Suggestions on getting exposure, selling pictures, and copyright information?

KissingTheDark · Dec 16, 2005

Hey!

I'm brand new here, just found this site earlier today. It looks like there's a lot of people here and a ton of helpful information, so I thought I'd post.

First off, I'm a nineteen year old female who became interested in photography in October of 2002 when I got my first digital camera. Since then I've been taking pictures of everything, indoors and out, and I've really come to love photography. I'm also an animal lover, and several months ago I noticed that my local animal shelter's website was sadly lacking in decent pictures of the pets up for adoption. I began considering the idea of approaching them with some of my animal pictures to see if they'd be interested in hiring me to take the pictures for their site. Turns out I never did ask them about it, but I did get as far as collecting all my animal pictures into one folder, and I was really quite amazed at how many I had and how much I liked a lot of them. That got me thinking, maybe I could do something more with this than just taking pictures for my own enjoyment. Maybe I could actually do something with these pictures I've been taking. Now obviously, I know I'm a total amateur and I've never even taken a photography class, but I truly love a lot of the pictures I've taken and people tell me I could sell some of them.

So now I'm wondering where to go from here. Last week I was in an art store and there were matted pictures for sale just leaning up against the wall, clearly by some unknown photographer. That also got me thinking...what does it take to get into an art gallery and try to sell some pictures? Again, I know I'm an amateur and my pictures are far from perfect, but I am really starting to think I might be able to do something with this. So can anyone suggest what steps I might begin taking to be able to at least start displaying my pictures somewhere, or do any of you know of any websites with good information about that? I've read that libraries are a good place to start, just to get exposure. Has anyone here participated in any gallery displays like that? One huge thing that's stopping me from actually going into a library or art store yet is fear of having my pictures "stolen"...if I were to display/try to sell my pictures, is there something I should do to protect them from being stolen or printed by someone else? Also, the same question goes for putting pictures online, which I'm really nervous about.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

~ KissingTheDark

Big Mike · Dec 16, 2005

Welcome to the forum.

Firstly, it's great that you are getting into photography, it's a great hobby/past time etc.

I don't think you should have to worry too much about image theft. It can be a problem but there are so many images out there...it's far and few between. Any image you take it automatically owned by you...you can register them with the US copyright office (or something like that) but I wouldn't worry about that just yet.

I'm not sure the best way to get into galleries and get your work seen. Some people go to school for years and then struggle for many more years to get to that stage...a better way to make money would be to cater to the public...like doing weddings or portraits. Pet portraits are getting popular in some areas.

There are some books & publications out there...try a search for "making money with photography"...that should return a few good places to start.

Have fun here at TPF

MotorPsycho · Dec 16, 2005

It is an intersting question... how does one get started in the world of proffesional photography? and I am not talking about your local portrait or wedding photographer... I'm talking about the people who shoot for the big magazines... national geographic, sports illustrated.

Taking wedding shots would never draw me away from what I currently do, but the thought of traveling the world, taking pictures of it, and getting paid is very alluring. How do these photographers get started? Is there some sort of comon college or technical degree that most have? some sort of old world apprentaceship system? a bit of both?

I'm really just curious...

Silverpenguin · Dec 16, 2005

I wouldn't worry about putting pictures online and being stolen too much. If you keep them small enough the resolution wont be of any use to anyone wishing to print them etc. Still stick a copyright on though just so everyone knows they are yours

Welcome to the forum by the way from another newbie, always good to see another animal photographer

jcharcalla · Dec 16, 2005

I've been curious about this myself and have been considering just taking some photos to some local shops / galleries and asking if they will sell them for me. I'd even be willing to give them a few for free and if they sell they can call me up for more and I would discuss my fee's with them. Of course I havent done it yet and I'm not sure anyone would go for it but it's worth a try.

digital flower · Dec 16, 2005

Silverpenguin said:
I wouldn't worry about putting pictures online and being stolen too much.

Exactly. Worry more about showing them to the people that would want to buy them. Competition is fierce from what I have seen (which isn't that much). There sure are a lot of talented people out there. A web site is important as that makes easier for you to get people to look. Like galleries, stock agencies, editiors and the like. They can usually say this what we like or not. I think you really have to put some work in order to start selling.

KissingTheDark · Dec 17, 2005

Thanks for all your responses!

jcharcalla, what you mentioned is exactly what I thought of doing - just going into a little art gallery and showing them some pictures to see if they'd be interested in selling them. But the copyright/stealing thing is what's stopped me.

What's to keep a business, or even a buyer for that matter, from stealing/reprinting/claiming my photos as their own? :meh:

~ KissingTheDark

digital flower · Dec 17, 2005

KissingTheDark said:
But the copyright/stealing thing is what's stopped me.

