Selling prints

[UaeExile]

First or second one I sold -

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Seaham Blast Beach. Full Moon by David John Harris, on Flickr


It's sold three or four times in total. It's done canny

Lovely that mind IHBB, some great stuff on your flickr too.

 

[MalmöMakem]

This wasn't aimed at me, but its late and I can't sleep so here is my advice, totally ignore it if you like.

Firstly get yourself a proper website, make it as simple as possible but make sure that looks slick, you are wanting to work in a creative field, so make sure that what you are presenting looks like a bit of thought went into it. Typography and design will be important!
Make sure you have some good pictures, get rid of all the rubbish stuff (I haven't seen any of your work this is just a general comment). People find it easier to not give a job based upon a bad photo than give a one based on a good one.
Come across as professional as you can, its about trust, if they can trust you to take the picture than they'll give you the job.
Don't just undercut everybody, you'll always be the guy who was cheapest!
Make sure that your photos have a style, that they are all clearly taken by the same photographer. Give them a reason to pick you over someone else.
Start at small agencies, PR and design agencies, get yourself some client names that you can bandy about while discussing your work.
Get yourself a portfolio, either a good leather book (not a photo album) or an iPad. Certain people will still want to see prints.
Enter important competitions, it can be costly but it will open doors for you if it works out.
Once you have a few client names move onto bigger advertising agencies. Stay away from major hubs like London or Manchester until you are a big fish in a small pond.
Stay friends with all of the art directors that you work with, eventually these guys will become creative directors and have a lot more power.
Make sure you can do the job that you have said you can, as long as you don't fail you'll probably get repeat work.
Get used to being ignored and rejected when trying to get new work, but just keep at it. Don't be afraid to revisit people who have said no in the past when you have some new work to show them.
Target your portfolio to the client. If the clients only wants still life photographers, then showing your glamour portraits isn't going to cut it.
Understand why the best photographers in the world have better pictures than you, and how you can achieve that same level of polish.
Believe in yourself but always strive to improve. Your portfolio should never be finished!

Well that was quite a ramble. All the important points are in that mess above, sorry its not laid out nicely, but if you can follow what i'm going on about then great.

Good luck!

Cheers for that mate. Some good advice.

I've started doing the majority of it. But I really need something that I can call a portfolio.

I've managed to get a couple of jobs for people. Did some work for a former Welsh International and from that might be getting some work off the Telford AFC assistant manager. Runs a macron supplier print company thing.

Also entered a comp recently. Design a club badge for Wanderers FC. Oldest club in england or something. Came 3rd which was pretty decent.

It's more to try and get the photography work to kick off. Literally asked loads of people to help me get a portfolio together. No luck whatsoever.

But i'll start ringing around as soon as possible. And get a solid portfolio on the go. Also get a new site on the go.

 

[ayesane]

Cheers for that mate. Some good advice.

I've started doing the majority of it. But I really need something that I can call a portfolio.

I've managed to get a couple of jobs for people. Did some work for a former Welsh International and from that might be getting some work off the Telford AFC assistant manager. Runs a macron supplier print company thing.

Also entered a comp recently. Design a club badge for Wanderers FC. Oldest club in england or something. Came 3rd which was pretty decent.

It's more to try and get the photography work to kick off. Literally asked loads of people to help me get a portfolio together. No luck whatsoever.

But i'll start ringing around as soon as possible. And get a solid portfolio on the go. Also get a new site on the go.

do kids and newborns, I'm fighting them off TBH

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that is perhaps because our lass has literally a million mates and they're all popping out sprogs.

 

[MalmöMakem]

do kids and newborns, I'm fighting them off TBH

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that is perhaps because our lass has literally a million mates and they're all popping out sprogs.

did originally set out to avoid babies and weddings. but they seem a bit more appealing.

I just don't want to go "high street". Never got anything against people who do it. But being from an art/creative background i'd feel a bit of a sell out.

Really want to do photographs with a slight different look and style.

And the only people my age who have kids are the lasses that got knocked up at 16 and live in homes given to them by council.

 

[Jonny]

Cheers for that mate. Some good advice.

I've started doing the majority of it. But I really need something that I can call a portfolio.

