pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

I don't have a clue about pricing of photographic work. I have stuff in my collection worth hundreds, but by famous photographers. I am entering a photo in a juried competition where 50 will be picked by the jury to be displayed in a museum for about a month, and winners will be selected from those being hung in the museum. The application process is such that one pays a $32 entry fee and by June 19th, the selectees will be notified, and then they must send their work in framed and ready to be hung. One of the decisions each entrant must make is whether or not they want to sell their entry. My entry will be submitted printed on 16x20 aluminum with a wooden backing. I'll have $80 into the picture plus my entry fee, so my cost will be approaching $120.

I thought it would be fun to sell a piece in this competition and being an unknown amateur photographer, I didn't wanted to put a reasonable price on the piece. It certainly is not a one-of-kind art piece. So, I decided to price it at $150 which covers my costs plus a little profit, plus the joy of selling a piece out of a museum exhibit.

Any thoughts? My one concern is sometimes by underpricing something your market perceives less value. For example, after my career as an airline pilot, I was VP-Sales of a company. Our main competitor charged considerably more for the same product, and market research revealed that we were thought of as lesser quality due to lesser price. When we raised our prices, our sales went off the chart.

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

You first have to figure just what you are worth? Of course the final answer is provided by folks who buy your pictures. As a first try,
figure your costs, and add 50% or so. If it sells fast, then try upping your price at a future date. Never undervalue yourself.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

You have to consider whether they want a commission as well Sandy...an artist friend insisted I hang some of my pics in a local gallery, which I did but then I found out they wanted 30%...priced my pics right out of contention...I originally had them at $50 but had to raise it to $75 to cover my costs and realised it wasn't worth the trouble so I had them send my pics back...maybe if it's a museum you might be OK...one of our libraries wants me to hang some stuff there which I might as they don't charge...one gallery that approached me wanted 50%..!!!

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

I've been told, three times your cost. It always seems a little high to me. Of course, you entry fee is NOT a cost the framed photo.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

King, sounds like a good formula. I'm not too far out of the ball park at 150 bucks. If I just figure the cost of processing and shipping, I am over that amount.

Ron, great point - I need to determine that. The only thing I recall seeing about getting charged was there is a charge for art work left at the gallery beyond a certain point after the closing of the show.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks Robert, I guess having never sold anything like that it would be fun to at least break the ice. If it doesn't sell there is certainly a message, and if it sells quickly there is another message.

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

I am very confused by the "1x20 aluminum"????? Aren't you missing a third number here?

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks, it should have read 16x20. That would have been one narrow shot! :)

radams6244

I would be very surprised if the gallery did not take a commission on sales. I have been involved with several galleries through the years and they all take a 30% commission. How I price my work is I figure all costs, paper, mat board, backing and frame, fold in the commission, figure the cost price then double it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I'm not sure what search terms you should use, but pricing was an occasionally active discussion in 2013. I can think I remember CaptainC making good comments but reading all his posts to find the exact discussion might take quite a while since I don't remember exactly when it came up...

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks, I appreciate the input!

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

I also recall seeing a thread on it some time back, but I didn't read it in that at the time I had no interest in selling anything. I'm not that motivated and at first I listed it as not for sale, but then rethought it thinking about how much fun it would be to sell a piece at what is apparently a prestigious competition.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Three significant statements. I think you have a handle on it. :thumbup:

roger2012 Loc: Chichester West Sussex UK

When considering selling your work various factors have to be taken into consideration
1. It is unique one of them.
2. Ink used and mounting
3. Never under value yourself
I have sold some of my work usually charge £50 to £60

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks Jerry! :)