On my own business and entering for exhibitions
When I started taking photography lessons at our Midland Center for the Arts, I never imagined that I would have my own photography business a scant year later. I certainly never imaged getting selected for the MI Artist All-State Juried Exhibition in 2020.
Sure, I've always liked taking pictures. And if I'm honest, I took a few pretty good ones in the last year too.
I want to start my own business but is it wise?
I the eternal procrastinator, filled with self-doubt. Before starting my own business, I of course did the work of making a business plan, figuring out all the necessary legal stuff, and whatnot.But when it comes to having the confidence of making the actual step, I was notoriously lacking. I asked my husband many times, I think he just went on automatic pilot after while, poor guy 😊.
I also scheduled an appointment with my mentor. And after showing him my portfolio, I asked his opinion on starting my own horse portrait photography business. He was very adamant that I would succeed. And then was the last nudge I needed!
The excitement of entering exhibitions
He also talked about entering competitions quite a bit but I never seriously considered that.
Until he mentioned it again in our critique class. And I thought, "why the heck not!!".
There's this art center in the next town over that hosts a yearly exhibition for artists all over Michigan. All art forms can enter.
I paid my entry fee, choose the 3 best images I took until now that I thought would work for an exhibition ... and I waited.
And then there was the email from the curator...
Of the nearly 300 art pieces that were entered, 80 were chosen...
I was one of them 🙃
Here's the link to the ones that made it:
Take a look because there are all pretty amazing.
We went to the actual exhibition and the photos of the art don't do it justice.
And I already admitted it, but I will say it again. Seeing your work in an exhibition, no matter how big or small, is pretty amazing ☺️
My favorites:
Artist Debra LaRocque Nest #51 Acrylic on Canvas. 30"x40"
Artist Gregg Barckholtz~From the Depths~ Photograph~20"x30"
Artist Rosemary Kavanagh Afghanistan Dress Oil on Canvas 60"x40"
