How to Make Money? - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/09/2005 05:11:07 PM · #1

The local sculpture park where I won a photography competition this summer has an annual juried arts fair. This was the 4th year and I had never been before (it's this weekend), so I attended. I had toyed with the idea of setting up there, and called about it. The lady who is in charge of events there knows me and has seen my work and urged me to apply. When I found out that it's a $250 fee, I balked.

It was nice and crowded (overcast, slightly chilly day), and there were aproximately 60 - 70 vendors/artists set up I'd say. It seemed very well organized and the location is good. Still, in asking around to the photographers in particular, they said the sales were not great. I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of money to build inventory and pay that fee.

This is not a typical "crafty" type holiday show, but a fine arts show with some really talented folks.

My question is this: what do you think is the best way to make some money from photography without opening a studio or making it a full time career? I really don't want or need a lecture on "the serious photographer will open a studio" or "part time means sub standard work."

I have three areas I particulary like doing. First is local locations, landmarks, and scenes. Second is pairing photos with scripture and inspirational verses, and third is people...senior type shots and weddings. Now, I don't have the equipment or experience to call myself a pro, but I also have proven to be sellable on my own level.

I have some ideas, but would like your ideas as well! My ideas (which have already started to be implemented) include contacting local businesses such as Dr's, insurance and bank offices for selling my local stuff. Things that might commonly be found in lobbies and waiting areas. Secondly, I will be hanging some for sale in the visitors welcome center in town. I'm also going to check with the local Christian bookstores and a couple of coffee house sort of locations for hanging my work. The biggest drawback with starting that type of selling is that I have to pay up front for inventory.

My people stuff is all word of mouth so far. I've done (and been paid for) maternity, senior type portraits, and two small weddings.) I could have access to a studio if I want to rejoin the camera club.

I'm looking to make maybe $2,000 - $3,000 a year tops at my current level of experience.

So there you have it. Any advice?

nico_blue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/09/2005 05:40:35 PM · #2

I took up microstock about a year ago, basically there are no commitments whatsoever, submit and keyword at your own time and pace. for me its a great side hobby to earn some money, get lots of experience, improve technically and refine my style.

10/09/2005 05:59:34 PM · #3

Ugh. I just typed a whole crapload of stuff and I got an error. Grrr...

Here's the short version...

Do the art shows. $250 sounds like a large fee to me but it's also dependent on several factors....how much traffic, how much do the others usually sell, what type of crowd does it draw, how many days/hours is the fair, etc...

Get an e-commerce/PayPal site so people can buy directly from you.

Put your web site and/or other contact info on the back of all of your products.

Visit local shops to see if you can display your work. The split is usually around 40-60% with 60% going to you, the artist. I do this and it is a large chunk but it's still more than I'd be selling on my own. They get the foot traffic and it's a touristy area (near Corning Glass).

Sell other things besides prints...greeting cards, for example. You can make them for about $1 and sell them for $3-5. Many people will spring for $5 before they will $150 for a nice print.

Okay, I hope this goes through...I'm copying my message before I post this time!!

- Jen

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/09/2005 06:03:20 PM · #4

Thanks for the comments.

Jen, how do you make the greeting card for $1.00? Do you print them yourself? My printer isn't all that great. Do you use the clear bags to store/sell them in? Just curious about your costs.

By the way...double thanks for taking the extra time to retype! :)

Message edited by author 2005-10-09 18:19:46.

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

10/09/2005 06:23:01 PM · #5

Kids sporting events...

maxj

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

10/09/2005 06:29:46 PM · #6

give framed shots to local businesses (cafe, backery) hang them on walls, and then hang a sign somewhere in the store explaining that all prints are for sale.

this spruces up the shop a bit, and is free advertising for you.

I have seen this done in a couple of localshop near me, but I personally dont have any experience.

The first print I sold was through an art competition where all the work was hung at West Point, it was free for me (I am a student) but i am sure there is some kind of art competition you can get yourself into and get viewers actually interested in the art.

10/09/2005 06:35:28 PM · #7

Originally posted by jpochard:

You're welcome. :-)

I just bought a photo printer (the R1800 but smaller ones would work) and bought some prescored greeting card and postcard paper from Red River. Red River has a page with estimates that include the cards, envelopes, and the ink to print them. It's about $1.00 for the recycle Denali cards I bought.

Before I started printing my own, I used Photographer's Edge. I bought about 200 cards at once to get a lower price. I think I paid about $1.09/card. With Photographer's Edge you have to make 3x5 or 4x6 prints and insert them in a precut window. So, add another $.30 or whatever and you are making them for around $1.40. The PE cards are nice, good thick paper, but it's time consuming to put them together. You have to peal off the paper to reveal the tacky glue, place your image in the window, fold them up, and write you info on the back. With printing my own I have a template and can type the description of the image, the item number, and my name and website on the back. With the PE cards you either get a blank back (no lines) or you have to write your information by hand on the back of each card...and that takes more time. I much prefer printing my own now.

