How To Sell Your Images In Galleries

June 25, 2017

Cover Photo Taken by Ballet Zaida

Getting into a gallery is a goal and dream of many photographers as it manifests the confidence in their skill as both – the photographer and the artist. Of course, exhibiting your work at the gallery is not the only way to sell photos. Yet it is one of the most satisfying and prestigious ones!

Even if it is a shared gallery, you will still get a good amount of wall space to present your collection, have it hung on the wall and nicely framed; your name will be labeled on each exhibit and if luck permits, the red dot will be pierced on the side indicating that this work is sold.

Photo from Fahey/Klein Gallery

RIGHT GALLERY FOR RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHERS

Applying to have your work presented at the gallery might seem quite intimidating as it seems to be fairly forbidding place. Spacious minimalistic rooms with large prints appear to be only accessible by certain established artists with already gained reputation, the name and the following behind them.

For the most part, that’s fairly true.

Gallery owners prefer to choose the work not only of the good quality but also based on artist’s reputation. They have to make sure that the images they put on their walls sell — so they have to choose carefully, minimizing the risk of lost income.

This means that access to galleries is very competitive. That said, photographers with the right talent and the right portfolio can still get their foot in the door and their images on the walls.

Depending on the location of the gallery and owner’s preferences there are certain types of images that certain galleries prefer.

Whatever your type of photography, you should be able to find a gallery out there somewhere that matches it. Your local galleries would be good places to browse for starters, but if you can’t find anything locally that matches your photography, look further afield.

Do not follow the trend of galleries before following your own taste.

Shoot the images that excite you, and when you find a gallery open to exhibiting them, listen to the advice they provide about creating images within that niche that are most likely to sell.

Photo From Annenberg Photography Space

IT IS TIME TO APPROACH

Starting with no experience might be tough. At this stage you cannot approach big name galleries without getting a denial. Instead, have a practice of putting up your shows in local restaurants and cafes. Organizing your own exhibitions — and inviting local gallery owners — can also help to put you in touch with the people that matter and show them your images.

Once you have mastered your local exhibitions, it is time to shoot big.

Create a resume and Artist’s Statement

Galleries will also often demand resumes and artist’s statements. The resume you show a gallery owner isn’t the same as the resume you’d show the HR department of a computer company. It’s intended to show the gallery owner that even if you’re an emerging photographer rather than an established one, you are at least on the way to becoming established. So it should include any shows you’ve already held — even if they weren’t held at major galleries or were held with other artists — and any prizes and awards you might have won.

Your artist’s statement should be easier. This simply describes the sort of work you produce and explains why you choose to produce it. It helps the gallery owner to understand exactly what you’re offering.

Create a Portfolio

And, of course, you’ll need an impressive and well-organized portfolio of images that shows the sort of art you’d like the gallery to exhibit.

Next, visit local galleries and make appointments with those that look promising.

To persuade a gallery owner that you are indeed a good bet, there are a number of things you can do:

Read the Rules

Most galleries these days have Web sites where they describe how they want artists to approach them. Make sure you read those submission requirements and stick to them. Few things are likely to irritate a gallery owner more — and cut short the meeting — than someone who visits unprepared to show their work.

Make an Appointment

As you look at the submission requirements for different galleries, you should find that they vary at least slightly from gallery to gallery. One requirement that turns up frequently, though — and it’s one that many photographers tend to ignore — is the need to make an appointment. Few galleries appreciate walk-ins. Call ahead and make an appointment so that the gallery owner knows what to expect.

Photo From The G2 Gallery

YOUR WORTH AND THEIR PRICE

Getting accepted into the gallery walls means much more than just selling your work. You will receive a good share of guidance, career advice and pricing strategies that will make you not only a photographer that takes beautiful pictures but the photographer who can sell it.

Undoubtedly, good galleries charge as high as 50% of your pay for the services they provide. While it might seem unfair and super pricey, in a long run you will benefit from reputation, freedom and financial dividends that your gallery will bring.

