Suggestions for portable exhibit booth

[tgipson]

I will have a 10' x 10' space to exhibit my photography at a local art show and would be grateful for suggestions for the set up for this event in terms of a display booth. Thanks ahead of time. (I know there was a previous thread here but couldn't find it.)
Also lighting suggestions!! Thanks.

[Kumar]

There's a yahoo forum called Art Show Photography.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artshow_photo/

Cheers,
Kumar

[tgipson]

There's a yahoo forum called Art Show Photography.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artshow_photo/

Cheers,
Kumar

Thanks for the resource!

[bill t.]

I have enough of these panels for three 10x10 booths.  I can fit all I need for a 10x20 booth + most of the pieces to display interleaved between the softish panels in the back of my Toyota Tacoma light pickup (with the tailgate down).  About 90% of the artists I know use these.  The rest suffer hugely with shaky homebrew setups.

For lights the easiest solution is to use Luxo style lamps with the posts stuck into the top ends of the tubes, no modifications needed.  Track lights attached tp rails screwed to pieces of lumber are more dramatic, but a more hassle.

Very nice people. http://www.propanels.com/

[tgipson]

Thanks for the feedback. I have been looking at that setup and it looks very professional. I'm leaning that way vs a gridwall which seems somewhat less expensive but less professional to me. Also thanks for the tips on the lights.

Also I like your picture....

[bill t.]

I like your picture....

He's cracking a tough nut, something all photographers and art fair gypsies must learn to do.

The wire grid type panels are the best choice if you plan to do outdoor shows, where Wind is your enemy.  But they don't look that great indoors, although you can make fabric covers if you want.  Around here monsoonal thunderstorms can generate hurricane force downdrafts pretty much all summer so I'm not a big fan of outdoor shows.  Pro Panels are a very bad choice for outdoors.

[tgipson]

He's cracking a tough nut, something all photographers and art fair gypsies must learn to do.

The wire grid type panels are the best choice if you plan to do outdoor shows, where Wind is your enemy.  But they don't look that great indoors, although you can make fabric covers if you want.  Around here monsoonal thunderstorms can generate hurricane force downdrafts pretty much all summer so I'm not a big fan of outdoor shows.  Pro Panels are a very bad choice for outdoors.

The term art fair gypsies seems to describe my near-term path....

I am skiddish about the outdoor exhibits because the winds here in Colorado can rapidly change and make a quick mess of things. I've been at events where the tents were in the next county at days end.

[ghaynes754]

Bill, any particular model of Luxo light?  They have quite an assortment.

[bill t.]

Bill, any particular model of Luxo light?  They have quite an assortment.

Those manufactured under the "Cheap" brand name seem to work about as well as any.  You can find these for $15 to $20 each at most quality stores that stock Cheap Corporation merchandise.  The Wobbly Manufacturing Company makes a nice line of Luxo-like lamps.  Get the big ones, not the prissy little desktop ones.  Figure you'll trash about one per show and always carry a little extra picture frame wire with you to sort of the patch them up as needed.

Wow I just Googled "Luxo lamps" and was amazed by what you can pay online for de$igner Luxo lamps.

Oh I see the problem, "Luxo" is a trademark!  Google "cheap spring arm lamps" to avoid sticker shock.

Here's where I got my last batch.

http://www.staples.com/Black-Swing-Arm-Inc...408203-17334-US

[Justan]

Staples is THE place for this stuff. I just bought half a dozen swing arm lamps with a clip on base. I think they were about $11 each. Not intended for a booth (they’d work fine) but for added light while assembling mats and prints.

http://www.staples.com/Black-Gooseneck-Inc...rea=sku_pd_box1

[JeffColburn]

Here's a post from Photo Cascadia.

Have Fun,
Jeff

Photo Cascadia
I use a Light Dome from Creative Energies. It is expensive, but worth the cost. It's been all weather including heavy rain with no leaks at all. Also, as the name implies it lets in more natural light than other canopies. For displays, ...I use Pro Panels, they are great!

There's a photo of his booth on the Facebook page.