I am not a photographer for two reasons: 1) I'm not a people person. I don't particularly enjoy shmoozing or coercing others. Therefore, I don't want to take others' photos. 2) I love taking pictures. I'm scared that if I turn it into a job [complete with appointments and unhappy customers and time limits] that this passion will become yet another forced requirement. So, in order to maintain my sanity and my passion, I highly doubt I will ever take people pictures [except for rare occasions]. But I have been trying to figure out a way to possibly turn my camera into a business. That's where you come in.
I'm debating on opening up an Etsy store to sell photos in. There will be no particular theme; just pictures I deem fantastic enough for others to purchase. I believe in keeping products affordable, but also in being paid for my time to not only take the pictures, but also edit them. However. I honestly don't believe my photos are worth paying for. Yes, there are some that I think are fantastic, and I have improved so much in the past year. But I also see room for tons more improvement, and a need for legitimate lessons. My husband on the other hand is encouraging me to take this step. He thinks I'm talented enough. I need outside opinions, since the two of us are biased. Me because I'm a pessimist, he because he loves me.
I would love to have your completely honest opinion on this. Whether encouraging or critiquing or down right negative. Any and all points of view will be considered with a very open mind. If you don't feel comfortable enough leaving your comment here in public, please feel free to email me. This is not a decision I take lightly, and the more insight I gain from outside perspectives will help me reach the right decision.
Thank you in advance for helping me out. With that said, here are some recent pictures I've taken! Not all are edited, so please don't base your decision on that...I just like to show the process of seasonal change with basic pics straight off the camera.
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| Favorite bench in summer. It's changed so much! |
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| I'm pretty sure this is a wood chopping block, but I like to pretend it's the thinking chair. Or a wooden toilet. |
Do it!!!! I've seen other people doing it recently so there must be a market for it right?
ReplyDeleteI say go for it!!
ReplyDeleteYou have nothing to lose and only some dinero to gain. I think your pictures are great. I thought about doing this too but the same thing as you held me back.
I say go for it! While some of these photos aren't my favorite, there are others that I would definitely pay for/get enlarged or printed. I think that's good, though - it means you'd appeal to a variety of audiences. I mean, what do you have to lose?
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you're looking at opening a shop, I've heard storenvy is better than etsy? IDK, I'd look into both.
DO IT!!!
These are so great! Follow your dream and go for it!
ReplyDelete-Anna
asweetsouthernmess.blogspot.com
My opinion might be a little biased as I'm a creator as well, but this is my advice.
ReplyDeleteDo it, but don't commit yourself. That sounds like such lazy and bad advice, but the conundrum is that if you do it and put everything into it, you risk losing the love and good feeling it brings you. If you don't do it at all, you're going to be unsatisfied (or I'd assume, since you seem like the kind of person who appreciates a well-developed and well-rounded version of yourself lol)
So a happy medium is always good. I used to never ever sell or even show people my paintings. I'd never be able to try and start a business with them either; yet selling them in person has been successful, and the VERY FEW art shows I've participated in have been really enjoyable experiences.
So, that's my advice, but manipulate it how you want! We're all different. lol.
(Needless to say I LOVE your photography beyond words, but thought I'd throw that in there anyway)