Dealing with Photography Dealers

[rfader]

<p>A reputable art photography dealer is interested in my work and wants me to provide presentation prints. Before I provide the prints, is it business standard to have a contract as to how long she'll hold onto them? I'm spending a small fortune to have the prints made and housed in a presentation box. How, if at all, should I protect myself to be certain I'll get these back?<br>

And generally, does anyone have any suggestions about the photographer/dealer relationship?<br>

Any and all suggestions are very appreciated!<br>

Robin Fader</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<p>I suggest you read Cay Lang's book "Taking the Leap" It explains how the gallery world works, what they expect, and what you can expect.<br>

<Chas></p>

[Spearhead]

Charles' recommendation is excellent. I have found that book to be very useful.

[rfader]

<p>Awesome -- trying to secure a copy now. In advance of that, any comments, suggestions are welcome.</p>

[starshooter]

<p>I am in the same boat you are. I found a gallery that said they wanted to show my prints and it turned into a nightmare. I am still attempting to find all the copies that somehow were made of my images. The person I was dealing with quit, the co-owner didn't have a clue and his partner was even more clueless. I would not give anybody anything until I had a pretty good contract signed. The book the others suggested is quite good.<br>

It's a minefield in a nightmare. I am now trying to get hooked up with a non-profit arts coop gallery.</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<blockquote>

<p>Charles' recommendation is excellent. I have found that book to be very useful.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Jeff recommended it to me a couple of years ago and I found it very helpful and recommend it highly.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

[danmarchant]

<p>A gallery is an agent and you should certainly have some form of contract which has a fixed term and possibly an early get out clause in the event that they never sell anything. It should also make them responsible for the prints while in their possession.<br>

<br />You could also do some research on the other artists whose work they represent and then contact those artists and ask for a reference/their opinion of the gallery.</p>

[rfader]

<p>Many thanks, Dan! This is wise advice and highly useful.</p>