Why Photographers CAN’T SELL PRINTS | Creative E-Commerce 101

[@_mattstacy]

"Maybe be an artist as a hobby and a business as a profession." I think I needed to hear that ...

[@sonofabear]

I sold a stock image of a mushroom today for $125. I was never good at selling physical prints though

[@RanftEvan]

🔥🔥🔥

[@RyanHarville]

How tf

[@Name-ot3xw]

How did it taste?

[@Turtlenaide]

Now I’m curious of the photo

[@charmerci]

It's a tough sell and always has been.

[@BartRosfotografie]

You are correct here. I sell a lot of digital licenses or my work. Much less actual physical stuff. But I make a calendar of my best images locally and it sold 1200x last year. Now I partnered with a marketingfirm, and the goal is going to 2000x and up over the years. Books also sell well. Just design it yourself. Ask a famous person for a intro. Contact stores. Find a printer that offers a good balance in quality and price. Its pure profit. Slow. But slow profit is also profit.

[@content_by_me]

So good Evan! I've worked 20 years in the music industry myself here in Stockholm Sweden, and the life of an artists / content creator is truly like an iceberg, hard hard work and people only see the tip of what you do, and you're so good at explaining how this life works... I agree fully and appreciate you are doing it so well! respect! Good luck with your future projects man!

[@j.pocket]

I've been doing this to some degree since I had to develop film in my grandparents' basement. After over 25 years, when this popped up in the algorithm I was reticent to watch. Because I remember finding your channel in 2016, I wanted to see what you've learned. This is some of the best advice on the subject matter in the industry. Other people may have differing principles here or there, but if someone follows the first four tips here and does the first two steps really well... Grind it out and in 12-14 months it's a legit stream of income. Be specific, find that niche, and serve your local market really well. And if you're going to pick something, pick the lane you most love. Don't force yourself to shoot commercial work when you want to do fine art; and don't approach business owners if you're trying to attract art directors. If you're going to go for it, go for "your" it not just what you think is more lucrative this moment.

[@jpbousquet6446]

There is a lot of truth in this video, thanks! The distinction about thinking you are/may/want to be an artist and people will love your photography/prints and the necessity to look at photography/print as a business are two totally different mindset as you point out. It is not easy ;-)

[@westonayersart]

These are my favorite videos from you, the business side of being an artist/photographer. This was a good one, thank you.

[@whipkeymedia]

Our egos get in the way of profiting from a lucrative career. The artist ego is a self limiting belief in a way and self aggrandizing.

[@westonayersart]

@@whipkeymedia That’s certainly true for me. Throw in an abusive dad, and other traumas along the way, I don’t have much self worth and value. Trying to change that 💪🏻

[@whipkeymedia]

@@westonayersart Need some resources? What you reading homie?

[@westonayersart]

@@whipkeymedia Sure, I’d a love a few recommendations if you have them. The Body Keeps Score is on the list to get, and right now I’m reading “Denali” by Ben Moon. He’s a photographer and outdoor enthusiast, this is a memoir of his cancer journey and his friendship with his pup.

[@whipkeymedia]

@@westonayersart e-myth, and winning without pitching manifesto-biggest takeaways get your ego out of the way.

[@Vincentecreativeservices]

I’m straight up using this strategy today. Setting up focused instagram pages instead of a general art pages, and selling prints and merch.

[@carolynparr2727]

Another problem that many photographers have when selling prints is that they’re not opening themselves up to enough online photo selling platforms. Personally I sell on 4 different platforms: Etsy Pic-Time Pixieset SmugMug

[@jasonfenstermaker4496]

Appreciate you saying this in the group

[@degernarraholmes2167]

Bro plz help me start on one of them

[@dameanvil]

00:00 📸 Many photographers struggle to sell physical prints because they prioritize being artists rather than thinking like a business. 02:10 💼 To succeed in selling photography, photographers need to identify and target a specific audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. 05:32 🌟 Focusing on serving a niche audience allows photographers to maintain their artistic integrity while building a profitable business. 06:54 📦 Setting up efficient shipping processes, like using ShipStation, can streamline the selling process for photographers. 09:28 💡 Photographers should consider building a business around their photography to capitalize on potential profits, rather than solely focusing on being artists.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Reminds me of several musicians - they say the song when it becomes public becomes other people’s. Their own inspiration and emotion stays with them, and the original - but after that it’s a commodity for anyone else to embed their own interpretation or experience upon.

