Last Updated on 02/06/2018 by Chris Gampat
Lots of photographers know nothing about selling their prints. So we asked for some tips.
How do you convince someone to buy a print from you? For most photographers, it can be pretty tough to figure this one out. But with an industry as visual as ours, you’re often best trying to convince someone by showing them the image and not just talking to them about it. I mean, who wouldn’t want a really nice big print of one of your best images in their living room or their office? A part of it is psychology and finding a way to appeal to certain segments. But another part is about putting your best foot forward.
Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored blog post from the FOTO SOLO at Art Expo NY. Photographers can sign up to have their own booth and gallery space at the show from April 19th-22nd.
“Making great pictures is just the start of your career as a photographer. Getting them seen and sold, and getting paid, is what makes it all work.”
“Be Your Own Toughest Critic: Display only your BEST work. Emphatically eliminate pictures that are even slightly out of focus, have distractions or lack impact. It’s better to hang five great prints than 15 average ones. Many fine-art photographers introduce only one or two new pieces each year out of their entire 12-month inventory. Think quality rather than quantity. Start small but think big!”
– Riya Sharma; follower her on Instagram
“For me, the best way to sell my photographs is to completely forget to sell my photographs. I know it sounds strange, but my advice is: you should only think about achieving your goals as a creator and artist, find your own style. Then the purchase of the photos happen almost by magic.”
– Nicolas Lucociero; follow him on Instagram
“The best way for me to sell my photos at fairs is to let people look through them. Usually people who are interested will strike up a conversation with me so I always make myself available but never try to push a sale on anyone. I can talk all day about photography so I truly enjoy talking to customers, even if they are not ready to make a purchase it is still nice to have a friendly conversation.”