I've managed to get a couple of jobs for people. Did some work for a former Welsh International and from that might be getting some work off the Telford AFC assistant manager. Runs a macron supplier print company thing.

Also entered a comp recently. Design a club badge for Wanderers FC. Oldest club in england or something. Came 3rd which was pretty decent.

It's more to try and get the photography work to kick off. Literally asked loads of people to help me get a portfolio together. No luck whatsoever.

But i'll start ringing around as soon as possible. And get a solid portfolio on the go. Also get a new site on the go.

What do you want to photograph? Are you taking portraits, landscapes, fashion, cars?
If you don't have a portfolio then the fact you have made any money is great.
You need a way to show off your work.
Separate your design work from your photography. Either be a one or the other to your clients. They'll not treat you professionally and think its a hobby.
Also how old are you? If you are young then start getting some work experience in the field that you want to photograph in.
Start working in stories, linking 3 or 4 pictures together, it builds up your book, and also shows you think around an idea.

You need to put the work in yourself to get a portfolio, it might even cost you to do so. It all depends upon what you want to shoot. If its fashion get in touch with the local colleges who have a fashion section and get to your local model agencies to get some new models who are just starting out and also needing pictures. If its portraiture, then ask people to take their picture, look for odd looking people who tell a story just by looking at them no matter how you photograph them. Landscapes require patience to get a great shot and a bit of planning for light, but at least you don't have to pay for studio hire!

Until you have 20 pictures that you can put together, you are going to find it hard to get that foot in the door at agencies.

But reading a bit more about you it sounds like you are very young, so your best bet is to go out there and assist some photographers, you'll be doing plenty of freebies to start, but hopefully you'll find one thats looking for a full time assistant. Make sure you like the pictures that the photographer takes, theres no point assisting if you aren't going to learn anything!

Find out what style of photography you like and see who takes pictures like that. Keep taking your own stuff, but remember that no photographer is really going to want to help you if he thinks that you are only going to steal his/her ideas, so if you do go the assisting route its not about your pictures!

All of this is based upon if you want to be a pro photographer, if its just a hobby and you want to earn a bit on the side, its going to be harder.

Cracking post, with some great advice. Will be taking it on board. You work in the field? If so, you want me number?

You know how to take pictures and this might sound weird but your photos have the right density to them. There is enough contrast in them and they are punchy.
However if you want to get more work, take some portraits! Show that you can light people and get the same quality of light. People in places is basically the backbone of advertising and thats what people pay money for.

 

[AB22 Easy Tiger]

However if you want to get more work, take some portraits! Show that you can light people and get the same quality of light. People in places is basically the backbone of advertising and thats what people pay money for.

Couldn't agree more. Every penny I've earned from photography has been through doing just that.

 

[MalmöMakem]

What do you want to photograph? Are you taking portraits, landscapes, fashion, cars?
If you don't have a portfolio then the fact you have made any money is great.
You need a way to show off your work.
Separate your design work from your photography. Either be a one or the other to your clients. They'll not treat you professionally and think its a hobby.
Also how old are you? If you are young then start getting some work experience in the field that you want to photograph in.
Start working in stories, linking 3 or 4 pictures together, it builds up your book, and also shows you think around an idea.

You need to put the work in yourself to get a portfolio, it might even cost you to do so. It all depends upon what you want to shoot. If its fashion get in touch with the local colleges who have a fashion section and get to your local model agencies to get some new models who are just starting out and also needing pictures. If its portraiture, then ask people to take their picture, look for odd looking people who tell a story just by looking at them no matter how you photograph them. Landscapes require patience to get a great shot and a bit of planning for light, but at least you don't have to pay for studio hire!

Until you have 20 pictures that you can put together, you are going to find it hard to get that foot in the door at agencies.

But reading a bit more about you it sounds like you are very young, so your best bet is to go out there and assist some photographers, you'll be doing plenty of freebies to start, but hopefully you'll find one thats looking for a full time assistant. Make sure you like the pictures that the photographer takes, theres no point assisting if you aren't going to learn anything!

Find out what style of photography you like and see who takes pictures like that. Keep taking your own stuff, but remember that no photographer is really going to want to help you if he thinks that you are only going to steal his/her ideas, so if you do go the assisting route its not about your pictures!

