Introduction: The Unsung Power of a Well-Written Label
Have you ever been in an art gallery and been in front of a beautiful picture and found yourself reading the little label just as thoroughly as you looked at the image? Such a little bit of text possesses greater power than most people can imagine.
The proper way to label photography medium can immediately transform the experience of your work by the viewer. It is not merely naming your photo, but it is the aspect of providing it with context, professionalism and credibility. When you are not around or in the case of sending your art into a gallery, participating in a photography contest, or even creating a portfolio, your label is the one that talks on your behalf.
When a label is well written, it tells people what they see. It also tells how you did it, a gelatin-silver print, a C-print, a digital inkjet, or other photographic processes, and it gives a clarification without interfering with your art. And, of course, it is high time to stop using such imprecise notions as photograph or ignore the medium altogether.
The following guide will teach you how to label your photography medium like a professional, and there is no guess work here. As we go, we shall address some of the frequently asked questions by photographers which include:
- Is digital photo sufficient?
- Do I have to tell you what kind of paper or printer to use?
- But what about showing my work online rather than in a gallery?
By the time you finish this article, you will feel free to develop labels that are sharp, sound professional, and help your work be taken seriously whether on a wall in a museum or on a page on your portfolio site.
Demystifying the ‘Medium’ in Photography Labels
And now, before we get into the how-to steps, we should answer a very basic but very important question:
What is the meaning of medium in photography?
The medium in the art world is the material or the process through which a piece of work is created. In art it could be oil or acrylic on a canvas. In photography the medium is the photographic process you employed, not the subject, not the equipment, but the way the final image was printed or otherwise presented.
It does not just mean that you can write down photographs or digital photos as your medium, especially when it comes to a professional or exhibition context. Curators, people who visit the gallery as well as judges would like to know the process of producing the photograph. Did it happen to be a gelatin-silver print? An archival paper Giclée inkjet print? A conventional C-print?
Just to clarify it, here are some of the questions that are common:
Is the camera a part of the medium?
No, your camera, lens, software are not included in the labeled medium. They may be important in artist statements or technical descriptions, but on the label we are only speaking of the output process, the material that the viewer sees.
Is it possible to write just Digital Print?
Technically, but it is not very specific. Digital print is also vague and fails to specify whether it is Gicllee, laser or inkjet print. Better professional style would be:
Digital inkjets print on archival paper
or
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag gicllee print
This helps the audience to see further the quality and the purpose of your work.
Why should it make any difference in what medium I list?
Curators and viewers have historical, technical and artistic context in your photographic medium. It enables the collectors, juries and even the layman to know about the value, durability and the originality of the work.
As an example, a gelatin-silver print conveys to a person that you are using an old-fashioned darkroom technique. It is a chemical-based color print, as indicated by a C-print (chromogenic print). Both imply something quite other than a speedy laser print or digital file.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Photography Label (With Example)
After you have learned the nature of a photography medium, the next thing is to place that knowledge in a well-organized, professional label.
It is a good label, and it uses a consistent format whether you are ready to go to your local art fair, a professional gallery showing, or even a virtual photography show. It does not mean fancy but clear, readable, and informative.
So, what are the key elements?
Standard Photography Label Format
This is the basic format most galleries and judges want:
[Artist’s Name]
[Title of the Work]
[Year of Completion]
[Medium]
[Dimensions]
[Additional info (if needed): Edition, Price, QR code, etc.]
Real-World Example:
Nora Khan
Urban Echoes
2023
Gelatin-silver print on fiber paper
16 x 20 in.
Edition 2 of 10 · $400
The example speaks volumes of what a viewer or curator may require. You will see that it is described with an accurate photographic medium not only photograph but gelatin-silver print which gives credibility and context.
Consistency is King
Regardless of the number of pieces one is displaying, maintain the same format in all labels. Changing styles, such as switching between such styles as “Digital Print” on one and “Gicllee on archival paper” on another, may appear sloppy and may confuse the viewer.
Remember the following tips:
| Element | Quick Tip |
| Title | Use italics or quotes, but be consistent |
| Year | Always include it, even for digital work |
| Medium | Be as specific as possible (e.g., “Inkjet print on matte paper”) |
| Size | Use inches or centimeters — just stick to one system |
| Add-ons | Price, edition, or QR code are optional — but useful |
FAQ Woven In: Where should the medium appear on the label?
The medium in which you shoot photography must come immediately after the year- this is how things are in both a gallery and a museum. The order may be retained as much as possible which makes viewers easy to accept the information.
How to Label Photography Medium in 4 Easy Steps
At this point you know what and why, so it is time to address the how. It is here that most photographers get stagnated, however take heart. You do not need to be confused about learning how to label photography medium.
It is easy as a simple 4 step procedure and you will be labeling your work like a professional in no time.
Step 1: Find Your Real Process (Specific)
This is what matters the most in your label, and this is also the most frequent mistake people make.
Consider how the ultimate picture was formed. Did it get printed in a dark room? Out of a film negative? Or were you using a high-res digital inkjet printer?
