p>
<p>Any hints/tips/suggestions/commandmants on how to get up-to-date info?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Fletch</p></div>55" Cold Laminator Manual Facemount Zenith Art System "German Made" Professionalhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/55-cold-laminator-manual-facemount-zenith-art-system-german-made2017-03-16T15:23:09.000Z2017-03-16T15:23:09.000ZJason Robert Joneshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JasonRobertJones<div><p><font size="2"><font face="Arial">For sale is my 55" cold manual laminator manufactured by Zenith Art Systems in Germany. Its a high quality manual laminator for photographic and poster prints either facemount to plexi or other substrates. A great addition to a frame shop or to a photographer/artist. I purchased it new from Zenith Art Systems in Germany and imported it last May 2016. I am a photographer and was in love with the facemount look with digital c-prints however I have decided to purchase an inkjet printer and go the archival mount method. It is located at the Camera Shop in Traverse City Michigan. I literally unboxed the item and set it up and did a text on an 8x10 photo and that's it, its brand new! I paid 2100 plush shipping and import fees and I am asking 2000 for it. <br/><br/>Ideal for laminating and mounting art prints, photos and posters, including facemounting prints behind acrylic glass.<br/>The laminators are engineered to last and to ensure high quality results.<br/>The machines incooperate siliconised rollers, also there is a rolling stand included with each machine.<br/>In order to simplify some applications we offer a new option: an extra holder for laminating films or other rolled material.<br/><br/>Features:<br/>- Chassis consists of a square tube frame<br/>- Durable rubber rolls<br/>- Manually adjustable pressure and gap opening<br/>- Rolling stand with the ZC1200, ZC1400 & ZC1650<br/>- OPTION: Holder for material<br/><br/>An instructionary DVD is provided with every machine delivery.<br/><br/>Click here <a href="https://youtu.be/Gfiltdh77A0">ZenithArtSystems</a> to view a video on youtube</font></font></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871019698?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zenith Art Systems 1400-1.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871020872?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zenith Art Systems 1400-2.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8871021476?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zenith Art Systems 1400-3.jpg</a></p></div>Road trip inventory Fine Art showshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/road-trip-inventory-fine-art-shows2016-12-06T14:58:36.000Z2016-12-06T14:58:36.000ZLarry Sohnhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/LarrySohn<div><p>Trying to get ideas on inventory for a long road trip to numerous Fine Art Shows.</p>
<p>Medium: Photography</p>
<p>I shoot, print, cut my mats, mount, frame and cut my acrylic myself.</p>
<p>Therefore, replenishment while out on the road is not feasible.</p>
<p>Obviously I wont know which type of my work sells well, in advance.</p>
<p>Different shows and geographic locations may affect what type of pieces sell also.</p>
<p>I do not price my work in the thousands, therefore I must sell many pieces to be profitable.</p>
<p>How many pieces to bring?</p>
<p>I am planning on only 2 or 3 sizes. Any particular image will likely be in only one size.</p>
<p>If I bring many copies of the same work it is redundant, lessens value of said piece. Also if that piece is not the good seller than it takes up space.</p>
<p>More varied pieces / selection covers that but reduces room for repeats of good selling pieces.</p>
<p>If many patrons travel to the different shows, I would think having different pieces at the varied shows to be better.</p>
<p>I could teach someone to cut my mats and print my work however then it is no longer "my complete work".</p>
<p>How many prints do most photogs carry with them for extended trips?</p>
<p>*** Categorized by size would help ***</p>
<p>How many extra frames to carry? The frames are the worst problem. Bulky, prone to damage. They take up a lot of room.</p>
<p>I can precut many mats, and do up frames prior to the trip, then have someone overnight ship them to my location if I run low. Problems from this scenario:</p>
<p>1) Doing my conservation hinging & mounting in hotel rooms at night.</p>
<p>2) What size mats to precut as my pieces are matted to standard sizes for framing however the inner window is not. Each photo is sized (aspect ratio) dependent on what is best for that image. Hence each mat is cut for that image.</p>
<p>3) High costs of fast shipping.</p>
<p>--- I'm confident someone will state:---</p>
<p>A). I should try the shows, one way. Learn and change for next year. Very expensive lesson with no return travel for several months, all the expenses of the high end shows and loss of revenue due to making bad choices in advance. -- I'll learn enough with normal trial and error, research in advance is helpful.</p>
<p>B) I should make all my prints the same aspect ratio and size. -- I weigh my artistic vision against profit. I'm not a martyr but vision wins out. Also the better the artistic work, hopefully that will equate to better sales.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks for reading my long winded post ;-)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>Zapp Conference after reflectionhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/zapp-conference-after-reflection2016-10-19T15:23:49.000Z2016-10-19T15:23:49.000ZAmy McMurryhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/AmyMcMurry<div><p>I wanted to wait a little while after attending the Zapp conference to digest and try some of the suggestions that were presented to me in Houston. I was close to overwhelmed with ideas on improving my sales. I learned better ways to set up my booth (like not focusing so much on matted prints). I heard about the importance of social media in the art world and was presented with wonderful ideas on ways to market myself (after I figure out all the ins and outs). It was great to meet both artists and art fair directors and learn about their experiences in their professional journeys. </p>
