BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Melissa Volker
 

Hanging an Exhibit


Not sure this is the best category for this but:
A local salon wants to hang some photos of mine...odd question:
How should I hang info cards next to the photos (cards where I can put my web address, a price for the photo...)? Are there standard plastic holders and a temporary way to attach them to the walls??


To love this question, log in above
February 17, 2008

 

Pete H
  Melissa,

In my opinion, it is a sales & marketing error to post prices on your work in such a venue. If it were a art fair etc; then yes, I would post prices.

The idea here is to drive them to your web site..get them to look at more...get them to call you.

I do something similar to what you are doing; hanging photos for free in various establishments. I leave customized business cards with the owner to pass out when someone "comments" on the photos.

A salon is not where people buy photos..it is not where they "feel" they should buy photos.

Most sales & marketing gurus fully understand that the "silent salesman" technique just doesn't work. The worst thing a sales person can do is give the client ALL the information..by doing so, you are removing the most important element of the selling process; YOU!


all the best,

Pete


To love this comment, log in above
February 18, 2008

 

Melissa Volker
  Pete:
Fair enough! I wasn't going to but others kept telling me I ought to. But not even an informational thing that says the title of the photo, my name and/or website? Should that just be for a tradtional gallery showing as well?

I also was going to leave cards, so that's good to know. Thanks so much, this is a terrific help!


To love this comment, log in above
February 18, 2008

 

Pete H
  Melissa,

I guess we all have to do our own thing; so I can't say what may work for you will work for me and vice versa.

The advice I gave is not mine alone...many have followed this path in your scenario.

Yes; information about your web site, your name etc are all fine in your salon scenario. (Pricing) a photo in a salon is simply not a generally accepted practice and has proved counterproductive in the sales and marketing world.

When I display my work at someone's place of business, I place a customized business card in the lower right corner of the frame that reads "Compliments of (my biz name) with my web site, ph number, email address. I currently have 90 framed photos hanging in places of business in a 10 mile radius from my home..I rotate the photos about every 3 months or so. Last year I received 230 inqueries via(ph calls...email, web site contacts) from people who saw my work. From the 230 I sold 116. The rest thought my prices were too high.(LOL) Of the ones who did NOT buy a framed photo, 40% hired me for other work or referred me to others. ...another subject perhaps for another time.

This is called SALES & MARKETING...NOT photography.

Now displaying your work at a art fair is another story...You DO want prices shown.

The point here Melissa; which I feel many miss, is that it is NOT about beautiful technically correct photos.
I have harped on this time and again, but for some odd reason, most just don't believe that statement.

Selling photography is 90% business..and it is not easy.

If I may steal a quote I read somewhere, and I DO believe this...

"The business of photography is a way to ruin a perfectly lovely hobby." LOL

I still love photography..But I have to admit; it was more FUN when I was doing it for me.

all the best,

Pete


To love this comment, log in above
February 18, 2008

 

Christopher A. Walrath
  Hi, Melissa. I agree with Pete. You might leave a pricing list with the curator or just have them tell the patrons to contact you or even be present to field any and all questions to this concern. As to contact information, you might prepare fliers to be distributed to patrons upon entering the establishment so that they have a bio and little write ups on the images as they peruse. Just a couple of ideas.

Keep on rollin
Chris


To love this comment, log in above
February 18, 2008

 

Melissa Volker
  Thank you again -- all taken to heart. I agree about marketing (I am a writer as well and it is much the same). The business card in the frame is a good pointer and something I had also wondered about.

I can't thank you both enough for the advice. It's helped tremendously!!


To love this comment, log in above
February 19, 2008

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.