Whether you transfer your photographs to canvas or print them to paper or posters, there’s something rather special about knowing your work has been seen and appreciated. If you’re not quite at the stage of hosting your own exhibition at a gallery there are still plenty of other ways to get your photography noticed in the local area. As well as raising your profile you could earn some money too. Here are a few potential venues for showing your photographic efforts.

Libraries
People spend lots of time sitting and relaxing in libraries, which means art displays are usually a welcome addition. Why not speak to your local library to see how they support local artists? As well as displaying your work it may be possible to organise a talk about your image.

Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
Restaurants and other eateries have a long tradition of displaying photographs, paintings and illustrations and most don’t charge a commission for sales. They benefit from having some free and interesting artwork decorating their premises and you should get recognition for your work and hopefully some sales too. Of course, such places are predominantly interested in selling their own wares and services, so you’ll need to go the extra mile to get the most out of such arrangements. Make sure your works are all clearly labelled with your name and contact details, leave a price list at the venue along with some business cards and consider leaving a box to collect enquiries or feedback about your work in too.

Gyms and salons
A gym might not seem like an obvious place for a display but when you think of everyday places where people spend a lot of time staring at the walls its right up there. You won’t want to put your work in the line of fire next to the weights machines but they could add interest in the yoga room or rest area. Beauty salons and hair salons may also be open to displaying your work and could be open to arranging launch events on the premises that complement their own offering. Salons may also offer a more ambient setting for display.

Social media showing
Photographers and artists are getting very au fait with displaying and promoting their work online but there may be a few more tricks you can use to raise your profile. How do you use social media to promote your services? So you join in with local business support hours? Many big towns and areas set aside a particular hour every week to support local businesses and craftspeople, could you make connections via yours? Examples include #devonhour and #brightonhour. Tune in and you might find new markets for your work and opportunities for display.

Where do you display your photography? Would you be open to be showing your work outside of a gallery?