Dunatic

That's the name of the business I'd like to start. However, it's a slow process. I love taking a variety of photos, random people, my daughter a model, family, pets, landscapes, etc. I have taken photos for many, many years and have been told, "you should sell your images." Sounds nice, but how do you get a business started? I really would like to sell my landscape photos rather then take senior photos. But, I would appreciate any advice on how to get this started? Suggestions, welcome. Thank you.

Bobbee

I was in the same situation. My bene was that I have a good full time job so did not have to put bologna and mayo on the table. For other situations, those have my sympathy because it is tough. I started with related parties and one day did an event at a wedding hall and the woman the like me. Now she gives my card out. I also got on the approved vendors list for a major real estate firm and do portfolios for them. Although I have not followed this route, there is a local photographers club in my area. I know they are looked to by the local businesses for professional work engagements. I have been in lots of businesses since I have been 14. Always the entrepreneur, but I find that personality, dedication, cost and an approach that anything is worthwhile and important to the customer helps (a little, a lot). It is important to get your name on peoples lips when they talk about the subject. Also, make up an advertisement, 5x7 cards and get the wedding halls and places where your services would be looked for and display it there. Hope this helps. Shows are a good place but the entrance fee is hefty.

mezeus Loc: Texas

Have you considered listing you pictures to a stock photo company. Here is a little informatio you many find helpful.

http://www.bing.com/search?q=STOCK%20PHOTO%20COMPANIES&pc=conduit&ptag=A64671D3D62824FDABAF&form=CONBDF&conlogo=CT2559647

The largest and best known compnay is GETTY IMAGES. You can submit you work to more than one company.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

I started with a small farmer's market and spread to a couple of other one's. I also set up at a flea market and a few town "craft fairs". You can check on line for craft fairs in your area. I have done both juried and non-juried shows.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

Word of mouth praise pays heavy dividends in the end. Your reputation is your best ally.

Bobbee

I will tell you one thing is that people notice when you 'hustle'. I have had quite a few customer remark on how I handle events and the amount of 'positioning' I do. You work your tail off and people notice. People always want alot for a little, if you make it look that they are, they keep smiling..........and coming back.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

Also remember all it takes is one dissatisfied customer to lose you 10 jobs. :)

Bobbee

wow, 10 to 1, you must give out some interesting Free-Bee's!! LOL

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

I always gave my wedding customers the negatives after the financial transactions were completed. I told them it was my wedding gift to them.

Bobbee

My deal is a DVD with Original RAW files, JPG's from all adjusted RAW's in Photoshop and JPG's from all the photos I thought were keepers that have been cropped, adjusted, skintones and facial correction performed. In all three directories. After that the books and additional work is extra.

Obviously I delete all the 'blunders' which seem to be less and less as time goes on.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

It's amazing after 20 years with Photoshop how fast I process photos these days. Plug-ins make it much much faster.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Every time I hear this, I respond with "Ok, make me an offer." Separates the well-meaning relatives and friends who don't want to offend me, from the sincere admirers willing to part with cold hard cash for my efforts. So far I've made $1.29.

I really don't mean to dissuade anyone from following their dream, but too often I've heard how a sincere, moderately talented amateur thinks "Hey, why not make money at my hobby!", and then becomes so caught up in the 'business' end of their hobby that they no longer find it fun and creative. It can be photography, wood working, or llama herding. It doesn't matter. When you lose sight of why you started in the hobby in the first place, it's no longer a hobby. And often, creativity and art go out the window as well.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

Amen to everything you wrote. I'm poorer than a church mouse but would rather stay poor than ruin my love for photography. :thumbup:

Dunatic

Thank you all so much for your input. I value each viewpoint and have much to think about in my decision to start my business.