Birmingham Photospace

FAQ Update

2009-03-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

In case there is any doubt - can we ask that photographers do not bring any framed prints as we haven't the technology to hang them. We want straight and mounted prints but no frames - thanks

Flash Swap Press Release

2009-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Birmingham Photospace Press Release: Flash Swap Exhibition

We want your images. See below for the our press release.

Birmingham Photospace Press Release

Local photographers are being invited to exhibit and swap their work for free at Birmingham’s Custard Factory.

Birmingham Photospace, a voluntary group dedicated to finding a permanent space for photography in the city, is hosting ‘Flash Swap’ – an event on Saturday 21st March at the Custard Factory’s Vaad Gallery for photographers of all levels to showcase their work for free.

The event will allow people to be part of a ‘swap session’, where they can take home their favourite image from the exhibition, providing that they have left one of their own prints in exchange. This picture exchange will give people the chance to meet fellow photographers over a drink and to display their artwork, but is also intended to raise awareness of the organisers’ long-term goal: to establish a permanent photography gallery in Birmingham.

It is the group’s first event in the city, and will take place on Saturday, 21st March with submissions accepted from 11.00am – 4pm and viewing and swap session from 5pm – 8pm at the Custard Factory’s Vaad Art Gallery in Digbeth.

Liz Garlinge, of Birmingham Photospace, said: “We’re hoping that all types of photographers from the city will bring along their work.

It’s an exhibition for everyone, regardless of whether they are professional, semi-pro or just an enthusiast. There’s a place for every image providing it fits through the door.

The photographs can be about any subject - it’s a chance for people to showcase work that they are proud of, in whatever form that takes.

The ‘swaps’ at the event will hopefully help people to generate interest in their work. People can bring an image they are willing to let someone else take home – and then go and pick a photograph they like for themselves. That way everyone will go away with the best of Birmingham’s images!”

Birmingham Photospace originated from the global photo sharing website Flickr, where over 1,200 members have registered an interest in the city’s photography. The group, which is organised by volunteers, hopes to attract funding to gain support for a dedicated, not-for-profit space for photographers.

To express an interest in exhibiting or attending, email patrick@birminghamphotospace.co.uk or visit the group’s blog at www.birminghamphotospace.co.uk

Ends

For press enquiries or more information about Birmingham Photospace, contact liz@birminghamphotospace.co.uk or call 07930 369088

Notes to editors:
1) Birmingham Photospace is seeking to set up a gallery to exhibit work from
photographers of national/ international repute and to provide a support
space for local photographers of all levels
2) Thanks are given to the Custard Factory for their support in hosting this event. Situated on the former site of Bird’s Custard, the Custard Factory has received Regional Development Agency, Government and EU funds to support the arts and creative industries in Birmingham.

Places to Get Your Images Printed

2009-02-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Online

http://www.dscolourlabs.co.uk/ - v cheap, OK quality (perfectly fine
for Flashswap), usable online ordering system

Others -

http://www.proamimaging.com/- cheap, really really good quality,
annoyingly you have to send them a CD

http://www.photobox.co.uk/- medium priced (you do get 40 free 6x4s
though), OK quality, easy to use online system

There are of course printers on the 'high' street which are all much of a muchness though Snappysnaps is meant to be quite good.

Any other suggestions.

FAQ's

2009-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Q I don't have any photos of Birmingham; can I still come along?

A Of course. The exhibition is to celebrate photography IN Birmingham,
not photography OF Birmingham. Your photos can be of anything at all,
and in any format you like, as long as they fit through the door and
won't be deemed offensive.

Q What size would I have to print my photos?
A Any size you like. We are assuming that a lot of people will be
bringing standard sized (4" x 6") prints, but it would be great to
have a variety of sizes, from moo cards to huge canvases. (Okay, the
latter is probably a bit optimistic...!)

Q Do they have to be on proper photo paper?

A Not really, although bear in mind that you are offering them for
swap and most people will be expecting a photographic print. Many
retailers, either in their shops or online, offer a printing service
from CD, memory stick or email. If your cashflow is limited, you might like to think about printing your images at home on photographic quality printer paper. But even
this isn't vital - in fact, we would accept them printed on anything,
even A4 paper.

2009-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

FLASH SWAP EXHIBITION MARCH 21ST THE CUSTARD FACTORY
DETAILS/ TERMS AND CONDITION

1) If possible email patrick@birminghamphotospace.co.uk - indicating
that you want to exhibit. Numbers etc. This is not essential but
gives us a feel for how many people will turn up

2) Turn up from 11.00am on Saturday 21st March with your prints at the
Custard Factory - VIAD Gallery. Last prints will be accepted at
4.00pm. These images can be in any format. Decide how many you are
willing to swap. You must swap at least one and we would encourage
more. But you only have to swap one. There will be an area in the
gallery for non swap images.

3) You will then place these on the wall. They will be fixed by blu
tack or velcro - which will be available on the day. You will need to
register your name and contact details. (These will only be used for
Birmingham Photospace information). If you want to put the image
details - index cards will be available for you to write these down
and place next to your images.

4) You must have all legal rights to display the images.

5) No liability can be taken for any damage or loss to the images
mounted/ swapped

6) There will be a process by which you can choose the image(s)-
(details on the day)that you want to take away with you. These will be
collectable from 7pm - 8.00pm onward on the night of 21st March or
between 11.00am and midday on Sunday 22nd March. (Confirm exact timings on the day)

7) All images uncollected will be available for picking up at the next
BP event (to be arranged). Images cannot be posted.

8) We would hope you might be able to stick around and meet other
photographers during the day. There will be an exhibition launch and
drink at 5.00pm.

9) All prints will be accepted unless they are deemed to be offensive
by the exibition organisers. This decision is solely down to the
organisers and no liability can be assumed for any print refused
display. The organisers decision is final. (We don't think this is
likely)

10) If you are a professional photographer - you may bring any
publicity material you have. There will be tables where you can
display such materials (Business cards, leaflets, etc)