 Elizabeth Swain |
Gallery Wrap, Canvas Wrap, Dry Mount... So many options... What are the differences between all the varied options in presenting larger scale images (11x17 and larger) in a small shop or venue? Which are more "pleasing" to the general public's eye? "Fad" vs tasteful? "Take home and hang" vs. prints? The customer has to frame? Gallery wrap, dry mount, canvas wrap, Gator board, laminate, aluminum, foam core behind glass, canvas board, standout mounting, thin mount, floating ... you get the jist. Thank you once again, Liz
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I'd say there's no one single answer, given that huge list of presentation options. If you're preparing prints with the hope of selling some of them (i.e., you don't have set customers already expecting to buy something specific from you), then I probably wouldn't risk the more expensive options until you know your customer base. If you're stocking up prints for a single show, you should perhaps check with the show coordinators for input as well... If this is to stock up your own supply of "potential sales stock" for use/display at recurring art shows/etc., you should probably familiarize yourself with each of those options - see how they affect your images, which images are suited to which options (i.e., a canvas option might work for an image, but the aluminum print would look terrible). And then perhaps if you wanted to go so far, have a sample of each for display, and offer custom orders as needed. I don't think (as a member of the public) that I have 1 set choice if I'm looking to buy an art print. Aluminum might be trendy, but some images simply look astonishing on aluminum, and I wouldn't want any other format. A "painterly effect" photo on canvas is almost a given sometimes. Though I suspect many sellers of photography (in shows, etc.) probably do the bulk of their cash-and-carry in paper prints?
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Elizabeth Swain |
Thank you for taking the time to address my question. I have been asked to show some of my macro work in an artisian gallery/shop and also in a nearby salon. (I know sounds silly)! I was primarily an artist but found that after I got my camera, I was more passionate about this than anything prior. Everything before was ,me learning others ways and honing them to my own. Now I've got my own style and people want to see them. I asked about so many because I thought it would offer more suggestions. I merely want to know an easy way to present my images in such a way that a varied type of customer would appreciate them. Most of what I've done is macro, close up and not always about flowers.. You could say it is very outside the box-abstract.. Thank you again for being honest. Maybe I'll get a few other thoughts too. Liz
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Bruce A. Dart |
Liz. To say that there are many answers is correct and perhaps a bit of an understatement. And when I asked that question years ago of my colleagues (and after 35 years in business we still compare notes and still, sometimes, don't have definitive answers) I was expecting an answer that would undoubtedly solve my dilemma. I was frustrated to realize that ultimately, no matter how good the advice, that I still had to make the ultimate choice! Paper prints, by themselves, are great for smaller sizes. Larger prints, 11x14 and larger, usually require mounting to artboard to keep them from buckling in the frame. Can you get away sometimes by not doing this? Of course. But to be sure your work is not looking less than it can be a month or two from now, consider mounting it to artboard. I use double weight. Many use single weight and it works OK. I just prefer the added assurance that it will hold. Years ago I made a decision, along with one of my professional friends, to only use acid free mats instead of paper mats on photographs and any artwork of value. While they are much better than the past, paper mats may eventually eat into the work itself and turn it brownish. If you have ever seen old works (before anyone came up with Ph balance) where the original was turning dark near the mat, this is what causes it. That is just a side note. Taking away part of the paper backing and adhering that to canvas and then to heavy board or a stretcher frame, allows the canvas texture to come through and, with a lacquer finish, can look much more like a painting type of artwork. Now a "gallery wrap" takes that and wraps around the edges so that becomes a presentation on its own. And, my lab and many others are now offering a "floating frame" which goes around the gallery wrap for another look. As Christopher mentioned, prints on metal or even with metallic paper are another hot new look. The each, of course, have different price tags! Selling framed art, including photos, depends on the market but often folks won't pay what things are really worth and photographers compensate by lowering their prices. Who loses here? Generally, many people will pay for quality and if you display your work with quality frames the perceived value of your work goes up. It just may take a while before you sell one or a lot. So much depends on the market, your work and sometimes which way the wind is blowing. Sometimes there is no logical reason why one thing works and another doesn't. You just have to be out there with your work. As the legendary hockey player Wayne Gretsky says, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!" Good luck.
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Elizabeth Swain |
Bruce, your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated. You should consider teaching or writing as you explanations are so clear and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to respond, liz
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Bruce A. Dart |
Thanks Liz. LOL. I hAVE taught photography classes for several decades (more than I care to count). Being in business for a long time and dealing with these issues is also a factor. One of my friends shared an item which I think is very appropriate: in this photographic journey up the mountain of knowledge, we all started at the bottom, so to speak. Those who are further along have an obligation to come back down a bit and help those on the trail who have not journeyed as far! I love that advice and we would all do well to practice it. More than 3 decades of seminars have also proved the value in professional organizations and clubs offering information along the way. Both are invaluable.
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