Craft shows present a valuable opportunity for artisans and makers to showcase their creations and connect with potential customers. However, to secure a spot at a professionally operated show, you need to apply, and these shows are usually curated. That means that not every applicant will be accepted, as the organizers will carefully select which candidates to offer a space to. With so many talented makers vying for a spot, it’s crucial to ensure that your application stands out and that you put your best foot forward. To do this you will need to provide high-quality photos of your work.
Why is this so important? Above all else, if you don’t value your work, why should anyone else? First impressions matter. If you were seeking employment, would you present your resume filled with typos and spelling errors? Or would you make sure it was correct before you send it? Applying for a well-organized craft show should be approached in a similar manner.
Photos say more than words:
Craft show organizers are typically inundated with applications from artists and makers of all kinds. To make your work stand out from the crowd, it’s crucial to submit high-quality photos that showcase your creations in a visually attractive and professional manner. By doing so, you demonstrate that you’re serious about your craft and that you take pride in your work. Good photos also increase your chances of being accepted to the show, especially when competition for spots is intense. At juried or curated events, the quality of your work and the standard of your photos will be the primary factors considered by the organizers. So, if you want to succeed, investing time and effort into creating great photos of your work is a must.
Photos are a key for promotion:
Craft shows are a great opportunity to market your work and build your brand. Good photos of your work are essential to promote your presence at the event on social media, on your website, and in other marketing materials. By sharing visually appealing photos of your work, you’re more likely to attract potential customers to your booth and increase your sales.
In case event organizers utilize your images for promoting your attendance at their show, it’s essential that the images you provide are of high quality. If your images do not meet the required standards, they may adversely impact the overall appearance of the show, leading to organizers potentially opting not to use your images for marketing the event.
Good photos are essential for presenting a positive impression on both show organizers and potential customers. By submitting quality photos, you demonstrate your professionalism, which sets you apart from amateur creators and establishes you as a serious artisan.
To display your products in the best way possible, ensure that your photos are well-lit and uncluttered. Hiring a photographer is a good option if you can afford it, but for those on a budget, it’s still possible to create great photos on your own, even by using your phone. The composition is critical; your product should be the clear target of the image, and you should avoid adding unnecessary decorations that clutter the picture – think “less is more” and do not overdo it with props.
The most common mistake I’ve seen is submitting blurry photos; the product isn’t the main focus; or the background is distracting. Before submitting, evaluate the background of your photos. Is the item positioned on a busy pattern that detracts from the item? Did you use a background color that clashes or drowns out the product? So many photos are rejected due to errors in composition. Make sure that there are no distracting objects in the background, such as a dirty dishes, or a can of soda.
There is a vast amount of free and valuable content available online that can teach you how to take better photos of your work. It is up to you to put in the effort to search for this information and enhance your skills. With the accessibility of online resources, there’s no excuse for not taking the time to learn how to take great photos.
In conclusion, good photos are an essential element of any craft show application. They can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase the quality of your work, give a sense of your style and aesthetic, and market your creations to potential customers. So, make sure you invest the time and effort into taking high-quality photos of your work and use them to make the most of your next craft show application
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