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| Selling Fine Art PhotographsIs This Worth Doing? | Rating: 
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jun 6th, 2015 04:45 | 1st Post |
| https://www.artfinder.com/graham-jr-whistler My daughter Clare has talked me into putting some of my photographs on a Artfinder, a fine art photographers and artist sales site. I am amazed at some of the picture up there and even more so, some are very poor and selling for over £1000! I think the market for photographers is mostly in USA rather than UK. What do our members think? If you are interested see what I am doing on the link above!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sat Jun 6th, 2015 06:35 | 2nd Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:https://www.artfinder.com/graham-jr-whistler Graham this is very interesting. My wife has pestered me for ages to sell my Images...especially the IR. One of the obstacles for me has always been the printing and dispatching. I just didn't want to become a shopkeeeper How does the printing and supply of the purchased print happen on this site? Will have read of the website but suffering chest infection at moment and not concentrating very well. I looked at a site sometime ago, where you uploaded your images in high res and THEY organised the printing and delivery from approved print houses. Edit...just read some of their site info. I confess the idea of having to 'do the work to order' is a little unappealing. Having spent many years being at others beck and call, I would prefer to delegate...even at the loss of some income. I was once advised..."you need to make your money while you are sleep" . This sites global market can take orders while you sleep ......but you still have to get up, print, package and despatch. If you are successful ...you are working full time again! If you are not very successful ....why bother? Maybe that's a jaundiced view fuelled by my current malady. Lol But I am interested in others views about the chore of producing and despatching....after marketing is done.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jun 6th, 2015 09:55 | 3rd Post |
| I have my DVD railway orders to deal with and if we are away my IT friend takes over and runs GWP for me. I have set up with mount bevel cutter and are standardizing on 40x50cm mount with A3 prints using my Epson R3000 printer and Fotospeed Inkflo system and their fine art papers.So printing and mounting to order is no problem. Costing I did not want to go mad like some photographers who charge £1000 (sometimes for very bad pictures) but you must charge enough to cover the 30% that Artfinder takes. Postage is easy I have large mailing envelopes to fit. Recorded insured post is charged and comes in at just under £10 UK.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sat Jun 6th, 2015 11:57 | 4th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:I have my DVD railway orders to deal with and if we are away my IT friend takes over and runs GWP for me. I have set up with mount bevel cutter and are standardizing on 40x50cm mount with A3 prints using my Epson R3000 printer and Fotospeed Inkflo system and their fine art papers.So printing and mounting to order is no problem. What will you do if purchaser comes from US?
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jun 6th, 2015 18:54 | 5th Post |
| No problem Artfinder looks after the money and pays you direct into your UK bank account less their 30% commission. You then must ship direct to the client. I have purchased some heavy duty mail envelopes for this at correct size and just get Parcel Force post to send it air insured post. Lets get some orders first then I will tell you more, hold fingers crossed!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by amazing50: Sun Jun 7th, 2015 12:25 | 6th Post |
| I've been thinking of finding an outlet that does all the printing etc and just pays me monthly.
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 7th, 2015 13:12 | 7th Post |
| You will need to know you can trust them but I see your point! As long as I am publishing my railway DVDs it is no problem and now I'm semi retired it gives me something to do. (My wife said blokes need to have something to do that's why most have a shed!) I think that there is little chance of selling more than one or two a month if more it would need to be a lot to cause problems. At least I have my company still going so it can all go through the books and keep the tax man happy.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Sun Jun 7th, 2015 13:38 | 8th Post |
| There are printing outfits in Europe and USA that can handle all the logistics. I cant remember the companies names though.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Jun 7th, 2015 17:01 | 9th Post |
| Beginning to see the wisdom regarding printing yourself! I was about to send files, to create a photobook of my IR images, to a UK company specialising in this service. We have already had one book done of our grand European anniversary holiday. It was excellent! It's one thing to release holiday photos ( though some are very good images) to a third party but releasing my special IR high res images could potentially mean an unscrupulous person copying and using them to his advantage. I suppose I am a bit trusting or not that possessive over my images. But handing over ALL your specialist work is plain daft.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 7th, 2015 19:05 | 10th Post |
