I have a few questions regarding sales for Photography at shows.
The majority of my photos will be canvas and medium to large print enlargements. However, I do plan to have a few bins for smaller matted photos; what are the best sizes? I only want 2-3 bins with minimum photos (10-20). What are two suggested sizes for bins? How-a-bout 4x6 photo in a 8x10 mat for one bin & 8x10 photo in a 12x14 mat in another bin? Any suggestions?
Anyone have any insight on your ideal day at a show? What sells best for you? small/large canvas, prints, etc.?
I've done my share of price reviewing at shows, but i've found it varies ALOT. What is a good price range to consider when pricing my photos? I will be selling many smaller canvas (15x20) and a select few large prints (20x30).
I am currently printing, matting, etc., (getting ready for shows) and really appreciate all of the advice from you all.
Replies
Do you center your photos or optically center them? Is there a right time to optically center a print?
Centering them prevents questions from people who may possibly purchase them.
I off centered 8x8 in a 12x13 mat but all rectangular sizes were centered in the mat.
Larry Berman
So square images you'll offset but not rectangular ones. Do you have a formula for how much to offset.
No formula. Whatever I thought looked good. My 16x16's were in 24x24 mats. My 8x8's were in 12x13 vertical mats with one inch more mat at the bottom.
Larry Berman
Thank you all so much for your insight! I've decided to have 2 matted sizes available; a minimum size of 11x14 in a 16x20 mat, and the larger one as a 16x20 print in a 20x24 mat.
Do you all have any advice on pricing for these sizes? If you don't mind sharing, I would appreciate it. I know the average, but i'm looking for more specific prices (16x20 & 20x24 matted).
Thank you again!
16x20 in a 20x24 mat doesn't have enough mat. I use 22x28 for the mat size and my pictures are closer to 13 or 14x20, which is full frame 35mm proportion.
Your two sizes are too close to each other so that they'll compete. I suggest skipping a size. For example the smaller might be 8x10 in 11x14 mat.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thanks, Larry. I agree with the image sizes being to close. I want 16x20 to be my smallest matted size available, though. What would be the best mat for a 17x22 photo? 22x28?
Are you familiar with photos on foam board without the mat? Also, do you know what the closest standard frame size is to 17x22?
16x20, 20x24, 22x28. Once you get bigger people spend more on the matted print and don't care about standard frame sizes as much.
Having your smallest frame size be 16x20 is fine if your imagery and presentation can support it. If it can't, you'll be sitting with fewer sales.
I usually sell a 16x20 matted 22x28 for between $175 and $275. What are your thoughts about it?
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
yeah I'm curious larry especially since i was hoping this post would have more discussion on pricing but most seems to be focused on size.
one of my biggest questions is pricing because im pretty much just guessing atm. right now here is how im pricing my photography
5x7 matted to 8x10 - $20
8x12 matted to 11x14 $35
11x14 matted to 18x24 $45
11x14 framed to16x20 $100
13x19 framed to18x24 $175
8x10 framed to 11x14 $60
ANY advice or suggestions on how i should adjust this please let me know. also im curious if people price differently at different shows
Start by eliminating adjacent sizes. They compete with each other and the cheapest always wins.
Larry Berman