Some examples of exact photographic mediums are:
| Vague Term | Better Alternative |
| Photograph | Gelatin-silver print |
| Digital print | Inkjet print on archival paper |
| Color photo | C-print (Chromogenic color print) |
| B&W print | Silver gelatin on fiber paper |
Still unsure? Ask yourself: What would a curator need to know to understand how this was made?
Step 2: Select the Proper Label Format
When you understand your medium, then fit it into the standard structure that we discussed in the previous section. You should make sure that your formatting is in line with the rest of your labels- this is a form of trust and visual professionalism.
FAQ:
Do I print my label, or do I write it?
Printed labels are preferable when you are exhibiting work in a sober exhibition or gallery. The label maker, professional printer or a clean template on cardstock can be used. Handwriting can be used in casual shows, but it should be neat and legible.
Step 3: Think About Who You Are Speaking To (Gallery vs. Online vs. Competition)
Not every label is made the same. What is effective in a museum will not be effective in an online show or a local art fair.
This is a brief outline:
| Display Type | Medium Label Tip |
| Gallery / Museum | Use detailed, process-specific terms (e.g., “Giclée print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag”) |
| Portfolio Website | Add keywords like “digital photography” for search visibility |
| Art Fair | Keep it readable from a distance, and add price info if needed |
| Online Gallery | Mention medium in metadata and ALT text for SEO |
Step 4: Put and Present Your Label in the Right Way
The label must be located close to the photo (either directly next to photo or a bit lower). When presenting more than one piece of work, keep the placement consistent in all your work.
FAQ:
Is it possible to insert a QR code or artist statement?
Yes! Most contemporary shows have a mini QR code on the label which directs your portfolio or statement. That is, simply make the design clean and not crowded.
At the end of these 4 steps, you will have a professional label that exhibits your artistic vision and intention, and that can be read in no other way than that.
When to Be Specific (And When You Can Keep It Simple)
The question that may come to your mind is: Do I have to mention every single detail in the medium? The answer? It depends.
In the matter of how to label photography medium, it is good to know when to be specific and when simple is adequate so that you can apply a label that best fits the situation. Explaining too much where it is unnecessary may feel like too much and being too general in a situation where you are expected to be specific will make your work appear less credible.
When Specificity is the Most Important
In galleries, museums, art exhibitions or juried photography contests, specificity creates trust and a professional tone. Curators and collectors want you to talk not only about the picture, but how it was born.
Apply this method in the following circumstances:
- Your work is an exhibit in fine art
- You are selling limited editions prints
- The process of printing is value added (e.g. darkroom, archival process)
Strong, specific examples of labels:
- Gelatin-silver print fiber paper
- Gicllee inkjet on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag
- Digital C-print on Fuji Crystal Archive
These words convey more than the material itself, they imply durability, excellence and purpose.
When You Can Keep It Simple
Conversely, when exhibiting in informal settings (such as cafes, student exhibits, craft markets, or the internet), you may omit the details of your medium without being sloppy.
Short but correct terms are good in such instances:
- “Inkjet print”
- “Digital print on matte paper”
- “Black and white picture on glossy paper”
FAQ:
Is it necessary to mention paper type or brand of the printer?
It should only do this when it increases the perceived value or when it meets professional standards. To take one example, “Epson SureColor P900 on Moab Entrada Rag” is terrific as a portfolio specification, but excessive as a gallery wall label.
Label Placement & Presentation: Tips from Curators and Judges
You have got the wording right, now is the time to discuss where and how to put your label. It is after all that even the most accurate medium description may lose its effect when the label is crooked, difficult to read, or in the wrong position.
Knowing how to place and present the labels is a step towards a uniform and professional viewing experience, whether you are exhibiting work in a real gallery, an art contest, or an online portfolio.
Label Placement.
Your label as a rule of thumb should be:
- To the right or a little bit below the photograph
- Plane to the center or bottom of the work
- Eye level reading is easy
The viewers find this positioning natural, and it is according to gallery standards. During group shows or exhibitions, organizers may have certain guidelines to follow, always go by them first.
FAQ:
Is it possible to stick my label on the frame or on the photo itself?
Do not do this unless it is specified. The labels must not be part of the artwork to avoid damage, and to be visible.
How to make it readable (and stylish)
Your label is a component of your appearance. A poorly written or illegible label will make your work look distracting whereas a clear one will make it look better.
The following are label design tips:
| Feature | Best Practice |
| Font | Use a clear, sans-serif font like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri |
| Size | 10–12 pt is readable from a few feet away |
| Spacing | Leave space between lines — don’t overcrowd |
| Material | Use matte paper or cardstock to avoid glare |
| Contrast | Ensure your label stands out from the wall (e.g., black text on white label) |
Contemporary Add-On: Do You Need to Include a QR Code?
In the digital era, artists are increasingly including QR codes on their labels – leading to their portfolio or artist statement or social media.
When it is working:
- One-man shows in which you are interested in greater involvement
- Art fairs or portfolio reviews
- Instructional/interactive programs
It is just a matter of ensuring that it does not dominate your label. Make your code small and non-obtrusive and have plenty of whitespace surrounding it.
