selling my first prints?

[Mike A]

I was out photographing at a state park which I frequent once or twice a week in my area. The park manager approached me as I was packing away my gear and engaged me in conversion regarding my photography, as the conversion moved along it turns out he was a pretty knowledgable photographer in the past.

He wanted to see some of my work saying they (the park) were looking for some images from local artists to hang in the welcome center, of course I'm with out an actual standard portfolio as of yet, but I do have a number of finished matted images I can present. I am approached here and there from time to time by people saying were can I see your work, or do you sell your photos, but the park manager really seamed very interested. I feel this might be a good chance to get some exposer, be it only local.

How should I proceed here? Should I charge for the prints or donate them for the initial exposer it would bring?

Would it be a good idea to have them display an artists statement along side the images?

I should state here I've never been in a public show outside of the one group show I entered at the small community collage were I attended a number of photo courses, so my experience is limited


Any guidance here would be appreciated, I would really like to not screw this up the first time out.

Mike A

 

[avandesande]

I always thought this is a great business opportunity. None of the ranger stations in NM have any photos of the parks, and they sell all kinds of stuff inside. I would try selling pictures on commission. The worst that would happen is that they would have nice photos on the wall.
No experience here so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Shane Knight]

Hello Mike,

First and foremost; relationship is everything.
I would stop back by (or call) the park and candidly talk to the ranger and let him know that your are further interested in the project. Let him know that you are currently getting a portfolio of images together. If he has the time for small chit chat, ask him his needs and expectations. Be sure to allow yourself more than enough time if a timeline is needed. "Under promise -- Over Achieve"

If you are comfortable with his needs and expectations, then you need to move on to the next step; building your portfolio.

I would select no more than 10 of your best images. (This is hard)
- First three are your favorite "WOWs"
- Followed with some weaker (compared to your "WOWs")
- Finish with 1 or 2 "WOWs"

This will leave him with a complete enjoyable experience looking at your portfolio.


Since this is your first time, be honest with him regarding your lack of show/sell experience. He should help you in this department. I would follow all recommendations and expectations. If you are uncomfortable with his terms, you can simply state them on APUG, and I am sure we all can help you manage and understand.

I sell fine art photography for a living, but you should still take all this with a grain of salt.

Hope this helps for now.

Shane Knight
www.shaneknight.com

Ps...Good things take time.....and good things are worth waiting for. Good Luck!!

 

[Jim Jones]

I've donated prints to public institutions as a small return for the pleasure I've derived from those institutions. It might be good business, too. Some parks, libraries, and other institutions may welcome small individual exhibits. An artist's brief bio and statement would be appropriate. It helps to provide business cards and brocures, which can be desktop published. My main exposure is in an annual local arts & crafts fair. There must be many in your area. Start with the small ones. The big ones can involve a considerable investment of money and time.

 

[davetravis]

Since it's outside your other venue, I'd say yes, donate one!
Even if you choose which one, it will be appreaciated.
Include a short bio, with small picture of yourself, and contact info for further interest.
Good luck.

 

[Mike A]

Thanks for all the reply's, I think its time to do some editing and mating.
Mike