bvawood
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 6:56 AM
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Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Shows want to see the full body of your work, and since
3-5 pictures of your work and a booth shot can't do this lets try something new.
First drop the booth shot. They can be "fixed" and in my opinion are not relevant. The rules of the show can address what a show wants or does not want in your display. For example, bins, tent color, height, weights etc.
To solve the problem of your price points. If a show asks for this information, then they should require you to submit pictures from your lowest priced work to your highest priced work, and some in between your stated high low price points.
I would think 10 pictures would show the full body of your work. The show would have a better idea of your work and I believe the artist would feel better at being judged for their work and not their display.
So in summary. Drop the booth shot and increase individual piece shots to 10.
Let the debate begin.
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Larry Berman
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 7:56 AM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Do you get my monthly newsletter I sent it out on Wednesday this past week. One of the things I wrote about was a recent e-mail from St Louis that they now want to see your complete price range represented in your jury images.
And started last year, the booth needs to be an outdoor booth picture.
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 8:32 AM
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Re: [Larry Berman] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Yes, I get your news letter and thank you. This in part started me on this posting along with my general frustration of the show application process in general.
I was one of those that got a call last year about my tent not showing at the Saint Louis show. It is so sad when all the focus is on weather you have an outdoor display and not on your work.
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"Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem."
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 8:54 AM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I respectfully disagree with dropping the booth shot. I think the booth shot is very important.
Where we agree is, I think bunch of picky rules as to how it be shot are totally unnecessary. What you got called on (ie we can see your tent) is plain stupid on the show's part.
The booth shot gives shows another tool to look at artist's work. Anyone, including importers, buy/sell, production artists can come up with 4-5 great images of their work. But the rub comes in for those cheaters at the booth shot.
It gives shows another tool to protect real artists and enforce their rules from those who will cheat.
Carla
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(This post was edited by CM Fox on Jan 29, 2011, 8:57 AM)
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Michael K
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 8:58 AM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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It is an interesting debate. Along with several other artists I know, we have been advocating this 10 image idea for some time, along with a more collegial jury process. I was prepared for the resistance from the shows, more time to jury being the biggest obstacle, but not prepared for resistance from other artists. Cited were the need to prepare so many images, the expense of photography, etc, but also the opinion that everything you ned to know can be determined in a short time with only a three or four images. The fairest common jury which I am aware of is Lakefront, with five images, no booth. I am a proponent of the booth slide, primarily for scale. All the stuff about, outside, all of what you intend to sell, etc, is overboard in my opinion.
Shows want to see the full body of your work, and since
3-5 pictures of your work and a booth shot can't do this lets try something new.
First drop the booth shot. They can be "fixed" and in my opinion are not relevant. The rules of the show can address what a show wants or does not want in your display. For example, bins, tent color, height, weights etc.
To solve the problem of your price points. If a show asks for this information, then they should require you to submit pictures from your lowest priced work to your highest priced work, and some in between your stated high low price points.
I would think 10 pictures would show the full body of your work. The show would have a better idea of your work and I believe the artist would feel better at being judged for their work and not their display.
So in summary. Drop the booth shot and increase individual piece shots to 10.
Let the debate begin.
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 9:52 AM
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Re: [Michael K] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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MIchael K:
You are flippin' crazy with the idea of 10 images. And I say that with all respect and care. 
As an artist I would want to shoot myself...if I had to prepare that many pieces/images. As a show director who has sat thru a jurying of 450 artists I can tell you it would be a BLUR to the jurors. It's simply too much to look at and take in.
As to the anal-retentive rule ridden booth images some shows are requiring, we are in agreement...its garbage. Let it go.
Carla]
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(This post was edited by CM Fox on Jan 29, 2011, 10:05 AM)
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eggatha
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 3:12 PM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Many shows now ask that you represent your full body of work - and your whole price range. Problem is, they don't even make an attempt to enforce it, so, in my opinion, if you actually did it, you would be at a big disadvantage. These same shows also want you to show direction - everything somewhat the same. You just can't possibly do it all.
