Exhibiting your photography in a gallery is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re showcasing your work for the first time or a seasoned photographer preparing for another exhibition, the way you present your images can make or break the impact of your show. From curation to printing, framing, and marketing, every detail matters.

 

At Galerie Sechs, we’ve worked with photographers across different styles and backgrounds, helping them bring their vision to life in an exhibition setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a successful photography exhibition.

 

Define Your Concept & Theme

Before selecting which images to exhibit, define the overarching theme or story you want to tell. Ask yourself:

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• What is the central message of my work?

• Is there a common visual or emotional thread tying the images together?

• Does my series follow a narrative or evoke a particular mood?

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A well-curated exhibition has a cohesive flow, whether it’s a documentary-style project, fine art photography, or conceptual imagery. Less is more—choose only the strongest images that contribute to the story.

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Printing & Presentation: Choosing the Right Medium

Once your selection is finalized, it’s time to think about printing, framing, and display options.

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Printing: Choose from our selection of high-quality papers to enhance the presentation of your work:

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• Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta 325g – A premium glossy paper with deep blacks and vibrant color contrast.

• Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth 305g – A velvety, smooth matte finish perfect for rich tonal depth and fine details.

• Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright White – A bright, 100% cotton paper with exceptional sharpness and texture.

• Epson Enhanced Matte 192g – A lightweight matte paper that delivers crisp, soft-toned results.

• Mediajet Seidenmatt 250g – A silk-matte finish with a subtle sheen, ideal for balanced contrast and soft highlights.

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Work with a professional printing agency to ensure color accuracy, texture, and longevity, allowing your images to be showcased at their best.

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Framing & Mounting: The right frame or mounting method can enhance the aesthetic of your work. Options include:

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Window Display:

• Dibond Plate 3mm – Durable, weather-resistant, and lightweight, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor displays.

 

Wall Display:

• Shadow Gap Frame – Elegant and modern, creating a floating effect that enhances depth and presentation.

• Alu Plate – Sleek and minimal, offering a lightweight yet sturdy option with a contemporary look.

• Dibond Plate – A professional-grade composite panel that is rigid, lightweight, and perfect for high-quality prints.

• High quality Changeable Frame – A flexible solution that allows for easy artwork changes while maintaining a polished aesthetic.

 

These options provide durability, elegance, and versatility, ensuring your photography is presented in the best possible way for any exhibition setting.

 

Size & Layout: Consider how the audience will move through the space. Will the works be uniform in size or vary in dimensions? A mix of large and small prints can create a dynamic visual experience.

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In Galerie Sechs, we offer a variety of display options to maximize visibility and impact:

Window Display – Outside View (60x90cm): Positioned facing the street, ensuring high public visibility for maximum exposure.

Window Display – Inner View (60x90cm): Showcased inside the gallery, offering a prime spot for large-format presentation.

Large Wall Display (Max Frame Width: 80cm): Limited spots available, providing an immersive and commanding presence for standout works.

Medium Wall Display (50x70cm): Perfect for maintaining a strong visual impact while highlighting details and composition.

Small Wall Display (30x40cm): A great choice for exhibiting smaller works while ensuring balance and presence in the gallery setting.

Digital Display (TV Projection): Featured on our 55-inch Samsung "The Frame" TV with a matte screen for a refined, high-quality visual experience.

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Selecting the right size and layout will enhance the narrative flow of your exhibition, ensuring each piece is strategically placed to captivate the audience.

 

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Marketing & Promotion: Build Anticipation

Even the most stunning exhibition needs visibility, and as an artist, your active participation is crucial to making it a success. At Galerie Sechs, we provide strong promotional support, but your collaboration can significantly boost engagement and exposure. Here’s how you can make the most of your exhibition:

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Engage & Promote:

• Collaborate with Us on Social Media – Engage with our posts, leave comments, and share updates to reach a wider audience.

• Repost & Tag Us – Use our provided social media materials to promote your work and tag us (@GalerieSechs) to increase visibility.

• Help Distribute Printed Materials – Share our professionally designed flyers and catalogs with your network.

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Boost Attendance:

• Invite Your Family & Friends to the Vernissage – A lively opening night can attract potential collectors, media attention, and networking opportunities.

• Take Part in Extra Events – Engage with visitors and collectors by actively joining our additional programs, including artist talks, gallery interviews, workshops, and more.

 

Build Your Presence:

• Make Use of Your Online Gallery – Direct people to your personal exhibition page on our website for increased exposure.

• Capture & Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments – Document your exhibition journey and share it to generate excitement and engagement.

 

By actively participating in your exhibition’s promotion and events, you’ll maximize your reach, create valuable connections, and make a lasting impression on your audience. 

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Pricing & Selling Your Work

 

If your photography is available for sale, determine pricing that reflects its value, rarity, and production costs.

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Editioning & Pricing Strategy:

• Limited editions create exclusivity and increase value

• Open editions offer affordability for a wider audience

• Consider pricing based on size, print quality, and edition number

 

Certificates of Authenticity: If selling limited edition prints, include a certificate of authenticity with signature and edition number.

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Logistics: Setup, Lighting & Final Details

 

A well-executed installation ensures that your work looks its best in the gallery space.

 

Hanging & Placement: Balance between eye level and artistic arrangement. Use proper spacing, alignment, and labeling for a professional display.

 

Lighting: Ensure that the gallery’s lighting enhances your images, avoiding glare and uneven shadows. Test how the lighting affects different prints.

 

Backup Plan: Have spare prints, tools, and any necessary supplies on hand in case last-minute adjustments are needed.

 

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of the Experience

 

An exhibition is more than just a display—it’s an opportunity to connect with your audience, gain exposure, and celebrate your work. Engage with visitors, answer questions, and share the passion behind your images.

At Galerie Sechs, we believe that every exhibition should be an experience, not just a showcase. If you’re a photographer preparing for your next show, we’re here to support and help bring your vision to life.

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Visit us at Galerie Sechs, Birmannsgasse 20, Basel
Subscribe to our newsletter for exhibition opportunities

Follow us on Instagram @galeriesechsbasel for photography insights

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Joint our next Exhibition Now

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