money from your photos?

[Pierscoe1]

just wandering if any of you here make any money from your photography.. and if so, how do you go about it?

wouldn't be looking to make a living from it, but maybe just a bit to pay for kit upgrades etc....

thoughts and suggestions on a postcard (or should that be masterful photo?)

[Graham.J]

Current Digital Photography User magazine said:

Photo Libraries These remain the best sourse of bread-and-butter sales for many professional photographers. Try using an internet search engine like Google to find UK agencies and check for their own specific requirements and terms. Most will require a minimum submission in order to make their admin worthwhile, and you should resign yourself to those shots being out of action, as far as you're concerned, for the term of the agreement. Agents to complete control of images if they're to sell them effectively and avoid awkward conflicts with competing publications. Many agents still insist on transparencies, and medium-format will always be easier to place than 355mm for landscape work. Nevertheless, many more are realising the advantages of digital storage and distribution, so shop around. Magazines Photographic, walking, travel and outdoor pursuits magazines are good markets for landscape photography. By all means send images in on spec, but try to keep it seasonal. Autumn shots, for example, should be submitted during the summer. Few editors will have time initially to get involved in detailed discussions about their requirements - you generally have to be well-known or at least have got your foot in the with other submissions first. You won't be popular if you make first contact with an email containing dozens of attached image files. A CD is better, with a covering letter and an email to follow up. Local Sales Local restaurants, clubs and cafes can make good markets for shots taken in the immediate area. Independant establishments are more likely prospects than members of big national chains. Go along with a framed shot ready to hang so that your prospective clients don't need to exercise their imagination. If you leave contact details with a restaurant or cafe full of your framed images, you'll find it acts like a gallery to bring your work to a wider audience, and further sales. You might even want to look into the idea of setting up a portable market stall and selling your photos direct to the public.

Don't know if that's any help at all, the issue was all about landscape photography which is why they refer to it mainly in the text.

>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 29th September 17:54

[GetCarter]

Good idea.

But:

Go solo... Problem = cash to get enough out with tiny return.

Go Library... Problem = very stiff competition.

Only answer I've found... be very different. Doesn't make me much, but it (almost) pays for the gear, and keeps it fun.