I need some advice please.... - DPChallenge Forums

06/06/2009 06:54:24 PM · #1

I am coming to ya'll to ask you some advice about selling prints

I have a friend in MI that wants to put some of my photos in her "Garden Shop", (as commission) she has a blueberry farm and along with that has made an area for selling plants, art and crafts...it is quite nice (seen pictures of her cottage) - she gets several customers from Chicago.

here are my questions...she wants notecards, 8 x 10's, 16 x 20's and I have one that I want to send up there as a canvas print. (I am printing the canvas print in a size that "I" would want, in case it doesn't sell)

does anyone have any advice for me...I haven't ever done this, and I would really appreciate some guiding advice. As I don't want to get started on something and find out that "darn, should have done that...", should I be worried about watermarks, copywrites, numbering my photos (this is something that "I" look for when purchasing a print, doesn't necessarily mean anything as anyone can re-number things at anytime), what printing house do you recommend? Whitehouse, Costco, Mpix???? the list goes one... where to get supplies...

I have done some research but being that ya'll have had boat loads of experience....hmmmm I would like to tap into that....if you'll let me...I am so very honored that she actually want's to put some of my photos in her cottage...

Thanks everyone...

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/06/2009 07:57:31 PM · #2

truly no opinions...or to complicated

PHOTOKID

06/06/2009 11:02:42 PM · #3

Hi Janine,

I would tell you that I have had wonderful experiences with mpix for printing, I am definately hooked on their photos. I would also recommend the 11x14 size, you can go to most crafts stores (read ac moore) and purchase a ready made matte for it.

For note cards, i use photographersedge.com they are a bit a more expensive but they are a real nice representation of your work.

For Canvas, I really think you cant do better than canvasondemand.com, they are a real great company to work with and have great prices. I am not sure about the numbering or the watermarking, as i do not do it as I think with the numbering you rely on your name to sell them a bit more. I will say if you get them printed at a reputable print house you should be able to have a copyright statement printed on the back of your prints and that is what i have been doing.

congrats on have a place to hang your work.
Rich

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/07/2009 03:52:38 AM · #4

Yup - for low volume, you'll likely be happy with MPIX.
For the canvas at canvasondemand - use this link for a Free 24x36 gallery wrap :O)

As for the numbering, only do it if you're sure you won't change it (which would be misrepresentation as it devalues the original series).

My 2c.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/07/2009 12:00:21 PM · #5

wow thanks guys....good information

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/07/2009 12:30:54 PM · #6

Numbering seems kind of pointless in an era of digital, commercially-printed mages. It's normally done only for a "limited edition" where the artist is promising to print only a certain number of copies (and often destroying the negative afterwards) to ensure a certain rarity (and thereby value) and, to a lesser extent, that it's a hands-on production of (or at least supervised by) the artist.