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<p>So, last weekend I thought I would try a new tactic for sales. I completely rearranged my booth to have it feel more open and only had a few matted prints available. I’m a photographer, so this was kind of scary to me. What I learned was that this was not the exact right thing to do. My sales on Saturday were awful. I was fortunately able to change what I was doing for Sunday. I brought my table back into my booth and added about half of the matted prints I usually offer. While my Sunday sales were better, they were barely enough to have me break even. I know Sunday sales are almost always slower, so I’m thinking that if I had had my matted prints to offer on Saturday, I probably would have done better. I did agree with the jury panel at the Zapp conference that I was focused too much on the matted prints, but my response was too drastic. Often, matted prints are all I sell. There are shows where I don’t sell off my walls at all. It was a risky move that I learned was not a good idea. I am an optimist though. I just think that if I hadn’t tried, I wouldn’t have known. Oh well. So… for my show this upcoming weekend, I will try to find a balance between having matted prints to offer, but trying to sell off of my walls a little more successfully. We’ll see how it goes…</p></div>Introductionhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/introduction-102016-06-20T01:11:11.000Z2016-06-20T01:11:11.000ZShari Akershttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ShariAkers<div><p>Hello Everyone,</p>
<p>I have joined other forums after short-term reconnaissance missions by diving in with questions and comments without making a proper introduction; in hindsight that was a mistake, so this time I'll do things differently and tell you a little bit about myself.</p>
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<p>What brings me here is about a month ago I submitted photos (of photos - photography is my medium) to a local juried arts festival, mainly just curious if I could make the cut. I had no attachments to the outcome. That is until I got accepted. Now I very much want to present my very best effort and not let this opportunity slip by even though the costs are mounting (I had NO IDEA) and the prognosis is uncertain. To that end, again I have no attachment to financial outcome, am just hoping for a positive overall experience. No matter what, I hope to say, "Hey, at least I tried and it was a fun & creative project to prepare for!" That's not to say I am going into this halfheartedly. I quickly discovered I am in WAY over my head, but I do love a good challenge. Fortunately, I still have three months to prepare.</p>
<p>The venue had tents available for rent, a good idea for someone who doesn't know if they will ever do this again, but before I could accept the invitation, they were sold out so I'm starting from scratch, from the ground up. I'm eager to get the booth and presentation nailed down so I can spend the rest of the summer concentrating on images and inventory.</p>
<p>Photography is my hobby/obsession currently and fortunately my husband shares my enthusiasm. We've had a wonderful time exploring together (mostly Utah, but also the surrounding states) and encouraging each other. Our photos are well-received by family and friends (of course), but we have also won Blue Ribbons at the State Fair the very first time we entered. I have had family and friends request enlargements of my photos to hang in their homes. As you can imagine, every little bit of validation spurs us on! I am lucky to have great support not only from my husband but also my friends and family who I think are looking forward to the Arts Festival behind-the-scenes experience without the risk! ;-)</p>
<p>If anyone is interested, my Instagram handle is starfireslc. It does not contain my "best" images, I'm keeping some of those separate. I'm hoping to get a website set up in the next few weeks.</p>
<p>I have enjoyed this site and feel fortunate to have discovered this knowledgeable & generous community of artistic fellowship!</p></div>Utah Arts Festival in SLChttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/utah-arts-festival-in-slc2016-05-12T03:31:42.000Z2016-05-12T03:31:42.000ZRyan Moyerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/RyanMoyer<div><p>I was accepted into the Utah Arts Festival in SLC next month. This will be my first art show. I am a landscape photographer.</p>
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<p>I really have no idea what kind of buyer to expect/target there. I've done farmer's markets before and the buyer's there are pretty much exclusively looking for cheap matted prints. I've never sold or seen a large expensive gallery print sold.</p>
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<p>What kind of buyers generally attend art shows, or even this one in particular? Since my large prints are typically on metal it is expensive to build up a big stock of them (I have no idea if I should bring extras either to replace sold items, if items will be selling off the walls and not just the bins). Are the buyers at these type of things likely to be some of the gallery crowd that is willing to spend $xxx or even $xxxx on a large gallery print or should I try to keep the stock small and affordable?</p></div>Single Vs. Double Mattinghttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/single-vs-double-matting2016-05-11T21:46:14.000Z2016-05-11T21:46:14.000ZJosh Bakerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JoshBaker<div>I've been trying to find a definitive answer to this question on this site to no avail.
