I’m not much of a resolution maker, but with the start of the new year I often get the urge to start projects or set some goals. Among them have been goals for taking my photography to the next level, or in a different direction altogether. Thanks to posts here on Mortal Muses I’ve been inspired to try working with film, experimenting with black and white, or playing with a new iphone app. I’ve tried a 365 project, a 52-week series, participated in online photo courses, and worked on a collaborative photo project or two. I’ve shared my work on flickr, instagram, on my blog, and on facebook.
But I realized there was something missing from my photography experience, and that was sharing my photographs in my own hometown. I was willing to put myself out there online in a big way, but I was nervous about showing my work in person to my friends and neighbors. Online, people around the world had seen and commented on my photographs, but most of the people I encountered everyday had no idea I was even a photographer!
Some of you may have had the same feeling, and wondered how to begin showing your work in your own community. Short of working with a gallery, where do you start? There is nothing quite so gratifying as seeing your work printed, matted, framed, and hanging on a wall someplace other than your own home. It’s amazing to get feedback from the people you see every day as they connect with your work.
Here are some tips to get you started on the exhibit journey:
• You’ll need to invest in printing, matting, and/or framing your work. This can be an expensive proposition, and it can take time to get enough work prepared to make a decent-sized exhibit. I have my photos printed through Redbubble – their matted prints are all 16×20, and I use a white mat for uniformity. Then I frame them in inexpensive but sturdy black frames for a cohesive look. I follow the discount sales at the major craft stores that carry frames, or I beg, borrow, or steal 40% off coupons from friends and coworkers. I now have 20 or so pieces that I can exhibit.
• You’ll need to get comfortable with a little self-promotion, and with getting out there and asking about exhibiting at local venues. Ask your artist and photographer friends where they show their work and who they contacted. Be prepared to leave your card or contact information everywhere you go. It pays to have attractive cards printed — or print them yourself.
• I’ll let you in on one of the easiest ways to get started – try your local public library. (I speak from experience as both a librarian and photographer). Most libraries have exhibit spaces and like to promote local artists. Policies vary but many libraries allow you to exhibit your work for up to a month and do not charge a fee. Some allow you to have an opening reception, and many will provide you with free PR in their library newsletter or on their website. Some allow you to sell your work – a few will require that a portion of the proceeds be given to the library. I’ve had three exhibits at local libraries here on Cape Cod in the last year, and have a fourth coming up shortly.
• Other great places to try are local restaurants and cafes, the Senior Center, or the town Historical Society. Community centers, the YMCA, art associations, and churches are all good places to inquire. Our neighborhood liquor store even has a monthly exhibit! Our Town Hall likes to promote local artists, and has several exhibit spaces to choose from. An added bonus is that they also produce a daily TV show for the local cable channel so during my exhibit there I had the opportunity to be interviewed. If you’re feeling brave this is a great way to be able to talk about your work and share your passion with a larger audience.
• You also can submit individual photos to group shows sponsored by your local art association or cultural council. There is often a theme to this type of show, and sometimes an entry fee. These group shows attract a larger and wider audience, so it’s a great way to get your name out there and have your work shown with other wonderful artists in your community.
• Finally, don’t forget to spread the word about where and when your work is being shown. Send an evite to your friends, post the dates on facebook, tweet about it, or send an old-fashioned announcement via snailmail. Call friends, tell the relatives, send out a short press release to the local paper. Brag a little. It’s your time to shine!
If you have exhibited your work, what was your experience? Leave a comment and share your tips. And if you haven’t tried it, I hope you’ll make exhibiting your work a goal for 2013. Good luck!
fantastic advice, this is really great and a lot to think about.
Great post, thank you for all the advice and information. Love your images here too, beautiful.
great post lucy. i could have written the part about how i share my work widely online but not with my friends and family–hence the heavily used internet handle by me. i’ve just started my photography “coming out” recently to a few people i know. there are some great tips here–thanks for joining us today, it’s great to see you back here at MM 🙂
Lucy you were one of the first photographers who inspired me in this community. Your work has always inspired me and thank you for reminding me of some things that are most important.
This is great, Lucy! Exhibiting my work is one of my goals, and you’ve given a very practical road map (and some inspiration!). Thanks for posting!
Lucy, I love this post! So practical and inspirational! Thank you.
Thank you so much for this, Lucy. I can not express how very much I needed to read this today. It was such an inspiration, and the perfect ‘kick in the pants’!
I completely agree about not sharing with friends and neighbours, some of mine have no idea how much I love photography!! Feel inspired to print out more, thank you xx
This is very timely for me! I just submitted three pieces to gallery for a collective show (haven’t heard back yet) and I’m in the process of making business cards so I can hit a few local places that I know support artists. It is a bit scary! I’ve had a hard time finding a quality printing service, so I appreciate the link. Will check it out for sure! Thank you!
I have so admired your work from afar Lucy. I believe I first saw some of your photos on a local television show a while back. Thank you for sharing this info and for being such an inspiration!
Thank you, Lucy! I’ve been feeling stuck for a while now – doing the work but not sure what to DO with it. Thanks for the point in the right direction. Now to follow the yellow brick road.
Great tips, Lucy! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
Great read and great information Lucy. You mentioned so much and I could not agree with you more. Trying local small wine shops often will have your reception and promote you as well. It truly is a humbling experience to hear what others think of your work. Thank you!
An awesome post, really hits home! And your photos are just gorgeous. 🙂
Lucy this is so inspirational!!! I would love to have the nerve to do this and I think I will start small by just preparing to have a show by getting the photos ready and designing cards. THEN, maybe, just maybe, i will have the guts to take the next steps!!!! thank you for sharing all this invaluable information!!!! and those photos!!! phenomenal!!!
Thanks Lucy. It’s great to have your voice back on the MM blog. Exhibiting my work is something that I’ve recently started thinking about and these tips are great.
Very motivational post. Thank you!
thank you so much for the great advice and an online kick in the pants to get our work out into our local worlds. i’m in the same boat as many in that most people who know me don’t really know how much time i spend on photography. your photos are wonderful!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the how to. I have been wanting to do this and really did not know how to start.
This was such a valuable post to me! I spent my first life pre-retirement as a professional grief and trauma resolution specialist with a private practice for a sorts if therapy issues. I held workshops and hosted conferences, and spent a lot of time in the professional public eye. I knew how to promote my business! I moved several times and had to do it all over again in another city or state.
But promote my PHOTOGRAPHY or art? I haven’t a clue! That is, until this blog entry! I’m scared because I’m in a small rural Appalachian area now and don’t know if it works the same but I’m going to start preparing ad you have shared. Thank you!
So many great tips Lucy and many that I’d never even considered! Thank you for the wonderful advice and for coming back to guest muse!
So many wonderful ideas to think about. This has been a goal of mine for a while, but I just never knew where to start. Now I do. Thank you.
Thank you for the great advice. I currently have 2 pieces on display at a small gallery through the Rescue Mission but really didn’t have any idea as to other places to contact.