| With a good well profiled PC and a printer like the Epson R3000 and fine art papers and inks from Fotospeed I can do a better job than any lab because as the photographer only I know what my pictures should look like. I also enjoy creating the images.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Jun 8th, 2015 08:17 | 11th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:With a good well profiled PC and a printer like the Epson R3000 and fine art papers and inks from Fotospeed I can do a better job than any lab because as the photographer only I know what my pictures should look like. I also enjoy creating the images. Good point. Starting from my position, without a good printer, inks, fine art papers and all the calibration required, there is an inertia ( financial and motivational) to setting myself up to print and sell my work. Although extra cash is always handy, I have to say we don't 'need' the income. The only reason for considering selling my photos is an ego thing really. It's nice to have you creativity acknowledged....sadly the bottom line measurement of success in today's society ... is financial reward.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Mon Jun 8th, 2015 12:05 | 12th Post |
Eric wrote: Graham Whistler wrote:That is how I feel. If you want financial reward there are many rich fools if you tap into the right circles. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/8884829/Why-is-Andreas-Gurskys-Rhine-II-the-most-expensive-photograph.html
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Jun 8th, 2015 16:35 | 13th Post |
jk wrote:Eric wrote:Graham Whistler wrote:That is how I feel. We could have a whole new thread debating stupidity of that magnitude. 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Tue Jun 9th, 2015 05:59 | 14th Post |
 Just wish I knew enough of these people but unfortunately I dont suffer fools.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jun 9th, 2015 06:42 | 15th Post |
| If you look at some of the Photos on Artfinder with prices of £600+ to a very great more for what to my eyes is a very poor quality image. They must sell or the photographers perhaps would not put them up at those prices? I looked at the general standard of photos for sale and put what I think is a reasonable price of £175 (plus P&P) for my images, perhaps I should have charged a lot more? It is very hard even after a lifetime in photography to judge one's own work. To me a lot of what I see now is pure rubbish but that is a 74 yr old talking! https://www.artfinder.com/graham-jr-whistler As you will see I am now a week in and getting quite a bit of interest but no sales. I have just costed postage of one 50x40cm mounted print in suitable large card reinforced envelope with air post and insurance as follows: USA and rest of world: £29.90 EU Europe: £20.94 UK(ie local for me): £8.55
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Judith: Thu Jun 11th, 2015 18:56 | 16th Post |
£175 for a 50x40 mounted print seems cheap but if you are printing yourself then your costs aren't as high as sending to a lab but I would be inclined to hike it up a wee bit!  Loxley would charge £55 for printing that on standard paper + extra for mounting and £90 for printing on fine art paper + ~£30 for mounting.
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Fri Jun 12th, 2015 04:23 | 17th Post |
| Judith hear what you say but let me sell some first and see how it goes! As yet lots of interest but no sales.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Fri Jun 12th, 2015 04:28 | 18th Post |
Judith wrote:£175 for a 50x40 mounted print seems cheap but if you are printing yourself then your costs aren't as high as sending to a lab but I would be inclined to hike it up a wee bit! It's very difficult to know how to price things. I suppose if you over price initially, you could always have a Summer Sale. Lol There are some photos on there selling for £30! That's hardly worth getting out of bed for?
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Fri Jun 12th, 2015 09:17 | 19th Post |
| Yes Eric and some going for £600-£1000 that are so bad it amazes me, but they seem to sell them!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Fri Jun 12th, 2015 10:12 | 20th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote: Judith hear what you say but let me sell some first and see how it goes! As yet lots of interest but no sales. I agree with Judith. Sometimes if the price is too low then people dont buy
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by amazing50: Wed Jun 17th, 2015 11:51 | 21st Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Judith hear what you say but let me sell some first and see how it goes! As yet lots of interest but no sales. Try a few at different prices Cats £60 Castles £200 B&W blurry weed £1000
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Jul 9th, 2015 04:52 | 22nd Post |
| I have been in Artfinder a month now still no sales! I have stuck at £175 per A3 Mounted print and now added 20 good images to my "Shop". I have as Friday 10th put two of my better images into a 40% one off sale to see if this kicks sales off. Plenty of people have looked at my images. I just think there is too much in there and people still not that interested in having photos as a fine art thing in their home. If you want to see what I have done follow this link: https://www.artfinder.com/graham-jr-whistler
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by amazing50: Thu Jul 9th, 2015 12:26 | 23rd Post |
| Graham, the link only got me to their homepage. Then I needed to log in, and then I had to search your name, to see your pictures. I feel this requirement of personal info, just for a look around, may be a turn off for people.
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Judith: Mon Jul 13th, 2015 22:26 | 24th Post |
| I thought that as well. It's really offputting to potential buyers that they can't just browse the site. It's one thing to put in your details if you're buying something but not just to look.