As a new photographer to the art fair world I've been advised that I really need to consider selling matted prints. My issue has been finding a way to do so in a profitable manner. I have already opted for archival materials to prevent my work from deteriating in the booth.
My question is whether or not double matting is worth the cost? I know that it does look and feel better in the hand. However being twice as expensive, I'm not sure if people are willing to pay for that premium.
My plan as of now is to offer two sizes. 8x12 matted at 12x16 for $65 and 12x18 matted as 18x24 for roughly $115 or so. I figure I'll have 20 distinct images with each one printed x3 in the smaller size and x2 in the larger size. My hope is that these sizes are distant enough not to canabalize each other's sales.
So far I've found Mattcutter.com to be the most economical single matt show kit source. Does anyone know of a better supplier for the cost. While quality is certainly important, I don't want to completely out price my market.
Any and all thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks for all of you who have taken the time previously to answer my questions. I wouldn't of made it this far without your assistance.</div>Budding Photographerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/budding-photographer2016-04-13T14:00:09.000Z2016-04-13T14:00:09.000ZCindy Welchhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyWelch<div><p>I am writing to y'all for advice for my 29 yo daughter who is a budding/hobbyist photographer. She seems to like taking photos of sunsets and flowers the best. If you could sit down with her and give her one or two pieces of advice, what would it be?</p>
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<p>I have included some photos and I think all were taken with a cell phone. We do have a better dslr camera but these were taken on spur of the moment.</p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870998059?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">230.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870998662?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">494.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870999476?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">043.jpg</a></p></div>Hey Photographershttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/hey-photographers2015-01-08T20:57:07.000Z2015-01-08T20:57:07.000ZBarry Bernsteinhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/BarryBernstein<div><p>First of all, I am writing, again. I took a break because from February to Thanksgiving, I was driving everywhere doing shows or in my studio working or resting for my next trip.</p>
<p>Secondly, I am jealous of photographers because their work is an easy sell and you get decent prices. Whereas, clay is a hard sell, the prices are way less than they should be based on the time it takes to make a decent pot.</p>
<p>However, why do so many photographers shoot images that could only be called "what I did on my summer vacation?" OK! I get it. That stuff sells. However, where are the photos that tell a story? Where are the photojournalists that are recording history? Where are the impactfull photographs?</p>
<p>There was a woman a few booths down from me a couple of years ago that went into areas where women were captured and held as slave labor and shot them. They were extremely powerful.</p>
<p>Emerson goes to places and records other people's culture and way of life. Look at Nels images. They captures life in an out of the box view of America. Or, Jim Parker, who explores the textures and captures the elegance of old ordinary objects of Americana. Most of the rest of you bore me with your cliches.</p>
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<p>Rebuttle?</p></div>Photo lightinghttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/photo-lighting2015-01-19T20:16:55.000Z2015-01-19T20:16:55.000ZScott Rubeyhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/ScottRubey<div><p>Hi all,</p>
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<p>I'm a newbie here, and wanted to get some opinions from people "in the know." I'm a fine-art landscape photographer who's going to be selling matted prints at art fairs. I'm spending the money now and attempting to "do it right" in the interest of increased sales…it's either a really great or really terrible idea, depending on how it all turns out. :-) So far, I've ordered the ProPanels walls, ProPanels lighting package, and TrimLine tent.</p>
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<p>My question pertains to my lighting situation and how it impacts my tent options. I have the option to purchase the canopy with the skylight or without the skylight, no change to cost. My theory is that the skylight works great for folks who sell pottery, jewelry, clothing, etc, who benefit mainly from natural light. As a photographer who will be using a battery-powered lighting setup, I additionally theorize that having a skylight may ultimately turn into a detriment, creating hot spots on my framed/glass-covered prints in instances when the sun is directly overhead. (I will be using anti-reflective acrylic to cover the framed pieces, as well as diffusers over my 3500k lighting setup, so I'm not too worried about hot spots from artificial lighting.)</p>
<p>Am I on target, here? I could also purchase the tent with the skylight and simply add a fabric diffuser when necessary, although anything I can do to cut down on setup hassle would be beneficial. I'd love to hear your thoughts!</p>
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<p>Best,</p>
<p>Scott</p>
