I've been reading around and see mixed advice on having 2 different subjects in your booth. I'm a landscape and architectural photographer and want to sell both prints at a show.
I've seen some people say 2 is fine as long as they aren't mixed together; have them on different sides of the booth.
I've seen other people say only have 1 subject matter in your booth or else you'll lose that sense of continuity and turn off buyers.
I'd like some opinions as I get prepped to submit to my first shows happening next summer.
Photos attached to show what kind of work I do.
Replies
In my experience, the only people who care about the consistency of the work are the jurors.
Obviously with a poor layout you can turn people away from your images if you do something like putting a bright vibrant image next to a dark moody one, but in terms of subject matter (especially something as broad as architecture vs. landscape) I have seen zero evidence that shows how they are organized is going to turn off buyers.
You could put your two sample images one right above the other and I don't think it would matter in the least. Buyers just want something that either looks pretty or has sentimental value to them (a place they've been and have fond memories of, etc).
This is just how developed my “style” not wanting to stick to a specific genre and look. I can see how there are several camps in favor and against this type of exhibit. Purists will state that one needs to stick with a more limited range: B&W, subject matter, unique style, HDR, etc.
I feel that whatever the artist wants to display in their booth is their business. If they are accepted at a juried show they must have made some impression on the jury to garner an invitation so their art must be worthy enough for the show.
I have seen all types of art and exhibits in the few years I have been exhibiting and I think that anything goes as long as there is a decent level of quality to it.
I would not put a happy, whimsical piece next to a deep one. Nor a bright very strong color next to a subdued B&W. White matte next to Black matte - NG.
Let your style be your cohesiveness.
Put the work you jury with on the back and one side and the other style on the other side wall.
Larry Berman
Awesome, I will do that. Thanks
I agree with Larry. That's what I do. Jury shots and "bring them in" photos on the back wall and misc color prints of --sometimes--other non-related scenes on side walls. In fact, sometimes I put a different theme, or "non-similar" photos on one side of my 10x20 booth when I use one.
DaleYakaites
Since I am not a photographer I cannot address your question, but your photos are beautiful.
Thank you very much, Cindy!
One of the reasons I decided to start doing art fairs was because of the multitudes of people telling me I need to start selling my work.