Reflecting on the 2026 Festival Season — And Looking Ahead to 2027
As the 2026 fall festival season comes to a close, I’ve had a little time to reflect on the past few weeks, the people I’ve met, and some of the ideas I’m already working on for next year.
One of my favorite parts of participating in art festivals is the opportunity to meet people face-to-face. Photography can sometimes be a solitary pursuit. Much of my time is spent behind the camera, exploring the coastlines, small towns, and landscapes of Long Island, searching for those moments when the light, the scenery, and the atmosphere come together.
Festivals give me the opportunity to share those moments with others.
Whether someone purchases a print, asks about a particular location, or simply stops to talk about photography, those conversations mean a great deal to me. I especially enjoy hearing the personal connections people have to places I’ve photographed. Sometimes a familiar beach, an old building, or a quiet stretch of shoreline brings back a memory or tells a story of its own.
A Great Response to Metal Prints
One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s festivals was the response to my metal prints.
I’ve always enjoyed the way photography looks on metal. The vibrant colors, incredible detail, and clean, contemporary presentation can really bring an image to life. There’s something about a coastal sunset, dramatic sky, or black-and-white landscape presented on metal that gives the photograph an entirely different presence.
Throughout the fall festivals, these pieces consistently attracted attention. Visitors were drawn to their depth, clarity, and overall appearance.
That feedback has given me some ideas for expanding my metal print collection in 2027.
New Sizes, New Possibilities
Until now, my metal prints have primarily been offered in larger sizes, designed to become statement pieces in a home or office.
Next year, I’m planning to introduce a selection of smaller metal prints, potentially including 8×12 and 12×18 sizes.
These smaller pieces will offer the same beautiful metal presentation in a format that’s easier to display in a variety of spaces. They’ll also create an opportunity for those who love the look of metal photography but may not have the wall space for a larger piece.
Of course, the larger statement pieces aren’t going anywhere. In fact, I hope to expand that collection as well.
More Time Behind the Camera
The end of festival season doesn’t mean the photography stops.
Quite the opposite.
The quieter months offer an opportunity to revisit familiar locations, discover new ones, and experiment with different techniques.
One area I plan to explore more extensively is long-exposure photography. I love the way a longer exposure can transform moving water, drifting clouds, and coastal scenery into something almost painterly, creating a sense of stillness in places that are constantly changing.
I’ll also continue photographing the landscapes, architecture, and disappearing pieces of Americana that have become an important part of my work.
There are always more stories waiting to be discovered.
Looking Toward 2027
I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival season, with hopes of participating in some new shows and bringing an expanded collection of work to different audiences.
I’ll be sharing updates as those plans take shape, along with new photographs, print options, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
In the meantime, my photography remains available here on my website, and I hope you’ll continue following along as the collection grows.
To everyone who stopped by my displays this fall, whether you made a purchase, shared a story, or simply took a few moments to enjoy the photographs, thank you.
Your interest and encouragement mean more than you know.
Here’s to new places, new photographs, and an exciting 2027.
Rod Richardson
Rod Richardson Photography