The journey continues. April 1, 2006 marked my third year of being in business. I started-out in a spare bedroom in our house, moved to a 500 sq, ft. studio in Kettering and I’m now at 1,100 sq. ft. studio and gallery in Centerville. I’ve had so many images - both commercial and nature/landscape - published that I had to get the largest three-ring binder I could find just to hold the tear sheets. I’ve got repeat business from some good clients and solid referrals. All this despite making one bad mistake after another during my first two years, some of which were a bit on the painful side. But I’m learning, and that’s what is most important and most rewarding about owning your own business.
I’ve learned quite a bit. So much so that I frequently receive emails from other aspiring photographers seeking advice. One such email came today. Below is a copy of my response. I thought it would be appropriate to share this with my blogging audience as a way to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Picture Ohio. You see, that’s one the lessons I’ve learned - always be helpful. If I can help others avoid the mistakes that I made, then well, those mistakes were worth making. And I’m even more willing to be helpful when I know the request for information is sincere and respectful and not coming from some local wannabe who’s on a fishing expedition, which by the way has happened and counts as one of those “painful†learning experiences. Life is a balance. Achieve it.
Hi Erin -
Thank you for your email and taking the time to look at my website.
You are already making some good first steps, namely looking into NANPA and asking for advice.
Building your reputation and credibility as a professional nature photographer should be your primary goal. One the best ways to accomplish this is having your images published. Start small and build your way up. Contact your local newspaper to see if they would be interested in using your images for a story about a local nature preserve or park. You may want to even suggest contributing a photo essay. Also, is there a local organization that manages area parks, and if so, see if they have a regular newsletter or magazine. Offer to contribute.
I’m not a big fan of art shows. Unless you’ve developed years of experience and a successful system for selling at art shows, you’ll end up just giving out a lot of free advice to amateur photographers who aren’t at all interested in purchasing your prints. They really are not worth all the work involved.
Instead, inquire with local businesses about the possibility of displaying your work. This can be a local restaurant, coffee house or even a corporate office. Local nature centers are also a good idea. Talk about doing a reception and invite members of the local arts community.
Local arts organizations are also a good place to start. See about joining. Most of them have a members gallery.
A word of caution - avoid the temptation of getting involved with local gallery co-operatives. Usually these places are more interested in obtaining dues-paying members versus serving as true proponents of displaying, marketing and selling the artwork of their artists. Plus a lot of gallery co-ops end-up being gossipy, old people social clubs. I’d stay away from them.
Constantly market yourself and seek opportunities to market your images. Think of all the places in your community that display artwork. Look around and you will be surprised at how many purchase the same photographic reproductions that you see everywhere else. You have an edge-up because you have original art that represents the natural beauty of the local area. You’re original and you should present yourself that way.
And finally, DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT. Set your pricing in respect to your time, talent and the quality of your work. There are too many people out there (and I speak from painful experience) who will take advantage of your eagerness to get established by nickel and diming you to death, not only with the prices you charge for your prints but eventually your stock rates and if and when you should hire yourself out for assignment photography. Hold your ground. In the long run it will be worth it.
Stick to what you love to do - photography - and value yourself as much as you value your work.
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