10/24/2026
Food for thought... and something exciting that happened a few days ago.
Picture frames can make or break a print sale. They're one of those things that are easy to overlook, but the right frame can elevate a photograph while the wrong one can take away from it. It's one reason why I never want to skimp on quality when it comes to framing my work.
Recently, I was contacted by a large art center that has a major exhibit running throughout the winter. They liked my work, what they saw on my website and offered me space in another gallery room to display and sell 25 pieces running in tandem with the bigger exhibit. I was grateful, excited, and honored by the opportunity.
The downside of course picture frames.
Quality frames are expensive. Yes, there are cheaper options out there, but for an exhibit of this caliber, cheap frames simply wouldn't do. To me the way a photograph is presented not only enhances the image itself but also reflects on the artist behind it.
I've searched for frames for exhibits before, but there's a big difference between framing a few pieces and framing 25 of them.
With the current economy and the significant upfront investment required, I had to be realistic. Spending that kind of money without knowing whether any prints would sell was a risk I wasn't comfortable taking at this time.
So, after much thought, I made the difficult decision to decline the opportunity.
I'll be honest, I beat myself up over this decision. I felt defeated and sort of like I was self-sabotaging all I worked for. All the miles on my feet, hours spent out chasing nature and scenes and here I am declining a great opportunity. Self-doubt and even guilt kicked in.
But I've come to realize that instead of viewing it as a missed opportunity, I can use it as motivation.
My goal now is to learn how to build my own frames. I've already started purchasing tools, with more on the way, and soon the learning process will begin. While there is an upfront cost, I believe the long-term savings and flexibility will make it worthwhile.
Even though I had to turn down the exhibit, I'm incredibly thankful for the offer. Having my work recognized by an art venue an hour away and being considered for such a large show is rewarding in itself. It reminds me that my work is reaching people beyond my local area, and that's something I don't take for granted.
I have learned in life that the hardest decisions aren't always saying yes or no but saying not yet. But I think in many ways saying not yet shows maturity leaves room for growth.
