am I a desent photograper and if so why am i not making a living at it http://bnienstedt.photosite.com?

Question

please check out my site and see what you think if any one got any ideas on how to distribute my photograpy in any other ways to make money let me know I cant seem to figure it all out on my own http://bnienstedt.photosite.com

Answer 1

If you're trying to sell your photos, try looking into getting them on some stock photo sites (getty, punchstock, istockphoto, etc.).

If you want people to hire you to do photo shoots, then you need to brand and market yourself! Get yourself a good logo, business cards, and marketing materials. Then, go around and talk to people at companies that interest you, present them with a portfolio, tell them what you can do for them that other photographers can't.

Also, you'll want to pay to have a professional web site designed. Find a good designer and have a custom one done... don't use the pre-made ones or do it yourself. It'll show. Check out other photographers' sites to see what you like/dislike so your designer will have some direction as to what you want.

Your photos are really good, so you should do just fine for yourself. Remember, sometimes we have to take jobs in an area that we don't really want to work in, just to get the experience and so we can afford to work toward the things that we really want.

Answer 2

I am a photographer as well. Some of your work does show promise. There are some things that would help you to improve your work. They may seem insignificant to you, and there will be times to ignore them entirely but one thing I noticed immeditately is that the majority of your pictures have some techniqual flaws. ( I have been guilty of not seeing the same things in my own work in the past so do not give up.)

To begin with Simplify, much of what you have is way too busy. Horizons should be level not at an angle. Draw attention to your subject by making it "fill the frame" but do not crop off the tops of heads. Watch your backgrounds. You might be intersted in this blog http://photographmuse.blogspot.com/
Some photography courses might be in order if you seriously want to start selling your stuff..

There are websites that will let you sell your work for stock photos, but usually the quality of your work is a pre-requisite. Try Shutterpoint, read their submission requirements carefully. Also you will find places that will give you feedback on your work. (Not the flickr site where pretty much everyone says oooh you do good, but the ones where you get constructive critique for your work.)

Enter photography contests as often as you are able. If you are interested my work can be seen in the galleries at www.silvaspoon.net Many of mine share similar technical flaws as I have pointed out in yours... it is part of why I recognize them.

Answer 3

You shouldn't be so concerned about money if you want to do a real thing in the art world. The only money-making artist I know of was Warhol, and he based his whole philosophy on the art=money thesis, but I don't think it would work for you. Unless your'e more eccentric then JT Leroy and Marilyn Manson put together. Anyway, artists kept themselves afloat with part-time jobs from the time being, so why wouldn't you?

Answer 4

i recomend getting job in a studio then you can make an hourly wage and have a desent living the problem is photoshop lets any one become a good photographer and the internet isnt the best place to distribute photos.

Answer 5

I like your work -- the close-ups were really pretty. I think you should contact nearby hotels, restaurants, public libraries, etc. and ask if you can hang your work and put fliers somewhere prominent with your pricing and contact information. Tourists like souvenirs of places they visit and will easily spend the money for something unique. Good luck!

Answer 6

being desent.
And making a living are two very different things.
Especially for artists.

Van Gogh died depressed penniless, and rumor has it, with an ear missing.

Run away from the arts if your concerned most about making a living.

Answer 7

i saw your pics they are very nice see if you can meet people in the ad. agencies, pls polish your skills of market your self. you are good reach out and meet a few agencies or publishing agencies