[@JR-xn4gl]

I’m not intending to make a business out of my photography or a part thereof, but man! this was excellent advice. . . pure gold.

[@wildcoaststudio]

A really great analysis. I've long struggled with how to monetize all my different artistic interests - especially as the inspiration fades on one idea. Such a simple idea to implement - thanks for sharing.

[@napoleansolo5849]

I do graphic design and I sell prints sometimes and it’s not that hard to sell something once is what I’ve found but to keep it going consistently is the hardest

[@shootalia5477]

hey bro how do you sell your prints ? digital or physical? If it's physical who are you working with?

[@marshalljvanderhoofphoto]

Super valuable message and very inspiring! Selling photographs as an artist/creator is very difficult. Your shift to a business approach is awesome. Thanks for the great content.

[@ivycooper7224]

I need to start my art business a little more because I have to work a full time job I don’t like and I’m praying for a career change 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TheAdventuresofTNT]

This why we love your channel. You are an inspiration to all creators in this space, not just photographers.

[@kidheyful]

What I really appreciated from this was how few cuts were made when you were explaining everything. The clarity you had with these points really showed. I'll be following this advise.

[@danewell]

Just watched this for the 20th+ time (twice today) because I swear you're talking directly to me. Excellent info and insight. ^5

[@REMRODFILMS]

Def needed to hear this! 💯💯‼️

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

You are 100% right, I have been a professional working photographer for over 30 years, I sell is my ability to capture an image I’m not really in the business of selling pictures but I am in business! I take my ideas and use them when I’m asked to create images for a client all I do is put the client in the idea and then they pay me!

[@elboogie2324]

Excellent video and a great idea. The vintage car thing is awesome too. I have a ton of pictures of cars from car shows that I haven't been able to do anything with. Plus, from this video alone, I just learned some different ways to shoot them. Thank you for this video.

[@mubarakfaarax6878]

Thank you my friend, you really changed my perspective. I was invited to an art gallery to present my prints and get a chance to even sell it. It was my first time selling, so i was a bit anxious about the pricing. I was looking around KZbin to get some ideas, and I came across your video, and it was eye opening! I really do have this "artist syndrome", but your video helped me alot And set the compass on the right direction.

[@STrentGlobalStudios]

They key is that society has been flooded with billions of mediocre “photographers” and “images” they have lost touch with what is good art and how actually difficult it is to create great art. Instagram and other sites like you say are al

[@Applefanboy2012]

Yep. Many add their presets and that’s it. No care for composition, color, story.

[@Wilsnap]

wah wah wah

[@DustinEllison]

Dude! Such great advice! Appreciate you sharing your experience. So valuable.

[@coeurvision33]

Thank you Evan for this video. This is exactly the point where I am today : see how to serve people keeping my values as a photographer. Have a nice day 🌞

[@silvestersze9968]

Good! Good! Good! I finally found this channel! And I believe these videos are exactly what I need to hear and learn humbly. You’re my best mentor 🎉!!!

[@nednukem8788]

Dawg, your wisdom speaks to my insecurities when it comes to this. Thank you.

[@warrenaveboy313]

I'm glad I found this video.. I have had this same idea for the city of Detroit as the downtown area changes..

[@robertjones7695]

Beautifully explained. Artists need an income too and its not selling your artistic soul to have successful business(es). As an aside, I think it is easier to teach a photographer business than to teach a businessman creative photography!

[@whipkeymedia]

Bammmmmm dope idea and really true.

[@KimBova]

Thank you! awesome I just got a great idea to sell prints in my area by watching your wonderful video!

[@MrMonikerjay]

You also gave me an idea to make a photography book about my town. My town has become a tourist trap and has lost it's real identity so thank God I photographed the old way it used to be and will highlight that version. The forgotten version.

[@Shay.bae92]

Thank you for this. I will certainly apply this to my city … the major key is to part time me as an artist full time the business the perfect balance ✨

[@funkam0nkey]

You’re right. You can just stop being an artist but make sure you pay those bills first. I still sell some of the photos I want to take as well as those my customers want to see.

