DustieLT Loc: California

Hi, I'm really new here, so if I step over any boundaries, please tell me, it won't be on purpose. I have been thinking about how to try to sell some prints. I thought that maybe if I put together blank greeting cards, it might be a "cheaper" way to start. I am looking for some input, if anyone has tried this or has some ideas on how to sell the cards. Since I don't shoot portraits or weddings, I am trying to find a way to make some money with my photographs. I think I have a lot to learn in this area. Any comments would be helpful.
Thank you -

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

NOT easy as anyone here with a business will tell you.

JUST selling photographs is VERY hard.

Have you used the "search" tab for "selling photographs"

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Interesting that you should start this thread. I have been thinking about that prospect as well for a few months now. I think I might try my hand at stock photos, but I don't want to submit until I think I have several 1st rate images to offer. I have also thought about selling prints (matted but not framed) online on Etsy.com or some such. Still working out the details.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

By several I assume you mean "several HUNDRED"

Bunny-Jean Loc: Wisconsin

Welcome Dustie!!!!

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

Start small and don't be too ambitious or afraid of rejection (in fact get used to it). There are numerous ways to make money with your camera but how much is the burning question so look on it as a "pocket money" venture to begin then hopefully grow. You didn't mention what area of photography you are interested in but it would help to concentrate on what you are best at or interested in; it will show. There are all manner of printers around (greeting card, calenders etc..) that will take images if they are good enough and appropriate. They might buy the image outright to do with what they want (so charge accordingly) or pay you a percentage of print run size. Look in the newsagents at what sort of cards are for sale or ask the owner what is popular. Then look up the suppliers - you will need to research. Stock libraries are for experts and professional and demoralizingly picky so don't set yourself up for unnecessary disappointment (yet!). Go to local clubs (sporting and otherwise), groups etc and offer your services. introduce yourself, network, build a base. Try local newspapers... it's a matter of being in the right place at the right time so only you can make it happen. Most importantly enjoy taking photos. If you are passionate and have a talent for a particular field it will start to emerge in your work. Keep reading and learning and asking questions as you have now. Good luck.

Grant Good Loc: Gold Coast AUSTRALIA

You can lodge images (digital NOT prints) with BIGSTOCK, www.bigstockphoto.com or ISTOCK istockphoto.com or several other Image Banks. You have to be accepted and photo's of course have to be of a certain standard but it cost's nothing and you get paid if and when any of your images are purchased for use. There are many categories covering just about everything. Have a look at their sites and search California, LA, or San Fran (seeing you're from California) and you'll see some of the types of pic's which are available, and which you could shoot for sale. Famous buildings, streets, bridges, things you can get easy access to. A travel agent in Asia, for instance could be putting an ad together for travel deal to California, it's much quicker for them to purchase the pic they need than to organise for one to be shot. That's how it works.Browse through their site and you'll see what's on offer. and all the different categories. All is done over the net, ad agency and graphic artist throughout the world have access to the library's 24/7, that's a huge market. Hope this has been of some help Dustie.

dannyp59 Loc: Granite Falls, WA.

I am participating in Edmonds Art Walk tonight 03/21/2013 and have over a dozen 8x10's that I will offer at $45 each. www.edmondsartwalk.org You could try something like this in your area.

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

Please post a couple of your images here.......

DustieLT Loc: California

GDRoth, Hello and thank you for asking for samples. I was going to load a couple last night, but talked myself out of it. So, here you go, hope you like them.

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

Pretty good images Dustie.......I especially like the detail of the rocks in the waterfall.....

Thanks!

Bevman Loc: Baileysville, West Virginia

Nice photos Dustie! :thumbup:

Birdguide Loc: Ormond Beach, FL

Very nice images Dustie, I like both but am partial to the rusty old chain, I might also suggest post cards, I volunteer at a wildlife refuge and some of the volunteers make postcards of the local birds or scenery to sell, they go for a buck a card.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Dustie, I like your use of juxtaposition. But I will say that in landscape there is a lot of competition from established pros. My suggestion is if you have some special interest, I would look for a niche to which you are very passionate. You could work with that niche and take advantage of your home field advantage, then work out from there. I'm sure it's a tough nut to crack. But people crack it every day. Good luck.

jfantasma

Try fineartamerica.com like was mentioned before, it is not easy but if you work hard and get advertised then you can be real successful. With fine art America all you do is create a gallery and upload photos. Compete in contests web if they don't have monetary prizes to get your work looked at. You set your price for your work and they basically do the rest. Your prints may be sold on canvas, metallic print, acrylic print, or matte print. If you sell a photo you pay a very minimal amount (price of the printing materials) and they do everything as far as printing and shipping ECT. You get what your asking price is for the photo you sell plus if the buyer purchases any frames or "photo accessories" you make a 5% commission on that as well. They do exactly what they say they will bit it is up to you to get your name out there to sell your photos. Good luck and if you happen to join let me know and i will help promote you as well. You can go to my gallery the link is at the bottom of this message.