How many Pro photographers are here?

Does anyone actually run a photo business or sell photos for profit and not for "fun" as it were?

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Camera - 5D and 350D
Site - uptherighttree.co.uk

Any time I sell an image, a piece of art, I sell for profit, usually a very large profit, however if you are asking is my main source of income from selling this art, then no. To apply the word ‘Professional’ to all of those that do make their main income from selling photographs can also be misleading.

Regards,

Alistair

Do you sell he photos yourself or upload them other photo library services (iStockphoto for example)>

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Camera - 5D and 350D
Site - uptherighttree.co.uk

Istockphoto, no way! Mirco payment agencies are the bottom end of the industry, with the likes of Getty being the top istock, charge from $1 up wards, and I’m not sure how much of that 50p you get. Getty I think now charge you to put images up, unless you are invited by them. (this might not be Getty, I’ve not looked for a while but I think it is)

Of course, this is just my opinion, in a world of conflicting opinions

Alistair

There is a difference between selling prints (Of landscapes for example) and doing paid work. I guess you mean either of these scenarios?

I have done a couple of paid gigs -Kids Portraits & Weddings. I've had versy positive responses from those I have worked for too. I would like for Photography to become my main source of income in the future. How likely that is remains to be seen!

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www.pix-al.co.uk www.dpchallenge.com www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk
"I shoot Canons!" 30D and 350D

Hello Up The Right Tree,

I sell quite a lot of photos for profit,and basically,you will probably need to look at commercial or event photography,which will pull in huge profits for you.Also,DO NOT outsell yourself,do some research and find out about pricing of other photographers,and lower your prices slightly,sa,mid range between the lowest and highest,you will do okay.
Another avenue you could look at going down is,FINE ART,I have seen fine art prints selling,honestly at over £1000 each,and the guy I am talking about sells between 4 and 8 of these fine art prints per week.
If you want to show your stuff,get a name for yourself etc....have a home show,or as we call it,an open house,where you put your spare room to the test with all your best images with price lists available,but,do not be pushy,remember,PEOPLE WILL MAKE UP THEIR OWN MINDS.They will talk about your skill(as a photographer),they will ask about the equipment you use,they will ask all sorts,so,be prepared.
I do hope this little bit of information helps you,
best wishes and good luck for the future.
Gary.
The Perfect Image - Home

Hey

I am currently a studio portrait tog. Small company, just 6 of us with a few part timers but we v successful. def no walk in the park though exhibition staff out more or less every week. loads of phone calls but no cold calling. good fun but sometimes can feel like a sausage factory. up to me to make it fun.....

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The summer is here and the time is right,
We're going racing in the street..

Canon Forever

1Dmk2,10D, 20mm,28-70mm,200mm, Elinchrom3000,1500,600's,500's, Multiblitz200,Bronica SQb, expensive Manfrotto tripod

Hi UpTheRightTree

It may also be worth looking at small local galleries. Being in Kent, we've plenty and I know some of them are willing to show up and coming artists/photographers work. You do have to look around a few and some are very helpful and will support you, offer advise etc. Not something i've done as yet, but if (hopefully more like when) I get a portfollio together, it's certainly something i'll be looking into. Any advise from people re portfollios would be great. Happy snapping.x

good information. i've done a few portrait sessions and 1 wedding this year, got 4 wedddings booked next year and these are all by word of mouth so i'm chuffed to bits. Few other clients kicking around as it were so it's growing steadily.

just wondered if people prefer to do photos for people/clients or like to aim for image libraries as a source of income.

once i get up to the required amount of posts I'll start showing off my work for you to see

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Camera - 5D and 350D
Site - uptherighttree.co.uk

Congrats Tree, You've just hit the level ....... looking forward to seeing your work

Alistair