Both companies, I believe, sell the clear bags. I do put each card in a sealable bag. They are very cheap...like 100 for $10 or something. It keep them clean and they look much nicer packaged. You can also buy clear topped boxes and sell sets of cards.

Btw, if you are getting into this to make money maybe you should invest in a better ($300 or so) printer so that you can make you own cards...?

Good luck to you!

- Jen

10/09/2005 06:37:53 PM · #8

Another thing...

Send out an email to everyone you know and tell them what you have for sale. Tell them what great gifts they make! I did this in November last year and told everyone what great Christmas present my prints would make...and I had several sales!

Then ask everyone to help spread the word. Have them forward you website (if you have one) to their friends and on and on.

Message edited by author 2005-10-09 18:40:37.

10/09/2005 06:40:06 PM · #9

Originally posted by ButterflySis:

Another thing...

Send out an email to everyone you know and tell them what you have for sale. Tell them what great gifts they make! I did this in November last year and told everyone what great gifts my prints would make...and I had several sales!

Then ask everyone to help spread the word. Have them forward you website (if you have one) to their friends and on and on.

Great idea for the holiday season! I have the dpc prints site, but I also have a separate gallery on my pbase site that is my prints for sale w/the link to dpc. I think sometimes they display better on the pbase site.

Message edited by author 2005-10-09 18:40:34.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/09/2005 06:49:42 PM · #10

Yet another thing...lol

See about buying a domain name. They are $3-12/year depending on where you go. That way you can say, "My web site is ImagesByJudy.com" instead of www.pbase.com/jpochard/photo_a_day

Which is easier to remember?

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

10/09/2005 06:52:11 PM · #11

I like the postcard idea. I was wondering too... does anyone have any experience with calendars? (making / selling)

dewed

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

10/09/2005 07:05:34 PM · #12

seeing as were already on this topic, can anyone give me a web site or basic info on copywriting?

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

10/09/2005 07:08:15 PM · #13

Originally posted by dewed:

seeing as were already on this topic, can anyone give me a web site or basic info on copywriting?

My Bookmarks

Scroll down to "Legal" and there should be some helpful links there.

bandit

Samsung S23 Ultra

10/09/2005 07:10:33 PM · #14

I've only had a chance to skim through this forum, but I have a couple of suggestions.

Firstly visit your local commercial printer, and let them know what you want, ie, post cards, etc... You may be surprised how inexpensive it actually is to get professionally printed products. Keep in mind you want to produce an inexpensive product, but high quality.

Secondly, you will need to promote yourself. The people won't come knocking on your door. I suggest getting some simple business cards made up form the printers as well. About 15cm (approx 5.5 inches) X 8cm (approx 3 inches) will be a good size with your contact details and some samples of your favourite shots on it.
Take these cards and a portfolio to your local craft shops and leave the card for them.

It may be starting to get a little extravagent, but if you know someone that can design you a web site, that opens up a big market Internationally!.

Although you scoff at the $250 fee for the stall, if you have set yourself up properly, business cards, etc... it can turn out to be an investment.

I have taken a little hobby of mine, and turned it into a successful little side line. Its not photography, but it can be classed as a craft I guess.

ATD models

I set up a stall at a Hobby Expo, and didn't really sell anything. But I did give out a lot of cards. The following Monday I received 15 emails with people wanting to make orders. I ended up turning people down, because I just didn't have the time.

I am lucky enough to have a mate that designs web sites, so I have my products linked straight to an online auction site where I sell directly to the public.

I have to go, but PM me if you would like to know some more, or even if your interested in my mate doing a web site for you. (His side line business)

Good luck with your venture!!!

lentil

Canon EOS-5D

10/09/2005 07:12:46 PM · #15

I have found that ebay has actually been pretty good. I have sold about 20 photos on there now. (and I am not good) so imagine if a great photographer sold on there. Could be endless...

I have been at least putting double on the price that it cost me to print/frame etc.. sometimes i put triple and i still sell them. So maybe that might be worth looking into.

10/09/2005 07:17:33 PM · #16

Some very good ideas. To do anything above about $100 right now (like buying a new printer) I would have to take out a loan. Long story, but finances are extremely tight. I know it takes money to make money, and that's why I'm brainstorming. So far, everything (profit) I've made has gone back into getting some prints, the frames, mats, etc....and it goes fast! Right now I only have about 8 prints "finished" for sale.

I really appreciate the ideas.

10/09/2005 07:19:02 PM · #17

Originally posted by lentil:

I tried a couple on ebay and didn't get any bites. Maybe that my market niche is too small right now. I did a couple of my inspirational prints. I had the price set pretty low if I remember correctly.

EDITED TO ADD: If anyone has time and would like to check out my pbase site, perhaps there are some on there that I could offer as prints that I have not thought of? My PBase Galleries

Message edited by author 2005-10-09 19:21:42.