Photos of people and Buildings in a gallery

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/10/2009 09:10:42 AM · #1

I have been in the plans of putting a gallery together and I have several street photography and building photos taken from the street that I would like to add to my gallery.

Is there some sort of protocol that I need to follow? do I need releases from the individuals and building property managers in order to put and sell the photo in my gallery?

has anyone ever put photos of buildings and people in their galleries?

Thanks a million

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

07/10/2009 09:33:18 AM · #2

From what I understand, if you take a picture of someone and sell it as "art" you do not need a release. You just can't sell it for stock. I'm pretty sure the buildings work the same way, but I'm not sure about that. But I'm no lawyer, so you may still want to ask further.

Message edited by author 2009-07-10 09:33:37.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/10/2009 02:02:58 PM · #3

Thanks. I will keep that in mind.

Also, is the rate of return good when doing a gallery? does one at least make ones money back from sales?

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/10/2009 02:12:07 PM · #4

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:

Also, is the rate of return good when doing a gallery? does one at least make ones money back from sales?

Geeze, Jaime, if you haven't already researched that and come to your own conclusion, what are you DOING "planning" something like this?

And the short answer is "No, they almost never make a profit." There's a gazillion galleries out there coming and going, and only a very small percentage actually earn any profit at all, let alone provide a living for their proprietors. It can be done, mind you, but it's a VERY difficult business to be in. I've known a number of people with backgrounds/training in art galleries who've established their own galleries in likely places with what seem viable business plans, and none of them have lasted more than a couple of years. It's TOUGH... If you're talking about appending a gallery space to an otherwise-viable business of yours, then THAT may be doable, it's certainly easier, but starting from scratch, you need a good business plan and sufficient capital to tide you over while you establish the business.

R.

RebelBlue

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

07/10/2009 02:27:52 PM · #5

I second Kelli's suggestion to seek legal advice regarding model/property release requirements. My understanding is that if you use the images for any commercial purpose (sale or self-promotion in your portfolio), a release is required.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/10/2009 02:39:37 PM · #6

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:
Also, is the rate of return good when doing a gallery? does one at least make ones money back from sales?

Geeze, Jaime, if you haven't already researched that and come to your own conclusion, what are you DOING "planning" something like this?

And the short answer is "No, they almost never make a profit." There's a gazillion galleries out there coming and going, and only a very small percentage actually earn any profit at all, let alone provide a living for their proprietors. It can be done, mind you, but it's a VERY difficult business to be in. I've known a number of people with backgrounds/training in art galleries who've established their own galleries in likely places with what seem viable business plans, and none of them have lasted more than a couple of years. It's TOUGH... If you're talking about appending a gallery space to an otherwise-viable business of yours, then THAT may be doable, it's certainly easier, but starting from scratch, you need a good business plan and sufficient capital to tide you over while you establish the business.

R.

Thanks Bear. I am not trying to make a business out of it. I was granted some space here by our Downtown Building properties to display my work sometime at the end of September. The space rental will not cost me. However I do have to come up with prints. My main goal is to show off my work and at the same time not have to be in a hole. If someone buys one piece I would be happy with that. I am not in this to make tons of money, even though I do not doubt I could.
I just want to set my expectations and see if anyone on here who has done such a thing can send me in the right direction so I can start researching. :)

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/10/2009 02:41:41 PM · #7

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:

Alrighty, disregard previous message then :-) Doesn't sound like you have anything to lose...

R.