What's to keep a business, or even a buyer for that matter, from stealing/reprinting/claiming my photos as their own?

No offence KTD but that sounds a bit like an excuse. How long do you think a gallery would stay in business if they ripped off the artists? They need those people to stay in business. I am sure this has happened before but around here it is not a regular occurrence. The galleries I have been talking to have many, many more artists than they could ever possibly use. I guess if you are that worried about being ripped off you will probably not going to sell a lot of photos (we probably won't be seeing them here, either). In the digital age just about anything can be copied. I think there is software that you can use to track your images across the internet but it is expensive. I guess it comes down to the choice of keep your images at home and safe or getting out there and selling!

merlinphoto · Dec 17, 2005

Hi,

Im in a similar position to you, Ive been into photography for a while now, and recently I started thinking about selling some of my images. After some looking around Ive decided on two approaches.

Firstly im going to start selling prints of my images, Im lucky enough to know several people who sell at craft fairs, and town markets. so I will be able to get an outlet for my work there. Simple white frames can be bought from craft shops very cheaply and look really professional.

The other way is through stock agencies online, Ive had good sucess with two of them. http://www.fotolia.webhop.net
and shutterstock

Doug
http://submit.shutterstock.com/?ref=55429

craig · Dec 17, 2005

Sounds like you are motivated and that is a strong start. Always be studying photography. Like any thing knowledge and experience is key

Rights are very particular. Make sure that everyone is clear on the terms before money or what ever is exchanged. Copyright mishaps are generally a misunderstanding as opposed to someone being ripped off.

KissingTheDark · Dec 18, 2005

digital flower pictures said:
No offence KTD but that sounds a bit like an excuse.

If I were trying to make excuses to keep from getting my pictures out there, I wouldn't be here trying to get help.

I just want to make sure I take the proper precautions, since I know nothing about the legal/copyright side of things. I want to get my work out there, but I don't want to be too eager and end up making a stupid decision.

craig said:
Rights are very particular. Make sure that everyone is clear on the terms before money or what ever is exchanged. Copyright mishaps are generally a misunderstanding as opposed to someone being ripped off.

Yeah, I'd definitely make sure to discuss it and probably get something written and signed before anything was official. Thanks!

~ KissingTheDark

Rob · Dec 19, 2005

I worried about this a lot when I created my website and when I started out in Photography.

Actually, if a company or organisation mis-used your image against the terms of copyright you'd be laughing as you could pretty much charge them whatever you deem reasonable. This is why they don't tend to make mistakes (deliberately) often!

As has been mentioned, you'll do best to confine your concern to self-promotion and creating sustainable business from your images - this is far far more important than anyone stealing an image.

mentos_007 · Dec 19, 2005

welcome here! First of all: don't be afraid that your picture might be stolen. I had my pictures displayed in an open gallery and actually one of my works was stolen - that was a sign that people do like my pictures... so I took a second print and attached my contact to it, in case anybody else liked it and would like to buy a print. I got 7 calls... so the costs of the second print were back very soon... remember that first you need to invest than expect the results.

markc · Dec 19, 2005

This is just my opinion...

Be all that you can be

First, if you want to sell your image, you have to practice. A lot. It usually takes a lot more than just "nice" images to sell. There are nice images all over the place, and people are more likely to buy a cheap poster if that's what they are looking for. If you want to sell prints, you have to offer something a bit more, and hopefully a little unique. They need to stand out from the horde of "nice". This usually means taking enough photos that you start to develop a recognizable style.

The way I see it, there are three steps. Beginner photographers tend to be all over the place in their choices. This is a good thing, as it's experimentation that allows one to learn what different apertures, focal lengths, and etc. do. Getting a standout picture tends to be random, though.

Next, photographers start limiting their choices, maybe shooting with only one or two lenses, using a limited aperture range or subject choice. They get really good at using these limited choices to show a subject in a certain way. This is when their style starts to emerge, which is nothing more than the set of choices they tend to make repeatedly. A lot of photographers stop here. Even some of the top photographers haven't seen a need to go beyond the one thing they do well, and I don't blame them. If you've found a niche that you enjoy, there's no imperative to do more.

Some develop several styles. These are the people that like variety and will use the style that fits the subject and the mood they want to show. They aren't necessarily any better than the niche photographer, but they are more versatile.

Anyway... I personally wouldn't bother trying to sell anything until you get to the point that your work can be recognized on some level as yours, or at least fitting into a certain style. I would recommend getting good at one style first, rather than trying to be too broad. Trying to sell your work too early is really frustrating. It's often frustrating for those who've been at it a while. And it can break a beginners spirit. I speak from both observation and experience. But that doesn't mean you can't set things up for the future.

