I have done several art fairs this year. This is my first year hitting the circuit and trying to learn from the experience. I have learned that people in Washington want to see (and buy) photos of iconic Washington sights, primarily ones that they have been to. I have learned that they do not need to have large photos, sometimes being happy with a small remembrance. I have learned to play up what I do well, which is having vivid color in my photos, and enhancing that with colored mats. I have learned that only I feel pained when I have to trim anything from a full landscape to fit it into a standard sized frame/mat. Before I started, I searched the internet to see what others had learned. The consensus seemed to be that you needed to sell metal prints - and LARGE prints. So, of course, when my printer died, I decided to get one that would print on larger paper. I don't regret that, but the smaller prints sell much better than the larger ones do....and no one ever asks for metal. My prices and quality are too damn good, why ruin the formula (me having complete control of the process vs. outsourcing the printing and incurring an additional charge that I have to pass on to my customers).
Art fairs, in general, are grueling. No one does it to get rich. There is something about it that is satisfying and stimulating despite the long hours and physical demands. At my first show, I was so nervous that I forgot to engage with people, The next show I made of point of talking to people looking at the photos and it was really enjoyable. It was encouraging because everyone really liked my work and it was also fun to hear about their experiences at the same locations or their interest in photography. That has continued to get easier and brings me much pleasure. Being an introvert in this business has its drawbacks and yet it is a challenge that I am learning to love.
As a side note....why do some people think it annoying that I charge sales tax, or worse yet, run in with a $20 bill and throw it down while they grab the product in a hurry so I don't have the chance to tell them I do. I am certainly not going to chase them - but I eat it - because I still have to report the $20 sale and pay the tax.