Once you have chosen the space you want to use for your art display, double-check any rules and regulations you will need to adhere to for the art show. You do not want to set up the space and advertise your work only to find out later that you cannot display your work the way you intended. Ask if there are any restrictions on what you can display, how many items you can display and how you can display them. Make sure tables and easels are allowed.
Evaluate the display area you have chosen. Walk into the area and imagine your photographs on the tables, easels and display board. Determine what size photos you want to display and how many of them you will be able to display in the area. You do not want to totally overwhelm your customers, but you also do not want to have too few pictures. Consider the personal space people like to have while viewing artwork.
Prepare your photographs to be hanged, propped on easels or set on tables. Place tables along the wall of your area. Use tablecloths so your work will stand out. Use easels in the middle of the floor if you have room, allowing adequate room between them and the tables. Allow enough room for people admiring the photographs on the tables to step back and not bump into the easels. If you have a small booth, consider placing two easels just outside your booth to get customers' attention. Use tables and easels if you are not allowed to hang pictures on a display board. You can lay the pictures flat on the tables, but It is best to prop the pictures up on the table so they are easier to view. You can use table easels for this method. If your area is dimly lit, you may want to consider extra lighting to help showcase your work. Use lamps with adjustable arms so you can focus the light directly on specific pieces. Make sure you have an electrical source close by to plug in extra lighting. If there is no electrical source, use battery-operated lighting.
If your art show is outside, you will need to set up a tent to protect your work from the sun or rain.
Group your photographs in an arrangement that will intrigue your customers. Highlight some of your very best works by putting them on a display board. This will allow viewers to see them at eye level. Place your work in lines (either horizontal or vertical) that will allow your viewers' eyes to flow smoothly through them. Avoid placing pictures below waist level as it makes it difficult to view them. The pictures on the tables should also flow smoothly. If you have several table easels, make sure you stagger them slightly so all the pictures are visible. If you need to place some pictures flat on the tables, put them at the front edges of the tables to make them easily viewed. Consider grouping your pictures by theme if you have a variety of photographs. People interested in a specific theme will find it easier to look through those pieces of your work if they are all grouped together. You can also label those groupings. Some examples may include nature, landscapes, people, sports or animals.