Selling photos online... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

DustD

Looksguywalker wrote: »

http://www.harrybenson.com/

Glasgow born world renowned photographer.

He was there when muhammad ali met the beatles, when Bobby Kennedy was assassinated, has photographed every USA President since Eisenhower. He was one of the few running towards the World Trade Center when it was hit by the planes. There is so much more...Google him!

Many thanks.

1940sGal

DustD wrote: »

I've come across a few 'camera snobs' who seem to think that in order to take a decent picture you have to spend silly money. While I wouldn't go 'pro' on a compact I do think you can get a perfectly decent 'pro' set up for say 2-3k and like other people have mentioned here, its behind the lens what counts.

Since digital photography has become so accessable there are plenty of people out there who think there the next David Bailey after taking a few snaps but I also think its fair to say there a few so-called 'pros' out there who because they have an expensive set-up, think they take good pictures.

Its these people, charging silly money for average images, that are harming the industry, surely?

1. You're absolutely right, it is what's behind the camera. But when it comes to your equipment, remember the camera comes second behind lenses so bear that in mind. You're much better off buying a body that's somewhere between entry level and pro and then adding some great lenses.

2. This is my biggest pet peeve. Again, you're spot on. As a dedicated analogue user you have no idea how much stick i get for staying loyal to film and it's from these kinds of people. They haven't got a clue what they're on with yet they think they're the bees knees because they have a professional level DSLR. And they are killing the industry. It's heartbreaking at times and leaves me wanting to tear my hair out.

No one's saying you can't make money from selling photos online, but it takes a LOT of good marketing, which you obviously know.

Personally I'm planning on doing the same, but I've gone back to working in cyanotypes and I'm making them in to greetings cards to sell on the likes of Folksy and Etsy. Might be worth considering doing something alternative to just straight prints.

ahmedeg

Hello

Dear Sir

My name is Ahmed Alex i am glad to be here to communicate with you,i am from Alexandria,Egypt and i wish to make friends and exchange of experiences and images and i study now to start in photo business
would like please to have your advice about this question
Can you sell old historic photos?
What a way to pay for photos?
What images are shipped electronically via e-mail?
What are the unwanted images?
Are there reasons to ban the membership and close the account selling pictures?

wait your reply

Thanks

Poppycat

Kejabe you cant put url in your signature nor post a link to your web site please remove the links in signature and your post

kejabe

Thanks Poppy, I spotted that but find it a ludicrous "rule" when you need to post a link to show something you want to share.

I've been online and around forums for many years to know not to spam etc. If the admins don't see the point of the non-links then so be it.

Thanks again

kejabe

right, so you delete the whole post. Very helpful.

PeteW

Hiya, any particular stock agencies people would recommend selling on?

chrisbur

PeteW wrote: »

Hiya, any particular stock agencies people would recommend selling on?

I would suggest that you look at the BAPLA list of libraries here first....
http://www.bapla.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=44
If you specialise in anything look for a library that deals in that sort of picture if not then look at the general stock libraries listed. If you find one that you feel your pictures would fit in with and they are accepting new photographers contact them with any sample of work they require and see what they think of it.

Have you got any pics showing anywhere to give a better idea of what you do?

A good place to start for general pictures is Alamy
http://www.alamy.com/contributor/help/sell-images.asp
but if you do specialise I would look to a library that also specialises as a first choice.

PeteW

Thanks Chris. You can see my sort of stuff here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/petewilliams/sets/
It's fairly varied, but quite a lot of 'travel' stuff.

I've no idea whether it's good enough to get accepted (or sold) by a stock library but figure it's worth a bash as I could really do with some extra cash. I suspect a lot of my stuff is too heavily processed and not 'natural' enough, but I can tone that down.

chrisbur

I would certainly have a go if I were you, you have some very good pics there. Unfortunately I am not very good at telling what will sell, so can't help you there. I would say have a look at the travel sites on BAPLA and try one of these they will be a far better judge than I am. Could also try the general sites for other stuff and have a look at Alamy as well.