Be a Gallery Artist

How would you present your photography if you were in a gallery? Or, how would you present it to a gallery for the best response possible? A great way to do this is to actually preview your art in an application that looks like a gallery. You can actually have a gallery look before you are even in a gallery. One such application (that I use) is called ArtPlacer. This application has a number of benefits, including linking to your website images, using virtual reality to show art on a client’s own walls, and having a library of rooms where you can place your art to show on social media or to your clients. You can even preview frame and matting choices. The above image is from a virtual show I have created with a few of my images.

In the article “Finding Style”, that was also published this month, you will read about how a coherent group of images should be presented to demonstrate your style or themes that you tend to shoot. You will also understand that many of us have multiple styles. It has always been a challenge to me to decide how to categorize my images for my website. A number of outstanding photographers seem to present thousands of their images. Presumably, this is more likely to land them in a magazine article since many of the images are not likely to be big sellers. Other photographers pick a small selection of exceptional images, although they certainly have other outstanding images they could show to clients who show an initial interest in their art. 

It’s quite interesting to view how photographers label their online galleries. Some photographers are “matter of fact”, such as Greg Boratyn’s “Trees” or “Oceanscapes.” Others try to be more inspirational or drive the emotions into their images using terms such as Erin Babnik’s “Dreaming”. You may choose something similar or use another creative system to organize your galleries in a manner that suits your personality and photography. 

I recommend using an app such as ArtPlacer to preview your possibilities. With this app, you can preview your art on a selection of walls, upload your own walls (or client’s wall), have password protected proofing galleries (especially good for portrait and wedding photographers) and present your art in a gallery format. The cost is about $100 per year for their basic plan, but I am finding so valuable I may spring for the plan with a number of advanced features, including integration of a widget on my website. You may wish to compare ArtPlacer with other apps such a Shoot and Sell.

By presenting multiple works in each of several themes you give viewers the idea you are the expert in those areas so they are buying from the best. They also will feel that they have multiple choices and many times will see pairings fitting into their decor.

You may preview one of the ways I use this app as Barbara and I prepare for an upcoming art show. Note how the images are presented in relatively coherent groupings. They are also shown in sizes that could not possibly fit in one 10x10 art fair booth. While I have shown a variety of framing styles to encourage buyers with different tastes, you would likely just show a couple of your preferred finishing and framing styles if you were to present your work to a gallery. By the way, this is the first time that Barbara has joined me at a show. She will has her own wall of our booth. 

If you have any questions about how I use ArtPlacer, don’t hesitate to contact me.