Calm Photos

Since July 2006 I have been using ImageKind.com as my primary resource for managing online sales of fine art prints of my original nature, landscape, wildlife and cityscape photographs.

Before ImageKind I tried to manage order fulfillment by myself here in my studio. The following are the steps that took place:
1) A visitor to my main web site would see an image that he or she wanted to purchase a print of
2) They would select and purchase using my previous service for online credit card orders via buttons and size choices listed below the image
3) I’d receive a notification from my online credit card processor that a purchase had been made as well as the image #, print size selected and shipping address
4) I would fire-up my Epson 7600 large format printer, making sure I had the correct 24″ roll paper loaded and plenty of available Epson Ultrachrome ink cartridges
5) A typical 16″x24″ print, at high resolution and at the top of the line print settings, would usually take about an hour to run
6) I’d manually prepare the print for shipping, rolling and packing it in a shipping tube and then placing that package within a FedEx triangular shipping container
7) I’d go to my online FedEx account and que for a package pick-up
The print would be shipped to the customer along with their receipt as well as some of my promo material

Now here is a lesson in basic economics. Look at all the steps above. Each one has a price tag. Either in the way of my time, material, and/or fees. There was no way I could price my prints high enough to 1) recoup my costs, and 2) allow for a profit margin. Also, the customer has very limited options. They get the print, and that’s it. No mounting, mat or framing. No choices in paper and maybe three size selections.

The process wasn’t much less expensive for me when it came to local walk-in and phone customers. In fact sometimes it would be even more of an expensive proposition when I would hear those dreaded words “can you get it framed for me.” Uuuugggghhhhh !

Now enter ImageKind.com.

For a minimal annual fee, as well as a very low cost per image sold, I have unlimited memory capacity for uploading my high-res JPEG files of the images that I would like to offer for sale as fine art prints, ability to set and mange my own margins, opportunity to create and manage as many separate online galleries as I like, create custom HTML code for each image and gallery and leave the entire credit card processing and order fulfillment process in the hands of the capable staff at ImageKind. Not only that, but customers have a HUGE online selection of custom papers, mats, mounting and frames that can be applied to each and every one of my photographs posted for sale on my ImageKind storefront. In fact any online customer can preview exactly how their selected print will look with their mat and frame choices.

And here’s the best part. I love the print quality and care in shipping that ImageKind provides. In fact it is just as good (if not better) than what I was achieving with my Epson 7600 (which by the way, is for sale as part of my moving/liquidation sale prior to my upcoming move to Texas).

The following is a recent YouTube posting of a Seattle (where ImageKind is based) newscast featuring the president of ImageKind showing just how easy it can be to select and purchase artwork online. Watch it all the way through because at the end Kevin announces a special promo code for free shipping.

Big changes are in the works ! After five years of managing my photography business and retail studio location here in Dayton, Ohio, with lots of painful lessons learned, I’m finally moving onward. The Jim Crotty family is moving to Texas !

I will be continuing my photography business there, but without the expense and burden of a retail studio location. I will be doing more in the way of freelance, commercial work as well as returning to teaching part-time at the community college level.

When I began Picture Ohio, LLC I emphasized my work with nature and landscape photography, only to realize later that the true potential of the business was by shooting location and assignment work for businesses and other organizations.

This is why I have so many framed prints still sitting in my studio. I made the unfortunate mistake of investing quite a bit of resources in custom framing during my first two years of being in business. Anyone who knows anything about artwork knows just how expensive framing can be.

I have 24″x30″ prints, custom framed with black wood and double white mats, of Dayton and Ohio scenics, nature and landscapes. I also have several 16″x24″s and 8″x12″s. These framed prints have been on display in several area restaurants.

The problem is I can’t take them with me to Texas, so . . . .

My loss is your gain. On framed prints that are normally listed for $250.00 I am offering for sale at $50.00 each. 16″x24″ at $25.00. 8″x12″ at $15.00.

     

I also have many, many mounted and unmounted prints sitting in my print bins. Some the mounted prints are as large as 40″x60.” Lots of unmounted prints in the 5″x7″ to 16″x24″ range. All of these I’m offering for sale from as low as $5.00 (5″x7″s and 8″x10″s) to $50.00 for the largest mounted prints.

All these prints, and more, need to be sold. EXTREMELY low prices. Sidney my dog is not for sale, despite urgings from the wife. He’s coming to Texas too.

This is a “cash and carry” sale only. Pricing applies to just those prints, both framed and unframed, that are currently in stock at my studio in Centerville at 6372 Far Hills Ave., just a few doors down from Elsa’s.

No refunds or returns. All sales are final. No special orders. I accept cash, check, VISA or Mastercard. Ohio retail sales tax applies.

A hope for spring . . .

Already you can see the light turning.

Please enjoy my latest slide show creation, titled “Simple Gifts.” I put this video together so as to serve as an inspiration and hope for the coming spring. Many of the images you’ll see have been used in previous presentations, however, I’m using them again because of how much these photographs mean to me and the message communicated. Listen closely to the notes and words of the old Puritan hymn, “Simple Gifts,” as performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss.

The first time I heard this tune was on a bright, sunny Sunday morning in May of 1983. After my first week of boot camp and the intense process of having my identity stripped away, our platoon had the opportunity to attend Sunday morning church services at Parris Island. It was there that I experienced the first moment of quiet and reflection, and this tune came to my ears as the revised hymnal “Lord of the Dance.” I am not embarrassed to say that I wasn’t the only bald-headed recruit who started shedding tears.

When all is taken away and all that is left is the spirit and soul within, then, and only then, can we appreciate the “Simple Gifts” of God’s light, grace and peace. It is this lesson that I try to apply to the photographs that I discover and capture.

Winter at Sunwatch . . .

Some sample images from a recent client photo shoot. These are home interiors completed at model homes in the Winding Creek Development off of State Route 48 near Springboro. Winding Creek is a Beazer Home project. This is about the fourth or fifth photo shoot I’ve completed for Beazer since last summer. I’ve shot both interiors and exteriors. Their model homes are pleasure to photograph, not only because of the open style design of the home floor plans, but also because this developer does such a great job in decorating their models. The small touches can make all the difference. I’ve enjoyed shooting for Beazer and they have been one of my best clients. Unfortunately for me the company recently made the decision to pull out of the Ohio real estate market.