<p><a href="http://www.scottrubey.com">www.scottrubey.com</a></p></div>I'm thinking about starting some photo workshops...https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/i-m-thinking-about-starting-some-photo-workshops2015-01-23T16:27:10.000Z2015-01-23T16:27:10.000ZJim Parkerhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JimParker<div><p>... and I'd like your help figuring out what folks are interested in. I get asked my advice quite often, at shows, here on ArtFairInsiders, and elsewhere. If you're interested in photography (and who isn't, nowadays, what with cel phone cameras & easy digital cameras), what would pique your interest?</p>
<p>I've got a survey going over on Survey Monkey. If you have five minutes to give me your opinion, it might help you focus your thinking about photography, as well as help me out.</p>
<p>And I'm going to do a drawing out of all the responses for a free workshop. If you're not local to Michigan and you win, that's okay. I'll figure out some other cool prize.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XPYFVKQ" target="_blank">Here's the link.</a> And thanks!</p></div>Printing Photography for displayhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/printing-photography-for-display2014-12-11T21:13:54.000Z2014-12-11T21:13:54.000ZMaxinehttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/Maxine717<div><p>Have any of you sourced to the cheaper online printing for your large format framed images? With all of the low price online printing competitors these days (shutterfly, mpix, bay, snapfish, etc.) it's becoming tempting to test the quality of these prints. I have an Epson for 17x22 or smaller prints but have a lab print anything bigger.</p>
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<p>Snapfish is $19.99 for a 30x40 print before the 60% coupon... talk about saving on overhead. Shutterfly is $22ish before a coupon as well.</p>
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<p>WOULD or HAVE any of you used these printing sources for large format prints (30x40 or larger)?</p>
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<p>If these companies are using the same or comparable equipment, just pressing a 'print' button, it's worth the savings, right?</p></div>Hello!https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/hello-142014-05-15T15:45:21.000Z2014-05-15T15:45:21.000ZJeanie Stephenshttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/JeanieStephens<div><p>I'm happy to be a part of the Art Fair Insiders community. Although I have visited the site many times over the past few years while researching tents and fairs and such, I only got my feet wet last year with a few art fairs at the end of the season. As for this year, I missed some early deadlines due to long hours at my day job, but have now managed to schedule at least three for the next two months and have applied to three for the month of September. My main concern with the submissions has been my booth shot, being that it is from a show I did last year and not as representative of the equipment and display that I should have this year....but I won't have good photos until my first show this year in June. I'm guessing one's booth is something that must be built over time, but I'm looking forward to learning about what concerns others may have in this business and how they handle them, too. Thanks for welcoming and including me!</p>
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<p>As for my work, I am a photographer who continues to shoot medium format film, as well as digital. I do all of my own darkroom printing and currently, I do all of my own giclee prints, as well. I have considered printing on metal or having prints mounted on plexi-glass as some of the other photographers have done to reduce the time spent to mat and frame, but I still like a framed piece and I worry that the metal prints may just be a fad, but who knows. As with any art, there's always new things happening in the market and always decisions to be made. </p>
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<p>As a photographer, one of the decisions I have to make is where to photograph and trips are a must! While I probably did more traveling in the past when I didn't have the photography equipment available to me that I have now, I still hope to fit in a couple of short trips this year. One such trip that I'm making at the end of the month is to Nova Scotia, Canada and I might try to squeeze in an additional trip to Colorado, as well. Being that I've lived in four different states across the country and have traveled extensively, one of the things I have considered is participating in art fairs a little farther from home than what I'm currently planning for this year. Any insight from those who do travel across country for fairs, therefore, will be greatly appreciated! Feel free to share and I look forward to contributing what I can! </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062610386?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062610386?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062610602?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1062610602?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870954659?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Booth 1.jpg</a></p><p class="attachment"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8870954684?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IMG_0567_1.JPG</a></p></div>Prints on Metalhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/prints-on-metal2014-05-26T03:29:09.000Z2014-05-26T03:29:09.000ZCindy Lindowhttps://www.artfairinsiders.com/members/CindyLindow<div><p>I am wondering who you are using for printing your prints onto metal?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any help!</p>
<p>Cindy</p></div>