Pixiq

I got this question today through my Facebook page and thought I'd share it with the group.  I'd love to hear your insights.

Q.  I've wanted to start selling some of my photography but I don't know where to start. I've tried the shutterbug storefront but haven't had any success. Do you have any advice you will share with me on how to get my name out there and get my work recognized?

A. That's a hard question and the answer doesn't come quick or easy as marketing is something you'll always have to do and it takes a while to establish your name in the business. In a nutshell, what I tell people that want to market in the photography arena is: 

1.  Decide what your specialty will be (portrait photography, event photography, commercial photography, magazine photography, etc.) 

2.  Within that specialty, decide your sub-genre (wildlife, weddings, magazine specialization, etc.) 

3.  Within that specialty, discover what kinds of images are marketable.  For example, silhouettes look cool but from a magazine stock photography standpoint, they don't necessarily sell all that well.  Keep coming back to number 3 often as this lesson is always applicable. 

4.  Once you decide on what's marketable, pay attention as visual trends shift and change and be prepared to tweak your style to take advantage of these nuances. 

5.  Develop a list of possible clients and seek their input.  For example, if you have one or two people you'd like to do work with, strike up a relationship with them and get their input as to what they are looking for in terms of image content and style. 

6.  Always try to understand what motivates the market in which you want to work and instead of trying to push what you like on them, take some time to understand what they need and let your skills bridge the gap between what they need and what you can do. 

7.  Once you have one or two clients that are satisfied with your work, get them to give you a testimonial that you can use as part of a Facebook or blog community. 

8.  When you get to the point of building your client base, don't forget to keep your original clients happy. 

9.  Resist the urge to do free work for "exposure."  You may negotiate a lower fee but if you have a legitimate business, you need to be paid for your services.  I've never asked Wal Mart for free copy paper because I could give them exposure.  Nope, you go into Wal Mart and expect to pay for goods when delivered.  Your photo business should be no different. 

10.  Always remember that you are in business to serve your customers.  As such, be good with a camera but alwso be a good listener so you can help them overcome whatever challenge they hired you for in the first place. 

11.  Be prepared to repeat steps 1-10 all of the time. Good luck and I hope that helps.