My Very First Photography Exhibition in Perth, Western Australia: A Dream Come True
Posted on ClickStart.com.au – November 4, 2024
Ever since I picked up my first DSLR, I dreamed of sharing my work with others in a gallery setting. This past month, I finally got the chance to showcase my photos in Perth, my hometown – a city with a tight-knit yet thriving arts scene. Standing in front of my very own gallery space, I was filled with a mix of nerves and pride, thrilled that I had finally taken this leap. Here’s a little look back at the journey, and a few takeaways for anyone thinking of following a similar path.
How It All Started
The opportunity came as a bit of a surprise. I’d been posting my photos online and sharing tips here on ClickStart.com.au for a few years, without any big plans to go public. Then, about six months ago, I received an invitation from a small but well-regarded gallery in the heart of Perth. They had come across my work and thought my “Urban Solitude” series – a collection of shots capturing quiet, reflective moments in city life – would be a great fit for an upcoming exhibition. It felt like the stars had aligned, and I couldn’t say no.
Prepping for the Big Day
I knew a Perth exhibition would draw a unique crowd – a mix of family, friends, local photographers, and art lovers from the area. I spent weeks selecting the photos I thought best represented my work and set about creating a flow that felt true to my story. My aim was to capture a bit of the solitude and introspection I find so often within our own cityscape – from a lone fisherman on the Swan River to a quiet alleyway in Fremantle.
This process taught me so much about framing, printing, and curating for an audience. I experimented with both canvas and metal prints to see how each would convey texture and detail. I also realized that, while preparing, you often end up seeing your own work with fresh eyes, which is both challenging and rewarding. Thankfully, having a base of photography tips and resources on ClickStart Photography helped smooth out some of the bumps along the way.
Opening Night: Nerves, Friends, and Friendly Faces
When opening night arrived, I was both excited and a little nervous. Perth has a growing appreciation for the arts, but it’s also a place where everyone knows everyone. Thankfully, I was welcomed by familiar faces, family members, and fellow photographers who had seen my work online and were excited to see it in person.
One moment that stood out was when a young man approached me, captivated by a photo of an elderly man lost in thought on a bench along the Perth foreshore. He shared how it reminded him of his father, and I realized that my photos were connecting with people in ways I hadn’t anticipated. That feeling of shared connection made all the hard work worthwhile.
Lessons Learned
Hosting my first exhibition taught me some invaluable lessons:
- Stay True to Your Vision: Perth audiences are down-to-earth and appreciate honesty. Showing my own style and telling my story honestly allowed people to connect with my work on a deeper level.
- Be Ready for Last-Minute Hiccups: From frames arriving slightly off-center to battling a temperamental printer, a few small issues cropped up last-minute. Having a few extra supplies on hand – and a sense of humor – went a long way.
- Engage with Your Audience: I found that people loved hearing the stories behind each photo. Sharing the “why” of a picture made the experience much more personal, especially with Perth’s close-knit community.
- Embrace Feedback: I received some fantastic advice from fellow photographers and visitors that inspired me to push my creative boundaries further. Feedback can spark new ideas and fresh approaches.
What’s Next?
Now that I’ve had a taste of exhibiting my work, I’m eager to keep going. I’m already planning my next series, this time with a focus on nature’s quiet beauty in Western Australia. With such incredible landscapes right here, I can’t wait to see where this path takes me.
For anyone out there thinking of sharing their work publicly, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. The journey might be a bit daunting, but the experience is priceless. If you’re just starting, I’ve got a beginner’s guide to DSLR photography here on ClickStart.com.au to help you get your footing – because if I can make it, so can you.
Until next time, keep shooting, stay curious, and never stop exploring the world through your lens!