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jul 14th, 2015 04:27 | 25th Post |
| It seemed a good idea at the time! I was more interested for a very good artist friend, I have been doing repro work for so she can still get some value for her super paintings once they have been sold. Take pix on D810 with studio lights , into Photoshop adjust the make near perfect matching high quality print on my Epson R3000 printer with Fotospeed Fine Art Paper. Mount in 40x50cm bevel cut mounts. Super finished limited edition prints for her to sell. See the other link on my website to see Wendy Jelberts super paintings. This pix is one of my D810 repros I made for Wendy, enjoy! We are lucky to have the original painting on our wall. http://gwpmultimedia.com/links/ Sadly just as we had all this in place Artfinder said they will no longer let artists sell limited edition prints but only the original painting! But Photographers can still sell limited editions of their work! Neither Wendy or I am at all happy about all this we have both put a lot of work into this joint project. Attachment: Painting15v2A3.jpg (Downloaded 86 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jul 14th, 2015 04:48 | 26th Post |
| Judith re your previous post that you are paying huge amounts for your prints is not good news cost of materials including mounts cost me less than £10.00 each. But yes I have to invested time in learning the skills and the investment of £750 for the Epson Printer and Fotospeeds first class inking system. Also needed a Logan Compact Mat Cutter Model 350, Amazon about £100!(I have RotaTrim Card Trimmers for cutting up large sheets of board) You would also need to purchase fine art paper and mount boards. You would only need to make 12 finished prints to cover above costs! QED?
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Tue Jul 14th, 2015 05:16 | 27th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Judith re your previous post that you are paying huge amounts for your prints is not good news cost of materials including mounts cost me less than £10.00 each. But yes I have to invested time in learning the skills and the investment of £750 for the Epson Printer and Fotospeeds first class inking system. Also needed a Logan Compact Mat Cutter Model 350, Amazon about £100!(I have RotaTrim Card Trimmers for cutting up large sheets of board) You would also need to purchase fine art paper and mount boards. That is the problem though. People dont see it as a small long term investment but as a large short term cost. Like you say though it only needs 10-20 finished items that you sell and you have recovered your initial outlay. I have also discovered this technique which makes for wonderful prints at a reasonable cost but it is limited to certain formats and sizes. http://www.photobox.co.uk/shop/wall-decor/aluminium-mounted-prints If you really want to impress it is also possible to print directly onto aluminium as these people do. Make sure you are seated before clicking the link below! https://uk.whitewall.com/photo-lab/alu-dibond/direct-printing-on-aluminium-backing#tjn=f&t=produkt-details
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by TomOC: Tue Jul 14th, 2015 14:09 | 28th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Yes Eric and some going for £600-£1000 that are so bad it amazes me, but they seem to sell them! Graham- Two things to think of here. First, if you price yours higher, they might even sell more as people often equate price with quality. Second, the ones "selling" for ₤1,000 may or may not be...that they are ASKING that much is all we really know... I agree with Judith and JK...ask more for your work. Tom
____________________ Tom O'Connell -Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem. Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed Jul 15th, 2015 18:50 | 29th Post |
| Tom thanks for that when this sales on two items ends next week I may do just that. The sale so far a week in has generated no interest at all!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Thu Jul 16th, 2015 03:41 | 30th Post |
| It's a crying shame that they feel they need to enforce such a strict selling policy. It's also a bit bizarre, as the company takes a percentage from EVERY sale. Methinks a bit of arty elitism. Still, with a talent like your friends, I think she can manage without their draconian rules. I do admire talent like that. To be able to create an image from a blank canvas. We photographers have it easy!
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jul 18th, 2015 05:51 | 31st Post |
| Tom following yours comments Judith's and JK I am now raising my price per pix to £250 each and some of the best I will put up to £350 each. Nothing to lose so lets see what develops! I have also posted Tom's comments on the members only blog on Artfinder where these matters are talked about and there are quite a few that are not happy.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jul 18th, 2015 14:47 | 32nd Post |
| Price is now up and the two that are on sale for two more day I have marked "when sale finishes they will be restored to the new higher price" Following the members pricing blog on Artfinder several artists say photographers should charge much lower prices as painters take days to paint a picture and we photographers can take many in a day and print as many copies as we like. One also said that photography is so easy now that anybody can take a picture with a modern camera so photos have no serious worth or value! (I note and do agree with Eric remarks about my artist friend.) I said in the blog that I was not selling as some of my photographer friends (ie our friends here) said I was far to low so am raising the prices at once. I have now done so so lets see what happens.Like many long standing photographers I think my pictures do have some worth as I have been doing it full time all my working life since 1960, I must have picked up a trick or two while most of the time made a good living at it!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sat Jul 18th, 2015 18:30 | 33rd Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Price is now up and the two that are on sale for two more day I have marked "when sale finishes they will be restored to the new higher price" I know a watercolour artist who maintains he never works longer than two hours on any painting. I've spent longer on photoshop with some images. The originals he sells for £1000+ after he has made limited prints of 50...to sell at a 'few hundred' . I also know a photographer (actually he's not a serious one or that proficient a photographer) who took photos of all the derelict USA WW2 airbases in East Anglia. He did some average quality black and white prints of them and they sold like hot cakes in the USA. I have long felt it's all down to finding the niche for your work...then advertising it to that specific audience. Plonking photos together with other art forms is a dilution of that effort. IMHO.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Jul 20th, 2015 04:27 | 34th Post |
| With prices raised I have on Friday cynically put three of my studio "fine Art" studio nudes on Artfinder. Weekend hits through the roof but still no sales. Also started a blog on people having to log in just to look quite a few other members agree.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Judith: Fri Aug 14th, 2015 10:28 | 35th Post |
| Any sales yet?
