From Shoot to Show: Preparing Your Images for Exhibit
© Stephen Schafer
Preparing your first show may seem simple, but successful exhibits take effort and months of advance planning. A great introduction into the world of exhibiting photographs as fine art, this nuts and bolts workshop will follow a simple concept from the first exposure through the opening night, to the close of an exhibit, and give participants a glimpse into what goes on before, during, and after an exhibit. Using student work as illustration, we will cover exhibit basics such as framing, matting, archival issues, sequencing and hanging considerations. The pre-show schedule will be examined, outlining marketing, postcards, press releases, artist's statements, and even how much wine to buy for the reception. We will also delve into the more complex concepts of pricing work, gallery commissions, artist's resumes, potential exhibit venues, art databases, solo vs. group shows, the critical relationship with galleries, how photographs fit into the art market, and how to "break in" to a gallery show.
Stephen Schafer (Schaf) (www.schafphoto.com) is a Southern California commercial photographer who has been producing a diverse portfolio of images around the world since 1987. He has created varied multi-media presentations, museum exhibits, annual reports, and advertising campaigns for companies large and small. In addition to his commercial success, Schaf has been honored with awards from The American Advertising Federation, The Association of Multi-Media International, the Munich Multi-Media Festival, Applied Arts Magazine, and The Professional Photographers of California. Specializing in location photography, he has also mastered fine-art infrared photography techniques. Schaf has exhibited his fine-art photos extensively, beginning with small group shows, and graduating to Museum Exhibits.
