1. Control over the presentation

An exhibition is always influenced by the space in which it is presented.

The size of the room, number of walls, quality of lighting, everything about a permanent physical space will determine what's possible when it comes to exhibiting anything

Then there is how the works are arranged, proximity of the prints to one another, and how people choose to walk around the space.

Books are fixed.

The artist determines the size, order the images are arranged, and has more control over how the work will be presented.

2. Exhibitions are temporary, books are permanent

An exhibition might be on display for 4-6 weeks, depending on the venue and size of the show.

Once the exhibition has finished, audiences have to wait until the next exhibition for an opportunity to see the printed work again.

You can't visit an exhibition from last month, last year or last century. But a book of the work is possible to see today as well as years from now.

Photo books are like portable exhibitions that are always open.

3. Photobooks are more accessible than prints

Photo books are available for under $100 even if they're self published & in limited quantities.

Editioned prints can be 10 times that. Puting your art out of reach of most of your audience who would like to support what you do.

This isn't to say you can't still make prints of your work.

Of course you still have to have exhibitions, print your work, and present it as it should be seen.

But don't underestimate the additional benefits that photo books offer.