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ble for helping with or overseeing the matting and hanging tographers or pursue those whose work they want to exhibit.
of exhibitions. They keep inventory of photographs that are They negotiate contracts with photographers on behalf of
on site, in storage, and in the process of being shipped. They photo gallery owners. They help set prices for photographs
coordinate exhibition schedules with photographers and and are responsible for sales to collectors, curators, and the
photographers representatives. Photo Gallery Managers general public. Depending upon the staff structure of the
also make sure that photographs, particularly old images, gallery, managers may come up with the ideas for shows
are exhibited in appropriate environments to prevent dam- and choose specific photographers to exhibit based on pho-
146 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
tographic techniques, styles, color and lighting, and themes.
Education and Training
They may work with exhibition designers and photogra-
A bachelor s degree in photography or art history is usually a
phers on exhibitions and help promote the shows. Photo
solid educational foundation for Photo Gallery Managers.
Gallery Managers work with graphic designers to create
Small business management coursework and training in word-
promotional literature (i.e., flyers, postcards, brochures) and
processing and data-management programs is recommended.
advertisements for shows and events. They also oversee the
writing and placement of press releases and the manage-
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
ment and maintenance of the gallery s Web site. They man-
Some galleries may prefer managers with several years of
age and oversee gallery staff, freelance consultants (such as
prior experience in gallery management or administration.
grant writers, bookkeepers, and accountants), office clean-
Managers with professional photography experience may
ers, and others.
also have the advantage in their job hunts. Photo Gallery
Managers need to be able to juggle projects and people.
Salaries
Their job is multifaceted, from soliciting photographers and
Photo Gallery Managers can earn salaries ranging from
conceiving photography shows, to networking and main-
$50,000 to $100,000 or more. Earnings will vary, depending
taining relationships with curators and collectors, to making
upon the desirability of the photographs in the marketplace
sure gallery staff receive their paychecks on time. Success-
and whether the photographers are up-and-comers,
ful managers have a combination of all of the following
respected veterans in the field, or masters from long ago.
skills and traits: clear, forward thinking; creative and inno-
Photo Gallery Managers may earn commissions on their
vative; resourceful; self-motivated; detail- and deadline-
sales, thus those who are excellent negotiators and have rep-
oriented; excellent interpersonal skills; strong leadership
utations for being professional and ethical have the potential
abilities; energy; enthusiasm; passion for photography;
to secure higher wages.
savvy business managers.
They must be able to speak the language of photogra-
phers one minute and the language of curators and collec-
Employment Prospects
tors the next. As a representative of the gallery and often the
Photo Gallery Managers have good opportunities to find
first impression people have of the organization, Photo
work. According to the U.S. Department of Labor s Occu-
Gallery Managers must be professional and presentable.
pational Outlook Handbook, the general population has
They will often field inquiries from the press and formulate
been showing an increased interest in art and art museums,
statements for publication. Clear communication skills are
and this is an interest that is expected to continue to grow
essential. They must always know what is happening in the
through 2012. Large, major cities that feature an abundance
industry, who the top in-demand photographers are, what is
of galleries and museums, such as New York and Philadel-
being sold where and for how much, who the collectors are,
phia, as well as smaller cities that artists and collectors flock
and what the current industry business practices are.
to, such as Santa Fe, will always need Photo Gallery Man-
agers to oversee collections and draw in new and interesting
photography and photographers.
Unions and Associations
Photo Gallery Managers can become members of the Art
Dealers Association of America, once they have been
Advancement Prospects
endorsed and accepted, and enjoy a wide variety of profes-
With years of experience, Photo Gallery Managers can
sional benefits to further their careers. They can join the
move up to either own the galleries they work for, once the
Photo Marketing Association International for news about
owners retire or sell, or they can open their own galleries. If
national and international gallery shows as well as educa-
they already are in the dual-role position of manager/owner,
tional resources, and they can also join Professional Photog-
they can always open other galleries in other towns and
raphers of America for access to networking opportunities
cities. They can also expand into new areas of photography,
and other career-enhancing benefits.
exploring different styles or focusing on a wider variety of
themes and issues. Photo Gallery Managers with strong
Tips for Entry
speaking skills and an urge to share information to help ele-
vate the industry can speak at industry conferences and 1. Visit photo galleries near you to see the types of pho-
panel discussions, as well as teach at photography associa- tographs exhibited, the mountings and exhibition
tions and technical and art schools. They can also write arti- design, how the galleries are set up, the staff size and
cles and columns for industry publications and write books job responsibilities, and other features. Speak with
either about the industry or about particular photographers gallery managers or owners to find out how they
and photographic styles. started their businesses.
PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS AND RELATED JOBS 147
2. Network at events that photographers attend. Go to works is by full immersion. Find job listings through
photography association meetings and conferences, employment placement sites, association Web sites,
take workshops, and visit photography shows and and classifieds in trade publications. This is your [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]