Would you put this in an exhibition of your work?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

08/19/2007 09:31:52 PM · #1

I'm considering putting this into my October exhibition, but as much as I personally like it, I'm not sure it will go over well. It's very busy and abstracty. It would utterly tank on DPC. However, I like it. There's something about it that reminds me vaguely of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

So, step outside of DPC-land for a second, consider the following, and then tell me what you think:

(1) Put your artsy hat on. This is an art gallery, not a stock agency, and this particular gallery tends to have a lot of natury stuff, because, well, we live in Colorado and dig that stuff.

(2) It's my exhibition, so I don't have to narrow anything down. I get to cram as much stuff as I like onto my wall space, and the gallery also wants a few extra pieces to keep in the back so they can replace whatever might sell or show to interested buyers.

(3) It's not being judged or rated, so "Would this win a ribbon" is not on my list of criteria.

Now that we've left the DPC mindset, if it were your show, and all of your bestest of the best stuff was already chosen and you were now just filling in the gaps, would you even consider putting this in? What do you think of it as a piece of abstracty art? Am I out of my mind with the Tiffany bit?

Basically, do you like it as art?

Atropos

Nikon D40

08/19/2007 09:37:23 PM · #2

I certainly would, but... DNMC.

LanndonKane

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

08/19/2007 09:38:36 PM · #3

I think it would do well in an art gallery. In the right border it would be a very good abstract.

But it's still a little flat. Since it's not dpc (no editing rules), you can play arou nd with interesting filters and effect in PS to get an artsy effect, that'll pack a bit more punch.

EDIT : I think borders are called "frames" in real life. I'll have to check on that one ;)

Message edited by author 2007-08-19 21:39:09.

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/19/2007 09:39:00 PM · #4

it actually reminds me very much of Tiffany stained glass.

I don't think it's all that Arty, though it is too arty for DPC, since it commits the sin of not having a Subject. I think it's just real pretty. And I would like having a couple of real pretty pictures in my exhibition.

08/19/2007 09:44:42 PM · #5

Originally posted by LanndonKane:

But it's still a little flat. Since it's not dpc (no editing rules), you can play arou nd with interesting filters and effect in PS to get an artsy effect, that'll pack a bit more punch.

I backed off on the saturation since it was very YELLOW, and I mean that in all caps because damn it's YELLOW. But shifting the colors made it lose a lot of the nifty stained-glass glow.

codfish

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

08/19/2007 09:45:20 PM · #6

I like the shot, would I buy it? Probably not, but that's me, I prefer to buy photos that are graphic in nature, bridges, architecture etc. strong geometric lines.

However you know your clientele, and even if it does not sell, you are showing them another side of yourself. You don't want to get pigeoned holed as a photographer that can only take one kind of photo.

LanndonKane

Nikon D800

08/19/2007 09:46:13 PM · #7

Maybe adjust the hue? It might look nice with a red autumn look. Right now the colours are a little boring for an abstract piece, and since there is no subject the colour has to be the wow factor.

Play around in photoshop, you'll be surprised at when you can pick out of it.

Originally posted by Rebecca:

Originally posted by LanndonKane:
But it's still a little flat. Since it's not dpc (no editing rules), you can play arou nd with interesting filters and effect in PS to get an artsy effect, that'll pack a bit more punch.

I backed off on the saturation since it was very YELLOW, and I mean that in all caps because damn it's YELLOW. But shifting the colors made it lose a lot of the nifty stained-glass glow.

I goofed around with it and came up with this:

click here to see

Message edited by ursula - changed large image to link.

basssman7

Nikon D500

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

08/19/2007 09:48:19 PM · #8

Where are you getting your printing and framing done for the show? I am curious because I am getting ready to ask for my own show, and wonder about the money I should spend on printing and framing.

I would appreciate it if you could share. :)

08/19/2007 09:49:26 PM · #9

Originally posted by codfish:

Heh, no trouble with that in this show, that's for sure... I play around a lot and take pictures of just about anything, so I've got plenty of variety. Actually, I took a bunch of stuff from the last 30 day b/w side challenge. If anything, they'll comment that I like squares a lot.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM II

08/19/2007 09:51:33 PM · #10

Originally posted by basssman7:

Printing through Mpix, and I have a friend who is a professional framer who gives me deep discounts when I pay him cash. Most of his work is large scale commercial stuff, and mine gets done with scrap, so it stays off the books when he gets cash. Good sort of friend to have when you're in the photo business.

As to how, my default is black mat, black frame, unless Scott has remnants from something really cool.

CalamitysMaster00

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/19/2007 09:53:53 PM · #11

Originally posted by basssman7:

Honestly, I've found that some galleries will pay for your framing, pay for the hanging and even pay for the insurance and such if they can get commission of the sale. Its great to "leave it to them" and they do all the work - and do all the selling. You come in and clank a glass at the openning and its a lot less stress.

I've found the range for this service (depending on the gallery of course) to be around 3-7% commission of your sale.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/19/2007 10:31:33 PM · #12

Quick re-edit. I'm reluctant to stray very far from looking like photography. I should have mentioned, this gallery is only for photography.

noraneko

Canon EOS R5

08/19/2007 10:39:29 PM · #13

I like it. It does have a Tiffany look and should print well. I actually picture this in a series of similar almost-but-not-quite-abstract photos. Not necessarily a triptych, but as a set. Just my .02. I image you'll get some interest in this one, especially with a good frame job.

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/19/2007 10:42:48 PM · #14

I definitely like the second edit (yours) better. It's not a shot that turns my head really...not bad, just doesn't grab me in any way. I say if you like it, and you're the photographer, put it up there!

LanndonKane

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

08/19/2007 10:48:33 PM · #15

Yes that's it, you've just hit the spot between photography and abstract art. It only gets better from here :P

Originally posted by Rebecca:

Quick re-edit. I'm reluctant to stray very far from looking like photography. I should have mentioned, this gallery is only for photography.

08/21/2007 02:04:16 PM · #16

I just got my print order from Mpix. I ordered this one as a 16x24, and holy damn it's pretty... The pansy little web version does it no justice whatsoever. I almost hope it doesn't sell so I can just keep it! (Not that I couldn't reorder it with the proceeds and still retain a profit, but I'm sure you know what I mean.)

Overall, I've been highly impressed with Mpix... but a lot of that is also due to the higher quality camera I'm using these days ;-)

The exhibition is here:
Photographers' Gallery
Artist's Recpetion on Friday October 5th from 6-9pm

The show runs the entire month of October, and will feature a smattering of everything, from 4x5 to 16x24, color, black and white, landscapes, studio-ish shots, and lots of square crops since I have a thing for them.

If you're interested in attending the reception or just visiting sometime in October, PM your address to me so I can put you on my mailing list for the promotional postcards :-)