Serious Question

[boneaddict]

I am about to start selling photos.   I never think much of it, but trying to compensate for all of my mileage and equipment.  I really do post most on here for the enjoyment of sharing.   My question is....do you think it would hurt or people would be less interested in buying pics because they can see them on here, or does it help that they can see them on here, then want to buy larger prints.

[vandeman17]

I voted for help because for me personally, I would be fine paying you for a picture if I wanted one because I know the dedication and work that it would take to get them!

[Caseyd]

I said help sell! However I can see it going both ways.

A "glimpse" of the animal will help sell pictures but post to many of the same animal and people might pass on buying it cause they can view it on here.

Your quality of photos is great but what I think makes some of your pictures standout is the quality of animal.

[CAMPMEAT]

Sell'em to city folk off of Ebay for thier apartments in Seattle. Your pictures are top notch. 

[boneaddict]

Ive started something similiar campmeat.   Its called Etsy.   Very similiar to ebay but smaller.   I think it attracts more of the artsy crowd.  WHat I like about it is they don't take as much to sell, and it can stay up longer.   I am developing a shop on there.   

[boneaddict]

Thats what I worry about Casey....for instance, my calender critters I try not to spoil the pics by posting anything like them on here.  I'll eventually post them on here but after all of the paying folks have enjoyed them.

[CAMPMEAT]

Ive started something similiar campmeat.   Its called Etsy.   Very similiar to ebay but smaller.   I think it attracts more of the artsy crowd.  WHat I like about it is they don't take as much to sell, and it can stay up longer.   I am developing a shop on there.

Is it www.etsy.com Bone ?

I found it. A gal I know here in town sells jewelry on that site too.. She seems to be very busy selling.

[Bean Counter]

I would post thumbnails, or a link to one of those websites that keeps miscreants from stealing your intellectual property.   

[jrebel]

I think it would help, People could shop online (so to speak).  You should place an add in the classifieds with price.  My only concern would be peole stealing the photo on the web and printing it themselves.   I would tend to think most will not go through the trouble to do that.  Also, I would love to buy a calender with your pics, but seems a little pricey.  I can buy other hunting calendars for 15$ or less sometimes.  Serious question (not trying to be rude)  What makes your calendar a 40 dollar calendar?  I was ready to pull the trigger till I saw the price and just couldn't justify it.  Help me justify it...tell me you donate 5 dollars to a worthy charity or something.   

Thanks

Johnny

[runamuk]

Ive started something similiar campmeat.   Its called Etsy.   Very similiar to ebay but smaller.   I think it attracts more of the artsy crowd.  WHat I like about it is they don't take as much to sell, and it can stay up longer.   I am developing a shop on there.

Is it www.etsy.com Bone ?

I found it. A gal I know here in town sells jewelry on that site too.. She seems to be very busy selling.

lots of my artist and crafty friends sell on etsy I had an account with them at one time long ago not as busy as ebay for some things and better than ebay for others.  Photography is a tough one its so available online and so often pirated it can go either way I think with the previewing on here. 

[lokidog]

If worried about people just printing off here, you could reduce the quality so that in our little 2"X3" pixelated world they look good but would  not be as nice enlarged.

[timberghost72]

I would say it helps to post up your work (maybe not all of it) as it gives people an idea of what your portfolio consists of. Then they can decide on purchasing photographs from you. There are multiple ways to protect your photos which I am sure that you are aware of so they cannot be used elsewhere. Watermarks, signatures and low resolution on the web are some. For example if someone downloads a 800x600 or smaller image off of here there is not much they can do with it in regards to printing a large format due to poor quality at the larger size. Also photos are considered intellectual property so unless you have sold or given rights to use them it is illegal for someone else to use them for any purpose.

[hrd2fnd]

as much as it would pain me not to enjoy your skills for free, i feel you should be compensated for your time and skill.

I would be hurt if i had to pay, but through the years of seeing your craft i would pay in fact i put the calendar on my wish list this year.

Between you and a few other members photo taking on this site it inspired me to purchase my 1st dsl camera 2 years ago.  even have tried to work out scheduling with Dick (grandparich) to better myself hoping next year will work better for scheduling.

please continue to post, as i'll continue to be inspired by you and others like you.

Hrd

[Huntbear]

Bone..

been doing some research myself on photo selling...  What I share online is now reduced down to 72 pixels... it degrades the quality enough that if someone printed an 8x10 it would look like total crap.

The other thing is to place your watermark in a place it can not be cropped out.  It may be annoying to some but, it is a great way to stop people from ripping off your pics.  So instead of placing the watermark on the bottom center of your photos, like you normally do.. place it right over the center of your pic, you can always make it less intrusive by making it lighter...

Once someone buys a print, they get the copy without the watermark.