Judges Insight: What they See First
Judges and gallery curators have been accustomed to going through dozens, and even hundreds, of entries. Looking at your label they see:
- Is it straight and flat?
- Does the photographic medium appear (e.g. “Gicllee print”)?
- Is the design purposeful and tidy?
The minor details such as the way the labels are formatted and where they are placed can be the difference between an amateur and a professional. Therefore, when you want your work to be noticed (or to sell), it is worth spending time on presentation.
Labeling Beyond the Wall: Metadata, Digital Displays & Virtual Galleries
Nowadays not all photos are hung on the wall. Most photographers have gone online to display their work online – portfolio websites, online exhibitions, online art fairs and social media. And this is where most of us go wrong:
They bypass the label.
In an online environment, it is also necessary to know how to describe photography medium, although now, it has a slightly different form: metadata, alt text and intelligent formatting.
What Is Metadata (And Why Does It Matter)?
Metadata is the information that is embedded in your digital photo file but behind the scenes. It contains your name, camera settings, copyright information and yes, your photography medium.
Metadata addition of medium-related metadata assists:
- Search engines comprehend what you are doing
- Entries in online galleries are arranged professionally
- Guard your intellectual property
Software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or online portfolio creators such as Format or SmugMug allows you to add this information without much of a problem.
Labeling in Virtual Galleries or Portfolios
Like physical shows, your online labels ought to:
- Be next to or beneath each picture
- Put your name, title, year, dimensions, and photography medium
- Be desktop and mobile-friendly to read
And here is a format optimized to be used on the Internet:
Here’s an optimized format for digital use:
plaintext
CopyEdit
“Urban Geometry” — 2024
Digital inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag
16 x 20 in.
Interactive Labeling for Social Media & QR Codes
You can also do the following, if you are advertising your photography on such platforms as Instagram, Behance, or virtual showrooms:
Interactive captions (medium in captions, e.g. Shot on film, printed as a gelatin-silver print)
Add QR codes to virtual gallery slides that direct to complete artist statements or process pages
Use hashtags with long-tail and niche-specific keywords such as #inkjetprint, #cprint, or #photographymedium in tag posts.
FAQ Built-In: “If I am not selling prints do I still need to label?”
Yes, even when you do not sell physical work, your medium description provides context, proves that you are a professional, and can be used to educate viewers about your working process. It is particularly helpful in educational or portfolio application.
Label Examples You Can Steal & Customize
You now have information on how to label your photography medium, what to put there and where to put it – so let’s put it all together.
Here you can find some examples of realistic labels to suit various environments (gallery, portfolio, virtual) as well as a couple of templates that you can fill your own information into straight away.
Example 1: For a Gallery Exhibition
Aleena Farooq
Echoes in Grey
2023
Gelatin-silver print on fiber-based paper
11 x 14 in.
Edition 1 of 10 · Not for Sale
✔️ Why it works:
This label is specific, elegant, and follows industry-standard formatting. It also includes the edition — a detail often required in fine art spaces.
Example 2: For a Digital Portfolio
Samir H. Khan
Urban Pulse
2024
Digital inkjet print on Hahnemühle matte paper
16 x 20 in.
Available for commission
✔️ Why it works:
Clear, keyword-rich description with a call to action (“Available for commission”). This is great for online presence and SEO visibility.
Example 3: For a Student or Local Art Fair
Laila Noor
Seasons in Reflection
2022
Inkjet photo print on glossy paper
8 x 12 in.
$50
✔️ Why it works:
Short, beginner-friendly, and includes pricing. Perfect for community shows or student exhibitions.
Template: Copy and Customize
Want to save time? Here’s a copy-paste-ready label template you can adapt:
csharp
CopyEdit
[Your Name]
[Title of Your Photo]
[Year]
[Your Medium (e.g., Digital inkjet print on archival paper)]
[Dimensions]
[Optional: Edition Info, Price, or QR Code]
Example filled in:
mathematica
CopyEdit
Mariam Zahid
“Stillness in Motion”
2023
Digital C-print on Fuji Crystal Archive
20 x 30 in.
Edition 2 of 5 · Scan for artist bio
Conclusion: Level Up Your Label Game — And Get Noticed
Labeling may be a minor detail – however, it is game-changer for photographers who want to exhibit, sell or professionally present their photography.
In this guide, you have discovered how to label photography medium in a satisfactorily polished and informative manner. Having learned the significance of some of the terminologies, such as gelatin-silver print or digital inkjet, and knowing how to format, place, and even digitize your labels, you can now present your photography as a professional.
So, here is a summary of the basics:
Understand what you do- and tell it like it is
Select an appropriate label structure and format
Adjust the amount of detail to your audience
Make your labels legible and uniform
And do not forget about digital presentations and metadata
Make templates to accelerate and be consistent
You have also learned some sensible solutions to frequently asked questions that photographers have, such as whether to put the type of paper used, how to format the images to be posted in virtual galleries, and when to use QR code or price.
