Presentation for a Judged Show

[3 Olives]

My son is submitting a photograph for the Members Show at the Light Factory in Charlotte. He will be taking, developing, and printing the photo. This will be his first effort at submitting for a show.
Should photographs be framed?
Thanks!

 

[jp80874]

My son is submitting a photograph for the Members Show at the Light Factory in Charlotte. He will be taking, developing, and printing the photo. This will be his first effort at submitting for a show.
Should photographs be framed?
Thanks!

You should check with the show people. They usually state what is expected. Matted and framed may be normal and may not. They should be more than willing to tell you, especially to encourage the new and the young. They are the future of any organization.

John Powers

 

[david b]

yeah...check the show rules.

 

[3 Olives]

Here are the:
Submission guidelines
• You must be a member of The Light Factory. You may renew your membership online (click on the membership tab at the top of the homepage) or you renew over the phone at 704-333-9755. If you’re uncertain of your membership status, please contact Linnea at 704-804-7462 or email at lbeyer@lightfactory.org.
• As a member, you can submit ONE piece to the Members Show.
• We will NOT accept work that is larger than 48 inches on any one side.
• Your work can be any medium (painting, sculpture, digital, etc). If your submission is video or digital media, please call ahead to ensure the gallery can accommodate it.
• When you submit your work, it must be accompanied by an entry form, available online (link is at the end of the page.) There are also entry forms available at TLF reception area.
• If you are dropping your work off (instead of mailing or shipping it) please call ahead to ensure a staff member is available to assist you. Do NOT leave your work in the hands of anyone EXCEPT a member of The Light Factory staff.
• If you would like your work mailed back to you, please provide a return envelope complete with shipping address and correct postage.
• Please make sure that your work is labeled with your full name and contact information. Please also label the wrapping materials for your work.
• The Light Factory does not have the resources to wrap your work – so, if you drop it off unwrapped, it will be stored as such. This will be noted on the incoming work form, and if your work is damaged because it is not wrapped, The Light Factory will NOT be held liable (so wrap your work!).
• Once the show closes, work will be available for pick-up beginning September 22, 2008. If your work is not picked up by October 3, it will be discarded.

 

[David Brown]

As has been suggested, you need to call The Light Factory. Granted, their "submission guidelines" did not answer your question, but neither can we. There is no "standard". For instance, I just got a invite for a local show that requires that you supply an easel to display the photographs (framed or un-framed). They aren't hanging them on walls. This is not "normal", but it's what this particular venue does.

 

[SuzanneR]

Granted, it's not spelled out clearly, but I'd submit it ready to hang, for sure. Going out on a limb here, but if you don't provide them with a framed print, ready to hang print, I doubt very much they'd be willing to frame it for you. It just won't be placed in the show.

 

[Shangheye]

If they don't have the resource to wrap your work, they will hardly have the resource to frame it. It is also unlikely that they would take such a cost on behalf of a submission. Definitely needs to be framed...K

 

[jp80874]

Here are the:
Submission guidelines
• When you submit your work, it must be accompanied by an entry form, available online (link is at the end of the page.) There are also entry forms available at TLF reception area.
.

As you are about to discover, in some cases there are two levels of instructions. You did not include the mentioned link to the entry form. If you go to their web site, or I imagine follow the link, you can download the pdf entry form. The second paragraph of the entry form reads,
"Remember your work should be ready to hang or install when you submit it! Your work is due on Friday, June 19, 2009. NO EXCEPTIONS." That is today so if you are still deciding this may have to be a lesson for future entries.

In the case of a photograph, ready to hang means matted and framed. If you want to go a step further, mat it with an over mat or a raised window mat that lets you see the image, but keeps the glass awy from the print. It also gives a sense of depth.

There is much argument on the proportions of the mat, but I like three sides to be equal and the bottom should have an extra inch or so to compensate for how you view things. White archival matting is the accepted practice to hang in a place like this. A simple black Nielsen aluminum frame looks good but does not become more important than the image.

I have heard judge after judge say that a large percent of the images were good, as many as 1/3 of those entered, but juried out because of presentation. Presentation in this case means how the image is printed, dust is spotted out, matted and framed. The judge is the deciding factor. What ever you or any other applicant thinks is a distant second.

John Powers

 

[DWThomas]

I think matted and framed is the standard for about 99% of exhibitions. Some shows around here even have fine print about using braided wire with sharp ends taped (I use shrink tubing), none of those little sawtooth bars, no "clip" frames, etc. But every exhibition has its own requirements -- some may insist on acrylic glazing vs glass. Some events also accept unframed work for "portfolio sales," but even there, the work is generally expected to be mounted, matted and in a clear protective bag or wrap.

And I agree with John Powers, presentation can be very significant, both in quality and style. In art shows I've been involved with we have had lectures from judges pointing out frustrations about a lovely piece in a crappy frame, or dirty mats, etc. That's also frustrating to the organizing club, as in an open show anybody may walk in and submit something, it does no good for us to "talk to our members." One also needs to think about large, gaudy frames drawing attention from the image. I've heard a judge comment that "the frame should be invisible," although I'd say that is exaggerating a bit.

DaveT

 

[3 Olives]

Thanks for all of the imput. My son was granted an extension, so he does have time to present the photo matted and framed.

 

[3 Olives]

He took first place and didn't even know it until he stopped in the Light Factory today. At least half of the 100+ photos are priced at $1000.00 or more. His is priced at $35.00.

http://www.lightfactory.org/exhibitions/index.htm

 

[hoffy]

Well, that just rocks!!

Congratulations to your Son! You must truely be a proud parent today!

 

[jp80874]

Should one of us talk to him about representation, commissions, etc.?

Congratulations to your son and you for hunting out the way to do it.

Hope this is the first of many more.

John Powers

 

[DWThomas]

Fantastic, that has to be a boost to the ego. In a recent show near here, a photo by a high school student sold for $300, so if the work is that good, he shouldn't undersell himself. I hope he continues to explore the medium and enjoy success.

DaveT

 

[jasonhall]

BRAVO!! Great Job!

Jason

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

This pleases me to no end. Wow! Congratulations to your son. It's a fantastic achievement!

- Thomas