Hi all!
Although I have been shooting for a few years now with the DSLR, I'm fairly new to the business side of things. While I do not expect to make my living from photography, I'd sure like to make a few bucks to help off-set some extra camera gear.
Currently, I have a website storefront (which is combersome to say the least, but I am working on making it a bit more user friendly). Also, I have a facebook page to help promote my photography. But, either I'm just one crappy photographer, or my prices are too high, or I'm not getting the word out there, or I'm not doing the right things. So, basically, I'm trying to find other avenues to make a buck with.
While I had thought about art festivals, I'm just not too keen on it, mostly because I am not prepared for that.
I know another option is stock photography, and had considered that to some extent, but I'm not sure how much money one can actually make at that, balanced against the work put forth to get an image ready for such a thing.
While I don't think I'm ready to make my own book like some of you have done, I'd consider submitting my work to authors that may have a need, or even card companies-but I have no idea where to begin.
Well, I know this is a long read, and I know some of you may be laughing as I have heard "if you want to make money as a photographer, sell your equiptment". But, I certainly would like some words of wisdom here, if any exists.
I really, truly wonder how many photographers actually make money from their websites/facebook/twitter efforts. It's fashionable to do it, but making money is a whole lot of work. The folks I know who actually make a living at it could sit together in a compact car and still have room for all their large camera packs.
We've had a successful photo business for over 20 years, but income is about 80% (actual accounting) from being hired to take photos. Sale of existing images (stock or prints) only accounts for around 20%, but those sales are mostly the result of our other photo work. We could certainly build our stock sales with a lot more effort, but so far the effort, time and money (we budget 5% of our gross to advertising) is better invested in photo services. Our average single transaction is much, much larger than any single stock sale.
I'm firmly convinced that the best place for a photographer to start is close to home rather than competing on the anonymous web. Your local advertisers don't buy their photos from the web. A personal contact from you is more likely to result in a sale. Your web site will be a handy place for locals to look at your photos, but they're only going to go there if you meet with them in person, make a sales pitch, and leave them with business cards including your site.
I'd take a second look at the art show/bazaar/festival circuit in your area. Folks who put in the effort make lots of money at them, and if they're also making a few sales on the web, it's from folks who saw their work firsthand at a local show, then bought it off the web. I'll let those folks (and there are plenty of them her on NPN) speak up with specific advice.
Thanks, Hank!
I will take a second look at the art show scene, I did see where someone had recommended, which I have bookmarked the site to purchase it.
Really appreciate your info.
Thanks,
Marie
Posted by Jim Sabiston on June 28, 2010 at 1:43 PM
Marie,
As usual, I'll second Hank's comments. Most of us newer photographers who are interested in selling our work have different needs and priorities from the high end, full time guys like Hank - who have the time (and need!) to market, market, market. As Hank noted, the art show scene is our best venue.
Personally, I've never generated a sale from Facebook or Flickr. I even closed my Facebook account recently after another user stole one of my images and claimed it as their own. I do sell some images directly from my website, but not many and most, as Hank noted, after personal contact with the buyer. My sales primarily occur through two venues:
Art Shows/Fairs: This currently accounts for about 50% of my sales. It requires an investment in 'infrastructure' (tent, chairs, tables, racks, etc.) and all shows worth entering charge a fee (ranging from $65 to $200 here on Long Island). I sold twelve prints last week at a local show, which is a very good result in the current market. Most shows move less. This year I will participate in at least six shows, so there is a time commitment to consider as well. You will also learn over time as to which type/size/format images are more likely to sell in which shows. For example, framed work rarely sells, but it is good to have a few framed photographs for a good, professional looking display.
The rest of the sales are in local galleries/art shops. I did not approach any of these until my third year when I felt that my work had matured to a certain level and I was selling regularly at the outdoor shows. I'm selling in three local galleries now and move between 6 to 10 images a month between them. These are good for year round sales and exposure, but come at the cost of a percentage of the sales (30-40%).
I am in my fourth year of actively promoting and selling my work, but it is not intended as a full time occupation yet. Any monies received are re-invested in better equipment and inventory. But I have a long term goal in mind, which is to go full time when I retire in six years, so I can afford the slow methodical buildup. By then I should have established a very strong gallery base and should be a well known regular in the local photography market.
A question that has long been asked and will continue to be sought after forever. The business side of photography is no easy job, for some impossible. It has nothing to do with photography and everything to do with marketing.Your camera must be put aside and replaced with a sales/marketing mentality. But necessary when income is sought.
