New member intro

Hi everyone, I've been reading up and getting lots of good info here for the last 4-5 months. I just recently joined and figured it was time to introduce myself.

I'm an amateur photographer living in Seattle. I've been here for a little over 4 years. Spent the majority of my life before that in California. I've just recently decided to try and make some money off my hobby. More in hopes of reducing the cost of the hobby than making a living off it. But who knows, maybe that day will come eventually. For now, I won't be quitting the day job.

I've been juried into a show this May (my first outdoor show) and am really looking forward to it. The only other show I've done was a very small indoor holiday craft show last November with very poor attendance. I piggy backed on someone else's booth just to give it a try. Made a little money, but it wasn't really the right setting to sell photography. I'm hoping the show in May will be better. It's not strictly an art fair, but will have a significantly higher attendance, so maybe it'll work out.

I have a ton of questions about getting started in this business, so you're sure to see more from me in the coming weeks.

Thanks for all the great info you have all shared, and thanks in advance for all the answers to the questions I'll be asking soon.

Chris

Pay attention to which of your works that you have displayed wows them even when they don't buy .Try to have variety of pricing points .An artist once told me your small work pay expenses especially when you are starting out .As a fellow photographer everyone thinks they can take the shots we take,some can most cannot .The first year can be tough ,you're trying to find out what interests the public.What you shoot and what they buy in some cases are two entirely different shots reference my first sentence.Be kind when patrons show the shot they took with their I phones and you will get them LOL. Most of all have fun if you're not you're doing it wrong .Look at booth setups of other artists put your best work in the back draw them in and when you have an award show put your name card in the back so the judges have to walk in and not just place the sticker on your card and continue on .Good Luck and enjoy the moments

Replies

Brian Horan March 21, 2013 at 1:48pm

Pay attention to which of your works that you have displayed wows them even when they don't buy .Try to have variety of pricing points .An artist once told me your small work pay expenses especially when you are starting out .As a fellow photographer everyone thinks they can take the shots we take,some can most cannot .The first year can be tough ,you're trying to find out what interests the public.What you shoot and what they buy in some cases are two entirely different shots reference my first sentence.Be kind when patrons show the shot they took with their I phones and you will get them LOL. Most of all have fun if you're not you're doing it wrong .Look at booth setups of other artists put your best work in the back draw them in and when you have an award show put your name card in the back so the judges have to walk in and not just place the sticker on your card and continue on .Good Luck and enjoy the moments
- Chris Sebastian > Brian Horan March 22, 2013 at 6:55pm
  
  Brian,
  
  Lots of good advise there. I'll make a note of your suggestions and see how things go. Thanks for the tips.
  
  Chris
  - Brian Horan > Chris Sebastian March 26, 2013 at 4:01pm
    
    Your welcome Chris I pay forward for all the artists who helped through the trying 1st year ,now 3 1/2 yrs in and still learning but I listen to all tips from the more experienced artists and the ones that I feel work for me best I implement
Chris Sebastian March 20, 2013 at 7:32pm

Thank you both for the welcome. I'll definitely join those two groups.

Chris
Farah Darwish March 20, 2013 at 6:22pm

Hi Chris! It's nice to meet you. I hope you'll have great success with your first show. If anything, you'll be on your way to the experiences of the great outdoors! Again, good luck and join the Photographers group if you haven't already. There are a lot of experienced artists here to help with whatever comes up :)
Pat Falk March 20, 2013 at 9:51am

Hi Chris, You could also join the group Southwest and Pacific Coast Artists for lots of info on shows out west. Good luck as you move ahead.
Chris Sebastian March 19, 2013 at 7:58pm

Thank you both for the kind welcome. I'll be sure to let you all know how my first outdoor show goes.

Chris
Jacki Bilsborrow March 18, 2013 at 10:19pm

Chris, make sure you let us know how your show in May goes, too.
Jacki Bilsborrow March 18, 2013 at 10:19pm

Hello Chris and welcome. We are glad that you have joined us. There is a lot of info here that will be of help to you in your first big show. Our group is very helpful so post your questions. I look forward to seeing you in our forums.
Annette Piper March 16, 2013 at 11:36pm

Hi Chris and welcome aboard :) Exciting to have your first outdoor show coming up. I'm sure you'll find all you need to know here on this site, but there's nothing like experience to get you fully in the groove!

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