After 10 Years Photographing, My First Print Showcase is Done
Blog by: Russo Mutuc
February 24, 2013 - It's been a few days now, since my photography print showcase, at the Belasco. Up to now, I have clients looking for more prints, and ordering.
On this very night, Thursday, February 21, 2013 was a huge milestone in my photographic journey. This was the very time I had ever printed for a show, and to top it off, it was a huge success. Lots of sold and ordered prints. I can't believe it has been 10 years since I first bought my very first camera (Oylmpus), and since, upgraded to Nikon and Canon. Now, finally, showcasing them in front of a live audience.
I was truly blown away with the overall responses from my work. It was so en lighting to hear remarks, in person, rather than, "LIKES," or, comments on Facebook. I was able to understand what really what connected with people.
I will take you back a month before this event, as I chronicle how I processed this whole thing, from start to finish. Thanks to pre-planning, this has made my night a success.
About a month ago, in January, RAW Artist event holders had invited the artist for a walk through, and select their desired space. See previous blog for more pictures.
After committing to the event, and picking out my location, my next goal was to plan. Originally, I had intentions of outsourcing all my prints to a third party, and having them frame it up. But that idea was soon phased out. I knew I wanted to have control of all my prints and framing, which ultimately, put more craft, into the crafting process. I felt it would add more value to my art pieces, which came coming directly from my eyes and hands. So I went to work...
My first task was to sort all of my photos, backlogged for more than 10 years, in several hard drives. One-by-one I went through folders, this took about a week to find photos that I wanted to print. As soon as I narrowed it down to 20-30 images, I decided to do test prints, which can get costly. My test prints where not done at my office, instead, I paid for each photo, at a professional color lab. This way, I can clearly see the actual result, in-case I wanted to enlarge them. Here are a few test prints, which I ended up using as actual prints for 8 x 10 frames, because the quality was so good.
Soon after, looking at the smaller prints, I had bigger prints prepped at the lab. I took it back to my office, and started figuring out my lighting designs I needed for the show. I had one of these small table LED lights, which I planned to use overhead to create this "art-like-gallery" lighting. I went ahead and bought three more from IKEA, to create a better presentation.
Here are samples from the bigger prints I had done. 15x11 prints ready to be mat cut and framed.
This next tool, was, by far, one of the better investment, I had purchased. The mat cutter was not only a money savor, but it also made me realize how much more, you really, truly, appreciate the art form. By complimenting it with your own cutting and framing, it felt more like overall presentation was complete. I became more attached to the art piece, by giving this finish to the product. There is something to say about photographing, processing, cutting, and framing a finished photograph, that can't, I re-emphasize, CANNOT be achieved in capturing via cell phones and shared via Instagram or the other social sites. The emotional connection to actual tangible art piece is such an amazing feeling. I really love going back into the craft of photographing.
I had been going back and forth the photo lap. D & J Digital Imaging - Professional Color Lab 904 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 662.1688 [Across L.A. City College, next to Little Caesars Pizza) Frank, the owner, was so impressed with my latest photos I had developed, he even printed some copies for his store. Frank has been printing all my prints, since I was a photo student, at LACC. For him to complement me as "You are number one," was truly an honor. The years I have been going there, he has seen a lot of my work, and has strongly believed in my creative endeavors. Hence the "hook-ups on prices."
So, if you ever come to this place, and recognize my photoes, mention you know me, and MAYBE, he might hook you up.
On the Friday before the event, I spent the whole night pre-lighting, and setting my showcase. I was contemplating what I wanted to show, and how I should present it. I wanted to make sure to use the tools available to me, and see how I can make something out of it. Starting off with two light stands, and using a shower curtain rod, I worked on a psuedo wall with hanging frames from fishing lines. I also tried using ropes, but decided to just stick with the fishing line.
I was not sure if I wanted to use the curtain to use a wall, or open it up to the open space. I decided to use the open space. It looked more cool, looking like it was floating. Now, all I had to do was replace the rope, with a fish line, to make it more transparent.
Loading out the equipment I needed for the event. Packed a lot to prep my setup.First of many trips back to my pick-up truck.
After setting up for three hours, I then went home for an hour, and picked up my wife. I came back just in time for the show to start.
Overall, I was happy with the location, and the result of my setup. Thanks to CINEMILLS lighting for supplying me with tungsten lights to help elevate the presentation.
Friends and family came by to support the event. On top of that, there was a lot of foot traffic, which came through my section. By the end of the night, I was literally, hiding in the back, I was too exhausted to speak with others. Having to constantly talk on top of the loud music, made me lose my voice. But overall, the location and experience was worth it.
