10 Things I Learned Showing My Work
What I learned about showing work, being seen, and staying (mostly) grounded in the process.
Over the past few months, I’ve learned a lot through the experience of submitting and showing my photographs for the first time. I wanted to pause today and write them down.
I did something similar a few days ago from the perspective of personal understanding—this is a list of practical things I’ve picked up along the way.
Learn how to wire your frames (I did this for the first time for the BTG show).
Wrap your work in bubble wrap to transport it/drop it off at a gallery (I wrapped my framed photos in beach towels and sheets before it dawned on me that I could use bubble wrap).
Make “business cards” that have your work, socials, and contact info on them (I did this long before anyone asked me for one).
Organize your film negatives (this is more than putting them all in a box apparently—there are binders with protective sheets, etc.).
Organize your scans online (ex. a folder for each roll—keyword descriptions/locations, type of camera, lens, film you used, etc.). This could be through Dropbox, iPhoto, an external hard drive, the list goes on.
Get larger scans for photos you want to share beyond a website/social media (check specifications for printing or submitting).
Use Submittable to organize your submissions and search for open calls.
Get your headshots done by a photographer.
Think bigger than your fear wants you to.
Your work is to make art (and share it if you want)—you don’t have to explain it and you don’t have to be anything other than yourself to belong in a creative space.
So far, I’ve submitted and/or shown work at…
RoCo’s 6x6 (May 30 - July 20)
Behind the Glass Gallery: May 2025
The Yards Collective: Member Show (currently open)
Create! Magazine International Open Call – Print Issue #53 | Juried by Emily McElwreath
Bonus: One of my photos was in the running for the @rochesterny #RocTopShots this week.
xo, Corinne
P.S. I’m releasing 11 limited edition 8 x 10 prints titled Threshold on the fall equinox (9/22/25).
P.P.S. Paid subscribers get a something photo-related in their mailbox from me each month. (Plus early access to my seasonal limited-edition print releases).
P.P.P.S. To check out the Ray of Light community or the Focus Circle sessions (online offerings), go here.