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| Posted by TomOC: Fri Aug 14th, 2015 16:48 | 36th Post |
| Graham- It's really kind of a crapshoot in the final analysis ... So you might as well get more for them  Actually, I think once you sell a few, more sales will come. Does this site have any form of special promotion for some images? Or other ways to get yours looked at more than others? The other thing that comes to mind is that in many sites, the "new" postings get some extra attention. The photogs who are constantly uploading get more attention than others...worth a shot? Good luck, Tom
____________________ Tom O'Connell -Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem. Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Aug 18th, 2015 08:26 | 37th Post |
| Tom thanks for that all good info. I try when I think about it to put a new pix up adding to the collection and this does call in a few looks for a day or so but still no sales! I put two up for 10 day with 40% discount, still no takers. I also think other photographers on the site sell very little. Costs nothing to have them there and will keep good high price as is! Far more interesting have just got my Nikon 500mm F4 AF-S all new lens for my bird photography all 3.8 Kgs of lens hope to have some pix to put up soon! First test look super and so they should for a nearly £6000 spend!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Tue Aug 18th, 2015 10:27 | 38th Post |
| Well done Graham. Look forward to seeing some results. Start a new thread for the 500 f4 discussion.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Aug 18th, 2015 12:10 | 39th Post |
| Will do but let me get some good pix first all I have is houses out of my window proves it works and pin sharp also focus very very quick with the D810 so perhaps may not need to get a D5!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sat Aug 22nd, 2015 17:22 | 40th Post |
| Think you are definitely underpricing your work Graham..... https://www.artfinder.com/product/spectre/
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Aug 23rd, 2015 06:14 | 41st Post |
| First pix with the new 500mm F4 lens but it was a poor afternoon at Titchfield Haven's reserve as the Avocets left two days before for their winter quarters in Poole Harbour. These Terns were only birds near enough to get a photo. I am off to Ireland on 3 week holiday and hope to start a new blog on the 500mm lens when I return. Thanks also Eric I see the silly price on that pix but no sign of it selling! Attachment: Terns1916.jpg (Downloaded 73 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Sun Aug 23rd, 2015 10:56 | 42nd Post |
| Very nice image. Looks good. These Nikon fast telephotos really do yield sharp images when correctly focussed.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed Oct 21st, 2015 13:10 | 43rd Post |
| Todays up load is an old D300 image. I try to keep interest going by adding at least one a month. Plenty look but still no sales, just too many photographers after a limited market. Perhaps my work is too old fashioned? Some of the images that are (to me very Bad) sell well even with way over the top prices. It's not pricing as I have tried going up and down with no added interest. It cost me nothing to be there so for now I will hang on in...... Attachment: SeaPower.jpg (Downloaded 54 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Thu Oct 22nd, 2015 10:17 | 44th Post |
| Sadly, I suspect that many people today don't see, or appreciate, the difference between a correctly exposed, creatively framed photo and a snapshot taken of the same subject...and they are less likely to pay for either. We now exist in an 'it will do' world. Immediacy has replaced quality as the prime objective. I also suspect the global shopping world has simply increased the choice. It is undoubtably a buyers market. The general public are a fickle bunch...they invariably want something for nothing or lowest cost possible and are often prepared to take second best if the price is significantly cheaper than the best products. In fairness, we all like to get a bargain ( especially Yorkshiremen) and so it's no surprise that it's harder to sell these days. I learnt at an early stage, in my photo manipulation period, that the general public think 'computers make things easy to do' ....and that means it's 'cheaper'. So despite being able to restore, enhance, adapt, manipulate photos in ways that were unheard of a year before I started back in 1993, my customers were already recoiling at the hourly rate I needed to charge. I very quickly stopped all general public work and dedicated my photography and design services exclusively to commercial customers. For this reason I have not sold a single picture outright since last century. And don't expect to do so this one either.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Thu Oct 22nd, 2015 13:38 | 45th Post |
| I think that is very fair and accurate comment Eric.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Ralph G Speer: Thu Oct 22nd, 2015 17:30 | 46th Post |
| It can be done. A friend of mine. Take a look. http://www.tischlerphotography.com
____________________ Ralph G Speer ________________________ RGSpeer |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Oct 22nd, 2015 18:20 | 47th Post |
| Thanks, all good comments I agree 100%. It was worth a try, in the mean time I am enjoying my photography and being an active member of my local camera club. Still make good use of my Nikons!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by amazing50: Fri Nov 6th, 2015 20:50 | 48th Post |
Ralph G Speer wrote:It can be done. A friend of mine. Take a look. This link doesn't seem to be working. 
