First art show - wanna help? - DPChallenge Forums

04/05/2021 04:34:29 PM · #51

Originally posted by posthumous:

I was hoping someone else with more experience would talk about this, but since no one has volunteered yet, I'd better bring it up. An important part of the art world that we've been ignoring so far is the "installation." The "installation" has been at the forefront of the art industry since the 60's, with the Fluxus movement and so on. You may not have heard of Fluxus, but you've heard of its most famous artist, Yoko Ono. In fact, John Lennon met Yoko Ono at one of her installations.

As a photographer, you will probably want to incorporate photos into your installation. I would recommend an event or a "happening" which you would document with photographs. So, for example, you could put Mo in a terrarium and drape raw chicken cutlets on top of him while clucking like a chicken. Of course, this is just a basic example. You'll surely come up with a more creative and elaborate event. These installations often involve audience participation. so, for example, you could have your husband pour spices into people's hands and instruct them to walk over to the terrarium and dump the spices on chicken-covered Mo.

Now, simply photographing this event might not do enough to forefront photography, so you might consider strapping a GoPro to Mo. You might also set up a projection screen behind this installation and project the pictures from Mo's GoPro.

Not all installations are titled, but you could actually use the title to give you more ideas. For example, you could line the terrarium floor with Lay's potato chips before you put Mo in it. Then the title of your installation could be Chicken Mo Lay

At this point, you might be wondering how to make money from an installation. Once you've generated publicity, and I guarantee you will at least make the local papers with this exhibition, you'll be able to charge a venue to recreate this installation or do a new one. Some installation artists don't even go to their installations. They just send instructions to the venue. The venue pays YOU but THEY do everything. This is of course the end goal of any artist.

Good luck!

I never thought about this! Oh crap. The problem is that mo doesn't like to travel! Can I put my husband in the terrarium instead? He's got the alpha-gal allergy, but chickens okay so I could do the raw chicken bit. We need an EpiPen if it was beef or pork or anything. Does anyone know where I can find a person size terrarium??

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/05/2021 04:48:29 PM · #52

Originally posted by vawendy:

Originally posted by posthumous:
...

Good luck!

I never thought about this! Oh crap. The problem is that mo doesn't like to travel! Can I put my husband in the terrarium instead? He's got the alpha-gal allergy, but chickens okay so I could do the raw chicken bit. We need an EpiPen if it was beef or pork or anything. Does anyone know where I can find a person size terrarium??

I knew you'd be able to kick it up a notch

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/05/2021 06:03:06 PM · #53

Originally posted by vawendy:

Maybe one of those clear plastic "outdoor dining modules" some restaurants are using?

nam

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

04/05/2021 11:00:14 PM · #54

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by vawendy:

Originally posted by posthumous:
...

Good luck!

I never thought about this! Oh crap. The problem is that mo doesn't like to travel! Can I put my husband in the terrarium instead? He's got the alpha-gal allergy, but chickens okay so I could do the raw chicken bit. We need an EpiPen if it was beef or pork or anything. Does anyone know where I can find a person size terrarium??

Maybe one of those clear plastic "outdoor dining modules" some restaurants are using?

The venue is old Williamsburg if I'm not mistaken. Maybe something a little more . . . rustic. You said "Oh crap." I think that may be it . . . an outhouse. Make it at least a two holer.

delaneyB

Canon EOS-90D

04/06/2021 12:05:01 PM · #55

If you have images suitable for metal prints, they have the advantage of not needing additional framing (which can cost as much as the more-expensive metal print) and they seem to be attention-getters.

nam

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

04/19/2021 11:24:54 PM · #56

What did you decide on, Wendy?

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

04/20/2021 10:56:00 AM · #57

Originally posted by nam:

What did you decide on, Wendy?

I ended up doing prints with a black sytrene backing. Metal ended up being way too much. Canvas was ok, but not all that interesting. So they're prints, but rigid, so they can hang fine that way.

Now I need more help:

I want to print out two coffee table sized books for people to look through. I'm surprised how expensive they seem to be! I thought books had gotten much cheaper.

1. Have you done coffee table books?
2. What size do you like?
3. Most importantly -- where do you get them printed?

Thanks again! I'm going to go set up a tent in my living room. :)

sanders

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

04/20/2021 11:08:50 AM · #58

I have done a few coffee table books just for myself... mostly with 11 by 14 and 40 pages. Also did a couple of 8.5 by 11 for a present for someone. I used Photobook Canada.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

04/20/2021 11:23:11 AM · #59

Snapfish.com has some crazy coupon deals frequently. I've used them for a few books for vacation trip photos and so on â�¦ seemed decent enough for me.

04/25/2021 04:20:26 PM · #60

Thanks for the book ideas!