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Michael K
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 4:00 PM
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Re: [CM Fox] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I hear you Carla, and maybe it is a case of our different categories, but for me, there would be little difference. I photographed all my work, and rarely knew which would provide the best jury image until I saw it projected. Not only could I, but I would love to submit 10 images
I agree with Eggatha. If the show wants to see all of my price range, my breadth of work, etc., and I am allowed 3 or 4 images to provide that....well...and all respect here too...that's ridiculous. I think the whole jury process has become inadequate to battle time restraints, resource restraints, and many of these new rules are in place to battle the scofflaws, while meanwhile the artists who actually have nothing to hide are penalized by the process.
I used to have a small bin attached to my booth panel in which I placed small paintings, but it read very poorly in my booth slide. I finally removed it in my booth slide. It was a distraction. While the jurors were trying to figure out what it was and what I was exhibiting in it, they were missing my work...in the few seconds that they were on the screen.
I'm sure none of this will change, but nevertheless, I like to voice the insult that many artists and their work receive with such a minimal viewing as most of the present jury processes provide.
I have gotten tired over the years of hearing all the complaints about who got into the show, or the quality being poor, buy/sell, and rule enforcement by both artists and show directors, but what would seem to go along way toward solving the problem is easily rejected.
Of course my observations are not aimed at you, you just cracked the door open.
MIchael K: You are flippin' crazy with the idea of 10 images. And I say that with all respect and care. As an artist I would want to shoot myself...if I had to prepare that many pieces/images. As a show director who has sat thru a jurying of 450 artists I can tell you it would be a BLUR to the jurors. It's simply too much to look at and take in. As to the anal-retentive rule ridden booth images some shows are requiring, we are in agreement...its garbage. Let it go. Carla] |
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 4:10 PM
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Re: [CM Fox] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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MIchael K:
You are flippin' crazy with the idea of 10 images. And I say that with all respect and care.
Then I guess both Michael and I are flippin' crazy. This was also my suggestion in the original post.
I remember when people thought the world would end applying with digital images.
I think the jury process will slow down very little if any at all, and if it does then the shows will have to manage---remember our jury fees of $30-$50 should allow us a couple more seconds. But................they would see a much more complete body of work, from little to big, from low priced to high priced. For most artists this can not be done with 3-5 images.
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"Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem."
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 29, 2011, 4:14 PM
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Re: [Michael K] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I was prepared for the resistance from the shows, more time to jury being the biggest obstacle, but not prepared for resistance from other artists.
I am not surprised. The most original people on the planet are also the most resistant to change.
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 8:49 AM
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They aren't resistant to change, they just want their personal change. And this debate between Michael you and me is a classic example of the problem of lining up artists behind any one idea. You have a solution, but I think mine is way better.  And so it goes.
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claybird
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 10:19 AM
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Re: [CM Fox] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I have witnessed a major art fair jury in action, and saw that often when it was a tossup between several artists on the bubble, the booth shot was the decider. It amazed me that some artists could submit great professional photos of their individual pieces of work, but a tacky, shabby or overcrowded booth that totally spoiled the impression. I can understand that the show promoters want to have an overall great look with booths like mini art galleries. It made me rethink my booth shot, you can believe!
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 10:36 AM
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Re: [claybird] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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What Claybird said, in caps, many times over.
I am reviewing show apps now. OMG what are some artists thinking? And can they not read the prospectus where is sez NO NAMES must be visible?
Want to improve your acceptance into better shows. Get a decent booth shot.
What is a decent booth shot?...so glad someone asked :
1. In focus
2. Lit well,
3. Uncluttered.
4. Remove or photoshop out your name
5. Get cute kids, your customers, YOURSELF outta the booth shot
6. Show your whole booth....1 wall does not a booth shot make.
7. Crop it down to eliminate the porta potties next to you, neighbor booths, the sky, excessive ground...
8. Stage it a bit...but keep it honest (Ie you can move your bright visa sign and add a nice bouquet.....move your chair outta the photo)
8. Skip the heavy photoshopping of the image. As above keep it real. A booth floating in the air or set in a gorgeous tropical setting only illicits snickers from the jury.)
