How do I go about approaching art galleries to have a solo exhibition
of my photography? Do I need an electronic portfolio and do I need an
art representative or can I do this myself?

Some of the information in the answer and comments to this earlier
question may be of interest to you:

http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=46023

Thank you pinkfrued - I appreciate the help!!!!!!!!!!

If you are ?unknown? at the moment, solos are very difficult to
acquire. For this reason, the following is aimed at getting known and
should be ignored if you are only interested in solos.

One of the best ways to start of is to be included in mixed
exhibitions. Often sculpture or jewellery or photography is shown in
conjunction with a painter of moderate standing. This benefits both
the artists and the gallery because it makes for a more interesting
show and some areas may be more appropriate for mediums other than
painting. Sometimes photography is displayed in adjoined tea-rooms
because the physical demands for hanging are usually less than for
painting -- unless you do poster sized of course.

Suggest you simply take along a portfolio in printed form rather than
electronic. Make it easy for the owners because the world is full of
struggling artists and rich gallery owners. Best to try for an
appointment first but there?s no hard rule. Don?t of course turn up
just as they are about to have an opening and are frantically hanging.
You?ll find that the many galleries have an artistic angle so aim your
portfolio to what you think would be compatible with their
inclinations. Initially of course, tramp round the galleries in your
area and just see what sort of approach they adopt. There are
exclusively photographic galleries but that?s a hard sell for the
unknown.

As I?m sure you are aware, getting started is the most difficult
aspect. There are occasional exceptions but generally to become
recognised you must build up an exhibition CV, initially from modest
galleries. Sales aren?t too important at this stage but being seen is.
It?s also worth checking out other institutions such as banks,
hospitals, schools etc, and you might even capitalise upon personal
contacts in this respect.

Unless you have large funds, an agent wouldn?t be appropriate at this
stage unless you have sympathetic relative or friend who will do it
for free. Mixed blessing anyway and galleries like to meet the
artists, and have them available for openings too to meet the buyers.
Bear in mind that you may also be expected to contribute to ?opening
day? drinks. This can be avoided by selecting galleries who simply
update their displays rather than running with selected artists but
?openings? are high impact and attract select clientele.

Good fortune to you.

Best

I would suggest looking for local arts councils in your region. Many
cities or regions have grant-funded organizations that have promoting
art and new artists as their mandate. You may be asked to help defray
the costs of a gallery reception and invites, and you will be expected
to provide framed prints, ready to hang. In general though, these type
organizations can be very helpful in getting your name out. Be
prepared to wait though, as many of them have limited gallery space
and are booked solid for months into the future.

Hope this helps-

Vaughn Teegarden
<a href="http://vaughnsphotoart.com">http://vaughnsphotoart.com</a>