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Nov 7th, 2015 05:36 | 49th Post |
| Yes I agree I can not get it to work. PS Still no sales!!!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by amazing50: Sat Nov 7th, 2015 09:25 | 50th Post |
| Good thing you're not depending on this for an income
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Nov 7th, 2015 18:56 | 51st Post |
| Might as well keep the pictures up there it costs zero and perhaps might sell one some day!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Nov 8th, 2015 03:54 | 52nd Post |
| Well I feel it's a real shame, you have some lovely photographs up there with real merit, technically and artistically excellent yet somehow it isn't jelling. Do the the website owners do anything by way of marketing, like Kindle do with their eBooks? They need to make your work sell, earn their %%. Is there another online outlet who may be more aggressive with their selling technique? Simply waiting for clients to come along clearly isn't working. Very little sells itself, it usually needs a little, or sometimes a big push, I don't think an elevated price has much to do with slowing sales, more the lack of sales patter. Think Apple, Snap-On tools, Leica, most fine art etc. It's the desire that sells, and that desire has to be kindled in the prospective customer. Another approach might work... 'create' one or two sales yourself, you or a friend buy one or two of the photographs and leave glowing reports about the experience??? I am sure others do it. Once the ball is rolling other sales may follow? It sometimes works on eBay, getting somebody to bid on an item to push things along, then natural momentum is gathered and the item reaches or even exceeds the expected price. Much of selling is in the buyers mind, little or nothing to do with the price, if somebody wants something and can afford it, they will pay. Another thought is an exhibition, I think JK and Judith did that in Spain some time ago, can't remember what the outcome was but might be worth a try, also perhaps a display of photographs in a good class restaurant or something similar. Just a few thoughts...
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Nov 8th, 2015 06:13 | 53rd Post |
| Thank you Robert for that and the kind words. I think part of problem is there are just so many in there and the site is more aimed at art rather than photography. There are other sites but not so good. I have tried sale and it draws in people to look for a few days, but to get a sale I may have to do better than 40% discount. Exhibitions do much better and I have done this and sold pictures.( I am at a big one next year and sharing it with an artist friend.) Perhaps it's that you are there to talk to punters and also they see a super quality print, it is much better than looking at an image on a computer? The quality of A3+ prints I now make on the Epson R3000 printer with Fotospeed Fine Art Papers and inking system are of the highest standard & almost fade free.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Judith: Sun Nov 8th, 2015 17:04 | 54th Post |
| I sold 3 prints at that exhibition, Robert. I think you have more chance of selling at something like that much more easily than online. People are more likely to buy if they can see the product in front of them. It´s that old buying on impulse thing that we have all fallen prey to at some point in our lives. Ahhh...those 4" heels - leopard print - I fell in love with them in the shop and convinced myself I´d actually be able to walk in them. Have worn them once. lol
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| Posted by jk: Sun Nov 8th, 2015 17:09 | 55th Post |
Judith wrote:It´s that old buying on impulse thing that we have all fallen prey to at some point in our lives. Ahhh...those 4" heels - leopard print - I fell in love with them in the shop and convinced myself I´d actually be able to walk in them. Have worn them once. lolPractice makes perfect!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Nov 9th, 2015 18:15 | 56th Post |
Judith wrote:I sold 3 prints at that exhibition, Robert. I think you have more chance of selling at something like that much more easily than online. People are more likely to buy if they can see the product in front of them. It´s that old buying on impulse thing that we have all fallen prey to at some point in our lives. Ahhh...those 4" heels - leopard print - I fell in love with them in the shop and convinced myself I´d actually be able to walk in them. Have worn them once. lol Spoil sport!
