Here are three things gallerists and curators notice when reviewing bodies of work: the photographer’s engagement in the subject, the time they put into exploring it, and whether or not they had someone to help with the final edit. They aren’t impressed by work that isn’t original and unique to the photographer—that is, don’t try to be anyone but yourself—but they do appreciate when artists are knowledgeable about the market.
The creation of a meaningful project starts before you ever pick up the camera and continues long after you put it down. If you skip steps along the way, you could be selling yourself short. With help from people working at galleries and institutions devoted to contemporary photography, we put together this list of essential—but sometimes overlooked—tips for developing a body of work that resonates.