Here is the secret, get your work in front of people who "need" it. The avenues to do this vary. Your website will come in handy "after" this is done so it must be ready as well. Research marketing options, see what others are doing, come up with your own ideas and never be scared to take logical chances, develop a plan and go for it. Never give up just because plan a, b, c ext... fails, do not become discouraged just because something doesn't work out, learn from mistakes, listen to potential customers, get plenty of feedback and market to what you learn. It is with determination and consistent marketing sales will begin. Sounds hard because it is. Anything worth while takes work.
The best photographs in the world will never sell if the right people don't know about them.
Hello Marie, I haven't anything particularly valuable to add to those responders more experienced than I who have suggested the best ways to sell photos, but I can most certainly corroborate, from personal experience, that trying to go such routes as Facebook and even blogs is a complete waste of time. These may help AFTER you're well known, but if you're trying to get started, it's a lot of effort, and a huge learnng curve (trying to master SEO, that sort of thing), and meanwhile no one is reading your blog, no potential buyers are reading your Facebook page, etc. You're much better off developing the various ways of reaching potential buyers directly. Best of luck!
Marie-
I started out doing extremely well at shows, then boom, the downward spiral of our economy soon closed my doors. My web site never sold one photograph, and soon became a liability rather than an asset, so I closed this too. People like to purchase what they see, I think. Like you, I am waiting for the magic sales avenue. I still do a few shows close to home, but mostly I simply wait for the economy to improve and hope I am not too old to do the shows again when, if ever, the economy improves. I still hand out cards and do the sales pitch and get some sales from this, but not near enough to brag about. Boy, am I glad I didn't half to depend of my photography sales for a living. I have a lot of money invested, but thank God, unlike so many that have lost their livelyhood, I can still survive and just wait for a better day. I will keep my show hut, and set up, and maybe, just maybe..............
Maria-
I started out doing extremely well at shows, then boom, the downward spiral of our economy soon closed my doors. My web site never sold one photograph, and soon became a liability rather than an asset, so I closed this too. People like to purchase what they see, I think. Like you, I am waiting for the magic sales avenue. I still do a few shows close to home, but mostly I simply wait for the economy to improve and hope I am not too old to do the shows again when, if ever, the economy improves. I still hand out cards and do the sales pitch and get some sales from this, but not near enough to brag about. Boy, am I glad I didn't half to depend of my photography sales for a living. I have a lot of money invested, but thank God, unlike so many that have lost their livelyhood, I can still survive and just wait for a better day. I will keep my show hut, and set up, and maybe, just maybe..............
Hi Marie.
I try to locate local businesses who want to hang the artwork of local artists and in doing so decorate their business, i.e. libraries, book stores, coffee shops, high rise buildings who hang work in their hallways, hospitals, art galleries etc. Some charge commissions and some do not. You won't make a living at it, but by doing so they will know your work and name. I try to keep a ready to hang supply of about 20 images, so there is an initial outlay for framing.
Good luck. I have also heard that the best way to sell to magazines is if you submit articles with your images as a complete package.
Sales are beginning to slowly improve, but still are no where near where they were two or three years ago.
Sales are beginning to slowly improve, but still are no where near where they were two or three years ago.
There's a real important point lurking in there. Sales and income fluctuate wildly with the season, the economy and literally the fashion trends. Building a business in a fluctuating market is a labor of love with slow periods and hot periods, mistakes and surprise winners.
Occasional successes are good to keep you encouraged and help point the way, but the most important thing is to keep trying and learning. The first sale will give you such a rush, while yet another rejection will knock the wind from your sail. The test is whether you can dust yourself off, learn from the failures and keep on chugging. Keep at it, and sooner or later it will start to come together for you.
Thank you, Jackie, Patricia, and Hank! Wonderful info to keep me thinking for a bit. I'd love to approach businesses, and had never really considered that.
Hank, you are absolutely right. I have sold 2 of my images to co-workers, and thought, wow! That was neat! But...then I entered a photo competition (not open to pros) so I thought I would have a chance...WRONG! Apparently my image submissions were really horrible, as none were even chosen as a finalist. That day, I felt like if I could not even make it there...maybe I should just sell my camera gear, and consider myself lucky that I had, at least, something to show for all my hard work! (my money back from all that gear!)
Then, just the next day...I decided to dust myself off, and keep on going. While I certainly would enjoy knowing my work was somewhat good, the satisfaction from getting out and getting shots that I like is all I really need. Now, if you want to get into "wants" instead of "needs", well then thats a WHOLE other story! LOL!
