Mary Virginia Swanson — On Making and Marketing Art

© Jim Banks

Mary Virginia Swanson “gets” photography, and just as importantly, she “gets” photographers. I first met with her in 2010. Within the first few minutes of talking and looking at my prints, she understood my motivations and my work, and helped clarify some things in my own mind as well.

I have been working with her ever since. Her support has been unwavering, and her advice has been spot on. She has helped me define and place my photography within the marketplace, helped guide me through a web site redesign, and advised me on portfolio reviews and other opportunities to show my work. The most tangible result of this process has been obtaining gallery representation—one of my major goals. I plan to continue following her advice and look forward to where it leads next.

—Jim Banks (website)