All of this is based upon if you want to be a pro photographer, if its just a hobby and you want to earn a bit on the side, its going to be harder..

Only 22. Never been interested in going on to do it at degree level. waste of time and money. Maybe only good for getting contacts. I went and did graphic design and it was the same dross. A degree just isn't what I thought/wanted it to be.

I think I basically want to be a photographer as well as work with my design elements. But Im liking the point about doing separate portfolios. The reason the design stuff is good is I can already get a bit of cash out of it, thus being able to afford the pricey camera gear.

Field wise I'm really wanting to get into portraits. But I do like to have a play in other areas just to get a feel and broaden my skills. Experience wise it's been pretty difficult getting a gig. Have had 2/3 togs say they were very impressed with what i can do with a camera as well as with the computer. but were unable to take me on. This is even with me offering to do it for free.

Will be looking at writing to a few local papers as well. Offer to do it on the free as I'm already working so finically I'm not as dependant on jobs.

I think what I'll do is whack up a selection of my work and then get it up on here to get peoples opinions. I think its always helpful when I get some honest feedback. Good and bad.

Would I be crazy to be targeting self employment with this by time I'm 25?

Cheers for all the advice though mate. Much appreciated

 

[sketchy]

Only 22. Never been interested in going on to do it at degree level. waste of time and money. Maybe only good for getting contacts. I went and did graphic design and it was the same dross. A degree just isn't what I thought/wanted it to be.

I think I basically want to be a photographer as well as work with my design elements. But Im liking the point about doing separate portfolios. The reason the design stuff is good is I can already get a bit of cash out of it, thus being able to afford the pricey camera gear.

Field wise I'm really wanting to get into portraits. But I do like to have a play in other areas just to get a feel and broaden my skills. Experience wise it's been pretty difficult getting a gig. Have had 2/3 togs say they were very impressed with what i can do with a camera as well as with the computer. but were unable to take me on. This is even with me offering to do it for free.

Will be looking at writing to a few local papers as well. Offer to do it on the free as I'm already working so finically I'm not as dependant on jobs.

I think what I'll do is whack up a selection of my work and then get it up on here to get peoples opinions. I think its always helpful when I get some honest feedback. Good and bad.

Would I be crazy to be targeting self employment with this by time I'm 25?

Cheers for all the advice though mate. Much appreciated

I am 25 and have been self employed for the past year, sometimes earning enough to keep me sorted for a few months or so, but sometimes not having anything else within that time.

If you have the motivation to make yourself work all the time, go for it.

I managed to get a fellowship with Digital City Innovation within Tesside University, which helps me financially as well as mentoring and workshops. This is a huge help, I had been freelance for a year before that and that is tough when the work isn't coming in but you just have to keep trying no matter how many knock backs you get it if that is the career you want.


Mine is within video production so not strictly photography, but what I do specialise in is time lapse photography.

If you want any more advice about going it alone give me a pm.

 

[Iain Hesford's Bait Box]

If you have the motivation to make yourself work all the time, go for it.

I managed to get a fellowship with Digital City Innovation within Tesside University, which helps me financially as well as mentoring and workshops.
.

Have you? Next time you're in the Centuria Building, have a look at the prints on the walls about the place. You might recognise a couple from this thread

 

[sketchy]

I only go in for workshops and mentor meetings, I work from home mostly. Always in Phoenix building but will have a look next time I'm down, if I can find my way to that building

 

[MalmöMakem]

I am 25 and have been self employed for the past year, sometimes earning enough to keep me sorted for a few months or so, but sometimes not having anything else within that time.

If you have the motivation to make yourself work all the time, go for it.

I managed to get a fellowship with Digital City Innovation within Tesside University, which helps me financially as well as mentoring and workshops. This is a huge help, I had been freelance for a year before that and that is tough when the work isn't coming in but you just have to keep trying no matter how many knock backs you get it if that is the career you want.


Mine is within video production so not strictly photography, but what I do specialise in is time lapse photography.

If you want any more advice about going it alone give me a pm.

