PhotoArts Collector

Taste of NM

I recently received this query from a photographer who had just written a book (left), and wanted to know, since “everyone” had told her how beautiful her pictures in the book were, whether or not she should answer “Calls for Entry.” Below, is the question:

“I was wondering if you have any insight into the various “calls for entries” for the photo contests. Since I’ve been getting so many accolades about my work, I am getting spurred on to doing something, but don’t even know where to begin! I would appreciate any suggestions you might have.” (Julienne)

There you have it. What would YOU suggest for her?

Even though I have written a fair amount of text about marketing and promoting photography, I have written very little about selling it. This could be the area of our profession that garners the most fear and/or apprehension. The last few years have been my most productive in the area of fine art photography. I have had several shows and have (yipee!) had a few sales. Mind you, however, I won’t be able to retire on what I have made from my prints. The best thing I have learned, though, is that in order to sell prints, you have to have prints! I know that sounds a little vague, but stay with me on this.

Once I decided to enter the fine art market, I proceeded to attempt to print my work on an Epson R1800. After spending a lot of money on inks and paper, and after experiencing a great deal of frustration at my lack of technical ingenuity, as well as acumen, I gave up on that pursuit. I have had some prints done by Costco, even, and they turned out very well as a C-print. I have to tell you that (and some of you are going to point your eyes to the sky on this one) I discovered that (for me) I was going to have to find a custom printer to do the job I so much wanted to do. Carr Imaging (Albuquerque, NM) is who I have settled upon to print my work. The owner, Pat Carr, has many years of experience printing artwork produced by a wide variety of artists in this area. I will keep you posted on my progress, and would like to hear how you are proceeding in the fine art market.