I have an upcoming exhibition this August. It is held over a period of 2 days in my local village hall. I had a similar exhibtion in 2007 in which I made a good profit. This year the exhibition is entirely self financed (I was unable to find sponsorship) and considerably more expensive than the last (I am having 40 images framed at a cost of approximately £1200 ($2000).
So, particularly given the current economic situation I really need to get people through the doors. I am open to any and all ideas for promoting the event, but perhaps slightly more specific than just a list of things.
Web promotion for example is something I really have no clue about.
Good luck on your show Alex. Its a tough market right now in the states at least but the gallery I show in is still standing. The gallery sends out images to all the local newspapers in the area and the papers have almost always printed them with a few words about the show. This is great free advertising. Most papers have a calendar section or "hot dates" section where they will showcase local events and appreciate the images. I also send out postcards to everyone that has ever bought a print and the gallery uses its mailing list as well. Many businesses will put up a poster for you if its well done in the front window.
I'm running the event myself, so the promotion and organisation is down to me
Just followed up on the poster and paper idea this morning. Hopefully the local paper will do an article (they were very reluctant though, which was a shame) and posters are now in several shop windows in town.
The mailing list idea is also a good one.
I know the economic climate is tough, but I do know some local photogrpahers who have made a sucess lately so we shall see.
Stunning images, Alex. People through the doors is one thing, but people with money is another. Think of local businesses or more wealthy people in the area with disposable income and let that circle of people know what you're planning. Good luck!
Let us know how it comes out! I applaud your efforts. I'd like to know more about it and how it turned out.
Hopefully with excellent results! The work is definitely worth it!
Where are your consumers? What are their other interests? Do they participate in things like Facebook and Twitter? Arre there restaurants or stores they frequent?
Know your consumer and know their other interests. After that it's easy.
Thank you for the advice. I would have to say that I know my consumer, but their interests are varied, its not like I am a equiestrian photographer who knows that their target audience are upper class poeple who like to ride horses....I have sold previously to poor farmers and rich executives alike, really its quite a broad range.
You need to meet local gallery owners who may hand out postcards for you to clients they already have. Visit local newspapers with photo CD ready to print, usually in the around town or art section. 60 days ago you should have done a interview with local magazines, maybe next time. Team up with a BIG charity and offer donation of sales. They have good supporters and mailing list.
Unfortunately at the time the magazines were finalising their August issue, I was sitting finals for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, so that was something I really couldn't do. I have been to the local galleries, only one will help promote the exhibition, and that is the one I had my frames done at! Thanks for the suggestions though, definitely good ones.
As for the charity idea, that is an interesting one. I dont know if realistically charities really work like that in rural Devon, but certainly something to consider for the future
