Will producing postcards undermine the 'art' of my images
 

I'm trying to get some of my photographs into some local galleries. I'm also toying with the idea of postcards and calendars of these images. Do you think merchandising these images will undermine the fine art appeal of the images.
Below is an example of one of my PanoPlanets. They are ultra high resolution images that I would generally have printed at 60x40inches,but I could also imagine they would make great postcards

[IMG]http://mungapen.smugmug.com/Galleries/PanoPlanets/Smart-Gallery/Beaulieu-Green-hdr-panorama/1093951566_KxWJz-L.jpg[/IMG]

Thoughts and ideas much appreciated
More examples at [url]www.panoplanets.com[/url]
Thanks
Jerome

As postcards are often associated with places people have travelled too, I can see this idea working when the predominate aspect / feature of the image is that of a local scene particular to the place / area it is promoting and then the more general scenes as above would probably sell well beside them.

I think it a brilliant idea, I can visualise the town / city / street name in the centre and the featured land mark replacing the large tree in the shot shown above. You obviously enjoy the challenge in your panoplanets; go for it ;) Take a sample into the high street somewhere and see what response you get from the shopkeepers selling postcards, or better still sign a deal with a chainstore of some sort, or a postcard producer with the distribution network in place, and work your way around the country.

As you all ready have a website of examples, write, email the postcard card manufactures today (while your idea is effectively electronically, independantly dated, be aware less honourable often pinch other's ideas)- I would also put a © watermark on editions, images published online too - Best of luck.

When our club holds its annual exhibition many members have postcards printed for sale to visitors and each year it is a reasonable addition to the club's revenue, since it takes a percentage from the money generated. No-one has complained yet about their artistic integrity being compromised.

On the few occasions that I've held or taken part in a joint exhibition I have printed 30 or 40 small images, approx. 5X5 cms, of my work that is on display with my web site and contact details on the back. These are not designed as sales aids but purely to lead viewers to my web site to allow them, if they so wish, to see a wider scope of my work. It seems to work!

I think postcards etc are a good idea. Many people will admire your images but not be able to afford a 60x40 print. Let them take a smaller version home - you never know, the person they send it to (if they post it and dont keep it) might be able to afford a big one :)

Thanks for the input
 

Thanks guys for the input. It sounds like a resounding yes for making postcards. I can make them (although quite expensively) from my smug mug account , so i'll start pounding local shops and let you know How I get on

But make sure your postcards are printed on high enough quality paper, otherwise they can look 'tacky'.

Regards,
Denise