Just some thoughts and ideas for you to consider, if you have not already.

[runamuk]

While it is illegal it does not stop people from stealing photos.  I am always very annoyed by this when I see it done and I see it all the time and have had physical photos of mine stolen. 

Bone I think another way to approach this is to maybe show your lesser images here in a lower quality format, so we can continue to enjoy your images.  Then on your etsy sell them, you might also do limited production, for a person like myself (artsy) I prefer low run editions and originals or one off's.  The home decor market likes series of images like say a series of 4 or 5 large prints framed with a continuous theme or something unifying.  If you want to reach the broadest audience you will want to cater to each of their needs, home decor/interior design has different needs than say a hunting enthusiast, a gun club, and then the fine arts has different demands.   

if you want more insight into the supposedly stuffy world of art holler

[smdave]

Is there a way for Huntwa to disable the right click function on the website here? This would stop people from saving them.

[92xj]

The single reason I purchased my large mallard photo from you was because you posted it on here and I saw it.

Once I get a little bit of spending cash I want to talk about a photo shoot challenge for you.  I would like a pic of living ducks the same way I have them mounted on the wall.  But, not sure when that will happen.

[Wazukie]

I do and have sold some of my landscape photo's.  As been mentioned, the key to online stuff is to post nothing bigger than a 800x600 and have that water mark where it can not be cropped.  You have some very unique and different wildlife stuff bone, stuff that I've never seen before and I know you work hard for those shots.  Nothing wrong with sharing small (web form) pictures online as they can never be blown up for framing purposes.  Unless some wants a wallet size photo 

I would hate to not see your stuff on here as it is an inspiration for me to get out shooting, but you have to do what is right for you and not for us.  Just my 

[Seabeckian]

I'm not on here as much as most, so I do miss a lot. Ergo I'm not aware you do offer your photos for individual purchase, however I do know about your calendar. I think if you were to advertise that a little better, it would help substantially. I have seen quite a few photos from you that it would be neat to be able to order a print of. If you advertised more, and protected what photos you do post, I think this site is an excellant avenue to get your name out.

[boneaddict]

I think it would help, People could shop online (so to speak).  You should place an add in the classifieds with price.  My only concern would be peole stealing the photo on the web and printing it themselves.   I would tend to think most will not go through the trouble to do that.  Also, I would love to buy a calender with your pics, but seems a little pricey.  I can buy other hunting calendars for 15$ or less sometimes.  Serious question (not trying to be rude)  What makes your calendar a 40 dollar calendar?  I was ready to pull the trigger till I saw the price and just couldn't justify it.  Help me justify it...tell me you donate 5 dollars to a worthy charity or something.   

Thanks

Johnny

They raised production price of the calender to 29.99, which is what I sold them for for last year.  I was torqued.  That means the photos are worth 5 bucks to me.  I drive, hike, take three weeks off from work, and I get that per calender.   Its robbery if you ask me.   I looked into another calender company and they produce them for 21.00 flat and the calender is half the size and like the free ones you get in the mail.   I like the quality product of this publishing company but man they really stick it to you.   I looked into doing a book and about laughed when I saw what they wanted.    I chose to go ahead and produce the quality one this year for the folks that wanted it. I agree with you.  Its a spendy product.   

Thanks

[boneaddict]

THANK YOU everyone for your input, insight and suggestions.   Keep posting if you ahve more.  I really aprreciate the thoughts.

[hrd2fnd]

more like Thank You Bone

[Wazukie]

Bone, one of your pic's in a 11x14, nicely framed is worth at least $200 if not more.   Look around, go to some gallery's and see for yourself.  It's hard to make a living as a photog but sure is fun trying 

[timberghost72]

I'm sure you have already done your homework as much as possible on this but you could check out P.O.T.N. There is a section on the business side of photography that can give you some ideas and answers to questions, legalities etc..

[popeshawnpaul]

I'm going to give my opinion in a roundabout way.  Most photographers have their niche.  Tony Bynum does Montana and Glacier park well.  He is getting into other stuff  but that's his home area and subjects he likes.  Don Jones does whitetail cover shots.  John Erickson does big farmed whitetail shots.  Tom Reichner does quality whitetail work.  Joey Olivieri does huge Cadomin and sheep images.  Alan Murphy does setup bird pics.  etc...