[@tbwriter1]

This was incredible info thank you so much for sharing.

[@diegoeliasindriago7991]

i have been thinking of this sort of business model for my city (buenos aires) and now you have helped me shape that thought into maybe a actual project for my inmediate future, hey, thanks evan

[@Rainy78]

Wow, this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing the idea!

[@judeemclaughlin7394]

I've been paid for one photo. Old boss asked for a print of Washington DC. He also would encourage me to go out and shoot (actually told me one day to take the afternoon off with pay to shoot) He saw the photo on my website. My website used to have the if you want a pic just ask. The site is basically gone because I seem to attract toxic people. I know people don't care about my work. They've actually told me so. I also know I will never be a great photographer so I just aim to be the best I personally can.

[@hartgetzen7867]

Truly awesome!

[@daviddn5631]

Most good photographers seem to be more focus on doing good photography than doing bussiness. There is nothing wrong with pursuing art. do not let this dude tell you otherwise, his photos speak for themselves.

[@mattmjlg5053]

Yeah, easy video for him to make for a sponsored ad. Hard to take advice from wealthy KZbinrs like him who can only see from their high pedestal

[@quasitaliano]

Awesome content! Also from Atlanta

[@Desparter94]

Thank you for your insights and the effort for creating this video! It motivated me to get back into this print-business in my city, Berlin! After watching your video I realised I was just trying to do way too many things at a time, loosing focus on what I actually want to do and therefore loosing track of my target audience. Greetings from Germany

[@91mattmac]

See I did a test though, between Vero and IG, same picture two platforms. Way bigger following on IG but got almost zero attention, whereas on Vero, I have 3 followers and has been one of my most liked photos in years. photos do not perform the same on IG and I’m blown away by the engagement that happens on Vero. So I can’t really agree with the statement around 2:28

[@PrashkFilms]

Man, I really love your way of picking such important topics 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@funkam0nkey]

Im a landscape photographer from the UK I’m in a privileged position of having a retail space to sell my work. People still want to buy photographs, but as you said, you need to cater to your audience. As a business you can’t just go with what YOU want to photograph and print. You have to give your customers want they want.

[@RanftEvan]

Facts!

[@DavidHRyall]

You're not privileged though, I suspect you worked hard to get your results 💪

[@stevenlennie]

My Etsy store goes through peaks and troughs for print sales. Seems to be at the mercy of the Etsy algorithm gods. I never set it up expecting to retire from the day job but it does give me enough to buy a new camera or lens each year.

[@Dr_GraysGhost_420]

Yes! Like you get 3 orders in an hour and then it’ll be 4 days later and you sell another. I’m like “why did 3 people all the sudden by a print” 😂 I hate Etsy

[@cindyrosen8170]

Great video with keen insight. It’s always important to learn in order to grow!

[@paxwebb]

It's never too late. Do it!

[@wtr4397]

Right on. Thanks for sharing.

[@creeksideimages]

Great video! Thank you

[@brettonmartin9943]

great video!!!! I always learn so much from them!

[@victorkulkosky1184]

Great advice. Thanks. Now if I can just get past my inability to handle these "easy drag-and-drop" websites all the photography channels promote so heavily.🤔

[@Simonjose7258]

In the late 90's right before the switch to digital, I would be one of the only photographers at Print Space actually printing their own work and not just for hire. It's always been overly romanticized. That said, we weren't a dime a dozen. Oh and we didn't have cameras that did most if the thinking for us. We had to understand the relationship between film speed, shutter speed and aperture. It's like making a special effects video. Once upon a time it would have been impossible for an amateur to even green screen. It's a whole new world. We have to pivot. There's still room for us.

[@paco_b_v]

Thanks for the video Evan. About selling prints of places or cars that are recognized, is there any problem with the property of the design? For instance, when selling stock photography, we cannot sell pictures of recognized cars or buildings for commercial purpose. Selling a print is a 'commercial purpose', if I'm not wrong. Is it possible to have legal problems with the creator of the car or building? I would appreciate your answer. Thanks in advance.