Yeah, I've got to this stage now when I just keep going despite it being a tough slog. I just try to be as proactive about it as possible.

here's a really quick look at what I do.

https://www.facebook.com/hfk.design

Definitely want to look at doing portraiture and always been a fan of architecture work. My main problem has always been knowing where to go and who to ask. Everything i've done so far has all been off my own back. Im not saying i should be getting hand downs or something to give me the answer for everything. but like in this thread. any advice is really helpful for me.

If anyone knows a good place to start to put the feelers out for work then that'd be great. Im happy to invest in a few areas. Say advertising in mags or where ever tbh.

But, first things first I am going to tart up my site. Think I will do one for the tog and one for the design. Then get myself a good portfolio set up.

 

[UaeExile]

Yeah, I've got to this stage now when I just keep going despite it being a tough slog. I just try to be as proactive about it as possible.

here's a really quick look at what I do.

https://www.facebook.com/hfk.design

Definitely want to look at doing portraiture and always been a fan of architecture work. My main problem has always been knowing where to go and who to ask. Everything i've done so far has all been off my own back. Im not saying i should be getting hand downs or something to give me the answer for everything. but like in this thread. any advice is really helpful for me.

If anyone knows a good place to start to put the feelers out for work then that'd be great. Im happy to invest in a few areas. Say advertising in mags or where ever tbh.

But, first things first I am going to tart up my site. Think I will do one for the tog and one for the design. Then get myself a good portfolio set up.

I never looked at your facebook but if I were you i'd take a decent self portrait for starters, seriously.

 

[MalmöMakem]

I never looked at your facebook but if I were you i'd take a decent self portrait for starters, seriously.

What's up with it? I didn't take it, but it's hard to get rid of my eastern european war criminal look.

 

[ayesane]

What's up with it? I didn't take it, but it's hard to get rid of my eastern european war criminal look.

I think Joey is alluding to the fact it looks like it was taken on a really old smart phone and then enlarged.

It's my opinion that no one cares what you look like, I certainly don't.. But it cannot go wrong to get one taken with your DSLR.

 

[MalmöMakem]

I think Joey is alluding to the fact it looks like it was taken on a really old smart phone and then enlarged.

It's my opinion that no one cares what you look like, I certainly don't.. But it cannot go wrong to get one taken with your DSLR.

It is with a dslr! it's why i don't like fb. for some reason in that small profile photo it pixelates it.

It's the same when you upload stuff in general. On 500px it keeps it's quality etc. FB loses it all.

In summary FB is a bag of shi'te.

 

[ayesane]

It is with a dslr! it's why i don't like fb. for some reason in that small profile photo it pixelates it.

It's the same when you upload stuff in general. On 500px it keeps it's quality etc. FB loses it all.

In summary FB is a bag of shi'te.

> delete facebook.

It's for bellends anyway.

 

[UaeExile]

What's up with it? I didn't take it, but it's hard to get rid of my eastern european war criminal look.

Well I can't do anything to stop you looking like an escaped war criminal, Tony and Guy would struggle with you lad

With regards to your profile photo, I think you need to take every opportunity you can to impress. First impressions count and I wouldn't expect a photographer to settle for a holiday snap or camera phone pic when marketing their own site.

Sorry if I'm picking up on the little details... this is what I do for a living

EDIT: just seen it was on an DSLR - still, doesn't look professional imho.

 

[MalmöMakem]

> delete facebook.

It's for bellends anyway.

not a massive fan of it. but it's good to keep in touch with old friends from germany and sweden.

but networking wise it's awful. hence why I've got myself on 500px and Flickr. Just never really have time to invest in uploaded to it all the time.

 

[Iain Hesford's Bait Box]

not a massive fan of it. but it's good to keep in touch with old friends from germany and sweden.

but networking wise it's awful. hence why I've got myself on 500px and Flickr. Just never really have time to invest in uploaded to it all the time.

I try to use the same profile pic across all the online stuff (fb included) same username too (apart from here obviously) people have found me and linked everything together (how very noo mejia of me) dunno if it's worked like

 

[ayesane]

I try to use the same profile pic across all the online stuff (fb included) same username too (apart from here obviously) people have found me and linked everything together (how very noo mejia of me) dunno if it's worked like

isn't your's some fella with his face up the arse of a massive camera?

Update: I just seached in Google for your Flickr username and found your Facebook.

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canny