Embracing the Journey of a Fine Art Photographer
The Highs and Lows of Life as a Fine Art Photographer and Local Art Fairs
As I prepare for the Art in the Garden show at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum this weekend, I find myself in a familiar mix of excitement and uncertainty. This is a new show for me, and with it comes the inevitable questions—will my work resonate with this audience? Will the weather cooperate? Will the show be financially successful? These thoughts are especially poignant after the rollercoaster of recent events. Just over a week ago, I had my most successful show to date, a high point that was preceded by a show just two weeks earlier that was devastated by severe weather, where many artists faced significant losses. This ebb and flow is part of the life of an art fair artist, and with each new show, I step forward with hope, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
The journey of showcasing my fine art photography at local art fairs has been a blend of excitement, challenges, and hard-won successes. The first hurdle is simply getting accepted—many of these shows are highly competitive, with limited spots and a flood of talented artists vying for them. When I do manage to secure a spot, the experience can vary wildly. Some fairs turn out to be incredible opportunities, where my work resonates with the audience, and I leave with not only new connections but also a sense of accomplishment and financial success. Other times, despite all the effort and the significant costs some art fairs charge, I barely make back the entry fee, leaving me questioning if it was all worth it.
Yet, even with these ups and downs, the thrill of being part of the art fair scene keeps me going. The chance to present my work to fresh eyes, to hear feedback directly from art lovers, and to engage with a community that values creativity is what drives me. Every show is a learning experience, shaping how I approach the next one and fueling my passion for photography.
One of the most unpredictable factors that can make or break an art fair experience is the weather. No matter how much preparation goes into setting up my booth, the elements always have the final say. A beautiful sunny day can draw in large crowds, boosting sales and making the event enjoyable for everyone. But when the weather turns bad—whether it's scorching heat or unexpected rain—it can quickly become a nightmare for artists. Just three weeks ago, I participated in a show that was a perfect example of this unpredictability. The first day was promising, with a steady flow of visitors and a good interest in my work. However, overnight, severe storms rolled in, wreaking havoc on the art fair. Many of my fellow artists' booths were destroyed, leaving them with nothing to show for their efforts. The second day of the fair was canceled as a result. I was fortunate—my booth survived the storm—but I couldn't help but feel the loss of what that second day could have brought. Not only did I miss out on potential sales, but I also lost valuable opportunities to connect with new audiences.
One of the aspects I take great pride in is how I display my work. Most of the photos in my booth are printed on aluminum, a medium that makes the colors vivid and striking, perfectly capturing the essence of my photography. The way these prints catch the light and draw in viewers is something that consistently sets my booth apart. However, there’s a downside to using aluminum: it’s incredibly susceptible to damage, especially during transport from one show to another. No matter how carefully I pack and handle these prints, the risk of damage is always present. It’s heartbreaking to unpack one of my prints only to discover that a corner has been bent, rendering it unsellable. Each damaged piece represents not just a financial loss, but also the loss of an opportunity to share that particular vision with someone new.
This challenge is compounded by the need to maintain a large inventory. To make my booth as appealing as possible, I keep a variety of photos on display on the walls and in bins for people to look at. Having a wide selection is crucial—it helps attract a broader audience and gives visitors more chances to find something they connect with. But maintaining this inventory comes at a high cost, both in terms of production and the ongoing effort to ensure each piece is in good condition. It’s a balancing act between offering variety and managing the financial and logistical realities of transporting and storing fragile artwork.
Amidst all the challenges of running a booth at art fairs, one of the greatest rewards is the opportunity to connect with people who stop by and enjoy my work. There's something incredibly fulfilling about seeing someone drawn to a particular photo, and I love engaging with them to share the story behind it. Each of my photos has a unique tale—whether it’s the place where it was taken, the circumstances surrounding the shot, or the emotions it evokes in me as the photographer. As a travel photographer, my images are snapshots of diverse wildlife, landscapes, and architecture from around the world. When I tell visitors about capturing polar bears in Svalbard or the Singing Drain Pipes in Dresden, Germany, I see their curiosity ignite. These stories often resonate deeply with people, not only making the photographs more than just beautiful images but also sparking personal memories for those who have visited the same locations—they become windows into far-off places and shared experiences. This exchange of stories and reactions is what makes the art fair experience so special for me. It’s not just about selling a piece of art; it’s about sharing a piece of the world and seeing it through someone else’s eyes. These interactions remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place and fuel my passion to keep exploring, creating, and sharing.
Despite the challenges, long days, and occasional disappointments, I genuinely love having a Fine Art Photography booth at these art fairs. It was a dream of mine for many years before it became a reality, and each event is a unique experience, filled with its own set of highs and lows, but it’s all part of the journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The thrill of seeing someone connect with my work, the joy of sharing the stories behind each photo, and the connections I make with other artists all make the effort worthwhile.
Sometimes, those connections lead to so much more. For example, my business card was picked up at an art fair last year, which resulted in me becoming one of the resident artists at the art gallery in the Elliot Park Hotel in Minneapolis. And then there are the moments that truly make all the challenges worth it—being selected as Best in Show. I’ve had the honor of receiving this recognition twice, once at the Uptown Art Fair in 2023 and again at the Arbor Lakes Art Fair in 2022. Moments like these quickly make you forget all the difficulties and remind you why you do what you do.
Every show, whether wildly successful or a bit of a struggle, teaches me something new and deepens my appreciation for this path I’ve chosen. The ups and downs are simply part of the process—part of what makes the successes so sweet and the connections so meaningful. As I look forward to the Art in the Garden show this weekend, I’m reminded that no matter what happens, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my art with the world and to continue doing what I love.
Don’t Miss “Art in the Garden” this weekend at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Come explore the stunning Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and check out the Art in the Garden event! Mark will have a booth there for the first time, showcasing his captivating photography, featuring many of his best-sellers along with a few new pieces. His perspective is often described as “eye-catching” and “captivatingly unique”.
Whether you're a nature lover, art enthusiast, or just looking for a perfect piece for your home, you’re likely to find something special at this art-focused event.
Times:
4-8 p.m. on Friday August 16th
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17-18th
Location:
MN Landscape Arboretum: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
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Check out all of Mark’s professional travel photography and award-winning photos at Wanderlust Photography and follow Wanderlust Photography on Instagram