The point is, your niche is muley bucks of WA and as far as I know, nobody is really filling this niche.  This is not a niche that is high on the want list of print and ad work people nationally.  Anyways, breaking into that business is tough and next to impossible with pennies on the hour earned.  The micro-stock business has killed the traditional photo market with floods of cheap and good images so that's not very lucrative.  Therefore, your main selling base would be people that appreciate the muleys of WA.  That would be hunters and this is the biggest hunting site on WA.  Advertising here in some fashion makes sense for you.  If you were doing hunting mag covers, they would not buy them if you posted them here.  But that's not your market.  Honestly, I would start a website (cheap like smugmug or other) that people can buy through also by simple clicking.  I would also work the hunting shows.  Put some money into printing a bunch and framing and sell them.  I know you are handy, so some reclaimed barn wood frames would be simple and cheap to make.  You would sell a ton and lots of people would stop by and say hello, starting conversations and then they will look through your images. 

So to conclude, I would put images on here but maybe not as many and be selective.  If people want to see your work, they should be going to your website.  Only teaser type images from time to time and never larger than 800 pixels.  Then link to your website which image protects.  I don't try and sell but get thousands of hits on my website by posting in a few forums.  At the end of the day, I like shooting for myself and not other people.  I get where you are coming from as it's tempting to make a few bucks on the side.

Lastly, print work takes pixels.  Here is that excuse to get a large megapixel newer camera! 

[swanny]

 

I'm going to give my opinion in a roundabout way.  Most photographers have their niche.  Tony Bynum does Montana and Glacier park well.  He is getting into other stuff  but that's his home area and subjects he likes.  Don Jones does whitetail cover shots.  John Erickson does big farmed whitetail shots.  Tom Reichner does quality whitetail work.  Joey Olivieri does huge Cadomin and sheep images.  Alan Murphy does setup bird pics.  etc...

The point is, your niche is muley bucks of WA and as far as I know, nobody is really filling this niche.  This is not a niche that is high on the want list of print and ad work people nationally.  Anyways, breaking into that business is tough and next to impossible with pennies on the hour earned.  The micro-stock business has killed the traditional photo market with floods of cheap and good images so that's not very lucrative.  Therefore, your main selling base would be people that appreciate the muleys of WA.  That would be hunters and this is the biggest hunting site on WA.  Advertising here in some fashion makes sense for you.  If you were doing hunting mag covers, they would not buy them if you posted them here.  But that's not your market.  Honestly, I would start a website (cheap like smugmug or other) that people can buy through also by simple clicking.  I would also work the hunting shows.  Put some money into printing a bunch and framing and sell them.  I know you are handy, so some reclaimed barn wood frames would be simple and cheap to make.  You would sell a ton and lots of people would stop by and say hello, starting conversations and then they will look through your images. 

So to conclude, I would put images on here but maybe not as many and be selective.  If people want to see your work, they should be going to your website.  Only teaser type images from time to time and never larger than 800 pixels.  Then link to your website which image protects.  I don't try and sell but get thousands of hits on my website by posting in a few forums.  At the end of the day, I like shooting for myself and not other people.  I get where you are coming from as it's tempting to make a few bucks on the side.

Lastly, print work takes pixels.  Here is that excuse to get a large megapixel newer camera! 

  I completely agree here. Post up some of your good shots, teaser pics, and make people seek you out further for the REALLY good stuff. Your "good" shots are amazing enough to catch many peoples eyes here. Folks will do it, especially if there is a little link in the bottom of your signature on here. I couldn't tell you how many various websites, products, services, etc I have clicked on from various forums because of the link in someones signature.

[popeshawnpaul]

That reminds me Swanny, I should update my signature! 

[grundy53]

I think it's good to post them on here. Posting on here is free advertising. If I hadn't seen your photos on here I probably  wouldn't have bought your calendars. Im glad you're going to start selling prints. I look forward to decorating my man room with your pictures because I know the quality of your shots since I've seen them on here.

[grundy53]

You should also add a link to your etsy page in your signature.

[boneaddict]

Thanks Grundy and I will.   

I appreciate the advise Shawn, especially from someone with as much experience as you have in this industry.  Like you said, and I am the same way, most of the time I am taking pics for myself to share.   This site drives me more than anything.  The process of justifying putting some gas into the beast though has been weighing in more.   I cancelled several trips this year because of that.  Anything to keep the fun going. I won't have to say, its alot easier to convince the wife I am going to leave town for a couple weeks if there is a means to the end.       I am not a salesman.  I have always joked I couldn't sell a heater to someone freezing to death.  That is generally my problem.

Thanks again everyone for the kind words and the support.

[rock]

The faded watermark in the center of a pic is a good idea. IMO

[SeaRun1]

I said "help" as well.  I think your photos are one of the highlights of this great web site.

I would but some of these pics if y had a website.

SR1

[boneaddict]

You should also add a link to your etsy page in your signature.