10.. This is my personal peeve so ignore it if you want. Oriental rugs! are a NO! They are art in themselves and pop off the screen and say LOOK AT ME! Your artwork is lost not enhanced by the rug. Keep the pretty rugs at home.
Yes, you can take it with your point and shot camera (attaching my booth image that I pointed at and shot with a pocket size cheapo camera)
hth
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 12:23 PM
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You have a solution, but I think mine is way better. And so it goes.
A problem exists. It needs to be fixed. The shows are in the driving position but..............without us they would not exist. They would be the driver with out a passenger, destination or a cargo.
If artists on forums such as this one would unit in some way behind a solution, shows would listen. They are certainly reading the same forums we do.
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"Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem."
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 12:26 PM
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Re: [CM Fox] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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This post is not about how to do a correct booth shot. It is about removing the booth shot entirely. Plenty of info is out about how to take a booth shot both here, on other forums and in many books and magazines. Please lets not take this thread down the "how to make a better booth shot road"
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"Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem."
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 12:40 PM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I know, I digressed. So sorry. Good booth shots are on my mind.
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 12:54 PM
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There is huge confusion about the goals, reasons for, requirements of booth shots. I disagree with you about having no booth shots. I think booth shots are very necessary.
But I also have issues with the myriad of competing requirements for booth shots and their purpose.
The solution is as complex as the problem. It needs some clarity. Unfortunately at the last Directors Conference put on by NAIA, one presenter muddied the water further and made artists lives much more difficult regarding what is an acceptable booth shot.
I am suggesting to NAIA that they revisit this issue and add clarity to it, with input from both artists & show directors....(as opposed to just one myopic presenter) so all voices and concerns can be heard, considered, and factored it. Its not MY issue to solve. It is all our issue to solve together.
Some feel NAIA is not the partner to artists to help. I disagree. I think NAIA is precisely the place to meet together to sort these issues out. If not NAIA the who or what else? Should we all just keep bitching about it on artist forums? Where frankly, very few show directors come to artist forums to hear our concerns.
So that is my solution. Let's get together and hash it out.
hth
PS: I know there are some on this forum who really really don't like NAIA for reasons all their own. Can we forego the usual personal attacks on me for liking NAIA and seeing it as a viable option for shows and artists to get together to find common ground. While vitriolic attacks on me for what I say may be good fun to some, I suggest it hijacks the thread, drives the more civil from posting (for fear of a similar attack) and serves no positive purpose other then the amusement of a few. If others feel as I do, I wish they would chime it.
Ah. Offa my soapbox. 
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ScootermyDaisy
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 3:16 PM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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I don't know...
I do think the booth shot can help sift out some of the less professional exhibitors out there. I also think it's a pain in the tuckus to have to keep updating the booth shot every season.
OTOH - I completely agree that it is impossible to showcase the full range of one's work with only 3 to 5 images.
Maybe the whole format (which is still based on the idea of jurors viewing projected slides) should be dropped in favor of video submissions...?
Demonstrate your product and your process in a just few minutes and submit the video. Surely, the professional artists would stand out using this format?
How could a buy/sell exhibitor even begin to compete?
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Larry Berman
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 6:59 PM
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Re: [ScootermyDaisy] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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If you think there are bad looking jury slides out there, wait till you see the really bad videos. I can see shows never being filled with enough exhibitors that can create videos worth watching.
Maybe the whole format (which is still based on the idea of jurors viewing projected slides) should be dropped in favor of video submissions...?
Demonstrate your product and your process in a just few minutes and submit the video. Surely, the professional artists would stand out using this format?
How could a buy/sell exhibitor even begin to compete?
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Larry Berman
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ScootermyDaisy
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 7:06 PM
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If you think there are bad looking jury slides out there, wait till you see the really bad videos. I can see shows never being filled with enough exhibitors that can create videos worth watching.
O true!
But at the same time, video technology is so prevalent...