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

You might be somewhat wrong, the work around is to sell a limited number of fine art prints to get around it. Very limited like maybe 12 prints. Less is better. Or as editorial images in a book. Not quite prints but printed. Also limited number of zines. Check with your attorney. Varies by country.

[@chrisfragiskatosphotography]

Such good info, thank you for wording it so well.

[@boondoc001]

Thank you for this information

[@lars-gunnarbergquist1157]

Great advise Evan!

[@rhys_king_music]

I don't agree with the take on social media around the 2-3 minute mark. There are tons of talented artists on Instagram and TikTok but the problem with many of them is that the ALGORITHMS are actively hiding the work in favor of highly engaging video content and advertisements. Instagram in particular is bad for artists who post photo content now because nothing except reels get pushed. Putting the fault entirely on the creator isn't reality regardless of how big their following/business is.

[@itsbeeva]

Yea, ignoring the fact that we’re forced to pump out video content as photographers is a little strange to me. It feels invalidating, not encouraging. But then again established photographers, who have been on these platforms for years, rarely understand this.

[@mistermadsen]

If you want to sell prints, have an exhibition. You will sell more than you think, because not all people like IKEA on their walls.

[@johncarbis6688]

Extremely valuable information. 💯

[@innao.2481]

Thank you so much!!😁

[@rebelkline9827]

Okay, I purchased the domain for my city. Now its time to focus on putting together a body of work.

[@mylegsasleep1934]

The way your videos are lit and graded.. 🔥

[@nocturnalshutters5862]

Thank you for this

[@Schkapa]

There is one thing no photographer should ever do... Taking advice from a KZbinr!

[@pedro.montanaro]

Great advice! Thanks Evan

[@tylerteal]

Hey, thanks for making this man :)

[@madskrabbefotografi]

ThAnks Evan!

[@ingogutwin7080]

Great Advice 🙏

[@jim7953]

Very interesting video, I have been in the process of selling my photography images either by print or making a book and I have thousands of great images sitting in my drive doing nothing, so watching your video has gave me an open mind set to start selling my images thank you for making this video. I would like to know if it possible where do you send your prints to make a book of your work and how I can go about doing that. Thank you again for making this video. Must more success to you and your photography work. 😎👍

[@kdevesty]

Love your work man ! I who did you use to print your photo books ? We’re you happy with them ?

[@yukonica4560]

I see your links to merch and sponsors but (being lazy and not willing to search the web) I don't see a link to a portfolio for me to truly assess your skills. If I may paraphrase your video: Photographers; be an artist with your left and and use that skill to pimp yourself with the right. It's absolutely true across all genres these days. Sell what sells and do the rest for personal satisfaction. ... and use shipstation (not an ad)

[@moot6794]

This was great, I really appreciate it. Would you have potentially managed the prints yourself in regards to the actual printing & shipping? Or would you have offloaded to a vendor? Do you have any recommendations on print vendors?

[@JasonSturgess]

I sell prints myself and have them printed and shipped out direct from the company ! That way you save time and money , the only thing is you don't sign your work and most people dont ask for that anyway.

[@marcwormser1616]

This is making me really focus. Thank you. It seems specialty websites/ or pages are a more efficient way to go. Am I wrong in my thinking?

[@domgreco7]

Great points one must learn to become a successful artist. 👍

[@dmmchugh3714]

Photo books are very expensive to print from what I've seen. I hoped to print a book of my Martha's Vineyard photography, but who will pay $30+ for a photo book ? Only on Amazon Kdp can I get the book printed and sold at a reasonable price. And the book is landscape besides...though small size. Other printers charge high fees for landscape books.

[@scedge]

But seriously, where is that vintage car shop? I would love that 240z.

[@tonesnaps]

I may have skipped over it in the video. But what is the printing service you use to print your work. Looked amazing !

[@tcartist_studio]

Where do you sale?

[@gregsimmons1709]

Fantastic info! [I came here via a post from Lucy Lumen.]

[@LVNDNgaming]

keep up the great work my guy!🔥

[@RanftEvan]

🙏🙏🙏

[@itsjonathanwade]

That leica/lens looks so goofy😆thanks for the vid.