DONE, thanks Grundy for the suggestion.    I have contemplated creating a site, but it seemed like the monthly fee was counter productive to what I was trying to do in the first place.  (make a couple bucks to help sustain all of the photography trips so I can keep up with taking pics)   I'll keep contemplating that idea.  I think what I will do for now is continue to place images on Etsy, and then take personal orders from those that like particular images on this site.   I'll get more of a fee base established and folks can know what to expect.  If I do have it in pixels then we can go from there. 
I'll take the suggestion of reducing my image size.  I used to do that more but kinda got away from it.  I'll probably expand my watermark but I still want folks to be able to enjoy the photo since thats the whole purpose of this in the first place.   

[grundy53]

I don't really think you need to create your own site. I think etsy is geared towards what you sound like you want to get out of this. Not to mention that now when people are drooling over your photos there will be a link to where they can buy them right in the post.

[boneaddict]

Through the process I got hooked up with Mpix, or the company that does the enlargements, and they drop ship right to the customers door with great packaging.   When it comes down to it, any photo that someone wants I will have them in place so can do just that, and have a set fee, much like the etsy price.  Say someone likes one that isn't on Etsy. 

[Seabeckian]

When you get some pricing figured out for a few different print sizes, please post them on here so I know what to expect when I see something I love. It would be helpful for the members, and beneficial to you as well to provide some sort of standard pricing available directly on hunt-wa. Keep up the top notch work!

[yote]

Definitely keep posting them on here. I've been tryin to scroll back and find a perfect muley pic that I want to remember & then was gonna contact you to buy a larger print  from you. Not to mention you're an amazing photographer and one of the major reasons I love checking this forum!

[boneaddict]

THANK YOU

[andersonjk4]

I think it helps to a certain extent.  I have seen some of your pictures on here and thought to myself that would look awesome in a frame and then I tried to look up where I could get a print.  I wouldn't have gone out searching for the picture, but seeing it on here makes a guy think about getting a print.  Just my  .  I really enjoy your photos and hope to continue enjoying them.

[pd]

Hey Bone Addict,

My 2¢ worth: Don't worry about posting photographs here and hurting your chances to sell the fruit of your labor.  I will give you a concrete example of why posting here HELPS your sales efforts.

I found a great photograph in the Seattle Times many years ago (you all have seen it, spawning Chum salmon swimming across the flooded highway at Skokomish).  I was so taken by this photograph that I contacted the Times, and paid them to print me a copy.  Little did I know that this was a common fee service.  (This photograph hangs above my desk, and I look at it everyday.)

This is the only time that I have ever bought such a picture--but I found out about it from the photograph in the paper!!

Post away...It can only help your efforts.

PD

[boneaddict]

Thanks PD and anderson.   I will.  Its really the reason I take them.  Its my way of connecting and sharing what this great state has.   I have started to reduce the size of them on here and as suggested increased my watermark a bit, though I still don't want it to obscure the photo.  If anyone sees something they like they can talk to me.   Maybe I'll make enough to fill a gas tank once in awhile.  If not, then I will still do it for fun.

[pianoman9701]

I would post them in a smaller format and let us know what the original size of the picture is. That way, we can see the pic on here without getting the full benefit of the original file. I think you might sell more that way. Also include ordering info with each post.

[jyerxa]

Just my 

Beverly Doolittle is one of my favorite artists nowadays. Her art is well known



My mom got my dad a real Bev Doolittle print for Christmas one year. There is something special about having or giving something authorized from the artist themselves.

[undertoad]

I think it would help, People could shop online (so to speak).  You should place an add in the classifieds with price.  My only concern would be peole stealing the photo on the web and printing it themselves.   I would tend to think most will not go through the trouble to do that.  Also, I would love to buy a calender with your pics, but seems a little pricey.  I can buy other hunting calendars for 15$ or less sometimes.  Serious question (not trying to be rude)  What makes your calendar a 40 dollar calendar?  I was ready to pull the trigger till I saw the price and just couldn't justify it.  Help me justify it...tell me you donate 5 dollars to a worthy charity or something.   

Thanks

Johnny

They raised production price of the calender to 29.99, which is what I sold them for for last year.  I was torqued.  That means the photos are worth 5 bucks to me.  I drive, hike, take three weeks off from work, and I get that per calender.   Its robbery if you ask me.   I looked into another calender company and they produce them for 21.00 flat and the calender is half the size and like the free ones you get in the mail.   I like the quality product of this publishing company but man they really stick it to you.   I looked into doing a book and about laughed when I saw what they wanted.    I chose to go ahead and produce the quality one this year for the folks that wanted it. I agree with you.  Its a spendy product.   

Thanks

Bone:

I used to be in publishing. You might consider approaching an established publisher and have them fund production of your books and calendars. I can make an introduction for you, if you want to pursue this.

[boneaddict]

Thank you for the notion.   I might have some questions for you on what is the best way to proceed.  I'll contact you via pm.