It is time to sell.

by Wrong Ron

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios
N.Y.C Studios
Chicago Studios

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Rent Studio

starting from $24.99 _{/ hour}

Lights
Modifiers
C-Stands
V-Flats
Wi-Fi
MUA Station

BOOK ONLINE

Choose Your Date:

Booking is more than a year from now
Start At:
Finish At:

Overnight Booking

Where:

Check Availability

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging

Clients Review

Kokodaw EYEAMshooter Photography

My first time here and had a ball. Great experience. Beautiful view! Perfect natural lighting and had use of equipment. Great ...

Steven Pressler Website

Really enjoy using the new studios. Great natural light and the studio is well equipped with everything I would need to shoot f...

David DavidXPhotography

Used FD Studios for first time- great experience. I forgot my triggers- no problem, I was able to borrow some. Alex was a cool g...

Petr Green Volga Verdi

Used FD multiple times for photo shoots for Volga Verdi clothing line – the results are amazing! Great rates, convenient locatio...

Yuriy LightWriter.org

I love FD studio. This place is like a home to me :). I use this studio a lot to shoot portraits, engagements, fashion and artwor...

Julia Shema CreativeSwirls

We did shooting of our products at FDPhotostudio. Reasonable price, great service and convenient location compare to other places...

Maryna Rybalka MarinaRybalka.com

This was my first experience of working in a professional photo studio. To tell you the truth, I didn’t quite know how to set th...

Steven Pressler

First time using the studio and I must say the experience was terrific. Alex was great to work with and could not be any nicer. Th...

Anonym

Toba was fantastic to deal with throughout. From our first call to the point when we had wrapped out - she was great. Thank you...

Anonym

The lady at the front desk helped me with setting up the light. I had a few questions and was humble in response. Definitely comin...

Anonym

Great staff, easy to work with and very helpful.

Anonym

Just great location and very chill!

Mj L. Glendale, CA

I actually haven't rented studio space here yet, but I felt like I should write a review based on the customer service I've experi...

Steven A. Studio City, CA

I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent. The studios are cl...

Product D. Los Angeles, CA

Great place!

Ilia K. Los Angeles, CA

It's BEST place to implement any ideas for photo and video shooting. The location inspires to create unique work. Thank you guys f...

Lana K. Los Angeles, CA

I had a superb experience with FD Photostudio. I had no problems reserving the studio, confirming it and shooting there! The staff...

Lida K. Glendale, CA

Having shot at FD Photo Studio for about 5 times, I can't help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA. It is really ...

Andrey K. Los Angeles, CA

The best studio in town no doubt, lots of space plus latest equipment, strongly recommend!

Alex B. Los Angeles, CA

Great place! Been there for a few times and will definitely shoot more up there!

Guys who work there are cool and the ...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

Update, I posted some snap shots of studio C. Seriously quick snap shots but you get the idea! I would love to keep the studio as...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

I shot here a few times and have been happy each time. The staff have been more than helpful and accommodating. Parking is easy...

Hunter J. El Segundo, CA

Shot at FD Photo Studio last week and it was a pleasure shooting there. They have a full bathroom with shower for models, alien...

Mrs G. Los Angeles, CA

This is a straight-forward studio, and works great as that. The space is very customizable. I have shot in Studio B, and am ren...

Kendall G. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

This studio is so dope! Great natural lighting and really cool space. They have good portions where to get ready for hair and m...

Carlo P. Los Angeles, CA

Stage A has great natural light and the all white paint makes for nice high key indoor window light shots. Great for quick small-s...

Serg I. Lakeside, CA

Awesome place and very good rates. Alex is always helpful . That's my first time at the new location and it's just perfect, lar...

Kris R. Los Angeles, CA

I love this place! Such an inspiring and versatile studio! Great atmosphere and amazing people working there! So friendly and h...

Yulia Los Angeles, CA

I've shot at FD Photo Studio several times. The place is huge with 3 different spacious studios. I've honestly had the best exper...

Gerardo M. Orange, CA

After seven months of doing nothing I decided to do some review of what I learned in lighting and rented the studio for a while. V...

Mo H. Los Angeles, CA

Great place. the set up, the rooftop access is a wonderful plus and the rates are great.

Anonym

Everyone was so nice working there. The płace was fantastic and price was amazing. Very happy

Anonym

Such a great studio to shoot , Studio A is really amazing with large windows to allow in natural sun light, and enough room for...