In conclusion, it's a sweet reward to wait this long, even after 10 years of waiting for a show. I felt more prepared, experienced with photograph, and more confident with my work. It felt I climbed from the bottom to get to where I am now.
As I look back, I had many days and nights photographing for the sake of passion, and the love of photography. Those hours spent driving, waiting, waking up to odd hours really paid off. I had never really intended on selling any of my photographs. Low and behold, having them marinate for many years, made it even taste better, per say.
I had grown a little more, with this experience. On this night, and it made me more aware of my direction into the craft. I plan to keep growing and learning from my own mistakes and accomplishments.
The same night this print was sold (see below), just a few hours after the event, Arnie the Robot, had a new home. The new owner, instantly, sent this photo to me, and I was ecstatic when I received it. For the first time, ever. I now know how it feels to see your art piece, in someone's else personal space.
I would love to thank God, my family, and friends for believing in me. To some, this is something small, but to me, it's a huge milestone. I plan to take on the world, one milestone at a time.
February 24, 2013 - It's been a few days now, since my photography print showcase, at the Belasco. Up to now, I have clients looking for more prints, and ordering.
On this very night, Thursday, February 21, 2013 was a huge milestone in my photographic journey. This was the very time I had ever printed for a show, and to top it off, it was a huge success. Lots of sold and ordered prints. I can't believe it has been 10 years since I first bought my very first camera (Oylmpus), and since, upgraded to Nikon and Canon. Now, finally, showcasing them in front of a live audience.
I was truly blown away with the overall responses from my work. It was so en lighting to hear remarks, in person, rather than, "LIKES," or, comments on Facebook. I was able to understand what really what connected with people.
I will take you back a month before this event, as I chronicle how I processed this whole thing, from start to finish. Thanks to pre-planning, this has made my night a success.
About a month ago, in January, RAW Artist event holders had invited the artist for a walk through, and select their desired space. See previous blog for more pictures.
After committing to the event, and picking out my location, my next goal was to plan. Originally, I had intentions of outsourcing all my prints to a third party, and having them frame it up. But that idea was soon phased out. I knew I wanted to have control of all my prints and framing, which ultimately, put more craft, into the crafting process. I felt it would add more value to my art pieces, which came coming directly from my eyes and hands. So I went to work...
My first task was to sort all of my photos, backlogged for more than 10 years, in several hard drives. One-by-one I went through folders, this took about a week to find photos that I wanted to print. As soon as I narrowed it down to 20-30 images, I decided to do test prints, which can get costly. My test prints where not done at my office, instead, I paid for each photo, at a professional color lab. This way, I can clearly see the actual result, in-case I wanted to enlarge them. Here are a few test prints, which I ended up using as actual prints for 8 x 10 frames, because the quality was so good.
Soon after, looking at the smaller prints, I had bigger prints prepped at the lab. I took it back to my office, and started figuring out my lighting designs I needed for the show. I had one of these small table LED lights, which I planned to use overhead to create this "art-like-gallery" lighting. I went ahead and bought three more from IKEA, to create a better presentation.
So, if you ever come to this place, and recognize my photoes, mention you know me, and MAYBE, he might hook you up.
 |
| Niki Lindgren showcased |
A week before the event, I was planning out my showcase emphasizing on lighting, foot traffic, and photo placement. Here's what I sketched out for my map.
Overall, I was happy with the location, and the result of my setup. Thanks to CINEMILLS lighting for supplying me with tungsten lights to help elevate the presentation.
In conclusion, it's a sweet reward to wait this long, even after 10 years of waiting for a show. I felt more prepared, experienced with photograph, and more confident with my work. It felt I climbed from the bottom to get to where I am now.
As I look back, I had many days and nights photographing for the sake of passion, and the love of photography. Those hours spent driving, waiting, waking up to odd hours really paid off. I had never really intended on selling any of my photographs. Low and behold, having them marinate for many years, made it even taste better, per say.
I had grown a little more, with this experience. On this night, and it made me more aware of my direction into the craft. I plan to keep growing and learning from my own mistakes and accomplishments.
The same night this print was sold (see below), just a few hours after the event, Arnie the Robot, had a new home. The new owner, instantly, sent this photo to me, and I was ecstatic when I received it. For the first time, ever. I now know how it feels to see your art piece, in someone's else personal space.
I would love to thank God, my family, and friends for believing in me. To some, this is something small, but to me, it's a huge milestone. I plan to take on the world, one milestone at a time.
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