Last time I tried to sell my photographs, the economy was bad. Is it still that bad?

2015-10-25T08:19:58-04:00

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Oct 25 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-10-25T08:31:59-04:00

I suppose it depends ... when was the "last time" (so that we can have a point of reference for comparison) SPC Margaret Higgins?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 25 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-10-25T11:54:29-04:00

To be honest, the economy is worse. Ignore government-provided statistics that paint a rosy picture of what's happening. We know that it's only propaganda to prevent We the People from knowing what's really happening. Don't believe me? Just take an honest look at what's going on around you. Look at the empty shops and factories. Forget unemployment. Count those who are no longer counted by the government, not because they found employment, but rather because they exhausted their unemployment benefits.

What does this have to do with your immediate problem: Selling your photographs? A little. Sure it's harder to sell anything in poor economic times. Still, there is a market for photographs. Just keep in mind the basic rules of economics: The relationship between supply, demand, and price.

There are countless market niches in photography: Architectural, portrait, photojournalism, family events such as weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, school photos, sports, paparazzi, wildlife and nature, pets, scenic, food, criminal investigations, aerial and topography, etc, etc, etc. There's video vs still. Drone photography has taken off big time (pun intended). Focus on those (pun intended) for which you can demonstrate talent (and have the right equipment). Check out the competition. Be prepared to relocate to where the market is less saturated but be careful that competition isn't low because demand is low. Work on your photoshop skills. Great photographs used to be created in the darkroom. Thus darkroom skills were often far more important than your skills as a camera jockey. The computer has replaced the darkroom and the rules remain the same.

How do I know? Years ago, I was the creative director for all product packaging, instructional, and collateral sales materials for Vivitar (back when they dominated the market in fine accessory lenses, electronic and other photographic accessories. The best photographers vied to produce work for me and I chose only the best of the best (and paid top dollar). Trust me, I know what to look for. For example, take a look at the banner on my website. That is the product of one of the best portrait photographers I have ever known. I'm sure you wouldn't mind matching his market success...

http://www.jackdurish.com

Jack Durish

Personal website and weblog of Jack Durish, author and amateur historian, including a welcoming video