Amateurs are creating interesting movies just using their cell phones!
Surely - we creative types could do something worth watching.
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CM Fox
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Posted: Jan 30, 2011, 8:28 PM
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Re: [ScootermyDaisy] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Can you imagine jurying a buncha videos?
Can you imagine the howls of protest from artists who must now produce one?
Its a nice idea...sorta....well, maybe not my favorite.
C
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ScootermyDaisy
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Posted: Jan 31, 2011, 5:17 AM
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Re: [CM Fox] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Can you imagine jurying a buncha videos? Can you imagine the howls of protest from artists who must now produce one? Its a nice idea...sorta....well, maybe not my favorite. C
Carla--
I actually agree with you on this. I would be aggravated as all get-out that I would have to produce a video. And yes, there would probably be submissions that were just torment for jurors to have to watch...
BUT
Years ago, a professional artist made a substantial financial investment in his art business in order to show at festivals. And that in itself was a bit of a barrier to any Tom, Dick or Susie who thought they'd try to apply here or there to a show.
But Nowadays, you can drop $200 at Costco for a "Festival Tent" and since digital submissions are so quick and easy - the doors are open for anybody to enter. The inexperienced amateur is on a level playing field with the seasoned professionals. And if you've got a "gimmick" or some corporate backing for a buy/sell product - you may actually have an advantage when it comes to putting together your digital submission.
So requiring an artist demonstration might be that great separator again.
Yes, you've got a fancy 9 megapixel camera to take pictures of those clay jars. But can you demonstrate that you made the jars? And did not just pick them up at the flea market and paint flowers on them?
So a PITA yes -
But we need something to let the professionals stand out again.
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ham4art
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Posted: Jan 31, 2011, 5:25 AM
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"Some feel NAIA is not the partner to artists to help."
as with your own behaviour, it has been clearly demonstrated that dissenting opinions are not allowed (see your ongoing bias and rants about Les Slesnick) - therefore the arguement that NAIA is a viable option for artists is specious as best, insane more likely.
oh and btw - how's that ipad thing working for ya dear? I believe the person who may have gotten some credit for being unbiased in that jury situation has never been given his due in your book. What a shame.... but then the weight of that heavy halo is bound to keep your vision a little askew.
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bvawood
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Posted: Jan 31, 2011, 6:09 AM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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Lets take this in reverse and list the reasons to keep the booth shot.
1.It keeps out buy/sell.
Well, this does not work, I can set up my top notch display with all things from China and call it mine. Individual pictures work best for this
2. It controls the tent color, height, number of print bins, walls extending outside the space.
Well, this does not work. The long list of rules control this along with an inspection for following the rules at the show, with or without a booth shot.
3. Shows scale of work.
Lets see, dimensions on individual shots take care of this. And speaking of this, If I carve a very detailed object, or paint a very detailed picture and it takes me 20 hours to make, does it matter if it is 5 inches tall or 5 feet tall. If it does, then the show should state it is looking for large work or small work. It is sad when “size only matters”
4. It shows the full body of the artists work.
I think this is taken care of with 10 individual shots, from bottom price to top price.
5. This is the industry standard.
I guess that small town, low quality show called the Smithsonian Craft Show is so unsuccessful, because it does not ask for a booth shot.
With time more reasons could be generated and refuted.
I understand the forum is a place for discussion and does not seem to be the place to create change, just don’t know where else to go.
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"Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem."
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ScootermyDaisy
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Posted: Jan 31, 2011, 6:27 AM
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Re: [bvawood] Shows - Drop the booth shot
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bvawood--
Yes, all of your arguments are valid. We KNOW the booth shot does not fix many of the problems and complaints.
The only thing I would argue is as was mentioned earlier - an artist can submit absolutely fantastic photos of their work...and then the booth shot looks like a "garage sale"...shabby with bins and signs and clutter.
Yes, a show could police this by asking an artist to leave the show if their display is not up to snuff - but wouldn't it be nice to have given the space to an artist with a better presentation in the first place?
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