Photography is an art that requires years to master. World-famous photographer Peter Gasser stated, “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.”
However, your love for photography will not make sales. Selling photos online is a challenging task if you are new to the ecommerce market. What you require is a strategy that:
Conveys your vision to the world.
Builds network throughout the community.
Here are three practical ways to help you profitably market your photography skills and sell photos online.
Create and showcase your album
Creating a portfolio is an effective way of documenting your work. The purpose of a portfolio is to:
Show off photos.
Market and sell photography skills.
Display pictures that are available for purchase.
Photographers even create thematic albums, sorting their photos into specific groups because buyers are more readily drawn to ordered collections instead of stray images.
Also, having more than one album (of good photos) implies that you are equally experienced in taking pictures across different genres.
Three types of portfolios include:
Online: A website containing your photographs.
Digital: An assortment of photos you keep on your mobile device.
Printed: Printed booklets offering an up-close look at your work and have the highest impact on prospective buyers.
Retain your brand
Creating and maintain a website may seem tedious, but it’s worth the effort. Not only does it let you retain your brand, but it also allows you to:
Set preferable prices.
Have complete control over your photos.
Spread the brand image in the community.
Separate yourself from the rest of the competition.
It is hard to compete against the popularity of stock photography sites. If, however, you can withstand the initial competition, your brand will surely gain the recognition it so rightly deserves.
Create an online presence
Stock photography sites can act as an efficient way to propel the first part of a photographer’s online career. Although they do not offer complete freedom on photos and take a considerable bite-off from the sales, shutterbugs often use it to spread their names.
Each website comes with its set of pros and cons, so make sure to research them thoroughly. At the same time, do not overdo it. You will always be able to transition to another platform should the current one not serve your best interest.
Be Creative to sell photos online
A photographer can exercise countless ways to earn a profit by selling pictures online. You can:
Create an eBook and highlighting tips you use for your photography. Offering free picture samples along with the eBook will surely grab attention from professionals and aspiring photographers.
Shutterbugs love travelling to new and exotic places. Creating a travel guide or a simple documentary filled with vivid and beautiful images will also boost your name throughout the industry.
Very few individuals get to do what they love for a living. Even fewer get to do it on their terms. It is possible to sell photos online and make a profit out of it. Be consistent and in due course, you will see the fruits of your labour.