Frank Ross FrankRossPhotography.com

Love the natural lighting. Great place to shoot. Nice friendly staff.

Chad Hill ChadHillPhoto.com

LOVE this studio! SHOOT HERE!! I ll be in to shoot tomorrow for the 2nd time this week. Grateful!

Anonym

It was great. Wish we booked more time. Definitely coming back!

Anonym

Very friendly! Love this studio.

Peter Green on Google+

Used the studio multiple times for various projects, mostly for my product photography. They have the mannequins, steamer and a...

Anonym

Gorgeous space, and another WINNER WINNER headshot session! I really love bringing clients to your space

Anonym

The staff was great. Super friendly and helpful. The space is also perfect, with plenty of natural light.

Ghamal

Wonderful customer service... Always a pleasure shooting there. No issues except I wish that
someone would be available ...

Leslie Leslie Rockitter Photography

I shot here for the very first time yesterday. Great location, great light, great studio!!! Everything you need is there. Th...

Christopher Barber

Toma at FD Photo Studio worked as our photo assitant during our shoot -- she is very knowledgeable and helpful! All facilities ...

Gen Levy Gen Levy Photography

You can tell by the lack of space in their schedules that FD Photo Studio is starting to catch on as the go-to hourly rental. Easy...

Liomir Martinez Fabulous People

We recently shot our Fall 15 Product Look Book and could not be happier or more pleased with our overall experience at FD Photo St...

David Waters MojoCinematic

Thanks for a great video shoot. The staff was always there and very helpful. We will be booking FD Studios again soon, THANKS!!

Glen Gante Mister G Photography

Great studio spaces and value! I chose FD Photo Studios for my shoots on my recent trip to LA from Sydney Australia. Pro Studio I...

Madhvi Madhvi Patel Studio

This place is amazing! The staff is really helpful and the place is very clean and ready to go when you arrive. For this rate, I w...

Lisa cc Studios

Our first experience with FD Studio was pretty amazing. From the helpful, really nice staff to the space itself, for the price is ...

Erick Robinson Erick Robinson Photography

Amazing space, very helpful staff. I will always continue to bring business to this studio.

Jenna Fox Real Fiction

I am the manager of a rock band in SoCal called Real Fiction. We were in need of a location to film their music video on a tight b...

Lorenzo lorenzobelmontephotos

Love the atmosphere. Great natural lighting...plus the rates are very reasonable. A+++ all around. I will be shooting there again.

Gia Unera GUD Apparel

Love this awesome studio Art 3! Will be back for more photoshoot for my next season designs for Summer 2017. Thanks FD Studio!

Ali LeRoi

I love shooting at FD. The staff is great and the booking system is seamless and efficient. Great space and great light if you ant...

MarcM

Anytime I"m visiting LA, FD is always my go to. Great studio space, easy to access and friendly staff.

Mark W. Whitaker Foto

Great place I just shot at Hill St. Studio 2 today and lots of Natural light plus 3 Alien Bee Strobes. Really clean and super clos...

Christian

I love FD studio because of their staff and of course their bright natural lighting. I also love the wooden background for art 1 a...

Eric B. Social Finger Imagery

I love shooting on several of the stages this studio has to offer. The staff all have outstanding personalities and are very helpf...

Mua Sherry O Make up Artist

This was an amazing collaboration with lovely models and great photographers. I worked with this Model creating a look that compli...

Erin Marie Miller

This is my go-to studio when I shoot. I absolutely love the gorgeous sets, the lighting equipment is always in great shape and rel...

Dez

Awesome place! The location we filmed at worked perfectly. Victor was a blast. Super helpful and friendly. I will definitely book ...

Rachel Taylor Jewel Badgley Mischka

We had a great experience LOVED shooting there!! Staff was fantastic as was the location. Ease of use and exactly what was pictu...

James Wilson JRW Photography

I've used FD Studios Several times & every time I go, I'm always leaving satisfied. Keep up with the amazing stages! I hear you ma...

See All Studio Reviews

How To Sell Your Images In Galleries

RIGHT GALLERY FOR RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHERS

IT IS TIME TO APPROACH

YOUR WORTH AND THEIR PRICE

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Chicago Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?