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03/24/2014 03:12:25 PM · #1 |
I am in the fortunate position in that I can retire and my pension is sufficient to live on.
I wish to keep busy so I thought I would try and sell pictures. I am aware that there are thousands of people out there doing the same, but if I do retire, I need something to keep me busy. So I have made a list of things to consider, so my question is - have I missed anything out? No particular order.
This probably biased to UK DPC'ers but there are things that are universal.
Create a website, with payment options built in.
Engage an accountant a company name and engage with HMRC (The UK tax people)
Prepare a business plan
Open a business bank account
Keep financial records
Get professional insurance
Change car insurance to include business use
If selling items in person need relevant payment equipment, stands to show work etc. Research potential selling locations.
Obtain permissions to take pictures on private property for commercial use. Having researched locations beforehand.
I'm not doing anything soon, but I like to plan. I will also take advice on a number of the things I have listed. |
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03/24/2014 03:39:48 PM · #2 |
Wow...hat's off to you for being a planner.
My question is you've been a member since 2004, yet you haven't entered anything yet on this site. Do you have a link (website) to some of your work? Many of the things that you've listed will cost you come good coin and therefore I would think you would like to be sure that your ready to start selling and be successful at it and put larger coins back in your pocket. Rather than letting your hobby bleed you dry.
My point is...many of (y)our friends in (y)our current circles always say...oh...ahhh...how beautiful, failing to open their wallets to purchase any of your stock. Will it actually pass for retail sale? Who is asking to purchase your photo's now?
Those are the questions to start with...IMO |
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03/24/2014 04:23:55 PM · #3 |
I recommend looking around on  Skip Rowland's profile page -- he has a ton of links related to starting/running a photography business.
Do you want to sell prints, stock images, or both? What type of photography? |
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03/24/2014 06:34:34 PM · #4 |
I joined in 2004 as I believed this site could help me with my photography, mainly with info and advice. I should have really entered challenges, but with working, I found I only had time to take pictures for my two clubs - photography wise. I admit I may be throwing money away, but I hope to get some enjoyment out of it, and a little return. As someone said at my camera club tonight, a hobby job. I produced a panel or prints recently and a few people were queueing up to pay for copies of them. So it's a start. I know it's a leap of faith, but nothing ventured.....
General - I intend to sell prints. I will outsource printing and the mounts etc. thanks for the link advice.
I may be paranoid, but I'd rather not divulge any images just yet, as I think I might have found a niche market. (In my heart I doubt it!)
Thank you both. |
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03/24/2014 07:24:06 PM · #5 |
| It sounds like this is more of a fun activity for you which MAY produce money, rather than a second career which you NEED to produce money. If that is the case, then bravo! If your camera club keeps you honest about your work, then it's done what DPC does for the rest of us. Good luck! |
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03/24/2014 07:53:00 PM · #6 |
My understanding is that selling photographic prints depends much more on business ability than on the quality of the pictures. Some level of excellence may be considered table stakes, but after that it is a matter of filling a need for people who are willing to pay to have their needs met. Said another way, even a niche market depends less on the niche (type of images) and more on the market (who will want to part with money to get prints of your images). Great to hear that people have been interested in purchasing.
Business plan is excellent idea that many people omit - and later regret the omission. Remember to address legal issues (will you need a business license, how to handle sales tax, adequate contract language, solid model or location release forms that work in your jurisdiction, and more). Decide the terms of sale (print only, personal use only, license to use with or without restrictions, other). In working up the business plan, consider talking with a sample of potential customers to learn whether they do purchase prints and, if they do, what factors affect their purchase decisions. Work out in detail how you will find your customers or how they will find you.
With almost everyone having one kind of digital camera or another, the number of businesses and individuals willing to pay for images has reportedly diminished drastically, as has the amount of money they are willing to pay. I think many here will be interested in hearing how it all works our for you. |
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03/25/2014 01:55:03 AM · #7 |
Tanguera - that's exactly it. Thank you.
Bob - that's another line of research I hadn't considered. Find out what works and why. Brilliant. Cheers. I WILL report back |
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