Been lurking around here for a few weeks since being introduced to this site by a fellow artist. Being very new to this, (7 shows under my belt) I love all the wonderful info I have found on this site. All the sharing, and wide range of opinions and different views are very inspiring.
Having been dealing with mediocre sales for the past several shows, (which were not some of the best shows anyway) and to attempt to be accepted into some better shows, I decided to splurge on some new Propanels. My previous display was... lets just say rickety, and distracting.
So I have them all set up in the yard, (most level spot I have) and am attempting to take some booth shots. It seems that most people set up in the standard U formation, but I opted to set up with an L wall, to allow a breeze, and a hiding spot :) Would you recommend setting up three solid walls just for the booth shot? Other than that possible change, and it being way too bright, which I hope to fix as the sun starts to drop, what other changes would you recommend making to this setup/display. My photography skills are absolutely minimal, and my photo editing skills are even less, which you may be able to tell from what I have already done to this photo :) I am considering having someone edit the shot if I am able to take a descent one, but I need an acceptable shot for an application tomorrow.
All advice is greatly appreciated.
Replies
Too much white and too cluttered. Even the canopy uprights at the right and left in front are a distraction. The camera angle is wrong. Raise your tripod up so there isn't so much white at the top of the picture. Try taking your picture on an overcast or cloudy day so there is more detail in the canopy. Right now the white roof is blinding to the jurors.
Eliminate the French wall and just set up three ten foot walls for the picture. Angle from the front left showing more of the back and right wall for two reasons. One it completes the set of images when projected together and the other is that the right wall is less cluttered.
You need something more sophisticated to put your small pieces on rather than four different small tables. Choose one small table that is non distracting and get four of them.
If the carpet doesn't lay flat, don't use it for the picture. Maybe for the picture set up on concrete with the carpet.
Other than that, you need someone to walk you through what to include or eliminate while you're working on the set up for the picture after seeing your first example:
http://bermangraphics.com/blog/collaborating-on-the-booth-image/
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thanks Larry. Worked on some of the things that you mentioned, and will have to continue to work on much more. Got rid of all of the front uprights, and tried to scale back on the white overhead, although it still seems blindingly bright. Removed the french wall and the carpet, rearranged, and tried to declutter things. I guess that they dont do the trick for this photo, but the small tables are actually all made by me, and I sell as many tables as I do sculptures :) I may need to make some "keepers" that I will use for a while, but for now, unique, one off tables is what I got!
I am much happier with the second photo using your tips, although I know it can be better. I do plan to work with you in the future on a quality shot, but I need to pay for my new panels first :) I honestly cant believe that I was invited to any shows with the old booth shot I was using... talk about embarassing :) My booth is still set up, and it is supposed to be a bit cloudy tomorrow, so I may take a few more pics then, but if not, I plan to use this pic to apply to a few upcoming shows. Thanks again Larry, and I look forward to any more advice. Cheers
Booth shot 001.1.jpg
Looks good!
A few minor nits: I'd lose the brace bar you've got in the upper right corner. I agree with Larry that the pieces on the ground at the left are visually interfering with each other. The shot also feels slightly tilted to the left. Me, I'd take the tilt out in software, but you might find it easier to just straighten the tripod.
Nice job!
You could lose it for the booth shot but what you really need at a show is two longer brace bars from one side to the other. It will make the walls more stable.
So here is the shot I have chosen. Took it this morning, worked on it a bit, uploaded to ZAPP and filled out my application, done... for now! Thanks for all the advice. I will include my previous shot, and I think that you will agree, I could have shot the new display in total darkness and it would have been an improvement. I do have some more support bars for showtime :)
Booth shot 009.1.jpg
temp artwork 003.jpg
Why so much ground beneath the booth? You should have cropped it at the bottom of the canopy legs before adding black borders for ZAPP.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
The biggest thing that stands out is that the two floor standing piece on the left wall un into each other. try removing one of them.
Larry Berman