The art fair

Just finished a local art fair over the weekend and it was really succesful for me. One thing that amazed me, was how many people thought about 5 of my images were actually paintings. I'm not sure what that really means about my work...but it was usually accomplanied by positive responses, not squinty faces (not bragging).
Has anyone that has done the art show thingy ever gotten that repsonse?
The images they thought were paintings were:
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4524638-lg.jpg
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4496903-md.jpg
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4466688-lg.jpg
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4382156-md.jpg
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3677967-lg.jpg

Of course alot asked if they were photoshopped. I said yes, everyone is photoshopped. I do that with digital files, as one would use a darkroom for film. I did show them my fern image that was heavily manipulated:
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3598704-lg.jpg

I was also semi scorned by a famous photographer who was a Pulitzer Prize nominee. He said I charged too little for my prints and was putting others out of business. He was a really nice guy and I appreciated his suggestions. Anyone heard of Ron Bennett? He is actually a presidential photographer.

Rick,

Congratulations on the show! The images you have provided the links to are really nice.

My response to folks who complain about low prices is this. "If my prices are so low why don't you purchase my work and sell it at a higher price. That way both of us will remain in business." This 'too low' price thingy is just complete BS. As far as I see it, the price is what the market will bear. I will consider your price to be too low if your work is sold out.

Regards.

http://www.coronadoartassn.com/Ron_Bennett/

http://www.ronbennettphoto.com/Pages/history.html This link tells more about him. He then wanted me to give his sister an awesome deal on an image...that was funny.

I do respect his opinion...but I did tell him that I tried to do the gallery prices at a couple art fairs and got no sales. I lowered them a little...got a couple...lowered it more and bam...tons of sales...but not sold out, that is for sure...but all shows yeid different results I am told.
I dont think I'm gonna change my prices again for the next few shows. I'm still new at it and playing around. I dont think $40 for a matted 8x10 is too much or too little. That number (40) seems to appease to the folks walking around with a couple twenties in their pocket. I do firmly believe that the people spending that dollar amount wouldn't buy a print twice that size for even as little as $80...their budgets probably wont allow for that.
I would have sold 2 of my big framed ones if I had a visa machine...but those are a pain...maybe I'll get one next year.

Congrats, Rick ! I'm glad this worked out for you - I think $40.00 a "priced to sell" target - especially with gas and expenses being this high, to sell well is good news in my opinion.

Wow, Rick. Congrats! I can see why people thought #2 was a painting. It sounds like you're listening to your customer and giving them what they want. The pricing is a function of what someone is willing to pay. You got 6 sales, so I wonder if you raised your price a little if 4 or less sales would make your time worthwhile. Either way, you're making a name for yourself and soon, maybe, can charge a lot more like my Dad does with his paintings.

Congrats again, this is good news.

Kevin

I get a lot of those "is it a painting" comments also, I think it's a fairly common reaction.

As far as Credit Cards go, I take down as much information as I can and then charge their card when I get back to the Coffee Co.

As far as price, I'm with you, if it doesn't sell, it's probably priced too high. I'm not Tom Mengelson or anyone hotti-tottie (I was just in Park City so I know hotti-tottie!). I look at my photos and imagine buying them myself and price them at a price that feels right.

Thanks for the comments John, Kevin, Mark and David. I actually sold alot more than 6. I kinda took the same approach to selling...I'm defintely no salesman...
Even did a little art show trading with another vendor and I came away with a beautiful big decorative bowl...

Congratulations on the art fair sales. Sounds like it was an interesting experience and social interaction.
Harald

Let's hope our upcoming shows are as successful my friend....

Way to go there Bro. Your hard work is starting to pay off!