Did I mention, I want to be famous one day?!? Yeah, doesn't everyone? LOL!
I just have to keep working at it...
Apparently my image submissions were really horrible, as none were even chosen as a finalist.
. Photo contests are the poorest indicator I know of photo quality. I've seen some amazingly bad photos picked best of show while a lot of truly remarkable images went lacking recognition, much less comment. I've participated with other artists (non-photographers) on art show juries, and the discussions about photography absolutely flabbergast me. Clueless, and proud of it!
I'd bet that your results say more about the judges than your work, and could easily be an indicator that your photography was terrific. You just don't know when it comes to judging and contests!
We use our bank account as judge in photo "contests." If it's growing, however slowly, we're winning the real contest.
Discussion
12 repliesAlthough I have been shooting for a few years now with the DSLR, I'm fairly new to the business side of things. While I do not expect to make my living from photography, I'd sure like to make a few bucks to help off-set some extra camera gear.
Currently, I have a website storefront (which is combersome to say the least, but I am working on making it a bit more user friendly). Also, I have a facebook page to help promote my photography. But, either I'm just one crappy photographer, or my prices are too high, or I'm not getting the word out there, or I'm not doing the right things. So, basically, I'm trying to find other avenues to make a buck with.
While I had thought about art festivals, I'm just not too keen on it, mostly because I am not prepared for that.
I know another option is stock photography, and had considered that to some extent, but I'm not sure how much money one can actually make at that, balanced against the work put forth to get an image ready for such a thing.
While I don't think I'm ready to make my own book like some of you have done, I'd consider submitting my work to authors that may have a need, or even card companies-but I have no idea where to begin.
Well, I know this is a long read, and I know some of you may be laughing as I have heard "if you want to make money as a photographer, sell your equiptment". But, I certainly would like some words of wisdom here, if any exists.
Thanks,
Marie
We've had a successful photo business for over 20 years, but income is about 80% (actual accounting) from being hired to take photos. Sale of existing images (stock or prints) only accounts for around 20%, but those sales are mostly the result of our other photo work. We could certainly build our stock sales with a lot more effort, but so far the effort, time and money (we budget 5% of our gross to advertising) is better invested in photo services. Our average single transaction is much, much larger than any single stock sale.
I'm firmly convinced that the best place for a photographer to start is close to home rather than competing on the anonymous web. Your local advertisers don't buy their photos from the web. A personal contact from you is more likely to result in a sale. Your web site will be a handy place for locals to look at your photos, but they're only going to go there if you meet with them in person, make a sales pitch, and leave them with business cards including your site.
I'd take a second look at the art show/bazaar/festival circuit in your area. Folks who put in the effort make lots of money at them, and if they're also making a few sales on the web, it's from folks who saw their work firsthand at a local show, then bought it off the web. I'll let those folks (and there are plenty of them her on NPN) speak up with specific advice.
I will take a second look at the art show scene, I did see where someone had recommended, which I have bookmarked the site to purchase it.
Really appreciate your info.
Thanks,
Marie
As usual, I'll second Hank's comments. Most of us newer photographers who are interested in selling our work have different needs and priorities from the high end, full time guys like Hank - who have the time (and need!) to market, market, market. As Hank noted, the art show scene is our best venue.
Personally, I've never generated a sale from Facebook or Flickr. I even closed my Facebook account recently after another user stole one of my images and claimed it as their own. I do sell some images directly from my website, but not many and most, as Hank noted, after personal contact with the buyer. My sales primarily occur through two venues:
Art Shows/Fairs: This currently accounts for about 50% of my sales. It requires an investment in 'infrastructure' (tent, chairs, tables, racks, etc.) and all shows worth entering charge a fee (ranging from $65 to $200 here on Long Island). I sold twelve prints last week at a local show, which is a very good result in the current market. Most shows move less. This year I will participate in at least six shows, so there is a time commitment to consider as well. You will also learn over time as to which type/size/format images are more likely to sell in which shows. For example, framed work rarely sells, but it is good to have a few framed photographs for a good, professional looking display.
The rest of the sales are in local galleries/art shops. I did not approach any of these until my third year when I felt that my work had matured to a certain level and I was selling regularly at the outdoor shows. I'm selling in three local galleries now and move between 6 to 10 images a month between them. These are good for year round sales and exposure, but come at the cost of a percentage of the sales (30-40%).