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed Nov 11th, 2015 11:31 | 57th Post |
| SOLD ONE TODAY!!! "Sea Mist" £175.00 PLUS p&p in post today. Very glad I kept faith and did not shut down the site or lower my prices. Perhaps it will help more sales? Attachment: SeaMist.jpg (Downloaded 28 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Wed Nov 11th, 2015 12:00 | 58th Post |
| Well done Graham, hope it's the first of many. Perhaps now the ice is broken it will stimulate a few more sales.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Wed Nov 11th, 2015 13:08 | 59th Post |
| Well done Graham. Persistence pays!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Wed Nov 11th, 2015 17:20 | 60th Post |
Well done Graham. I can see why that image sold...very nice.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by richw: Wed Nov 11th, 2015 18:24 | 61st Post |
| well done and a lovely image.
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| Posted by ArcticRick: Fri Nov 20th, 2015 22:44 | 62nd Post |
| Fine Art America, 2 years of loading and sharing, doing contests etc. 2 sales. BOTH from family members I found out. I wasn't happy. It was actually the point where I gave up and decided to just play with my cameras for myself. Too many pros on their masquerading as beginners. I know I will never get a photo in print its too cut throat for the working pros let alone a hack like me with too much money and no schooling
____________________ Writer/Gear Reviewer @http://www.theloadoutroom.com |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Fri Oct 28th, 2016 19:30 | 63rd Post |
| Up date no more sales so trying a sale: https://www.artfinder.com/artist/graham-jr-whistler/artworks/?in_sale=on
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sat Oct 29th, 2016 02:40 | 64th Post |
| Good luck with it Graham, a sale at reduced price is better than no sale at all! I do wonder what generally the footfall is at this site you are selling from and specifically to your images, you need some way to publicise them. They are outstanding, I'm sure they are well worth buying for somebody who is in that market. A thought... Is there any way of tagging your still sales to your movie sales? "By the same author/artist" sort of thing, that might be an approach worth considering?
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Oct 29th, 2016 06:36 | 65th Post |
| Hi Robert, it may just be that as an old f***t 76 yr old photographer I have little or no idea for what makes the so call fine art photo world of today tick. I do have links on my http://www.gwpmultimedia.com website to my http://www.gwpvideo.com but in recent years both web sites do not do very well. Another of my Kingfisher pix did well at our local camera club comp with a 1st on Tuesday evening. Attachment: 01 Kingfisher.jpg (Downloaded 46 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sat Oct 29th, 2016 09:01 | 66th Post |
| Wow, what a super photo!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Oct 31st, 2016 10:36 | 67th Post |
| That's a lovely capture Graham. But here's the question...would you hang it on your wall? I wouldn't. That is not a reflection on the quality and skill, but more a question of where would it look right on my walls? We tend to have 'restful' images that don't necessarily grab attention so much as harmonise with their surroundings. I think this is the problem with selling photos. People are buying to hang on their walls and as such the image has to fit, more than have strong visual impact. That is not to say it can't have impact. But I suspect the impact must come from composition more than subject matter? That's just my feeling...which of course could be way off the mark. I understiood why your photo of the people on the beach sold. A lovely capture, just like the kingfisher, but a more restful and 'usable' image to my mind. I haven't had many images that I would class as saleable in this context ...which explains why I have never tried.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by jk: Mon Oct 31st, 2016 16:12 | 68th Post |
| I would be happy to have the kingfisher on my study wall but not my living room one. Like Eric says it is about fitting with decor and harmonising with the room.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Oct 31st, 2016 20:17 | 69th Post |
| Thanks for your interesting comments, sale still not drawing any interest at all!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Nov 1st, 2016 05:34 | 70th Post |
jk wrote:I would be happy to have the kingfisher on my study wall but not my living room one. Like Eric says it is about fitting with decor and harmonising with the room. Well, yes, I take your point. It would hang nicely in a private space like a study, where you can look and marvel at the detail. It's a well crafted image. What I was trying to say was that I believe most people don't buy pictures to sit and admire the photographic technique. They buy to adorn their living space and that's why i found the beach scene more saleable. It would reach more people, have greater versatility and succeeded in what someone once told me ... a wall picture "needs to draw the viewer into it, to have continuing interest". Like most things it's about tailoring your wares to suit the buyers needs. I for one, have always found it hard to create images that fulfill this requirement...because I am too often just trying to perfect the technique. It's also why I have never tried to sell my IR work...because people look at it, perhaps marvel at the unusual nature of it, but wouldn't hang it on a wall. EVEN I don't have any IR shots on my walls at home! They just don't fit or hold attention beyond the first appraisal. This critique is not about image quality, it's about saleability.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Nov 1st, 2016 06:32 | 71st Post |
| Now I am no longer a professional I only do pixs for myself and the monthly comp at the local camera club (that is a lot of fun and with Malcolm there another retired pro there is friendly comp that keep skills honed!) But as you point out maybe not material that fine art print buyers may want on the wall. I just find a lot of work on the Artfinder site is (to me ) very bad and lots at £1000 or more compared with the much more modest fees I am asking. Also one must cost in rightly that Artfinder take a 1/3 of every sale.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Nov 6th, 2016 07:38 | 72nd Post |
| One of the most illuminating aspects of this thread is the amount of interest it's sparked. At over 10,500 views, it's clear that the subject is something close to many people hearts...and how much competition there is likely to be, if we needed reminding of that fact.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Nov 6th, 2016 13:14 | 73rd Post |
| I am now 1/2 way through with my 50% discount sale on 7 prime images including mix of top viewed landscape and bird pix. Little or no interest shown!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Sun Nov 6th, 2016 19:01 | 74th Post |
| Graham, if I was you I would double or treble the price and have a post Christmas half-price sale!
