Monday, August 10, 2009

Opinions Please!

Okay, I'm going to let the monkey out of the bag. He's been in there far too long and plus, isn't that cruelty to animals? ;o)

Seriously though...over the past month, I have been getting my photographs together in order to sell them :o) I'm going out on a limb and I'm going to expose a part of me that only few get to see. Nerve racking...yes. I'm not sure how they'll do but I've got to start somewhere, right?

I've done the math, bought presentation kits and spoken with a few shops. As I write this, I'm putting the final touches on getting everything together but I'm stalling. My problem? DH thinks that my photos should have names. I'm going to sign and date each picture on the bottom right hand corner of the mat. He believes the name should go on the bottom left hand corner of the mat.

I can see his logic when it comes to some of the pictures. Like...the church in Mahone Bay. Very famous for photos. But then we come to my other pictures that are classed as art. They don't have names and nor do I want to give them names. I want them to speak for themselves. But this is just MY opinion as the photographer.

So...I'm asking, pleading, begging for your help :o) On the right hand side of my Blog, I have placed a survey that is set up for a 24 hour period and I want YOU to vote. Even if you don't leave me comments, at least give me a quick answer to this troubling question. Just think, if you were the buyer of my photography, would you want each individual picture named?

Thank you :o)


20 comments:

Karen said...

voted :O)

WendyCarole said...

done that for you.

good luck with your venture xxx

Sharon said...

I voted! Best wishes to you as you get started!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you're going to put your work "out there"! Are you going to have a place online from which people (like me!) may shop?

Jennifer said...

I personally do not like anything written on the mat when I hang something.

I don't mind the photo itself being signed or numbered, but I prefer a clean mat. However, if the photos are framed, it would be nice to put something on the back of the frame indicating the location and/or the date.

Stitchabilities said...

I have voted , I put certain ones as if it were say a place I would like know where it is and maybe say a flower what it is called, but I agree some just speak for themselves!! :0)

Unknown said...

Yes, every picture NEEDS to have a name. My husband is a professional photographer. He can go back into his photo database before the '80s and find any picture. He can probably (we no longer have a dyesub printer, but do have a huge inkjet printer) reproduce any picture that someone knows the name of. You need to name everything or before long you will be asked to reproduce "Untitled, you know, that one with the ocean and the bit of beach." Can you tell which one that is?

Annie said...

I agree with Kathryn. Names seem more professional to me. Even if just for ID purposes.

Can't wait for the first showing!

Irene said...

I voted, then read the comments and everyone makes sense. Do what you feel is right.

Tammy said...

I voted "no".

I think the idea of naming is great in theory, but what you see in the picture and name it may pigeon hole in the minds of potential clients. Just my opinon.

Can't wait to see your masterpieces.

Hugs,

Ranae said...

I went to go vote and the page can not be found.
I voted certain ones. If I bought one, I would love to know where it was taken

Olga said...

I think, it is more convenient for you and customers to have pictures with the names.I would put the name and the signature on the back of the picture.
Good luck with your venture!
Hugs,
Olga

Faith Ann said...

Personally, I wouldn't want to see the name written on it.

I think it's a great idea to name the photo and perhaps have it listed on the back (or packaging)... but not permanently on the photo or mat.

Dad said...

Your Grandfather did a lot of black and white photography, some of which won awards at shows. His were mainly of people and scenery and all had a title. I believe he felt it was easier understood when identified with a title. But you are you and I know you use good judgment. In my opinion it should be on a picture by picture basis, depending on the subject matter.

mumzy said...

Always enjoy your photography. You have a great eye. Personally, I agree with Kathryn, maybe not all titled but depends on the photo.

Keep up the good work.
{{{Love and Hugs}}}

Rowyn said...

I have voted - yes.

Aussie Stitcher said...

Good luck with your new venture, congratulations on winning with Stargazer.

Brigitte said...

I voted.
Good luck with your photographs!

Kathy said...

Personally I think that there are some photos that should be named. I know that when I take photos that certain ones just seem to naturally have a caption when you look at it. The name or caption only serves to make the photo unique. So my answer would be yes, certain ones.

As for signing the photo. I would say yes. Left or right? Doesn't matter to me.

Jenn M said...

For your own records, I would name them. Kathryn brought up a good point. I would put it on the back, not the mat front. Some people may think that too cluttered if you know what I mean. Also, people sometimes want to associate their own memories with the place.
Good Luck!!