Pimping myself or expanding my horizons?
Jun 11, 2019 07:18:52 #
Jun 11, 2019 07:20:56 #
SWFeral wrote:
Funny, I've actually considered a third venue, but haven't approached the owner. I'll only go so far to please this woman. She wants me to wander around town and take postcard-style photos, to which I say No. Someone else can do that.
Unless this is your livelihood, or you want to sell, stick with what/how you like to shoot.
As the "client" requests things a certain way, you have the option to accommodate or move on if it doesn't track with your tastes.
Jun 11, 2019 07:27:28 #
Give them what sells. Why play a photo god. You are in this to make money so go where the money is. Yes, I am picky on some of my stuff but if she wants and likes the contrast y stuff, give it to her. Show 10 people your work and probably get 9 answers saying what would make them better. Opinions are like rear-ends, we all have one. Been selling prints for over 30 years and if a dealer wants them with a bit more contrast, do it, people shots...do it, landscapes.....do it
Jun 11, 2019 08:20:17 #
Longshadow wrote:
I'll guess she knows what sells in her gallery, you know what sells in your shop.
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
A third place (venue) may have other things, a different group, that sell better?
Jun 11, 2019 08:37:15 #
SWFeral wrote:
I'm not sure my standards are that high; the little bit I've made does feel good, and helps me to buy more card stock. But I think I'd feel better if the cards sold looking like MY work. Thank you.
Years ago , I came across a fellow who sold postcards to retailers for re-sell. His presentation model kept changing every time he called on a client. He would highlight a couple of his new stock and suggest for a trial run.
Your cards fall under "impulse buy" rules. This means that your product is selected on last minute impulse. Thus you have to keep your stock looking fresh (read "rotated") for your client. At least the above client is directing their *purchasing* clients to your work.
Starve to death for Art's sake or get some coin for bread? The question every artist has to answer for themselves.
Jun 11, 2019 08:39:02 #
Jun 11, 2019 08:40:43 #
ronz wrote:
Give them what sells... Opinions are like rear-ends, we all have one. Been selling prints for over 30 years and if a dealer wants them with a bit more contrast, do it, people shots...do it, landscapes.....do it
Until we are rear-ended.
(Could not stop myself.)
Jun 11, 2019 09:29:03 #
Cany143 wrote:
Each of these you've posted look unnecessarily ble... (show quote)
Yes, I agree with Caney 100%. I would work on lighting and composition more than working in post to make your portfolio more pleasing. That in itself should sell more.
Jun 11, 2019 10:06:32 #
After reading Cany's brutally honest assessment I looked at many of your previous posts and I, too, prefer your own style over the gallery demanded style. Pimping may produce an income but it's not a lifestyle for everyone. (I'm remembering fondly a 50 year old song by Lou Rawls, White on White in White.)
Jun 11, 2019 10:10:43 #
Jun 11, 2019 11:17:15 #
Jun 11, 2019 11:58:17 #
Each gallery owner I've worked with has a particular "look" that they feel their clientelle will favor. Sometimes that jibes with what I do and sometimes not. I've had marketing expertise advise me to shoot and process according to my heart, not "what sells." Then find those who would find value in them. It's not easy. And, unfortunately, I find that apparently what I like isn't what most others like! I have a friend who lives off of art shows. She shoots to sell - and she knows quite well what will sell and what won't. She does well financially and a lot better than I do. It depends on what you want. Do you want to shoot/process to sell? Or do you want to express yourself in your presented work?
Jun 11, 2019 12:14:54 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Each gallery owner I've worked with has a particul... (show quote)
This comment reminds me of one made by Ron Box, a Nashville pro photographer. He said, "I take pictures to please the client when I am selling them, and pictures to please me when not".
Makes sense to me...
Jun 11, 2019 12:46:53 #
nikonbug wrote:
This comment reminds me of one made by Ron Box, a Nashville pro photographer. He said, "I take pictures to please the client when I am selling them, and pictures to please me when not".
Makes sense to me...
Makes sense to me...
I think that's quite right. However, there is a different in selling photos made for hire and photos not made for hire. When I shoot on contract, obviously I have to shoot what the client wants. When not, I can follow my heart.
Jun 11, 2019 12:56:09 #
nikonbug wrote:
This comment reminds me of one made by Ron Box, a Nashville pro photographer. He said, "I take pictures to please the client when I am selling them, and pictures to please me when not".
Makes sense to me...
Makes sense to me...
Definitely!
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