first photo show
Jean-David Beyer
Kat Zody wrote:
>
> I have finally got the nerve to show my photos at a local gallery ( small amout
> of my work about 4-5 pieces). Can anyone give me advice on what worked for
> them in setting prices ( i realize I like my stuff better than the average
> citizen but I was wondering what is reasonable or is there a RULE of Thumb!!!)
I think I am a better photographer than a lot of the ones I see. I am not
Edward Weston or other famous one, however. I exhibit at a local gallery where
you must have your work referreed before you are allowed to be an exhibiting
member. After that, you can exhibit anything you want (up to two items a month).
If you pay the rent, you can have a one-person show (I have never done that).
I think most of my work is better than most of the other photography I see there
(they have mostly oil, acrylic, pastel, and water color), though there are one
or two other photographers whose work I would say is at a similar level to mine.
This may help you infer the quality of my work and help you eliminate any bias
I probably have.
In any case, I have been asking $200 for an 11x14" B&W print matted and framed
under glass using a 16x20" Nielson frame. I have never sold one (at that
gallery), though I have sold a few photographs elsewhere. Perhaps I have sold
25 photographs since 1974. I am not actively trying to sell, but I am pleased
to do so. I am unaware if anyone else has sold a photograph there either.
One photographer I know that I think is quite good (he has won prizes for his
photographs, not just in local camera clubs, but in regional contests) has,
to the best of my knowledge, sold none at the gallery either, even though he
charges about half what I do.
> .... what is expected from the gallery owner.. anything that can help me as a
> newbie! katzody
Most commercial galleries charge a commission of 40% to 50% of what an item
is sold for. The one I belong to charges 33 1/3%. Most commercial galleries
provide the wine, cheese, crackers for the opening and provide the publicity.
You usually must agree not to exhibit the same work within the area for a
reasonable period of time (e.g., 6 months), and not to offer it for sale
at a lower price than in the gallery for the same interval.
My local gallery is cheaper because the exhibitor (with a one-person show)
is expected to provide his or her own publicity. It is best to have a written
agreement with the gallery before you exhibit to guard against unpleasant
surprises.
--
Jean-David Beyer
Shrewsbury, New Jersey
GMROWLANDS
I have been happy to sell my photos direct for 40 to 70 UK pounds ($100),
mounted only no frame, and have had so much pleasure in selling my work to
someone who is prepared to pay for it. If demand becomes significant you
can control it by raising prices, but don't kill the pleasure that's
available. Size isn't too important as costs are relatively small.
Gaz
Great Britain
XSp1der0
In article <34573BCA...@exit109.com>, Jean-David Beyer
<jdb...@exit109.com> writes:
>Kat Zody wrote:
>>
>> I have finally got the nerve to show my photos at a local gallery ( small
>amout
>> of my work about 4-5 pieces). Can anyone give me advice on what worked for
>> them in setting prices ( i realize I like my stuff better than the average
>> citizen but I was wondering what is reasonable or is there a RULE of
>Thumb!!!)
>
>
As a fine art photographer, I would advise setting the prices of your work
according to your own opinion of it. Without sounding arrogant, I do hold
a lot of my work in high regard, especially for my age. So, when something
comes along that I am extremely proud of, I use a combination of their
offer and my stubborness to set the price. And, if it's just a hobby, take
what you can get.
Oryn