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Jun 8th, 2017 10:35 | 75th Post |
| Today just opening "Off The Wall" Art Exhibition at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey. I am the only photographer with a group of local artists, so it will be interesting to see if I sell any here! Attachment: Art Exhibition 1298.jpg (Downloaded 17 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Jun 10th, 2017 14:18 | 76th Post |
| Sold my first photo at the Exhibition yesterday of the Two Little Owls In The Rain A3 Mounted print £55.00!! Nikon D500 image with 80-400mm AF-S lens. Attachment: Raining1854.jpg (Downloaded 15 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Sat Jun 10th, 2017 14:29 | 77th Post |
| Well done Graham. Good job.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 11th, 2017 06:20 | 78th Post |
| Thanks JK a small victory still nothing on Artfinder been on there for two years now and only one sale. I think in UK not many people are interested in purchasing so called "Fine Art Photos". Will replace the sold pix in the morning that is the advantage of photography. My turn tomorrow to help man the Exhibition for the day!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by amazing50: Sun Jun 11th, 2017 10:37 | 79th Post |
Just a point, buyers don't want pictures to hang on a wall. They are looking for images suitable for vertical installation. 
____________________ There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 11th, 2017 19:22 | 80th Post |
| Sold another today! Attachment: Islay-Sunset-A.jpg (Downloaded 9 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Jun 12th, 2017 14:07 | 81st Post |
| Sold another Little Owls Today. Printing some more tonight!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by novicius: Mon Jun 12th, 2017 18:41 | 82nd Post |
| Well Done...Hope many more will follow
____________________ Back in Danmark I do not use my equipment to make photo`s .. I take photo`s to use my equipment The better I become at photography,the better my camera gets. |
| Posted by jk: Tue Jun 13th, 2017 10:53 | 83rd Post |
| I think that the Kighfisher image in this thread just before the two little owls is superb.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Thu Jun 15th, 2017 10:29 | 84th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Sold another Little Owls Today. Printing some more tonight! Well done Graham. Who needs the internet to sell?
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 18th, 2017 18:22 | 85th Post |
| Had to stock up today total now sold 6 big prints A3+ in 40x50cm mount at £55.00 each. x2 little Owls in Rain x1 Isla Sunset and 3 Kingfisher! I have a 50% discount sale on yet again on Artfinder nobody is interested in any including these images. Waste of time in over 2 years I have been on that site only 1 sale to date.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon Jun 19th, 2017 03:22 | 86th Post |
| If I buy a picture I would want it from the artist. That means either a lot of exhibitions or only local sales.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Jun 19th, 2017 05:13 | 87th Post |
| It is also very interesting to sit and watch the reaction to your images by the general public. Very much more rewarding than listening to an RPS or camera club judge talking down the bad features of your hard earned image and missing the impact and the quality of the photograph! (I agree that no judge should take into count that a photographer hung by his toes over a cliff risking his life, no excuse for an un-sharp pix!)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon Jun 19th, 2017 11:56 | 88th Post |
| One of the reasons I stopped going to UK camera clubs was the competitions. I dont mind people commenting on photos but I really dont think that many of the people need someone to tell them that the print should (notice the should word) have been printed on Agfa Bovira Grade 4 rather than Ilford Lustre Grade 3. If that is all they have to contribute then they would have been better off staying at home reading AP.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jun 25th, 2017 14:49 | 89th Post |
| My turn stewarding at the exhibition today and this afternoon sold my 10th picture (this Kingfisher shot) so far and still a few more days to go! Attachment: 02 I Want One Too.jpg (Downloaded 36 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Jun 27th, 2017 04:10 | 90th Post |
| Well done Graham. You seem to have found the best way of selling your art. It's very reassuring there are still people out there that appreciate quality photography.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jun 27th, 2017 05:46 | 91st Post |
| Its not serious money as the 10 prints total is £550 less commission 20% = £440.00. Quite a lot of work making all the prints and a good few days to a fro meetings etc. But a good bit of fun but far less than I was earning for as a commercial photographer per day 15 yrs ago!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Tue Jun 27th, 2017 16:12 | 92nd Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Its not serious money as the 10 prints total is £550 less commission 20% = £440.00. Quite a lot of work making all the prints and a good few days to a fro meetings etc. Having joined the realms of the retired I know what you mean. Sadly having people pay for our work is the most meaningful external measure of our skill...and it's always nice for people to acknowledge our efforts. Just had a call from a client wanting me to come out of retirement and photograph a high end kitchen. I was awfully tempted given the wife says our microwave and dishwasher are 'on the way out' ... that would have replaced them. 
