About 6-9 months ago there was a call for submissions to a new Lark book called 1000 Beads. This book was not only glass beads but all kinds of beads. Polymer clay, ceramic, wood, and all other mediums.
I know tons of artist who submitted and several were rejected and several were accepted.
It got me to wonder why so many where rejected and it came down to the same thing...photos.
It is so important to make sure your photos are crisp, clear, and have minimal props.
I submitted three photos and luckily two were accepted but may or may not make the cut in the final printing.
I have a very very talented glass artist friend Joy Munshower who submitted some work and each one was rejected. It's really sad because she is really talented and a rising star in the bead world.
Below is the photo she took:
I think it is a great photo, in fact better than most. However it doesn't really show how great the bead is. So Joy paid a professional to take some shots for her and here are some of the photos.
Here is her adorable Hedgehog.
You can see the difference. The photos are all about the bead and the details. I made a mistake and put a piece of driftwood in my photo so I am not sure it will make the final cut. I have heard that several of the photos had props and I had that DUH moment. I should have known.
So guess what I am going to do...yep I am sending some beads to this photographer to make sure I have some nice photos to submit to juried shows and publications.
If you are wanting to submit to a magazine, book or show it might be a good idea to take the plunge and send it to a professional!
5 comments:
when I was taking a metal smithing/jewelry class the teacher would take photos @ the end of the semester. He achieved this same background w/ black construction paper under non glare glass & lights on all sides & below(a la light tent). it really is a clean, flattering background
You heard back from them? I am still waiting. I am pretty sure my photo's weren't up to par.
Great advice! I struggle, like many, with what to do with pictures. I can't tell you how many times I have photographed something only to put it on the computer and see a dog hair!!!! ughhhh! Photography is a unique art all itself. Joy's work is beautiful :o)
I didn't see anything wrong with the first photo, until I saw the second. Her work is amazing.
Congrats on making it through and I hope your work will be some of the 1,000!
I so agree! I take my own photos for web stuff, but if I were to ever submit work for a jury or publication I would definitely invest in a pro. I have never done that, could you shed some light on the costs? Also, can you recommend someone who specializes in jewelry? Thanks!
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