5 Ways to Showcase Your Photography Work by Katya Rowny

Written by Katya Rowny

One of the challenges of being a photographer is deciding what to do with all your images. After they are developed and scanned, most of mine end up stored on a hard drive, forgotten and neglected.

However, occasionally, inspiration strikes, and I feel compelled to re-engage with my work and view it with fresh eyes.

This is when the magic happens.

Being a film photographer nowadays can be disheartening. With the rise of film prices and development, taking the extra step to showcase your work can feel like a hurdle.

How do you gain more exposure for your work without spending a lot of money on ads or resorting to trends on platforms like TikTok or Instagram? It can feel discouraging when all you desire is to expand your opportunities and connect with fellow photographers who share your passion.

Having your photos sit on a hard drive never being seen by a wider audience can feel like a safe option.

I understand the struggle. But I’m here to offer five different methods to showcase your work.

One of my goals this year was to expand myself and showcase my work in different ways so that it would be seen by a wider population. Now, I know that not all of us want to become professional or award winning photographers. Some of us hobbyists are happy staying out of the limelight. But if you want to put yourself out there, these approaches are only a little unconventional yet effective, and they won’t dent your wallet—they might even elevate your profile.

1. Update Your Website

This first method may seem like a no brainer, but it often gets overlooked or put on the to do list for later: update your website.

I will often update my website after one of my articles is published, and then I will take the time to review the rest of my website, making sure all the links, descriptions, and blog posts are accurate.

I will update photos with any adventures I’ve taken, creating a separate page highlighting the trip.

Creating or even updating a website can seem like a hassle, but with Squarespace they make it easy! I’m kidding, sort of. This is not an ad for Squarespace, but I do use them to host my site. There are different hosting options out there, and I encourage you to find one that will work for you and your goals.

2. Writing for Publications

Depending on your goals for showcasing your work, you may be interested in blogging and/or even writing for different publications.

One thing I started doing was blogging on my website, highlighting different film cameras and film stocks I used. Over time, I built up a writing portfolio I was able to present to different websites that were looking for guest writers.

Some sites that I recommend (no particular order) are listed below.

1. Emulsive
2. 35mmc
3. Casual Photophile
4. FStoppers
5. Shoot It With Film
6. Kosmofoto

Some of these sites have open calls for writers, while others have more specific guidelines for submission.

One of my first submissions years ago was to Shoot It With Film! My family took a road trip to Montana, and I submitted a photo essay of our journey.

I can say this helped propel me forward in my hobby and encouraged me to keep doing more with my photography. This option was easier for me because it highlighted my photography rather than focused on my writing.

Another similar option is 35mmc website. They have different options for submissions such as a photography project/series, 5 frames with and the whole roll. Further guidelines can be found on their site.

3. Create a Photobook or Zine

Another way to showcase your work is to create a photobook or zine. Creating a zine with your film photography is a creative challenge that brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

As you assemble your zine, you’ll also enhance various skills such as design, editing, writing, and marketing. Moreover, a zine serves as a brilliant platform to showcase your photography, presenting your images as a cohesive collection for others to admire and appreciate.

I created one photobook years ago for a secret santa exchange and mailed it to Japan! I used Shutterfly because they had a sale going on for the holidays, but I know that there are dozens of options including printing and binding yourself.

I have also bought other photographers’ zines and connected with people all over the world because of our love of film.

4. Submitting to Open Calls

My fourth suggestion is submitting to open calls. Now this option can be tedious and time consuming, but so worth it!

Depending on the prospectus, an artist statement may be required along with entry fees.

I have had the privilege of having my work displayed in a gallery in a different state. Although I was unable to attend in person, seeing photos of my work displayed was incredible. I remember receiving the email and being dumbfounded and elated all at the same time. It was definitely a highlight in my photography journey.

I suggest sitting down every few months and reviewing any open calls that your work may be suitable for and take note of the upcoming deadlines. I will then set aside a few hours to prepare and upload the images correctly, ensuring no mistakes have been made.

There are a few websites I recommend when searching for the right opportunity to submit your work. While most open calls are geared towards digital work, there are a few that focus on the analog process. Some of them include Analog Forever Magazine, Pamplemousse Magazine, and Film Shooters Collective.

1. Call for Entries for Photography Competitions and Photo Exhibition Opportunities
2. All Calls for Entry | Analog Forever Magazine
3. Open Call for Film Photographers – Analog Cafe
4. Submit | Film Shooters Collective

If you are a Holga shooter, I highly recommend Plastic Perspective, which is a twice-yearly, Holga-exclusive zine.

Some publications I’ve been featured in I found on the Call for Entries site or searching similar accounts on Instagram.

Have I been accepted to all of the things I have submitted for? Absolutely not, but the publications I have been accepted for I cherish and display proudly.

5. Participate in a Print Exchange

And lastly, participate in a print exchange. I have had the pleasure of doing these for a few years now and have been so delighted with the prints and gifts I’ve received.

One year, I used a third party to print and ship my photos, but this past year, I was able to print and sign them myself.

I absolutely adore getting snail mail and there’s nothing like having the print in your hands, being able to display them in your home.

Final Thoughts

My hope is that this article has inspired you to dust off those hard drives and delve into the world of showcasing your work.

Putting yourself out there can seem daunting but hopefully by taking small steps your confidence will grow and you will foster connections with artists all around the world.

Thank you so much, Katya! Katya is a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, such as the Aurora 800 Film Review & Comparison with Lomography 800 and Yashica-D TLR Film Camera Review.

You can also find more of Katya’s work on her website and Instagram.

Leave your questions about showcasing your photography work below in the comments!

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Katya Rowny

Katya Rowny is a travel photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here, such as Olympus XA2 Point & Shoot Film Camera Review and Elektra 100 Film Review.

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