Local Photo Sales

I have done a lot of reading on the message boards here and have picked up a lot of valuable information. One thing I learned is that often you are better off to try and sell your photos locally rather than selling them online and that gave me an idea. In the spring I spend endless hours photographing a pair of nesting Bald Eagles. While there, cars are stopping constantly hoping to see them so where would be a better place to sell my work than right where I am taking the photos? This year I am going to take prints along in various sizes and since my wife is usually with me, she can sell photos while I take pictures. What are your thoughts on that?

Perfect!

No doubt she'll have tons of business cards to hand out as well so people who like your work can visit your Web site, too.

You DO have a Web site, right?

One consideration might be whether all those people actually getting out of their cars and talking and buying prints and such might disturb the eagles, but you know the distances and setup better than we do. Roadside safety might also be a concern. Just depends.

Another consideration might be whether someone raises an objection to roadside peddling, but I wouldn't let that stop you. May not be an issue at all and, if it is, I'd let someone else raise it.

A novel idea. Only one way to find out if it works right?

Sounds very useful, but I'd double check that roadside vending is legal there. I'm not sure where you are, but there may be some permits involved, as well as tax collection. In some locales/regions it is even illegal.

I have had great experiences while out in the field making photographs. Partly due to my wife who chats with people who sometimes stop to inquire to what I might be photographing and who for.

She does a great PR Job for me too, but don't sell the website sales short either. More often than not, she would refer people to my site so that they could not only see the work I already have up, but to watch for the newest additions that may include images being made that moment.

Lastly I have spent a small chunck of change $85.00 to have a window decal made for my Jeep. It has my contact info and website on there. I get a lot of traffic from it. Finally still, the website needs to reflect your seriousness and the quality of your work. Nothing turns me off faster than to end up on a site that looks like my 10 year old made it no matter how good the work is!

I want to second the concern that you need to have a web strategy. If I have learned anything about marketing, it is that there are multiple ways that a sale occurs, and to some degree they all work together in a group. The remarks about a quality website are well taken, I have three websites, but my last one is hosted with Smugmug, and I can't recommend them enough. You can sell prints and digital rights from this site, and you can use your own URL.

Regarding selling on site, I think it works. I give out tons of business cards that prompt people to visit many local destinations where my work is displayed. Also, buyers go to my websites and follow up via email. My best product is my cheapest, it is two 5x7s I sell in a glassine envelope for $5. I have a 90% markup on them and they sell like hot cakes. Also,
I can carry a thousand of them in a shoe box. No frames to hassle, plus, on the back of each 5x7 is the file name of the print that can be ordered as enlargements. I also put a business card in each envelope. Most people have $5. When you don't have to hassle frames and possible damage to them, or damage to larger prints, this seems like a very good option. These are pretty easy to place in stores near my photography areas as well.

Best of luck. If you didn't have the assistance of your wife, I would be cautious about the potential distraction from doing serious work.

MD
www.arkansasnaturephotography.com

A license to collect tax is a must. A large fine could result if the proper license is not in tow.
You never know who your selling your product to.