It's not what you know, but who you know

Okay, not exactly. You still need good work. But even the best artist isn't going to sell anything if they don't know where to go. Networking is key, and you can start building a network even before you own a camera. Take classes; visit galleries; scour the papers for every photo exhibit opening you can find, even if the subject doesn't interest you. I don't mean just go see the show, but attend the opening. You will find a lot of photographers there, as we tend to like seeing others' work. Talk with them. Talk with the photographer(s) who are in the show. Talk to the gallery owners, or whoever works for the gallery that's there that night. You will start seeing the same people at these things and can make friends. Same with classes and workshops. Join any photo club that's in your area. The more people you know, the easier it is to get in. If your work is good, photographers will talk to other photographers, and gallery owners, about you.

Long winded examples

I'll use myself as an example. There's an community artists' center here in Rochester. They have a community darkroom, a photo gallery, a book binder, and a pottery studio and gallery. Each is run by separate people, but are part of a group run by a board. I started taking classes at the community darkroom. One was on studio lighting, which was taught by Joe Blackburn, who just happened to run the Sunken Room Gallery (part of the center). I already knew him somewhat because I would come in to the openings at the gallery, but with the class, it became more of a friendship. And because of the class, he got to become a lot more familiar with my work.

A little while later, feeling much more comfortable with the whole situation and knowing that he wasn't going to laugh in my face, I brought in some recent work in to the gallery and asked if it he thought it was of high enough caliber to hang, and he said yes. I was thrilled! I even sold a piece after a bit! Now that was mostly lucky timing. I've sold something like three pieces over five years. Gallery sales are tough, and especially here in Rochester (thanks, Kodak...).

One of the pieces hanging up at the gallery was "Never Alone". Now, every year the High Falls Gallery and the Genesee Center for the Arts and Education have a show called "Photographer's Path". There are usually hundreds of entries for the show, sometimes jurried and sometimes not. Joe is part of the board, and after they came up with the theme for the show, "Why?...", it was time to chose a theme image for all of the invites and such. They usually take a walk around the gallery to try and pick one, but Joe said he walked right up to mine and pointed, and they all just nodded. Heh, I'm sure he exaggerates, but he did promote my image for me. It ended up on the invites, and large poster of it was made to display at the entrance. Yeah, it was a bit thrill.

After a time, I felt I had enough pieces that worked well as a series, so I brought them in and asked Joe if a show would be possible. Again he said yes and "Little Worlds" came about. I didn't sell anything during the show's run, but oh my, what a blast that opening night was! Everyone was there to see *my* work.

An online friend of mine is an author and runs her own publishing company. She was reprinted one of her books and wanted a new cover. We worked out a deal, and now "Moving On" is the cover for [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932461019/qid=1060529009"]"Charybdis"[/ame].

At a later "Photographer's Path" show, I was introduced to Manuel Rivera-Ortiz by another photographer friend. Manuel and I became friends, and when he needed a portrait to go into the local paper for a show opening, I did this one for him.

Early on, I attended a presentation by PDN called "30 under 30" where I met Teru Kuwayama and fell in love with his work. We ended up e-mailing each other a bit, and he sent me a print of one of my favorite images by him. Knowing I was into computers, he asked me about scanning prints. Since I was set up for it, I offered to do it for him. He sent a bunch, which I scanned and put up on the web (travel "snap-shots" for his friends around the world to see), and he gave me another print in thanks. He also put me in touch with another friend of his, [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3908247136/qid=1135018389"]Michael Ackerman[/ame], because he was looking to get some of his images scanned also, but for a wider audience. That never went live, but it was still a cool experience.

BTW, Teru has been published by a lot of magazines, including Time and National Geographic. One of his favorite cameras to use is the Holga, and I don't think he's had much as far as formal training goes. He's just really good and knows how to get around.

When my brother got married, I was part of the wedding party so I couldn't take a lot of pictures, but one of his best friends and his fiance really liked what I did do, so they hired me to shoot theirs.

Another photographer I took a class from at the community darkroom really like what he saw, so he hired me to shoot his. (I used his camera, since he wanted film, but everything got stolen at the end of the night after I left, so we never got to see how they came out.)

While I feel that my work is decent, I don't think these things have been happening to me based solely on merit. They happen because I put myself out there and allow them to happen. And I don't suggest making friends just so that you can cultivate that. For me, I just reached out and this was a cool side-effect. But it does go to show that networking works and is an important part of the business.

Good luck!