San Diego Photography: The Show Must Go On

I know it’s been awhile, since I’ve written and I have been looking for this blog for quite some time, with no luck. So, instead of searching through 3 computers, my Internet Backup, an external hard drive, and 5 flash drives; I decided to revisit my notes and start, from scratch. A few months ago I had my first gallery opening, thus the blog title: San Diego Photography: The Show Must Go One.

A few months ago, I finally had my very own show, for my landscape HDR Photography, at the Escondido Municipal Art Gallery. Well, that’s not entirely true. I shared the show with my good friend and colleague of mine, Ted Snoddy. I must say that I was a little overwhelmed, because let’s face it; a lot goes into a show. It’s not just sending out post cards with a date and calling it a day. Here are some additional items, if you’re contemplating the idea:

Create a mailing list. Unless you have a thousand friends, along with they’re mailing address; you might want to ask the gallery, if you can have access to their mailing address.

Send out postcards. Take your time on this one and create a one of a kind postcard to entice the people on your mailing address. (**Note: Don’t forget the postage. **)

Food/Snack. For most shows snacks are acceptable, decide on what type of food theme you are going with. Keep in mind not everyone can eat everything. Oh, and let’s not forget the liquids to go with those snacks. If you are serving alcohol, have someone bartend, for you so you can mingle.

Arrange music/musicians. If you’ve decided to have live music, you may wish to make arrangements to have someone to play, just keep in mind that not everyone shares your taste in music.

Patch and paint walls. Before hanging your pieces of art, you may have to do some patching and painting to make the area nice for yourself; unless the people at the gallery will do it for you.

Hang art. I did not know there was a formula for hanging art. You take the height of the pictures, subtract the distance for the wire and add 56 inches. Well, something like that. You want to make sure all your pictures are hung at an even height.

Coordinate people. This can be tricky, because let’s face it people can be flaky. So, unless you are paying them, make sure you have plenty of help.

Set up tables. This is required, if you are having any type of refreshments, snacks, guest books, or auction. Make sure to place tables against walls; unless you are having them manned.

Planning your own show is just like planning a wedding, but a little less hectic. Give yourself plenty of time and always have a backup plan just in case. You never know when your key person may have to cancel and leave you hanging. Remember my motto, be prepared.

I hope I have not bored you too much. I had a lot of fun writing this one like all of my blogs. I trust I have given you some valuable tips to think about, before planning your next shoot. It’s not all bad, just be clear and informative, it will save you a lot of headaches. Remember nothing is set in stone and there is not a perfect formula, so go out and have some fun.