Photo presentation:
displaying your photographs for the world to admire

Photo presentation describes the steps involved in getting our photographs out there, to be shared, displayed, and admired. For some, it's a topic that's every bit as technically challenging as making photographs in the first place. I don't go that far, but I'll admit that photo presentation is full of tricks and tips, and twists and turns, that many people find immensely gratifying.

And there is no arguing with good results! Who can resist a well-printed, tastefully framed photograph, a classy photo book, or a compelling digital slide show? Up until now, we've put maximum effort into creating beautiful photographs that "sing" (that goes for all photography, not just macro photography!). Let's explore the magic of displaying photographs, where a final polish can make our images truly stand out.

Here are the pages I've prepared in this Photo Presentation section:

A review of digital photography printing: what you need to know to make the best paper prints from your digital photographs, including resolution, image size, printer types, and color management.
On this page you'll learn how to Create a Photo Book that tells a story as it shows off your photographs. High-quality photo books can be bound by one of many online services. Come in and you'll learn how!
Framing Photographs for wall display is the ultimate compliment to your photographs, and to your creative prowess. Do it yourself picture framing is not difficult: we'll explore how on this page.
Digital Slide Shows are a fun and eye-catching way to show off your photographs, with the added touch of blending, zooming, and music. We'll show you how on this page.
Here we discuss Preserving Photographs (prints, slides, and negatives), and protecting them from the ravages of time, so that future generations can enjoy them, too.

Photo presentation: why bother?

That provocative title, sadly, represents a state of affairs for way too many photographers: neglecting to display their work. Modesty, fear of rejection, laziness, lack of interest, lack of know-how: all popular reasons, and in my work with photography students, I've heard every one.

Here's what I think: hiding your photographs in a drawer or on your hard drive, without making them available for others to see is a sad tragedy!

If you have taken the time to learn photography, and have dedicated yourself to this unique art-form, then photo presentation is as important to the development of your photo craft as is any other study. That's because good photo presentation sharpens our photographic senses, and makes us better photographers. I call it "completing the circle". Our knowledge builds at each step of the process, from image capture to digital workflow to presentation.

Some words about Photo Copyright

Copyright is a type of intellectual property law that protects the creators of works of art, photographs included. In my opinion, every photographer should have at least a passing knowledge of the copyright protections that are in place.

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on television. What I know about copyright comes from my own experience living and working in the United States. Please consult with legal professionals in your own place or residence (including the USA!) for the most accurate, and up-to-date copyright information.

In a nutshell:

Copyright is assigned to the creator of the work at the moment it is created.
Copyright remains with the creator for his/her entire life, and can be passed down to his/her heirs. Under US law, the work will remain copyright protected until 70 years after the original creator's death.
Copyright is intended to protect creators, so that they can gain value from their work, and thus be in a position to create more.
Copyright can be legally assigned to another person or organization. In the real world, this is seldom necessary, because....
Limited usage rights to a work of art can be sold, or licensed, to a paying customer without giving up full copyright. For example, a photograph can be licensed for a certain number of printed calendars for a certain amount of time. Licensing agreements can get very complicated! Licensing rights are assigned under the umbrella of the artist's copyright; he/she retains copyright protection throughout.
Works where the copyright has expired are said to be in the public domain, which means they can be used by anyone for any purpose.
People appearing in photographs have certain rights (for example, the right to not be depicted in a commercial setting without permission), but these rights are not the same as copyright.

Okay, I admit it: as nutshells go, that's a pretty big nut!

The main point of copyright is this: your work belongs to you, and no-one can take it away from you unless you agree to it. The exception is a work-for-hire agreement, where you are paid a salary to make photographs.

Having said all this, I'm aware that many of us are only interested in sharing our photos, and don't care how often they get redistributed, or by whom.

I mention copyright so that you know it exists, and so you know the basics. Copyright gets more important the closer you get to selling or licensing your photographs, and to making a living from your photos.

This website (text and photos) is covered by a Creative Commons License (see the icon and link at the bottom of the page). I'm satisfied that such a license will protect my rights, while assuring that people can share my images. I believe it to be a sensible compromise between unfettered image sharing and strict "no re-use" policies.

Digital photography's greatest gift: sharing photos online

Digital photography's Number One Greatest Feature is portability. Digital photos can be moved, copied, shared, and electronically transported without any decrease in quality. It's no wonder that online photo-sharing sub-cultures have sprung up in the past few years.

Maybe sharing photos online is as far as you've gotten with displaying photographs. No shame there: On photo sharing sites you can get your work critiqued, admire the work of others, get inspired, be an inspiration to others. You can interact with a worldwide community with little in common besides a love of photography.

Photo sharing sites come in a variety of flavors: free or by subscription, amateur sites to professional online galleries. Some overlap with photo finishing sites, others seem content just to get you to visit often.

Some well-known photo sharing sites are:

This only scratches the surface of all that is out there. Photo sharing sites will come and go, and new kids will put pressure on the older sites to adapt or risk losing members.

My hope is that, in addition to sharing photos online, you'll soon try your hand at photo presentation using more traditional materials and methods. Read on...

...but before we move on...

...please remember this: Good presentation enhances the visual impact of our photographs. Embrace it! Let's dive in!

Once again, here are the other pages in this Photo Presentation section: