Posted by Rick Gomez on April 11, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Hi everyone
I would really appreciate some advice on getting started with marketing my images. My wife has gotten to the point that she will not let me spend any more money on gear unless my photos earn it. I guess it's her way of pushing me to make something of my photography. And yes, she pretty much wears the pants, lol, I guess thats what happens when your wife is older than you are... Or maybe that's what happens when you sign that marriage license.
Now, I have sold a few prints here and there, and I like seeing my prints matted and framed (it helps me to appreciate my work). Are art fairs a good way to get started? I am open to any suggestions.
Also, would I need to get incorporated as I'm getting my feet wet or is this something that I can do when I start growing?
What about copyrights? What is the best way to copyright my work? I know theres a better way than paying so much money for each image.
I got the Photographers Market book and it has some great content on this matter, but I would love to hear what you guys have to say.
I know I have alot of questions, but I really would appreciate any advice on this matter.
Thanks in advance!
Posted by Marc Dilley on April 11, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Rick: Here is a thread on copyrighting
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=27861&CGISESSID=728cb14791d4a3b09497de3826a1073b&u=27624
Posted by Larry Reitz on April 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Hi Rick,
I'll try to help with a comment about art fairs, as I have done a number of them and plan to ramp up again this year now that retirement is in full forward mode. First of all, there is a significant start up cost. A canopy will run from $150 for an EZup on sale to $1500 for a well equipped dome. Display rack can cost from $500 to a three times that much depending on the number and quality. It is possible to build your own, but they need to be professional looking or it will turn customers off. Racks for unframed prints can be plastic bins, homemade boxes, or purchased commercially. Again the more professional they look the better. You will likely need some licenses unless you plan to sell only in a handful of states that do not collect sales taxes. Even then there may be permits to obtain. You will also need vehicle capable of transporting it all. For a couple of years I managed to do it out of a minivan.
Show fees vary widely. Here in Connecticut, entry fees can be as low as $50 to over $400 for a given show, and you have to be able to take a loss. I know one outstanding photographer, he makes his living at it, that sold zero at a show with a $250 entry fee. There is no real way to predict until you get out there and give it a try and see what the customers will buy. Different shows will attract different buyers. If it is primarily as craft show, it is tough to sell high priced pieces. Things like note cards and 5x7's matted to 8x10 are more likely to move and there is always some chance of selling a larger one. If it is primarily a fine art show, bring your best stuff. The larger the better.
Before getting into it I would spend a considerable amount of time scouting out a lot of shows in your area. Talk to the exhibitors when no one is shopping in their booth. If they seem put off, and most will not, just exit gracefully. I have looked at your portfolio and at the risk of going way out on a limb, I think your best bets for art shows are: Solitude, Great White Heron at Sunrise, Last Rays, and First Light in Cyprus. If you want to sell through this route, remember people are buying images to decorate their walls. Personally, I really like your Blue Jay, but I would not view it as a wall decoration and would not print it very large, if at all.
You may want to subscribe to Sunshine Artist and read reviews. Another useful site is the Art Show Photo Group on Yahoo Groups.
I hope this helps, and good luck.
Larry Reitz
Salem, CT
Posted by Richard Wong on April 11, 2008 at 3:31 PM
i've never done an art fair booth, but it seems like that's a way to spend more money as opposed to make money.
you have some good wildlife shots, you ever thought about getting into teaching photography classes?
Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Larry, I appreciate your tips and the fact that you pointed out which of my shots you liked, that helps alot and if I could get a few more opinions from other photographers, that would be awesome. I guess sunsets and landscapes are better, huh?.. Makes sense.
Richard, I am really flattered that you think I could teach photography classes... Maybe to middle school kids or something, but to adults... I honestly don't think I have what it takes. I am self taught, everything I shoot is purely trial and error and I have alot to learn still.
If it wasn't for this site I'd still be way behind.
Marc, I will check that thread out. Thanks!
More comments would be awesome... Thanks everyone!
I was in the same boat you are about four years ago when my wife "suggested" selling my work to help fund it. I started with the goal of having the photography pay for itself. It took four years, but last year it paid for itself and more (including a new computer and large monitor, new printer, new lens, part of a trip, etc).
I started doing a couple local art fairs per year and Larry is right, there is a big up front cost of buying the display and putting together an inventory. Art fairs are also a lot of work, largely putting your inventory together and keeping it stocked. But, they can pay off. I find doing two a year works for me, but it isn't my only source of income.
Basically, I have my foot in most things I can think of that pay for photographic skills. I taught a couple adult-ed classes at the local community college (not at hard as you would think), have a small stock portfolio on Alamy that brings in a bit of cash now and then, shoot senior portraits of high school kids, and have had a few images published by the local tourist board.
I suggest making a simple business plan to guide where you might look for photographic income and plan your expenses. And, if you already have a full-time job and can't dedicate your life to photography, let your wife know it will take a few years before it start paying for itself.
Rick, art fairs are a lot of work. The people I know who actually make up their expenses put a lot into it. If you don't have that kind of time or commitment (I don't) this may not be the ideal choice for you. Take a step back and factor in your time, what you can invest upfront, and ultimately: what you think you'll enjoy doing, and decide what makes most sense (publishing, selling prints, selling stock etc.)
You don't need to incorporate to do business. You can register a DBA name ("Doing Business As") with your local government (each state has its own rules about that), get a sales tax ID (again, different from state to state), and you're in business. Ultimately you will want to form an LLC or other corporation to take advantage of tax breaks and to protect your personal assets but you can do that down the line if/when there's sufficient value or risk to justify it.
Your work is copyrighted the moment you create it. You don't have to do anything. You automatically get some protection (i.e. the ability to stop unauthorized use) but if you want to also be able to sue for financial damages, you need to also register your copyright with the Library of Congress.
Joe hit the nail on the head with this: "I suggest making a simple business plan to guide where you might look for photographic income and plan your expenses."
For myself, I will be evaluating my plan and marketing strategy this June becasue sales haven't been too great this year or last. Having a plan should be a priority before you start out.
The DBA that Guy wrote about is also known as a "Sole Proprietorship". You are the sole owner and operator. You can have employees, as with any other business. Some people will go ahead and incorporate under an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) or, if they have a business partner, an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) to reduce risk right from the get-go. If you decide on an LLC or LLP, a lawyer should be consulted to draw up the incorporation documents.
If you go with a DBA, you can likely do the accounting and tax returns yourself. If you already have an accountant, that will be even better. The other types will require an acoountant, for sure.
Get a good website going, and do some photography of different sporting events. This brings people to your site, and when they are there they will go through a few other folders to see what you have. The one thing to watch out for is not to clutter up your website with just good photos, try to only put up some of your best work. I have made this mistake on my site and I am trying to clean it up.
Bills paid on time? Credit cards paid off? Nice chunk of coin coming in? Money in the bank? If yes to all, then only sell if you want to. You make this a business, then you may find it's no longer fun.
Discussion
9 repliesI would really appreciate some advice on getting started with marketing my images. My wife has gotten to the point that she will not let me spend any more money on gear unless my photos earn it. I guess it's her way of pushing me to make something of my photography. And yes, she pretty much wears the pants, lol, I guess thats what happens when your wife is older than you are... Or maybe that's what happens when you sign that marriage license.
Now, I have sold a few prints here and there, and I like seeing my prints matted and framed (it helps me to appreciate my work). Are art fairs a good way to get started? I am open to any suggestions.
Also, would I need to get incorporated as I'm getting my feet wet or is this something that I can do when I start growing?
What about copyrights? What is the best way to copyright my work? I know theres a better way than paying so much money for each image.
I got the Photographers Market book and it has some great content on this matter, but I would love to hear what you guys have to say.
I know I have alot of questions, but I really would appreciate any advice on this matter.
Thanks in advance!
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=27861&CGISESSID=728cb14791d4a3b09497de3826a1073b&u=27624
I'll try to help with a comment about art fairs, as I have done a number of them and plan to ramp up again this year now that retirement is in full forward mode. First of all, there is a significant start up cost. A canopy will run from $150 for an EZup on sale to $1500 for a well equipped dome. Display rack can cost from $500 to a three times that much depending on the number and quality. It is possible to build your own, but they need to be professional looking or it will turn customers off. Racks for unframed prints can be plastic bins, homemade boxes, or purchased commercially. Again the more professional they look the better. You will likely need some licenses unless you plan to sell only in a handful of states that do not collect sales taxes. Even then there may be permits to obtain. You will also need vehicle capable of transporting it all. For a couple of years I managed to do it out of a minivan.
Show fees vary widely. Here in Connecticut, entry fees can be as low as $50 to over $400 for a given show, and you have to be able to take a loss. I know one outstanding photographer, he makes his living at it, that sold zero at a show with a $250 entry fee. There is no real way to predict until you get out there and give it a try and see what the customers will buy. Different shows will attract different buyers. If it is primarily as craft show, it is tough to sell high priced pieces. Things like note cards and 5x7's matted to 8x10 are more likely to move and there is always some chance of selling a larger one. If it is primarily a fine art show, bring your best stuff. The larger the better.
Before getting into it I would spend a considerable amount of time scouting out a lot of shows in your area. Talk to the exhibitors when no one is shopping in their booth. If they seem put off, and most will not, just exit gracefully. I have looked at your portfolio and at the risk of going way out on a limb, I think your best bets for art shows are: Solitude, Great White Heron at Sunrise, Last Rays, and First Light in Cyprus. If you want to sell through this route, remember people are buying images to decorate their walls. Personally, I really like your Blue Jay, but I would not view it as a wall decoration and would not print it very large, if at all.
You may want to subscribe to Sunshine Artist and read reviews. Another useful site is the Art Show Photo Group on Yahoo Groups.
I hope this helps, and good luck.
Larry Reitz
Salem, CT
you have some good wildlife shots, you ever thought about getting into teaching photography classes?
Richard, I am really flattered that you think I could teach photography classes... Maybe to middle school kids or something, but to adults... I honestly don't think I have what it takes. I am self taught, everything I shoot is purely trial and error and I have alot to learn still.
If it wasn't for this site I'd still be way behind.
Marc, I will check that thread out. Thanks!
More comments would be awesome... Thanks everyone!
I was in the same boat you are about four years ago when my wife "suggested" selling my work to help fund it. I started with the goal of having the photography pay for itself. It took four years, but last year it paid for itself and more (including a new computer and large monitor, new printer, new lens, part of a trip, etc).
I started doing a couple local art fairs per year and Larry is right, there is a big up front cost of buying the display and putting together an inventory. Art fairs are also a lot of work, largely putting your inventory together and keeping it stocked. But, they can pay off. I find doing two a year works for me, but it isn't my only source of income.
Basically, I have my foot in most things I can think of that pay for photographic skills. I taught a couple adult-ed classes at the local community college (not at hard as you would think), have a small stock portfolio on Alamy that brings in a bit of cash now and then, shoot senior portraits of high school kids, and have had a few images published by the local tourist board.
I suggest making a simple business plan to guide where you might look for photographic income and plan your expenses. And, if you already have a full-time job and can't dedicate your life to photography, let your wife know it will take a few years before it start paying for itself.
You don't need to incorporate to do business. You can register a DBA name ("Doing Business As") with your local government (each state has its own rules about that), get a sales tax ID (again, different from state to state), and you're in business. Ultimately you will want to form an LLC or other corporation to take advantage of tax breaks and to protect your personal assets but you can do that down the line if/when there's sufficient value or risk to justify it.
Your work is copyrighted the moment you create it. You don't have to do anything. You automatically get some protection (i.e. the ability to stop unauthorized use) but if you want to also be able to sue for financial damages, you need to also register your copyright with the Library of Congress.
Guy
Joe hit the nail on the head with this: "I suggest making a simple business plan to guide where you might look for photographic income and plan your expenses."
For myself, I will be evaluating my plan and marketing strategy this June becasue sales haven't been too great this year or last. Having a plan should be a priority before you start out.
The DBA that Guy wrote about is also known as a "Sole Proprietorship". You are the sole owner and operator. You can have employees, as with any other business. Some people will go ahead and incorporate under an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) or, if they have a business partner, an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) to reduce risk right from the get-go. If you decide on an LLC or LLP, a lawyer should be consulted to draw up the incorporation documents.
If you go with a DBA, you can likely do the accounting and tax returns yourself. If you already have an accountant, that will be even better. The other types will require an acoountant, for sure.
Good luck and do well!
-PB
Tracy
E