I am in my fourth year of actively promoting and selling my work, but it is not intended as a full time occupation yet. Any monies received are re-invested in better equipment and inventory. But I have a long term goal in mind, which is to go full time when I retire in six years, so I can afford the slow methodical buildup. By then I should have established a very strong gallery base and should be a well known regular in the local photography market.
Hope that helps a bit. Good luck!
Here is the secret, get your work in front of people who "need" it. The avenues to do this vary. Your website will come in handy "after" this is done so it must be ready as well. Research marketing options, see what others are doing, come up with your own ideas and never be scared to take logical chances, develop a plan and go for it. Never give up just because plan a, b, c ext... fails, do not become discouraged just because something doesn't work out, learn from mistakes, listen to potential customers, get plenty of feedback and market to what you learn. It is with determination and consistent marketing sales will begin. Sounds hard because it is. Anything worth while takes work.
The best photographs in the world will never sell if the right people don't know about them.
I started out doing extremely well at shows, then boom, the downward spiral of our economy soon closed my doors. My web site never sold one photograph, and soon became a liability rather than an asset, so I closed this too. People like to purchase what they see, I think. Like you, I am waiting for the magic sales avenue. I still do a few shows close to home, but mostly I simply wait for the economy to improve and hope I am not too old to do the shows again when, if ever, the economy improves. I still hand out cards and do the sales pitch and get some sales from this, but not near enough to brag about. Boy, am I glad I didn't half to depend of my photography sales for a living. I have a lot of money invested, but thank God, unlike so many that have lost their livelyhood, I can still survive and just wait for a better day. I will keep my show hut, and set up, and maybe, just maybe..............
I started out doing extremely well at shows, then boom, the downward spiral of our economy soon closed my doors. My web site never sold one photograph, and soon became a liability rather than an asset, so I closed this too. People like to purchase what they see, I think. Like you, I am waiting for the magic sales avenue. I still do a few shows close to home, but mostly I simply wait for the economy to improve and hope I am not too old to do the shows again when, if ever, the economy improves. I still hand out cards and do the sales pitch and get some sales from this, but not near enough to brag about. Boy, am I glad I didn't half to depend of my photography sales for a living. I have a lot of money invested, but thank God, unlike so many that have lost their livelyhood, I can still survive and just wait for a better day. I will keep my show hut, and set up, and maybe, just maybe..............
I try to locate local businesses who want to hang the artwork of local artists and in doing so decorate their business, i.e. libraries, book stores, coffee shops, high rise buildings who hang work in their hallways, hospitals, art galleries etc. Some charge commissions and some do not. You won't make a living at it, but by doing so they will know your work and name. I try to keep a ready to hang supply of about 20 images, so there is an initial outlay for framing.
Good luck. I have also heard that the best way to sell to magazines is if you submit articles with your images as a complete package.
Sales are beginning to slowly improve, but still are no where near where they were two or three years ago.
There's a real important point lurking in there. Sales and income fluctuate wildly with the season, the economy and literally the fashion trends. Building a business in a fluctuating market is a labor of love with slow periods and hot periods, mistakes and surprise winners.
Occasional successes are good to keep you encouraged and help point the way, but the most important thing is to keep trying and learning. The first sale will give you such a rush, while yet another rejection will knock the wind from your sail. The test is whether you can dust yourself off, learn from the failures and keep on chugging. Keep at it, and sooner or later it will start to come together for you.
Hank, you are absolutely right. I have sold 2 of my images to co-workers, and thought, wow! That was neat! But...then I entered a photo competition (not open to pros) so I thought I would have a chance...WRONG! Apparently my image submissions were really horrible, as none were even chosen as a finalist. That day, I felt like if I could not even make it there...maybe I should just sell my camera gear, and consider myself lucky that I had, at least, something to show for all my hard work! (my money back from all that gear!)
Then, just the next day...I decided to dust myself off, and keep on going. While I certainly would enjoy knowing my work was somewhat good, the satisfaction from getting out and getting shots that I like is all I really need. Now, if you want to get into "wants" instead of "needs", well then thats a WHOLE other story! LOL!
Did I mention, I want to be famous one day?!? Yeah, doesn't everyone? LOL!
I just have to keep working at it...
I'd bet that your results say more about the judges than your work, and could easily be an indicator that your photography was terrific. You just don't know when it comes to judging and contests!
We use our bank account as judge in photo "contests." If it's growing, however slowly, we're winning the real contest.