Help: Gallery Prints

[CSebesta]

The General Manager at the golf club I am member has asked me to provide 8 framed prints for a gallery he wants to set up in the Club's Grill area. Obviously they would all be existing shots taken on and around the course, and they would be on consignment. I would be the only photographer.

I don't consider myself a professional, but he really likes my work, so I will likely be giving it a try.

Any help you can provide on how gallery arrangements are normally set up would be appreciated, or common mistakes to avoid.

The area he is talking about is clearly the best spot in the Grill, but it has dark paneling. He intends to put up lighting, and any ideas on that would also be appreciated.

He even seems somewhat willing to share in the framing costs. I feel like maybe I fell into a sweet deal, but never have considered doing anything like this.

Charles

[edpouso]

First thing copyright your work!
Make sure he uses correct lighting, there are compact fluorescent bulbs at the correct color temp.
Black frames and white matts are the way to go.
There are many diffrent hanging systems avalible.
Light impressions is a good place to get this stuff.
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com

You need to figure out print size, vs # of images, vs room size.
I put my price and title on a blank business card.

[Hikin' Mike]

I buy all of my mats, frames etc at Documents.com. I use Nielsen #117 Matte Black and "Fabric White" mat.

[CSebesta]

Thanks for the ideas Ed and Mike!

Are there standard gallery commision rates, like 25 or 30%?

Charles

[edpouso]

Iwill not go over 30% in a real art gallery.
since this is in a club room 0-10% sounds good.
No one will be pushing people to buy your images.
If your work sells very well you can add a bigger commision.

[Hikin' Mike]

I have 2 pieces at a local Christian Bookstore and they get 10%.

[CSebesta]

Thanks again. Two more questions.

I am figuring $60 for printing and framing with double matboards, and was thinking of pricing at $150 for a 9" X 16" print, any comments on pricing?

Also I was thinking about an upgraded archival quality matboards but not the AlphaRag, What level matboard do you guys use? Mike I think what I am considering is similar to Farbic White.

Thanks again for your insight.

Charles

[Hikin' Mike]

I use the pH Neutral Standard "Bainbridge Papermat", single mat. Check my website for my prices.

[bondarnes]

The latest thing is gallery wraps which are hung without a frame. It might just add a little "wow" value.

[CSebesta]

Thanks for all the comments.

Now I just have to figure out the sales tax thing.

Charles