Selling photos

[RodTongePhotos]

Hi,
I've recently created a photography website to showcase my work and possibly sell prints. I was wondering what people's experience has been with selling prints online? Is it likely that promoting my website through Facebook and Twitter could generate a few sales? My site is www.rodtongephotography.com if anyone would like to have a look at the photos. All critique and comments welcome!
Many thanks
Rod

[GeoffWessex]

I don't think many 'unknown' photographers actually sell much online, but of the sites I've seen, there's more of a 'shopping cart' thing going on - showing some samples of finished and 'ready' products, then just getting the customer to tick some boxes (size, mount, frame options etc), which makes up a full order, giving final costs etc. This could comprise an email to achieve a comprehensive order or it could go to a secure page (you'd need one) for completion of payment and delivery details. You may want to think of at least using PayPal for your orders.
Whatever kind of goods are on offer, if there's a 'please contact me by email' most people can't be bothered.

You may also consider hiring some space, or 'borrowing' the walls of another shop, to display your work - I know of a few people who make a small but quite regular income by having framed and priced pictures in a busy cafe here. You've really got to take them out to the customer (craft shows etc) - having good pictures on a website and expecting them to sell just doesn't work unless you're famous.

Some very nice shots on the site.

[Cathus]

I agree with what Geoff says, I think you'd sell more stuff doing work that someone specifically wants done be that wedding, portrait, products etc, i.e. commissioned work. Or where people can actually see the finished product e.g. gallery, cafe, craft market stall.

I'm not sure there is a big market for internet customers searching unknown photographers' websites.

Has anyone you know bought a photo from a site they happened across?

[KeithT]

It has been my experience that whilst the internet is a great shop window, it rarely generates sales. Most pro photographers sell their work via exhibitions, galleries, or from the venues that have been mentioned above. Sitting around waiting for customers will not make you rich, that's for sure, and most people do not appreciate the creativity that's gone into making an image anyway. Their first reaction is that they can do the same thing with their phone camera (the fools...lol). Where does that leave you? If you want to sell your work, I guess it means hawking it around the various venues in the hopes that you will find a patron who will want to collect your work and who is prepared to pay good money for it.

I like your site by the way, but in my opinion you don't have a great deal on it that I would call 'wall hanging' stuff. However, there are a few shots in the landscape section that are definitely 'wall hanging' stuff and this is the type of image you should concentrate on, and that people do buy. Good luck with your venture.

[jimmyosram]

I've sold quite a few and only started a couple of months ago.

I use a site called Photo4me

I've found it very good and the quality of the goods are excellent.

No set up fee or anything like that and they host your photos.

[KeithT]

Hi Jimmy, I have just signed up with this site and have only had a quick look round it so far. How easy is it to use, and upload stuff to?

[dan123]

Its hard tio sell stuff, ive made a bit though my site already, only been up a while, just keep plugging away at it, get there eventually,

Dan

[dan123]

jimmy how much a 'cut' does the site get? out of interest,

Dan

[jimmyosram]

Keith - It's very easy to upload etc. Max file size is 20meg so I find my tiff's look fine at that res.

Dan - You can set your own cut for both printed canvas and stock. Mine's at £30 per photo, but some put it to the max of £99.99 and sell too.

[dan123]

Interesting Jimmy, Might give it a go, be able to back up my own sites sales and another local company that sell my stuff too, Cheers,

Dan