| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/09/2006 12:42:34 AM · #1 |
I would like to start displaying some of my photos (and hopefully selling some) through local venues. I was thinking some of the local upscale restaurants/cafes, medical/professional offices. Galleries would be a dream come true.
For the cafe's etc., I was thinking of bringing some framed prints by and seeing if they would be willing to handle them. For art galleries or stores, I presume I need to bring a portfolio.
Any advice on the above?
Part 2: I was thinking of making a portfolio, but I'm not sure whether to make one of those hard 8x10 cover photo books you can make at Shutterfly, or to use something with insertable pages. I was concerned about the Shutterfly approach because if they don't print one well, the whole book is ruined. Yet I also think that would be more impressive if it came out well. Advice?
Thanks in advance!
|
|
|
|
12/09/2006 01:10:44 AM · #2 |
I don't know if Don ( PhantomEWO) will see this, but he sells prints locally in San Antonio. He's also had a way-cool book done as well. You may want to PM him. And if you find a good book maker (not the betting kind), share the info - my mom wants me to do one for her. |
|
|
|
12/09/2006 01:36:30 AM · #3 |
Case the businesses first. Do they have the wall space to hang your photos? Do they have customers who have time to look around? Do those customers make enough money to buy your photos at your price? Do you have photos that you think would look/work well at that establishment, etc?
Call. Find out the name of the owner/manager, their hours, and when their least busy time is. Sure to get shot down at a cafe if you show up during the lunch rush.
Have your proposal ready. Let them know you'll do the work of hanging, they have a right of refusal for anything they don't see as fitting with their business, what their cut is, the less tangible benefits to them, how sales will be handled, how often you'll rotate images, etc.
If you have prices set by size create a selling sheet with the information and a few examples. Include the size price relationship and the framed/unframed prices.
Bring a few framed samples for them to look at in various sizes and styles. Not necessary to lug these into the establishment right away. Bring them out if you're close to closing a deal.
If they don't jump on the chance let them think about it. Give them your card and then follow up in a couple of days.
Get your arrangement in writing.
Be flexible but not a pushover.
I'd go with the standard portfolio as you'll want to update it fairly frequently. A book doesn't look any more professional than a traditional portfolio. |
|
|
|
12/09/2006 12:40:34 PM · #4 |
Thanks Deb and Tonto. What sort of "traditional" portfolio do you recommend for photos? I assume I'll need 8x12 (my usual aspect ratio is 3:2/2:3). What's a good brand that's not outrageously expensive and any suggestions for online stores welcome.
Any other advice from anyone?
|
|
|
|
12/09/2006 04:27:41 PM · #5 |
All the brands are pretty similar when you get right down to it. The more expensive ones "usually" have better materials real leather instead of pleather, better handles, better ring hardware. However, I would go for cheaper and then preferably on sale. I have a couple really budget Artware portfolios that seem to be holding up quite well.
EDIT: These are the ones I have but I paid less when Aaron Bros had them on sale.
Message edited by author 2006-12-09 17:04:10. |
|
|
|
12/09/2006 04:53:32 PM · #6 |
I'd go with a portfolio with inserts over a photo book. That way you can update it with newer images when needed. You can also change your selection depending on who you are going to see, rather than having 5+ books with different themes.
8x12 is an unusual size and you may have more difficulty or less choice when finding a portfolio size and the insert sleeves. Additionally 8x12 may require specialist printing and/or framing. I'm seeing the size offered more and more but your choices are limited compared to the traditional 8x10. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/02/2025 12:50:28 PM EDT.
