I am an avid photographer, and spend much of my time trying to find ways to display my photographic skills to their full potential and even occasionally reap a small reward from photographic exhibitions. Obviously, the traditional medium of large format matt prints in a complementary frame is the way to go in an exhibition, but through experimentation and a desire to reap some monetary reward for my efforts I have discovered that photographic talents can be successfully displayed in more interesting formats.
Mugs, tee shirts, key rings, jigsaws and mouse mats have previously been exclusive to the realm of music merchandising and business promotion. However, due to technological advancement, these mediums have become accessible to the general public through just about any photographic processing company. This means that these services have become available to independent artists and photographers too, creating a greater scope for exhibitions whether it is using these items as a medium, or as merchandise; and also as an opportunity for small scale photographers to create an income through offering images for reproduction on one of the many alternative formats.
I have taken to making the most of the photographic services on offer to create items that are a little more transient, and a lot more fun that a framed picture. Photo mugs for example are an ideal platform for snapshots that do not rely heavily on photographic precision for their appreciation. The popularity of this merchandising medium is that it is regarded as a cost effective souvenir with practicality. Documentary photography, portraiture and stylised photographs work well on a photo mug, as well as sentimental snapshots for more personalised gift items.
Tee shirts and other items of clothing are little more difficult to use successfully unless the images to be used are for band merchandise, or possibly a gallery souvenir. The texture of the fabric is not conducive to a high quality reproduction, but the size and full frontal nature of the item calls for an image placed upon it to be regarded seriously. The only way to counteract this is through contradictory means and use the tee shirt as a tongue in cheek platform for a humorous purpose, such as a stag night.
Key rings and mouse mats are similar in nature to photo mugs, being regarded as a practical souvenir spend. As an item to take away from a show, the low cost is an attraction, and the temporary nature of the items is suited toward the less than serious photography. These items are also often used for sentimental images and used as an alternative way of displaying pictures of family members, or nights out on the town with friends.
Experimenting with these formats has not only been welcomed by gallery-goers and clients, but I can attest that family and friends are glad of it too. As recipients of an endless stream of my photographic progress, there is a limit to the number of prints that can be displayed on a wall; especially as the prolific nature of digital photography has accelerated my offerings considerably. The greatest success out of all the items I have experimented with though has to be the photo mug. Not only does it present a picture better than any of the other mediums, its transience keeps it from being a precious item, allowing a photograph to be regarded for what it is - a momentary stitch in a photographers time.
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the photography industry.
Find out more about creating a Photo Mug using digital images at Cewe Photo World.
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