OK, so I won this thing...

October 10, 2009 10:12 PM

I got an email announcing that I have won an award in a local photography contest. Yay me! The problem to be solved here is that I now need, I find, to sit down and play public relations and sign books and be chipper and friendly.

For some reason, this is terrifying me. Possibly because I didn't expect this when I entered the contest- I thought, "hey, it would be nice to get published, and even nicer to win a prize", but now that I find out I actually won, I'm a little... scared of seeming entirely too dorky and inappropriate in this party setting. Sit down and have to talk to people, be clever and write clever things extemporaneously in books that people paid good money for?

Oh help me, hive mind. This isn't me.

So what kind of things can I write in a photo book that won't seem disingenuous or overly dorky? Am I over-thinking our favorite legumes here?

Put another way: You spend $40.00 on a photo book about your city: The prizewinning photographers are there to sign it for you: What do you expect them to write?

posted by pjern to human relations (15 comments total)

Your name. I suppose you could write other things but I would just be expecting your signature.
posted by lucy.jakobs at 10:17 PM on October 10

Photography is considered artwork, so probably just your name?
posted by kylej at 10:17 PM on October 10

Well, personalizing the message is standard. Also, think of a few quips to run through the entire junket. You will probably get better at that as it goes. One pad quip that may take you through a career is another thing.

Mostly, it is the verbal conversation that get me the most mermories; the signature is to show off while you are tell the story to your friends.
posted by captainsohler at 10:22 PM on October 10

As with most things that cause anxiety, you are over-thinking this. You're almost certainly likely to find yourself signing the books the same way, unless someone wants it personalized, and answering the same few questions over and over. (I've not been in your exact position, but have been in similar ones.)

You really don't need to be clever. Just be yourself. Your talent has gotten you this recognition, so you're doing something right.

Congrats!!!! Enjoy your time in the limelight!
posted by The Deej at 10:26 PM on October 10

"Nice to meet you, what's your name?"

"Nancy."

*sign* Nancy, Thanks for your support, pjern */sign*
posted by GPF at 10:35 PM on October 10 [1 favorite]

Contrarian, I:

If it doesn't feel natural, don't sign anything; just be there and meet the people; if they wonder why you're not signing anything, tell them truth.

"This isn't me."
posted by philip-random at 10:50 PM on October 10

Dude. Chill. You got this. It'll be fun. And congratulations!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 10:56 PM on October 10

Congratulations...the book signing thing is your moment to shine! Take full advantage of it..those moments are rare for artists and photographers. You will have a very good time if you simply decide to have a good time.

I am an oil painter and I have been to many receptions. One thing I like to say (when I run out of things to say at these things) is "thank you for supporting regional art". (People really seem to be satisfied with this statement). It is very truthful in my case.. I am sincerely grateful to the people who support and encourage artists (and photographers).
posted by naplesyellow at 10:58 PM on October 10

I'm a little... scared of seeming entirely too dorky and inappropriate in this party setting.

I always expect creative types to be weird. I say this as a writer. I would probably be more disappointed if I went to your signing and you weren't a little awkward. You could show up wearing fishnets and a Rainbow Brite t-shirt and people would just think, "eh, creative types." You could show up roaring drunk -- note: don't do this -- and it wouldn't even seem that weird. It's pretty incredible the range of personalities and quirks society will accept from artists.

Remember, many people are inclined to be nervous to have someone sign something, so if you show signs of flaws and being human -- as long as you're not a dick or act put off -- you're helping them feel more comfortable. If you're way weird, it'll just be amusing or endearing to them. If you're super quiet, they'll think you're mysterious. If you come across as entirely normal, they'll just think, "Eh, what was I expecting?"

Seriously, there's not a whole lot you can do wrong.


So what kind of things can I write in a photo book that won't seem disingenuous or overly dorky?

I wouldn't expect anything other than your signature or something bland. If it was "you" to write something other than that, then I would encourage it, but since it's not, don't.
posted by Nattie at 12:30 AM on October 11 [1 favorite]

Just sign your name.

Some people may show up with a line or two on a card or notpad asking you to use their verbiage (Ex: "Happy 16th birthday Judy! Good luck with your photography!").

In that case, just sign that as requested along with your name.

The best sig I've ever seen from an author at a book signing was by my friend who wrote a cookbook. She signed everything, "Let's eat!" and her name.
posted by imjustsaying at 1:30 AM on October 11

I've had to do this a few times. Just sign your name, unless the owner of the book requests personalization (you might prompt them for this, as they may be a little shy).

As an aside, make sure you get a "nice" pen - maybe test a few on similar paper to that which you'll be signing. Marker pen looks "better" than a standard ball-point, for example.
posted by gene_machine at 3:04 AM on October 11

After a few people you'll most likely be warmed up and won't have a chance to think about being nervous anymore. But if you want, you could have some object that is a conversation starter at your table, something that relates to your photo or the city, or wear something interesting. People will comment on it and you'll have something to briefly chat about...besides your work of course! Also, bring your own comment book and ask your visitors to sign with their email or mailing address. Many will want to and you'll love reading the comments later.
posted by i_love_squirrels at 3:07 AM on October 11

Umpteenthing just signing your name. Think of in terms of signing your art. That's pretty much how the purchasers of the book are looking at it, too. Occasionally, someone might want it more personalized, but they will be few and far-between. Use a Sharpie.

Oh, and, congratulations!
posted by Thorzdad at 4:59 AM on October 11

What to say: "Thanks for your support. I'm glad you enjoy my work." I would imagine some people will ask you technical questions, but most will probably ask a more generic question, like "wow, how did you get that shot?" in which case they may not want the technical details.

Sign your name.
posted by desjardins at 6:43 AM on October 11

You don't write anything extemporaneously. You decide what you want to write before you get there, and you write that in every single book unless somebody asks for something different.

Use a Sharpie. Bring several in case one dies.

Take a pad of paper and write people's names down on THAT, to check the spelling, before you write it in the book.

You say, "Thank you for coming, I really appreciate your support." If people ask questions, answer them.

Sign the title page, not the blank pages in the front and back of the book. Or in your case, you may want to sign the page your picture is on.

If people want pictures, hold the book in front of you in the picture.

That's it. It's not hard.
posted by headspace at 7:34 AM on October 11 [1 favorite]