Preparing and Delivering My First Art Fair
It had only been a few months since I had opened a booth up at my local art store, "a Borgata", when I saw an ad from them on hosting a art market in the parking lot. I decided to rent some space in the parking lot, since I figured I already had a 10x10 tent and other supplies. My plan was simple, I would setup a mobile portrait studio in the tent and take people's portraits for $30 a piece.
I already had a bunch of supplies for the market, the tent, a backdrop, camera, some 8x12 prints, cards, and sheer will to make something out of it, even if no one wanted their picture taken. I picked up a few additional things to help, a set of tent walls, a portrait sample book, some extra prints, and cards. I also ended up going to a camera show a few weeks before and got a few additional backdrops.
I figured if I couldn't get anyone to get their picture taken, I would at least get my name out there, network with other artists and try to get some contact information for people for future sessions. Which, is what happened. I ended up going to the other artists booths, taking pictures of their products and setup, getting in a quick edit on my phone, and emailing the pictures to the artists while at my booth. A few people were interested in future sessions, and gave me their contact information for the mailing list.
I had a fun time, getting to meet a few people, and the different artists that were local to my shop. I'm thinking about trying again during the Elevation Celebration in Conifer, which will be in a different spot and will be over 2 days with a longer time each day. Maybe even adding in a small photo printer so I can give someone their portrait on the spot!