[@jkingofthechicken2217]

With creative endeavours there may be thousands of people willing to give you 1 penny each for something uncreative but somewhere there will be one person willing to give you thousands for something creative. The problem is encounters. You'll encounter the former readily and misinterpret it as progress and in doing so you'll create content that shuts out the one.

[@robertniiaddoankrah746]

thanks man

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

Thank you.

[@book.richhitz]

Thanks for this video bro!! 🔥

[@RanftEvan]

Thanks for watching!

[@rancosteel]

Most of my “art” photos are so non-woke they would be banned. I rather keep my day job with benefits than bend over to art critics and media censors.

[@Outdoor.pixels]

I've been shooting for around 5 years and I've only sold 4 prints. Honestly I just feel bad trying to promote myself and my work. I feel like we already get enough of that on a daily and ive just always thought if my work is good enough the someone will ask to buy it. I also feel like it you want to sell prints then you have to shoot local and print what the locals would want on their wall.

[@josephlai1078]

Your recommendation and rationale are solid. I think that concept is slightly more mature among musicians. An example would be the massive mount of tracks in ARTIST (where tons of people go to download sound tracks for BGM). Many awesome tunes but otherwise un-known (from a billboard artist perspective). I am a hobbyist photographer and full time publicist. Since 2020 when pandemic hit, it really impacted my business. Three years later the business dynamic changed for my industry and it had me thinking hard whether hobby can potentially turn into some sort of means in earning subsidized income. Anyway, a lot of learning from your video. Great work and kudos for sharing. Cheers and have a great 2023.

[@retropixer]

Genius. Thank you.

[@eileenconragan1064]

Thanks for sharing your story for I’m trying to figure this all out myself. I canceled a website subscription because I just wasn’t sure if I built it they would come… Well actually I realized that just because I build a website does not mean I’m going to sell prints. And I’m very interested in passive income. Did you set up your own website? I’m curious about some of these sites like art store fronts but I almost feel like they are the wolf and I am the lamb - I don’t quite trust it. Plus I guess I don’t want to share my income so maybe you could shed more light on what you’ve done for a website etc.

[@photobizmethod]

I'm going to reply to this since nobody has... If you don't know who your ideal client is and who you want to serve DON"T pay for expensive websites like Art Store fronts. You're wasting your money, for sure. Once you know who your clients are then the websites work. Hope that helps.

[@willianfelipe8024]

What kind of material do you use for printing?

[@keithtaylor63]

Greatttt video!

[@juliussternfeld428]

Good advice for business, but if you think you can just switch your art passion to a hobby, you’re definitely not an artist. Maybe that’s the real reason you never made it as an artist. If you really care about art , you can never give up.

[@davidsparks6146]

Hit or miss.... most images in some form or another exist in the millions these days. I had an image on my website stolen and when I contacted the company, the guy said "What's the big deal?" I saw it on your site and liked it so I use it.... I proceeded to lecture him on copyright laws. Told him my lawyer would be in touch and the image disappeared. I never got compensated for its use... the cruel fact is that people just don't care,... all of you! Seriously, all I see is greed and laziness. I have been in the graphics and photography business for 45 years and I used to believe the difference between a pro and the masses was lighting and a sense of design. The last 15 years has seen a complete collapse of people without any talent making the worst designs and becoming successful since the vast majority has no clue about good design and imagery... they let the computer do the hard work. CGI killed the industry. Right now there are more photos on the web than there were during the first 150 years of photography. If you're willing to sell for pennies go for it... the only people who will make real money are the dealers who decide what its worth.

[@trafiak8]

Hey Evan, what watch do you wear? Looks wicked!

[@photobizmethod]

love what you say about being an artist as a hobby and making the business your profession. Can I steal that from you ;)

[@KJME81]

What are your number one personal recommendations for website or websites for advertising and selling my work in collaboration with the drop shipper?

[@fishbarbeque8540]

I am the first commenter!!! Great video evan!!! edit: I love the new studio as well.

[@RanftEvan]

Aye thank you!

[@juanlujano4895]

Well said.

[@soarpurpose]

I am a hobby artist who has sold art. Looking at offering some prints for sale. Knowing that might not sell any.

[@MrCochise71]

Nice video brother 👌