Earn money for photographs?

[serendipity2]

Hi, I absolutely love photography and I have been trying to think of ways I can make money from my hobby. At the moment I am advertising on ebay to do special effects to customers photos but as of yet I have had no responses. I think that I am maybe not marketing it properly as I know that lots of people would be interested if they saw what I could do. My sellers name on ebay is angiebaby1622. I would pleased if anyone could tell me where i am going wrong. Also, does anybody know a good website where I could maybe sell some of my images to earn commission? I enjoy my hobby so much and would love to make money from it at the same time. Thanks x

[halfadaily]

Hi there. I've just had a look at your e-bay ad, but would never had found it if you hadn't given your sellers name. The idea is good, but it's in the wrong section. Collectables is for, as the name suggests, items for sale to collectors, hobbyists etc.

My suggestion would be that you set up your own website with details of the types of effects that you can offer. You could then include a portfolio of your photographs on the site. If you contact several of the local newspaper groups and talk to the advertising depts you could take out small ads giving brief details of what you are offering and include your phone no and e-mail address in the ad.

To keep costs down you could try out your local paper first. You're more likely to get some interest from locals than you are from someone at the other end of the country.

Cards in shop windows, post office etc can also pay dividends even if you only get one or two replies. If the product is good then word of mouth will soon get around.

Don't forget that most people with digital cameras have some form of digital editing software, so you maybe need to be looking toward the non pc user market.

By the way I liked the examples in your advert. Good luck,

Richard

[serendipity2]

Thank you Richard, I didn't realise I had put my ad in 'collectables'. I will change it. I will also look into how I can set up my own website. Glad you liked the examples...Angie

[angeldraws]

Hi - sooooooo, it's you that stopped me registering on ebay as angiebaby!!!!

My daughter is an artist and sells her paintings/drawings on www.originalartsales.co.uk - (check her out in Original artists - under 'Carrie Thortersen) - i'm sure you could put your examples on here too....soz - don't know how to do alink - you'll av to copy n paste it..... x

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S., an entirely new concept was begun within the last year or so One of my daughters has always had an interest in photography, and like you, wanted to make some money at it. The concept is called "The Invisible Photographer"... She negotiates with customers to take pictures at family events, especially reunions and birthdays, but also a few weddings. She is unobtrusive, just wandering the event and taking quality photos of the attendees in settings that are flattering but also telling the story of who is in attendance. She does quite well, considering the limited amount of time she expends...

[serendipity2]

Thank you for the info angeldraws! Sorry about taking the name you wanted x

[serendipity2]

Hi Clanad! I couldn't believe it when I saw your answer as a few years ago I mentioned making up a new job to my ex partner, but when I told him it was to be an 'invisible photographer' at parties etc he said it was a ridiculous idea as it could get somebody in trouble if i captured an image of them with somone they shouldn't be with! Anyway I'm glad to hear that the job actually exists and I would definately LOVE to do it. I don't know if anyone does it in the UK but even if they do I'm sure there's room for another...thank you x

[serendipity2]

Hi Clanad, I would be very grateful if you could get in contact with me on my email address [email protected] so Ican ask you a few things about the business your daughter does in the US. I am very interested in doing the same in the UK but I would like to ask if there are certain things I should know before i start. many thanks...Angie