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Photography Question 

Anonymous
 

Displaying Portraits in Public: Any Ideas?


Hello everyone,
As a newer photographer, I am interested in displaying some photos in doctor's offices and smaller boutiques throughout my city. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how to go about doing this. I didn't know if I should write a letter, or call, or if that's even appropriate. I do a lot of portraits - mainly maternity, newborns, children, etc. - and I thought displaying prints would be a great way to get my name out there.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Would I then pay for the prints to be printed, or do I strike a deal with them? I didn't really think it would be appropriate to 'ask' if I could display prints, and then expect them to pay?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Sarah
www.uniquelyyouphoto.com


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August 28, 2005

 

Joan Bellinger
  Hi, Sarah. I am looking at doing the same thing myself. My plan is to start with my own dentist and doctor, and go from there. Also, if you happen to be somewhere and see that others have photography work displayed, make a comment to the employees about how you yourself are a photographer interested in having your work displayed. My thought was always that I would be giving them the photograph in exchange for letting me display and put out my business cards.


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August 28, 2005

 

Liza M. Franco
  Just a thought. Some ob-gyns might let you hang photos in their office as a nice comfort for the pregnant women. Usually, they will let you put some business cards too. Offer to let them hang your work for a certain amount of time. Sometimes you will find that they are up for a change from regular old decor and would like something new.
Explain that you will bring them in framed and that they will have the option to buy them if they like.
Whatever you do, make sure you have signed model releases from your models/subjects. Also, I would get a separate permission form signed by them saying that they agree to you hanging their photo in such a public place. Yes, the model release should cover that, but I like to do a separate permission form just so they understand what my intentions are.
Hope this helps.


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August 28, 2005

 

Jen
  This is funny that you ask this question, because I work at a doctor's office and just a couple days ago, I asked my boss if I could bring in about 20 or so framed photos and hang them around the office. She was thrilled. I am, however, paying for all the enlargements, and frames, but I will have a business card displayed on each and every one of them. It's a great way for people to see your work, and hopefully get more business. Good luck, and have fun!


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August 29, 2005

 

Amy Anderson
  I'm in the process of working this out myself. I just approached my son's pediatrician with the idea, which she fell in love with. After seeing my website and having over half the children as patients, she is eager and willing to let me put photos and frames up in her waiting room and office.
Just remember: It's a favor to you. Let them designate what kinds of frames they would like and where. Even let them direct you in what kinds of photos they'd want to see. Then all costs are at your expense. But be sure that you will get something out of it ... leave lots of business cards and pamphlets.
One big plus for me: She has a child and wants to schedule a session with me. What could be better than her good word of mouth to back up my work?


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August 30, 2005

 

Lili E. Miller
  Hi,
I've collected some magazines and have taped my business card to the front with some wide clear tape leaving the top open. This makes a pocket where I place additional business cards. I also glue a brochure to the inside page.
Doctors' offices have had not problem with me donating my magazines.
Just another(low cost) idea!


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October 25, 2005

 
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