Advice on exhibiting

[ianpinion]

I've taken the opportunity to exhibit a few of my images with a group of about 25 other photographers, at the Leicester Peoples Photography Gallery in July. I've been allocated a space measuring 2 metres across in which I can display my work. The ceiling height is approximately 8 feet high.

What I need to know is:

• What size prints should I choose to display?
• How many will I be able to fit into this space?
• Should I go for canvas prints or framed prints?
• Where would you recommend I go to get them printed?
• Is it best to showcase a wide selection of different images or keep to a particular theme?

Any advice would be most welcome as this is my first time exhibiting any of my images.

[GeoffWessex]

I'd go for six A3 prints (all mattes and frames matching) three across, two down. Try to make sure that both rows are close to 'eye height' - so I'd suggest that the 'middle line' (between the rows) is about 1.6m from the deck.

I recommend framed prints but - either a top quality 'museum' quality low-sheen glass or........ no glass at all! Yes, the print is open to the elements and curious fingers - but it makes a big difference and sets your images apart from most of the others...... and most people don't touch the art anyway.

No idea where you'd get them printed - I'm in Canada.

Not so much a theme, more a 'style' of your own...... but either all colour or all mono. Don't show your best images just because they're your best - leave something in reserve.

[ianpinion]

Thanks Geoff for your advice, but allow me to throw in a curved ball, if I may.? Not all the shots I have are in landscape orientation and some of the images under consideration are square. Am I best to keep to 24" x 16" and the square images 16" x 16"?

[GeoffWessex]

Fair enough....... but I'd try to get some symmetry there, like the two middle shots in portrait or square orientation (or one of each), with the 'flanking' images being the landscapes. There are no rules on it, though, so go for whatever pattern feels right. The only thing I'd say is really important is to give your pictures plenty of space, and a distinct gap between yours and your 'neighbours'.

[ianpinion]

As a kitchen designer I know all about symetry, Geoff, so I think I should be ok with that. It's just the restI'm unsure of, hence my original questions above. I will soon have to be makng some decisions and getting them printed, so if anyone else has some useful advice to add to Geoff's I'd much appreciate it.

[JonnyM]

it's a shame noone other than Geoff has replied to your post Ian. Is this a reflection on how few people print and exhibit their own images especially to a size larger than A4?

I'm afraid I can't really offer many suggestions in terms of exhibition as the last time I exhibited photographs was in 1999, they were all 10"x8" monochrome prints. However, I wouldn't necessarily agree with Geoff about having your pieces all mono or all colour. I think if you have a theme you can mix as long as the size of print, mounts and frames match.

I would go for A3 framed prints rather than canvas because they look more professional and suggest you've taken more time on each exhibit in my view. Framing can be expensive and time consuming but then I'm a devout deliberator. I've just started getting professional prints made from a company called 'Loxley Colour' based in Glasgow. I'm inexperienced when it comes to pro printing and they helped me through the process via e-mail and telephone. They were recommended to me by my local photographers' society. I sent my completed photograph in JPEG format to them Tuesday this week and the print was delivered yesterday morning. I'm happy with the result.

I would go for 2, possibly 3 themes and take a selection of other prints mounted if possible in a portfolio so people can browse through them. A3 seem to be a regular size for competitions and exhibitions so 2 rows of 3 perhaps as Geoff suggests. Non-reflective glass/acrylic is more expensive, if you get a local framer they should suggest and advise you on mattes, frames and glass but this isn't always the case.

So:
A3 prints
Between 6 & 8 pictures
Framed
Loxley Colour
Keep to a particular theme/s

Good luck with it.

[GeoffWessex]

Fair enough - there's no "one answer"........ the question of having the six pictures in one 'style' can be tricky - does the exhibitor want to establish a style that, in the future, people will recognise and say "Oh yes, that's an Ian P shot" or does he want to show off his versatility in a few different styles?

But we seem to agree that one theme works best, even if portrayed in different ways.

So, I'd go along with JonnyM's list of recommendations, even the printer - I haven't used Loxley Colour but they seem to do well on any magazine reviews.

[ianpinion]

Thank you both. I have used Loxley, but they can be a bit pricey for somethings. I'm currently comparing prices and qualities of printing to see who offers the best value for money.

[OldBoy]

Loxley are dear but you can be sure your prints are the best they can be printed.

Never done a display of my images but might be tempted to do one as A2 or A1, as this can take people by surprise. Good luck with the show.

[ianpinion]

As far as sizing goes, I have two options. Smaller prints and be able to display more of them or go for a size that most people would happily put on their wall and it might help sell a few more.