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

04/25/2021 04:30:48 PM · #61

Ok -- we're coming down to the wire. The art show is this coming Sunday, and I'm in panic mode!!

There's still a couple more questions:

1. Limited Editions: This show wanted limited editions. I can't see that as a problem, because who knows how many of these I'll do. Some say have large numbers, some say small, some say it doesn't really matter. Should I do Editions of 25? 50? Does it really make a difference because I won't sell any?

2. I hate my handwriting. Do you sign your prints on the front? That seems like it would distract from the print. Since they're limited edition, does that mean I should sign and number on the front so people can show off it's limited edition? (seems rather pointeless to me, but my husband thought perhaps I should)

3. I still have absolutely no clue what to charge. Everything says figure out how much it costs. But since this is my first art show, and I've gone through at least 5 cameras, 20 lenses or so, sweat, blood, and tears, the few prints I've printed should probably run about $2,300 for an 8x10. So obviously that method won't work.
I don't buy artwork, so I don't know what would be an acceptable price range for a 12x18 or 16x20 print -- not metal, just a high quality print mounted on black styrene, with a limited quantity run of 25, for example.

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

04/25/2021 06:20:55 PM · #62

I can't give help on any of that, but I'm very interested in knowing what you come up with and how your sale goes!

Please take photos of your booth and share them with us!!

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/25/2021 07:03:07 PM · #63

I myself won't do limited editions because I don't want the responsibility of keeping track of how many are made, and being prepared to defend my information in court.

I think you can sign/number the prints on the back, but maybe not if mounted on plastic. If they were paper prints intended for framing you could sign/number them in a blank border intended to be covered by a mat.

ETA: For pricing limited editions, I'm thinking of them as partial shares of an outright exclusive sale. If you would be willing to sell (give up your copyright) to an image for $5,000 and you were offering a limited edition of 50, then each should be base-priced at about $100 and then scaled up depending on print size.

Message edited by author 2021-04-25 19:08:34.

04/25/2021 08:06:26 PM · #64

Originally posted by GeneralE:

That's an interesting way to think about it... I'll ponder that for awhile.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/25/2021 08:57:47 PM · #65

Originally posted by vawendy:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
ETA: For pricing limited editions, I'm thinking of them as partial shares of an outright exclusive sale. If you would be willing to sell (give up your copyright) to an image for $5,000 and you were offering a limited edition of 50, then each should be base-priced at about $100 and then scaled up depending on print size.

That's an interesting way to think about it... I'll ponder that for awhile.

Let me know what you (and others) think -- I just thought of it while considering your problem.

nam

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

04/25/2021 09:51:10 PM · #66

As for signing on front or back, I would sign on back if at all . . . and somehow let it be known that you are willing to sign on front should buyer want print signed - or sign on a mat should he or she want to mat and frame and prefer that. Though, as the general said, maybe signing on front isn't even practical given the substrate?

I know buyers have definite preferences, but no one is in a position to guess what those may be for an unknown buyer. Since this is a local show, I should think what I'm suggesting would be some way possible . . . or possible in some way.

Drake

Nikon D850

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

04/25/2021 10:59:20 PM · #67

Originally posted by vawendy:

Thanks for the book ideas!

Your question about pricing: I sell my 12x18 prints on a foam board with a clear sleeve - for $20 each. I have them in print racks in my booth. My cost (since I print these myself) is only about $4 each. I sell my 11x14 matted (with 8x10 print), for $25 each, also in print racks.

Your question about signing: I sign all my work, prints on paper, canvas, metal - with a small signature in the bottom corner. I also attach a sticker to the back of each item with my name, phone, e-mail, web site and FB information.
Drake

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

05/02/2021 06:02:55 PM · #68

I'm completely exhausted, and will write more later.

But thanks, everyone!!

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

05/02/2021 06:11:31 PM · #69

That is AWESOME, Wendy!

I'm so excited about your BLUE! Not surprised... but excited!

I can't wait to hear how it all was.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/03/2021 12:52:51 AM · #70

Originally posted by Lydia:

That is AWESOME, Wendy!

I'm so excited about your BLUE! Not surprised... but excited!

I can't wait to hear how it all was.

hajeka

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

05/03/2021 11:27:39 AM · #71

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Lydia:
That is AWESOME, Wendy!

I'm so excited about your BLUE! Not surprised... but excited!

I can't wait to hear how it all was.

I cannot add more (mathematically), but what a lovely looking exhibition!

streetpigeon

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

05/03/2021 03:57:39 PM · #72

I'm very happy that your show went well and your work was graced with a blue ribbon. It must feel great to put yourself out there and be appreciated. You certainly are appreciated here for your kind spirit and, well duh, your beautiful photographs.