Exhibitiing Photo's

I am thinking of setting up a small exhibition of my photography later on this year. I am going to spend the next few months sifting through the best of what i have and hopefully will have a decent enough collection to exhibit them in a local bar in Rome. Being a little bit anxious and all, I was wondering if any one out there has any pointers for me before i show to the world my passion.

Presentation and consistency are key. Given the cost of mounting and framing you may not become rich.

Do a small title and caption label to go with the picture. I find it much more interesting to know that the photograph means something or has a story in it.

You do not say whether or not your exhibition is following a set theme, but the same ideas should apply.
Unless the exhibition is a specific record of a place then I would try and stick to the following.

Photographs that tell a story. IE a person at work or in their environment. These should preferably show that the photographer was involved with the subject.

Photographs that have been taken in unusual or dramatic lighting.

Photographs that have been taken from unusual viewpoints or angles.

Photographs that capture a mood.

Photographs that maximise or minimise colour.

Photograps that select the elements in the scene.

Photographs with good composition.

All photographs should try to show the viewer, that it was the photographers creative input, that made the image somthing different and special.

Avoid if possible general scenes and general record photos that do not show any of the above characteristics.

Each photograph should be well mounted on card mounts, preferably of the same colour. More usually white or cream mounts.

These are just my thoughts on exhibition photographs. Don't let my thoughts put you off. I hope you have a go and enjoy the experience. Best of luck.

I recently went through my first exhibit, fifteen photos in a restaurant. I sold six which made me happy. But, you've said this is your passion. You had best be prepared for snotty comments and ridiculous criticisms from people who know nothing about photography. My favorite was from a guy who doesn't own a camera and sniffed, "Well, everyone seems to like them but they aren't any good."

As a practical matter, I had two friends, one a professional photographer and the other an art dealer, help me select the fifteen photos. When I look at a photograph I've taken I know the story that goes with it and I don't see it as a person coming to an exhibit, or coming to have dinner, would see it.

I refused to have an "opening night" for the exhibit. I told the owner of the restaurant that opening nights attracts supposed artists and freeloaders who come for free booze and snacks and they wouldn't buy photos or return to have dinner. Instead, we had invitations printed up that offered a free coffee and sweet when the invitation was presented. The restaurant owner was delighted with how that worked out. A surprising number of people went with the invitation and decided to order dinner, with free coffee and sweet, when they saw the restaurant and the menu. The exhibit ran for four months instead of the original one because people kept coming in with invitations. Another surprise was that most of the people who went to see the exhibit had never been to an "opening night" and didn't generally go to exhibits. Some of the people who bought pictures were in this group.

I live in Oaxaca, Mexico, and carry lollipops to give to children in the street. After 12 years, most of the kids know me as do their parents. A young Chamula girl came into the restaurant for a lollipop and I pointed at the pictures and said, "I took these. Do you like them?" She stood looking around the room and said, "No." Everyone in the restaurant started laughing and I laughed and said, "Everyone's a critic." Then the little girl said, "Wait, I like the picture of the clown." People who had finished eating or hadn't yet been served started getting up and strolling around looking at the photos. I told the little girl I should have her come in every evening.

I had two pleasant surprises. One was that people who had dismissed me suddenly thought my work had credibility. Same photos as before but they'd been exhibited. The restaurant is across the street from a Photographic Center which includes two galleries and I got some nice comments from people connected to the Center, too.
It's fun but don't be sensitive.

Thanks for sharing that Patrick - I found it very interesting on many levels. Gee, giving lollipops to kids - (even) I wouldn't dare do that in the UK now.

Mike

Thanks for all the feedback guys. It really helps me in my preparation. I think sticking to a theme is what I can best take out of this discussion, and be ready for criticism.