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jun 27th, 2017 17:55 | 93rd Post |
| I've still got my Railway DVD business http://www.gwpvideo.com so am able to put my photography materials and now modest sales through the books. Exhibition closes tomorrow so it's take down day just heard x2 more prints of Little Owls in the rain have been sold so total now 12 pix sold! Attachment: Bath Time For Ltlle Owls.jpg (Downloaded 32 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed Jul 5th, 2017 13:56 | 94th Post |
| Total sales £600 less commission + £450.00 Quite a lot of work and time but enjoyed the experience. Far more fun than Artfinder and only one sales in 3 years!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Wed Jul 5th, 2017 15:17 | 95th Post |
| Well done Graham.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by jk: Sun Jul 9th, 2017 11:37 | 96th Post |
| This is for Graham. http://goodfullness.com/photographer-took-6-years-and-720000-photos-to-capture-this-award-winning-photo-of-a-bird/
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jul 23rd, 2017 18:10 | 97th Post |
| Super pixs thanks JK for linking to them. Bit ott how many pixs he shot. I only took 500 to get my rather more modest few shots. Only just picked this up have been filming for new DVD on Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in Kent. Attachment: RHDR GW Filming.jpg (Downloaded 21 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sun Jul 23rd, 2017 18:56 | 98th Post |
| A black cat with no legs!!!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Jul 30th, 2017 17:48 | 99th Post |
| Editing going well and the drone footage made for us by 16 yr old Chris Munn is amazing and some has also been used by the local BBC reporter. We hope to have our new film out by end Aug. Attachment: RHDR2017 dvd.CoverBarCoded.jpg (Downloaded 16 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Sun Jul 30th, 2017 18:42 | 100th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Editing going well and the drone footage made for us by 16 yr old Chris Munn is amazing and some has also been used by the local BBC reporter. We hope to have our new film out by end Aug. Well done Graham, I bet there will be some great footage. Have you any stills you can share on here? If you don't mind me saying...not a fan of red text on blue...it's much harder to read and more eye straining than eye catching.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Jul 31st, 2017 05:13 | 101st Post |
| Sorry about red text but I tried other colours and not so easy to see on the all important thin spine, all that shows in the shop. All pictures dig off movie no time to use a Nikon as every shot has to be video of you miss it! Video images are 1920x1080 more than good enough for a dvd cover.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Jul 31st, 2017 06:16 | 102nd Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Sorry about red text but I tried other colours and not so easy to see on the all important thin spine, all that shows in the shop. All pictures dig off movie no time to use a Nikon as every shot has to be video of you miss it! Video images are 1920x1080 more than good enough for a dvd cover. Not a problem...just feedback from a grouchy graphic designer. Some years ago I had a client whose corporate colours and vehicle livery were RED writing on his BLUE vans. (He wanted to avoid the white van stigma) We used to have regular 'discussions', where I said my eyes HURT when reading his van....specially small important txt like his phone number!! I sent him the attached file (not sure how it looks on forum screen) to show what I meant. I didn't do any work for him for a couple of years by which time he had replaced his vans (now white) and the writing was no longer in red. Actually on my iPad the light blue is easier to read than the dark blue...it's the reverse on my desktop screen!??!! The spooky world of colour. Attachment: redtext.jpg (Downloaded 26 times)
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed May 22nd, 2019 18:53 | 103rd Post |
| Cleared all my work out and left Artfinder, it has been a total waste of tiome for me!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| This is topic ID = 1193 | ||
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