Wish Me Luck! - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

01/31/2008 11:28:29 PM · #1

Tommorrow is my first art show. I just got the list of participants and out of 24, I am the only photographer. The others are jewelry, pottery, painters, metal works, and others...so I hope that works well for me.

I have 27 framed and matted prints and 15 matted. I also have a powerpoint looping presentation that will be going on my laptop.

Right now the weather is pretty nasty, but it's supposed to improve and Saturday (the show is two days) is supposed to be very nice. It is, of course, an inside show - but it's connected with an outdoor event.

I will take some photos and post them after the weekend. I hope I am not setting myself up to be really disappointed. I figure I'll never know if I don't try, and I've invested a fair chunk of change in getting everything ready - from business cards to display and prints / framing materials.

Here's hoping....

Mydee1

Nikon D200

01/31/2008 11:42:15 PM · #2

I wish you much success.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

01/31/2008 11:44:55 PM · #3

Sounds like you're well prepared. I'm sure you'll do just fine.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

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

02/01/2008 12:02:04 AM · #4

Bestest luck! :)

I did my first sale just before Christmas and didn't sell much, but have been asked to do another at the same place pre-Easter.

The thrill of selling my first photo was so great, though, that I think it would have been enough if the one was all I'd sold :D

But even if you don't sell much, if you hand out cards you'll never know where it may lead eventually, right?

02/01/2008 12:31:09 AM · #5

Well, part of the idea behind the powerpoint is that it shows some of my people shots (maternity, seniors, wedding etc.) that aren't something I'd sell at an art show, but can show some of little bit of client stuff I've done. So, yes - I'm hoping the show leads to some other work as well.

So far, I've been very comfortable with each step I've taken with my photography. I tend to think and plan and contemplate and then wait until I'm ready...so it usually goes pretty well. This will be a pretty big year for me with the art show and then being booked for a wedding in June. Those are two "serious" steps and I'm a little nervous about both. Still...I will never get over being nervous until I do it! I'm ready. It's just time to do it.

02/01/2008 11:54:52 PM · #6

At the end of day one, I've sold $290 worth! That did put a sizable dent in my inventory, so I don't expect to do as well tomorrow, but you never know. It would be awesome to sell 3 or 4 more framed prints. Plus, about 15 people asked for cards. I'm pleased :)

fotomann_forever

02/01/2008 11:58:41 PM · #7

Just curious, what size prints are you selling?

And break a leg, tomorrow.

02/02/2008 12:00:25 AM · #8

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Just curious, what size prints are you selling?

And break a leg, tomorrow.

Almost all of mine are 11x14 prints, matted to 16x20 - some were framed, some just matted.

fotomann_forever

02/02/2008 12:38:41 AM · #9

Sweet, well good luck tomorrow. One day, I'm gonna give it a shot.

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

02/02/2008 05:52:06 AM · #10

Judy, that is just so exciting - make sure you get some sleep tonight, and CONGRATULATIONS!

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

02/02/2008 08:36:37 AM · #11

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Sweet, well good luck tomorrow. One day, I'm gonna give it a shot.

Originally posted by SaraR:

Judy, that is just so exciting - make sure you get some sleep tonight, and CONGRATULATIONS!

Thanks to you both! So far, the only draw back I've had to the show is that it does draw a LOT of kids since it's with our local "Icefest" event. Nothing wrong with kids, mind you - just that there are so many who seem to think that my photo display is their personal playground equipment and they have parents who are clueless! I suppose it was a good test to see how sturdy the display is, and it passed the test.

Weather looks just right today for a good crowd. I'll post some photos later tonight. Time to get to work!

Claya

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

02/02/2008 10:07:02 AM · #12

Hope it goes well, Judy.

IreneM

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

02/02/2008 10:10:37 AM · #13

Sounds as if it's going great, Judy. Loads of luck for tomorrow too.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

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

02/02/2008 06:05:03 PM · #14

Congrats and interested in hearing the final report :)

02/02/2008 09:27:33 PM · #15

Final report: I did $375 in sales, with several more potential contacts from art stores and individuals interested in the photos at perhaps a later date.

Whew! It was packed today. Not as many buyers, and I really think it was almost TOO crowded, and people didn't have as much patience with browsing. Lots of kids and families as well. Thanks for all the support and encouragement here! It is very much appreciated.

Here's a look at part of my display. This was taken this morning, so several pieces were already gone and things had been moved around - but it will give you an idea. Nothing fancy, but it seemed to work well. (I don't normally post a full size shot, but I'm about out of room in my portfolio here, and it's just one shot, so forgive me this once :) )

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

02/02/2008 11:10:25 PM · #16

I forgot to add....interestingly enough, I found out one other item I need to put on my signs. It should read someplace "Please do not take pictures of my pictures!"

Have any of you in art shows had that problem of people standing right in front of you, using their camera to take a shot that fills their frame with YOUR work? I didn't say anything today because I didn't realize it would be so common a problem. A few were just point and shoots, but some had a lot of camera equipment with them as well.

How would you handle it? I'm thinking about something like this:

"Nothing beats an original! I'm glad you like my work, but please respect my copyright by NOT taking pictures of my pictures. Thank you!"

BeeCee

Nikon D40

02/03/2008 02:27:52 AM · #17

Sounds like a good weekend. Congrats again :D

Sometimes when I'm shopping I'll take a pic of something I think another family member might be interested in, rather than try to describe it. In this case, I'd ask, and make sure to take it at such an angle and distance that it's clear it couldn't be used as artwork.
But taking it to use... the thought that people would do that just leaves me speechless!

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D