What is the proper or accepted "protocol" for submitting and ultimately displaying photographic works in a gallery? I realize many member run and co-op galleries and camera club galleries can be very flexible towards rules, but to be taken seriously by the fine art and collector-type galleries, how do you come across professional even if you are an amateur hobbyist like myself? (Leaving out the question of whether one has what it takes, for now....)

Are portfolios on slides taken seriously? If you do submit portfolio on slide, will they want to see the prints before they decide? Should the show be printed and framed ready-to-hang before you even walk in the door?

Is there a proper way to mat and frame prints? Is anything shy of archival taken seriously?

What does "in recto" and " in verso" mean when referring to signatures?

Do you always only sign in pencil? On the mat or on the print? Which side?

If a print is of an edition (ie 1/20) does the negative still exist?

Should you have several prints available or is it amateurish to say you'll print one for a sale? (Is it bad form for the one hanging on the wall to be the only good FB print you own right now due to the cost of hanging a show?)

Writing the "artists statement" probably intimidates me the most. I'm far too straight froward and no good at esoteric. Any pointers?

I could go on.... If there are any pointers you can think of that I left out, please feel free.

Thank you,

Don Minton

-- Don Minton (minton2@mindspring.com), July 19, 1998