Pimping myself or expanding my horizons?
Jun 10, 2019 20:31:22 #
SWFeral
Loc: SWNM
You can tell by my title that I'm uncomfortable with this, so I'd like your take on it. A downtown gallery owner has been generous enough to display my photo cards, and some have even sold. But she's really picky about my photography. Granted, she should know what will sell, but sometimes I have to question her judgement. She says nobody will buy black and white photos, yet at my grooming shop, where I have a rack of my cards, people do. She doesn't want anything too dark, doesn't like my patterns-in-nature shots, wants everything real contrasty.
So lately I've been way overcooking my images to get a different look that will please the gallery owner. Maybe she's right, and the photos will jump out more, get folks' attention. Certain images I actually like better processed the new way, especially those that had crummy lighting, (like the first) but for the most part I find them a bit unnatural. Let me know what you think, and thanks.
So lately I've been way overcooking my images to get a different look that will please the gallery owner. Maybe she's right, and the photos will jump out more, get folks' attention. Certain images I actually like better processed the new way, especially those that had crummy lighting, (like the first) but for the most part I find them a bit unnatural. Let me know what you think, and thanks.
Jun 10, 2019 20:44:16 #
Be true to thine self, or something like that. Your art is yours and you are the one to please. The few trinkets that you get from the sales will not be worth it if you feel they are not your best.
Jun 10, 2019 20:45:03 #
I'll guess she knows what sells in her gallery, you know what sells in your shop.
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
Jun 10, 2019 20:54:00 #
bleirer wrote:
Be true to thine self, or something like that. Your art is yours and you are the one to please. The few trinkets that you get from the sales will not be worth it if you feel they are not your best.
Jun 10, 2019 20:56:32 #
Cany143
Loc: SE Utah
Each of these you've posted look unnecessarily bleak/contrasty to me, and I wouldn't buy any of them. Having seen what you've posted of your 'normal' work, however, I'd question the (supposed) 'taste' of the gallery owner. Who seems unusually deficient in the 'taste' department.
Worked out of a gallery (back east, in a high volume/tourist venue) for some years. I never supplied them with anything I wasn't personally comfortable with. Regardless their 'preferences.'
The choice is yours though, not mine.
Worked out of a gallery (back east, in a high volume/tourist venue) for some years. I never supplied them with anything I wasn't personally comfortable with. Regardless their 'preferences.'
The choice is yours though, not mine.
Jun 10, 2019 20:57:49 #
These have a nice contemporary look, to an old-school photographer, they do look slightly "over-processed" but I like them.
But BW or softer could be great, too— just in a different store!
But BW or softer could be great, too— just in a different store!
Jun 10, 2019 20:58:49 #
Make them to please yourself, especially if your name is on them. I think I would like your versions of the above better.
Jun 10, 2019 21:20:13 #
Jun 10, 2019 21:23:09 #
I have a problem putting my name on something I don't like. But then, I don't like to have someone tell me how to print my work. I probably would choose not to sell in that gallery. Your choice, of course.
Jun 10, 2019 21:26:38 #
Develop your style and stick with it. Find the people that like your work and sell to them.
Jun 10, 2019 21:27:25 #
SWFeral wrote:
You can tell by my title that I'm uncomfortable wi... (show quote)
...push yourself...go with what the client is looking for but add your personal touch...it’s a very modern look that would work well with the urban home styles they are showing today...this is two of the photo prints being sold at Pottery Barn...
Jun 10, 2019 21:39:42 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
The photos look overdone to me, but art is an individual taste as are the choices you face.
Jun 10, 2019 21:55:59 #
SWFeral
Loc: SWNM
bleirer wrote:
Be true to thine self, or something like that. Your art is yours and you are the one to please. The few trinkets that you get from the sales will not be worth it if you feel they are not your best.
I'm not sure my standards are that high; the little bit I've made does feel good, and helps me to buy more card stock. But I think I'd feel better if the cards sold looking like MY work. Thank you.
Jun 10, 2019 21:56:58 #
Retailers choose products they can sell - clientele vary considerably from outlet to outlet. Profits are necessary ( yours and theirs) - your choices are to deliver products that the retailer can sell, of your current style, or a modified one, or to forgo the income. From a pure marketing standpoint, viable, successful products rule. Always your choice as to what you present. Lots of things in life involve compromise - in some cases acceptable, others out of the question. You decide, always!
Jun 10, 2019 21:58:10 #
SWFeral
Loc: SWNM
Longshadow wrote:
I'll guess she knows what sells in her gallery, you know what sells in your shop.
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
Funny, I've actually considered a third venue, but haven't approached the owner. I'll only go so far to please this woman. She wants me to wander around town and take postcard-style photos, to which I say No. Someone else can do that.
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