How to Sell Photography at Art Shows: Top Picks & Hot Sellers
- TeamBay
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Many photographers and artists choose Bay Photo for their prints and art reproductions to sell at events. But curating an art show exhibit that draws crowds can be an artform in itself. The key is knowing which of your images people can envision in their home and how to present them with irresistible display options.
Watch what happens when someone falls in love with a piece - first the slow stroll, then the phone comes out: “Think this would work in the dining room?” Next comes hand-measuring, a guilty grin, and the classic: “I wasn’t supposed to buy anything today…but…”
Just like that, they’re ready to buy.
What to Sell at Art Shows: Top Products Buyers Love
Here are our bestseller products for those ready to invest in art they love.
Canvas Wraps are loved by all and provide a timeless aesthetic for every space. The soft texture makes your work feel more handcrafted, which matters to buyers who want something that feels personal, rather than mass-produced.
Add a Float Frame and suddenly a simple print becomes a piece that feels curated and expensive. That clean shadow gap adds depth and dimension, which upholds your work in its most premium form. People will notice that difference, even if they can’t explain why!
Why they’re crowd favorites: Matches any decor, easy to hang (even for first-timers), feels premium
Sweet spot: Medium to large sizes display beautifully. Offering a few smaller canvases gives hesitant buyers an easy entry point.
Our Acrylic Prints stop people in their tracks. The colors are bold, clean, and magnetic. They reflect light in all the right ways, making rich colors pop and details feel almost three-dimensional. People often gaze from various angles, which says everything about their depth and impact.
They’re perfect for high-contrast photos, and they act as built-in conversation starters.
Why they’re crowd favorites: Dramatic, screams “statement piece”, makes a lasting impression
Sweet spot: Your strongest hero photo, printed big.
BayBooks creates an intimacy that wall art simply can’t match. Instead of quick glances, people sit down and really engage with your work. They flip through slowly, ask questions about locations, and often end up learning more about your process and inspiration.
BayBooks are where your work becomes a journey into your creative mind. They’re especially powerful for travel photography, or any project that lives better as a series.
For the photographers who offer more than one style? Our BayBooks show that range without overwhelming your booth with too many prints.
Why they’re crowd favorites: Interactive, something special for their coffee table, great for gift-giving
Sweet spots: Travel series, any work that tells a story better in sequence
Some pieces are meant to shine, and MetalPrints make that happen. These prints have a smooth, modern surface that brings out your work's boldest colors and finest details.
They’re also durable (in the best way)! MetalPrints can handle humidity, bright sunlight, and everyday wear without losing their beauty. Whether it’s in a living room, bathroom, or that sunny hallway, they just keep looking great over time.
Why they’re crowd favorites: Durability you can count on, they look great in any space, rich, vibrant colors that catch eyes
Sweet spots: High-detail landscapes, nature shots, fine art with popping color, portraits with rich skin tones, anything that deserves to stand out!
Reliable, approachable, and perfect for the “I’ll just take a look…” crowd that ends up buying anyway.
These are perfect for gift buyers, people building collections, or anyone who fell in love with a larger piece but needs something more budget-friendly. Same beautiful photo, smaller size, friendlier price.
Bundle deals work incredibly well here. “Three for $135” suddenly feels like a steal rather than impulse buying, and people end up taking home more art than they planned.
Why they’re crowd favorites: Won’t break the bank, perfect for gifts, easy to frame and display later, available with Photographic and Fine Art Prints
Sweet spots: Popular photos in smaller formats, perfect for first-time buyers and building repeat customers
These tiny treasures punch way above their weight. People can’t resist picking them up and examining them closely. They’re substantial enough to feel valuable but small enough that the price isn’t daunting.
The best part? No wall space needed. No frame required. They work perfectly on desks, nightstands, kitchen counters, or the sparse bookshelf that needs an interesting accent piece.
They’re also perfect for people who rent or live in spaces where hanging art is complicated. Just set them down, and they look effortlessly beautiful and intentional.
Why they’re crowd favorites: Giftable, fits any space, satisfying to hold
Sweet spots: Portraits, abstracts, macro work - any photo with texture or detail that shines up close!
Building a Booth That Sells
The most successful displays offer variety without overwhelming people.
Think of it like this:
Statement pieces to pull people in
A few mid-range options to keep them curious
Affordable options that make it easy to buy
Skip the approach where everything competes for attention. Too many choices = decision fatigue. Choose formats that display your work beautifully and help your booth feel easy to shop.
Because in the end? Great photography presented well finds its people.
Make it easy for them to say yes and take something home.
Take it from a Pro...
No one understands what works in a booth better than a photographer who’s done it successfully.
Jeff Schwab, a professional photographer, has exhibited at art shows for years. Here’s what he’s learned from experience:
"I was fortunate enough to get into the Capitola Art and Wine Festival in 2021, and have been back each year. The initial cost of supplies for a booth set up and the inventory itself can be expensive. But after my first year was such a success, I knew it was worth it.
Festivals are a great way to interact with people who may follow you on social media or are familiar with your work. They're also great for networking. I have met a lot of people over the years, and some have become friends. Being able to showcase your favorite images is very rewarding as a photographer.
Most of my prints are on metal, canvas, or matted photos. It’s important to have a variety of sizes for people to choose from. I find that 12x18 or 24x36 are the most requested sizes. My best seller is my coasters. I have found that a lot of people like to buy them as gifts."
- Jeff Schwab
Bay Photo Has Your Back!
Whether you’re planning your first summer art show or your fiftieth, having a lab that understands what you need as a professional makes all the difference.
At Bay Photo, we’re not just here to print your work. We’re here to help you show it in its best light, with the kind of quality and presentation that sticks with people (and sells). No matter where you are on your journey of selling photography at art shows, having a reliable print partner makes all the difference.
Let us make it easy for people to say yes to your art.
designed specifically for professional photographers like you in mind.
Featured favorites:
Images by:
John Weatherby, Matt Hofman, Amy Dawnelle, Max Seigal, Amelia Durham, Jason and JoAnne Marino, Jeff Schwab
