Being a Gallery Photograper

[Mike Photo]

I'm interested in doing more gallery shows, but all the ones ive done so far were because I was approached by the gallery. Also im not sure if there are any people out there making a living doing gallery shows... well sellin prints at gallery shows. Im more interested in showing a few series Ive been working on, and enjoy the whole gallery experience so I guess im just looking for more info on how to approach gelleries and getting shows booked. Aswell as any info on gallery shows from any experienced artists.
Mike Photo

[chtgrubbs]

The best way is to simply take some of the images around and show them to the galleries, and see who is interested. If galleries have been approaching you, then obviously you have a talent. Get out there and sell yourself!

[R Hardman]

Some galleries like the one I'm with allow "members" to show a certain number of art works per month. Judged contests are held through-out the year with closed (members only) or open to anyone (great way to get the foot in). For a "show", that requires at least one-two years advance booking due to scheduling and inclusion into brochures for the upcoming year. Also be prepared to be able to display 20-30 different framed pieces of different sizes for shows. That can get expensive for gallery style framing. Membership fees were 30 bucks for my wife and I. It is a great way to not only sell your work but to also support the local art community since the gallery may take a flat rate or percentage of that sale. Also local artists do have a way of "networking" and opening up other doors.

[floydianslip6]

I'm currently doing this right now. The best way to go about it is to do some research and find some galleries in your area. Then VISIT them, make sure your work is appropriate for the gallery, in other words don't pitch photography to a gallery that deals in paintings and furnature...

Let the people at the gallery know who you are and say that you're interested in showing work there and what their process for review is. Often times more and more galleries will review work via email so if you have a website or something. DON'T just send them one picture and don't show up to the gallery with work.

A lot of galleries still only accept portfolios by mail, so mail them:
a CD or slides of your work
a cover letter
an artists bio[resume] (include the shows you've been in)
an artists statement (whats your series about?)
and a self addressed stamped envelope so they can return your materials to you

Generally galleries receive tons of these everyday, that's why I like to go in first and make contact, send them an email with my website and have them request the packet if they're interested. Otherwise your packet goes to the bottom of a very messy large stack.

By doing it this way you will have an advantage since galleries get flooded with submissions that if someone had just visited would have known not to send. By making first contact and letting them know you're visiting they will know you aren't going to waste their time (I like to say that to them).

Good luck with everything! Unfortunately the only way to make it as a gallery photographer is to get out there and meet people and push your work, but its a lot of fun!