Selling photographs

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 04:02 PM

I am hoping someone can help me here. Over the last few weeks I have been photographing belted galloways & highland cows. When I put them in a local shop for developing the other day the shop assistant said the owner would like to spear to me about selling my prints (the shop mainly sells paintings) since then I have been approached by 2 other people who want to sell them. Firstly how much should I ask? I went out & bought all the frames etc on Saturday and I have worked out that it's costing me approx £12 per finished picture after frame/developing costs. I haven't included my time and fuel costs when taking pics or my time framing them. The pictures are of excellent quality & I have had great feedback from everyone that I've shown so far. What would be a reasonable price per picture? I would be very grateful for any feedback from as many different people as possible so I have an idea what to sell them at. Many thanks in advance.

FUDGEY · #2 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 04:09 PM

Can I just add that so far I have been given the idea of selling the copyright per photograph to the shop owner then he can enlarge and mount then sell as many as he wants, but I have no clue what price to ask. I have also been told that I could let him give me X amount of pounds for every one he sells, but I am concerned that he could tell me he has sold a lot less than he actually has. HELP :-)

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 08:39 PM

I have sold a few (A4 and A3 sizes) through a local cafe and generally reckon on making around £10 profit on a framed print providing I keep the copyright. I do my own printing.

The cafe doesn't add anything to the price as they are happy to get changing decoration for their walls.

When I have given samples to other establishments, like gift shops, etc, they have put my photos on sale for £50 or more but failed to sell any.

So in reality it all comes down to what the market will take; but I tend to think it is better to sell 2 photos and make £10 profit on each one than to not sell at £20 profit.

Also, the cafe sells high quality greetings cards which I produce from a sheet of A4 photo paper folded in half and put inside a cellophane wrapper with an envelope for £1.50 each. Again, the cafe doesn't make a profit although the back of the card has an advert for the cafe and they regard it as a service for their customers.

But in each case, I don't get any money unless there is a sale.

JeffH · #4 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 09:13 PM

Hi Fudgey,

The subject of print pricing was covered quite comprehensively in this recent thread (which you may have missed) -

Sold my first print! Pricing advice needed.

I hope it helps

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Avocets, Kingfishers and Barn Owls)

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Can I just add that so far I have been given the idea of selling the copyright per photograph to the shop owner then he can enlarge and mount then sell as many as he wants, but I have no clue what price to ask. I have also been told that I could let him give me X amount of pounds for every one he sells, but I am concerned that he could tell me he has sold a lot less than he actually has. HELP :-)

careful here - if you go that route (which i dont recomend) sell him "non exclusive use" of the image - do not sell him the copyright. as if you do you couldnt use the image anywhere else - plus he could sell it on.

FUDGEY · #6 (**permalink**) 26-07-2009, 10:31 PM

Thanks a million folks, I'll read through that thread now Geoff, I did miss it. Thanks again.

Jonners · #7 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

When I put them in a local shop for developing the other day the shop assistant said the owner would like to spear to me about selling my prints

I hope you put up a valiant defence and explained that there were much better ways to conduct business these days.

FUDGEY · #8 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 06:33 PM

Lol a slip of the finger...speak ofcourse. Well it was actually the predictive text to blame. Also apologiess to Jeff for calling him Geoff ;-) very interesting thread at that link. I have decided to charge £30 for a framed picture, I'll keep yous posted how it goes. Thanks to all that helped.