Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hello,

I was wondering if you guys at TGMG ever got together and organised an exhibition of your work. Is this something that has been done before (and if so, how did it go?) or has it at least been discussed (and if so, what was the verdict?) or has it never been mentioned (and if so, why not and can I mention in now)?

I don't know how it would work out logistically, financially, creatively but thought I'd ask.

Thanks!

Russell

*waits for reality to strike him about the face*

This should be in Photography in General to discuss rather than Ad Hoc event.

Ah sorry, I was going along the lines of:

Exhibition = an event to suggest. I'm new!

Could be made as an event as well, would be interesting to make one

I think that's a great idea! I think it should definitely have a cohesive theme though. I think you would run into issues like, how many photographers do you permit to be in the show. How do you choose which ones are in the show. What if you don't think a photographers photos reflect the theme or the over all quality of the rest of the photos.

I would spend some time at all the other events, get to know everyone, and then approach certain photographers on my own and try to put it together.

I initiated the first and only show so far for TPMG. The show worked out great but I wouldn't do it again (enough said)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrix_feet/90022345/" title="TPMG Gallery Closing Party by Metrix X, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/90022345_2daa7799b2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="TPMG Gallery Closing Party"></a>

I appreciate the idea of a theme, but couldn't it be a compilation of challenge winners - that way, everyone has a shot (and it's not so exclusive, whereby people are being tapped on the shoulder)

Perhaps there would an extra edge to challenges, knowing that the winners would have more than bragging rights...

haven't really thought it through...and clearly I am not working very hard today...

however, I too think it was a great suggestion / idea.

Being a newbie, perhaps this is already being done and I'm not aware of it...

that's exactly what we need here, more bragging rights

On a more serious note, it all comes down to money and organization, who's going to take care of it? I am broke and unorganized, are you?

hmmm. sounds like Metrix's brain needs to be picked a bit.

The $ part I gather was taken care of by Pikto.

The organization, I can only imagine would be a challenge.

something to keep in mind though.

Metrix, will you open up about this silencing, oh so painful experience over a beer?

It would have to be an import

deal

i'm interested in participating in what it sounds like "self torture"

I think its a great idea

+1

This is exciting. People are interested. Something must be done!

How about a simplified version -- everyone prints out a portfolio book of 10 to 20 pics in 8x10 or 8x12 format and then you meet at a Timmys or restaurant to view, swap and discuss.

i like the complicated version better

well, i think some of the motivation behind it is to bring a public showing to the public that showcases TPMG

If we just met with ourselves, it remains private

thoughts?

as suggested -- moved to general forum.

Quite honestly, TPMG is more of a social group, than a formalized camera club. Camera clubs in Toronto organize and put on exhibits often, but they are better setup to organize exhibits than TPMG is. While an exhibition would be a great idea, there are a lot of politics around putting one together, not too mention costs of a venue / framing, standards, selection committee/jury, etc, etc, etc.

I am not trying to knock this idea down - because I would be very supportive of any such initiatives. But I would recommend that if you are really interested in putting together an exhibit for TPMG. Form a committee, come up with a plan, and present the idea to the group. I would be happy to assist from an organizer point of view - but I am not running the whole shebang.


David

I think it's exciting to exhibit and many amateurs don't get the chance so it'd be nice for us to be able to put something on that anyone can come and see, in a quite a professional way.

I don't fully understand/appreciate what all is needed for this to come together, I realise it's a lot harder than just suggesting it, but it would be cool and is worth considering it, right?

well, I'm in for the group... i don't mind putting in some time and effort. My shooting time has gone down until after my wedding, so I may as well make up some time somehow

To be completely honest -- there are tons of opportunities for amateur photographers to exhibit their work. Join any one of the plethora of GTCCC camera clubs in this city, and almost immediately you will have access to contests, exhibits, lecture's, outings, and more. TPMG is more of a social outlet, than a formal club which organizes exhibits and such.

Things to consider, since there seems to be interest:

1. who will curate? what goes in and what doesn't? what criteria will be used to curate such an exhibition?
2. venue/duration (associated cost)
3. who will print/frame (individuals) or group deal (to ensure consistency in print size and quality of finish)?
4. will the prints be offered for sale? what percentage will the venue/gallery take? will there be consistency in pricing and therefore print/finishing quality?
5. who/how will the show be marketed? who will bear the cost? budget?

my advice is that a person or small committee take responsibility and set the ground rules... to avoid having too many cooks in the kitchen

IF all of this can be settled out, I can approach Elevator Digital (I do consulting work for them) to see if they can offer a deal for printing/finishing... no promises though

Ken -- that is exactly what I said, minus the stuff about Elevator.

I think what I meant is more along the lines of: since you guys obviously have a good thing going here and seem to do a lot together, it might be nice to get some of that into the public eye. A one-off special or something. Also I didn't even think about it in terms of an organised gallery event, I was thinking something much smaller and more social.

I was only enquiring if this was something that had been done before or could be done; not that this group should fundamentally change and begin doing something quite different than what it is 'for'.

Joining a group purely to get your work exhibited is different from an established group of friends showing off some of the things they create together. It was just a thought. I am new and am still finding out about TPMG.

I thought TPMG was all about the socials?

well, I have a thought that we could put together a social and have our work showcased there

ok, this is not how I read into your initial question. And obviously I wasn't alone. we did have a number of print swaps in the past - and they were fun.

But from reading your first posting, the question did indicate "Exhibition" which is a more formal term.

At our Christmas social, I organize a slideshow, and members contribute images to the show. We also do a members presentation night roughly every 6 months. We just had one a few weeks ago.


David

Ah well, yes. I don't want to confuse you further but I did mean something that those outside of the group could attend. It was just a really vague, open question since I have no idea what has been done here over the past few years.

I had nothing particular in mind at all. I was curious is all, and I did say in my first post that I wasn't sure how it would work etc.

My mum's group back in London put on a show and it was very inexpensive and social that friends and family attended along with others who were made aware by putting up notices in local shops etc. It was small but friendly, nothing major - no galleries or juries or anything.

It doesn't matter anyway because you have suggested why it might not work, others are willing to try etc. I guess it's up to individuals to come up with something if they fancy giving it a go.

I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes.

I remember back in the day, Brasserie Frisco (now a Jack Astor's) used to have rotating photography, and The Cameron House, I think still does.
(scour the list of Contact participants perhaps?)

Maybe an easy way to do this is simply to find a venue who already showcases, and ask them to have TPMG take over their gallery for a month.

They have existing frames, so we're forced to adhere to their preferred dimensions, and if any get sold, we give them or a designated charity a cut.

We go there to drink (venue gets our biz), some photos get displayed....

could something like that work?

I was thinking a very similar thing too.

There are a few venues that I'm aware of that we can make use of that we can do a weekend showcase... something we can invite our 50 closest friends to come to.