fidophotog Loc: Lincolnton GA

I am considering trying to market some of my photograpy. Like everyone, I could use the money! I have looked at a number of different places. Stock photo businesses don't really interest me. I have looked at Smugmug, Pinterest, Etsy, Spotify, Instagram, etc. I am wanting to sell 8x10 to 30x40 prints for decorator art, wall hanging and such. Also, artistic greeting cards, etc. I am also considering the possibility of limited addition work. Starting pricing would be in the $35-50 range and up depending on size, mounting, framing.

A couple of questions; Anybody have suggestions concerning who to sell with. I am leaning towards an Etsy type service because of the individual attention I can do with it. But I may be wrong.
Also, I have read how you can get rich doing this. I am not that naive to believe that although I guess it is possible! Does anyone on the 'Hog sell their landscaping, nature, etc. and do pretty good. I don't mind working the job hard if it actually works. I have read testimonials that services provide and they sound great but I would like to hear people starting out small and/or in business for up to a year.
I appreciate any advice including "don't do it" or "you're nuts" or something else. (grin!)
Thanks
Steve

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You mentioned Etsy, so I would suggest contacting photo sellers on Etsy and see if they sell any. With "Prt SC," buying is seldom necessary. I doubt this would generate a lot of income for you. Consider how much you have to pay to put your pictures on a site. I think Fine Art America has a free plan.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My wife once made a little bit of money by shooting portraits of 2 year olds. They were always cute and responded to props like teddy bears. Their mothers were anxious to have prints of their babies.

We now live in a retirement community with a gift shop. One of my neighbors has tried selling prints there. After matting and framing, he recovers his costs but little more.

Getting people to pay for pretty pictures is nearly impossible for those of us that can't figure out a unique specialty.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

This is a video by a photographer that I follow on YouTube. His name is Thomas Heaton and he is a landscape photographer in England. In this video he talks about his photography business and what he sells that is the most profitable. I thought this might give you some insight.

https://youtu.be/EVyIEn3ukmw

Dodie

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I second Jerry's suggestion about Fine Art America. But don't expect to get rich. It's free for posting up to 30 images. After that, it's $30 per year, which is pretty cheap!). And for that $30 you get your own private website address. They do the printing and shipping, so it's pretty painless. But, you're competing with thousands (maybe millions) of other artists. I won't say I've gotten rich off it. But I do have sales from time to time.

Another way to sell is via street fairs. They require a huge investment in tools (like a tent, sidewalls, etc.) and in stock (prints, cards, etc.). But, if they're well attended by the right people, they can be lucrative.

DanielJDLM

Hi Steve,
There once was a time where such endeavors did indeed produce decent income. I am afraid those days are over. I have been selling my photographs since 2007, mostly at arts & crafts shows, but also online. Before Covid I saw sales slowing to the point where I made little if any profit after all the work entailed in doing a show. I used to do 20 or more shows a year, now I am down to 2-4.

Regarding online sales, the old saying "build it and they will come" does not hold true with online photography sales. Sure, there may be a few out there making a lot of money, but getting rich, doubtful. It is like those books, "How to Become Rich, be a millionaire, etc. The only person usually making money is the person selling the book. I have been on several different platforms, and settled on Zenfolio (if you want to check out my website on Zenfolio, go to www.photoartbydan.com. The key to online is, you must advertise that you are there, that you exist. Search on some of the sites you mentioned, and likely there are thousands of people trying to sell their photography. If you have a niche, perhaps you will make some money. Good luck with whatever you try Steve.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

How to make money on the internet!
For details send $2 to ..........

fidophotog Loc: Lincolnton GA

That might be the only way to make a buck these days!! LOL

fidophotog Loc: Lincolnton GA

Well thanks for the advice and help. I am not surprised at the "negativity" about this subject since I am highly skeptical of doing any photo marketing at all these days. I have been a professional photographer for about 55yrs and have seen it go from great to poor. With the current economic times it is a terrible time to try much of anything. But I am going to do a gallery website, get the word out about it, and see what happens. Fine Art America is a possibility and maybe some others, but I was not expecting to get rich. Same with shows; might be fun occasionally. Meanwhile, I am just going to enjoy photography and if something sells, I will fall out of my chair! LOL...
I really do appreciate the opinions expressed here; it really just confirmed what I was thinking anyway. I guess I have seen to many ads for getting rich in photography over the years! I feel sorry somewhat when people I meet want to be photographers and think they are going to get rich. The only real richness I see in photography today is the great enjoyment I get from doing it for myself and at 70, that is good!
Thanks again; I hear some Photoshop calling my name to come play awhile....
Steve

JDefebaugh

You might want to check out either zenfolio.com (photography specific) or squarespace.com (sales generally, but can certainly be used for photography sales).

Good luck!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

At least you'll be visible.

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

My buddy Chris Lord, now situated in NYC (transplanted from the UK) is a prolific photographer: Google "Chris Lord NYC photographer", travels quite often and also has a particular slant on his photography. He has his own websites: https://chrislord.nyc and https://www.pixielatedpixels.com and is also an assistant organizer for a local photographic Meetup.com group as well as a member of my group.

He has accounts on https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-lord, https://www.saatchiart.com/chrislord and all the social websites: the usual suspects such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc where he showcases his latest work and has links to his main websites.

As in any business, you must maintain it and publicize it as another Hogger said above. He spends a good amount of time updating the sites besides post editing the thousands of images he shoots.

He has been selling his work but despite being prolific with a good amount of exposure on the Internet does not make bundles of $$$! He might cover some expenses. Chris was a former Chef (Head chef for one of the Playboy clubs and other major restaurants) now long retired with a strong passion for photography and having fun if not raking in the big bucks!

As has been said in many vocations: "If you want to make a million dollars, start with two million!"

Be well! Ed

PS I think selling your work via a website is preferable to selling stock where, unless you have a name and are very prolific, you get "nickeled and dimed."

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

You might consider joining a local cooperative art gallery. I’ve been a member of one in Juneau for eight years. It gives you a chance to work with other artists, forces you to keep your spot active and provides a place for people to see your newest work. If I could only figure out how to get my photos on earings I might even make some money.
…Cam

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I've often said, after observing what happens at street fairs, that if it's not edible or wearable, it doesn't sell! I've also noticed that the better artwork doesn't sell as well as the crappy stuff.

All1317

Polin an internet reviewer has recently announced a company that is a distributer to many distributing companies and they accept any and all photos if someone buys something they take their cut and u get the rest it's free until u make money then everyone makes money if u can draw enough attention with ur work they pick yours I don't remember the name of the company but they sponsor some of his 'photo news fix' mini podcasts and reviews