Should I take this seriously???

dannymiranda · January 24, 2008

I don't know if this fits here but it concerns a landscape that I took.

In addition to SmugMug, I post things to a 'basic' flickr account and someone made a comment on one of my pictures which is pretty intriguing to me: "I'd pay to have this framed on my wall".

I don't know whether or not I to take this seriously, and if it is serious what to do next. I have never made a print for anyone (besides my girlfriend) or even framed one for someone! I certainly haven't sold anything. I would be very interested in selling the picture; however, I am looking for some advice from any dgrinners out there. Should I approach him with an offer. How much should I ask for (print alone, print in frame, print matted in frame, etc...)? Where should I print the picture (I have been using MPix to print 5x15 prints)?

Thanks for your help!

Cuong · January 24, 2008

To me it sounds like he tries to compliment you on the beautiful picture but not want to buy it literally, otherwise he would have approached and asked you. That's my guess, but the only way to find out is to ask him, then you can take it from there.

Cuong

Pilznr · January 24, 2008

I agree with Yukio. I think it's meant to be a comment. I looked at the site, and it's a great photo! I also noticed that the guy that made the comment had "Pro" after his name. I doubt he meant his comment literally.

About selling your photos:
I recently (2 months ago) sold my first photo. I do not have a pro account on smugmug, but the guy that bought it was nice enough to send me an email and ask how much it would cost. I just asked him for a few more details about what he wanted and I gave him some options without discussing any prices whatsoever. Once I determined his needs and wants, I called my local print shop to get the cost of printing and framing. I gave those prices a 25% or 30% markup and that's what I told the buyer. In the end, I think the 25% was a low markup.

I'm not a professional, and I have a full-time job, so I was not looking to rip the guy off or anything. I also hated the photo he wanted. It was just a random shot, and not my best work.

Based on the prices of photography I see for sale at my local coffee shop ( http://www.smallworldcoffee.com )(Sorry, I had to give them a plug.), it seems as though people mark their photos up at least 50%. I'm sure there's a thread somewhere on DGrin about how much photos should sell for. It also depends on how much time and money you spent to get the shot. I think there's a lot of factors.

But what do I know, I've only sold one photo...
Hope that was helpful.:ivar

schmoo · January 24, 2008

Danny, it IS a great image that is deserving of the comment.

IMO if someone wants to purchase a print they will contact you to do so. But it's easy to promise something and take no action of course, hence the term "Put your money where your mouth is."

Still, there would be no harm in emailing them asking if they are interested. But I'm just a friendly person, not a pro.

I'll move this to MYOB!

ChatKat · January 24, 2008

Networking
If someone came into your store and said they were interested in your photography, you might approach them and say something like, I am glad you like my product - shall I ring that for you?

There is nothing wrong with responding to his comment. If he is not interested then he will tell you he was just looking.

gman33 · January 24, 2008

I like that shot as well...what do you have to lose to follow-up with him....good luck with it

SloYerRoll · January 24, 2008

Pilznr wrote:

I also noticed that the guy that made the comment had "Pro" after his name.

FYI:
75% of the "Pro's" on flunker I mean flckr don't even have DSLR's. Take that tag w/ a grain of salt in that forum.

Pilznr · January 24, 2008

SloYerRoll wrote:

FYI:
75% of the "Pro's" on flunker I mean flckr don't even have DSLR's. Take that tag w/ a grain of salt in that forum.

That's a very interesting statistic. I never really thought of it that way. Come to think of it, I'm not surprisded by that. I'm glad I chose SmugMug!!

SloYerRoll · January 24, 2008

Like most percentages. It's not 100% accurate.

But I've spent some time in those forums in the past and it seemed almost every post was by a "pro" and they were definately not even enthusiasts.

Don't get me wrong. There are pros that live there. The better ones just live at SmugMug!

jonh68 · January 24, 2008

Based on the prices of photography I see for sale at my local coffee shop ( http://www.smallworldcoffee.com )(Sorry, I had to give them a plug.), it seems as though people mark their photos up at least 50%.

I have looked into coffeshops and art galleries. Usually, the shop gets 50% of the price as they have the expense of rent, etc. If an artist wants to make a certain amount, they have to mark up.

Peasap · January 25, 2008

SloYerRoll wrote:

Like most percentages. It's not 100% accurate. But I've spent some time in those forums in the past and it seemed almost every post was by a "pro" and they were definately not even enthusiasts.

Don't get me wrong. There are pros that live there. The better ones just live at SmugMug!

And also, just because it says 'Pro' doesn't mean they are one, just that it's not a basic account.

As for me, I would have mentioned to the guy "That can be arranged...." Nothing wrong with following up a 'possible' lead.

DrDavid · January 25, 2008

The "Pro" on flickr only means they pay the $20/year for unlimited upload/bandwidth/storage. That's it. Basically, they are "Pro Account Holders" vs. the "Standard/Free Account Holders". It is not a mark of "professional photographer" status.

David

Pupator · January 25, 2008

No DSLR=not pro?

Interesting.

jdryan3 · January 25, 2008

Pilznr wrote:

I also hated the photo he wanted. It was just a random shot, and not my best work.

:pissed Isn't that how it always is!

SloYerRoll · January 25, 2008

Pupator wrote:

No DSLR=not pro?

Interesting.

I was using that example to get the point across. I understand there are medium and large format cameras.

But the people I was referencing didn't even know what aperture did. Not saying you have to be a genius to be a pro. I'm just trying to convey what "pro" meant in flickr world.

Angelo · January 25, 2008

Danny:

It's a great shot and deserving of compliments but I too would take it as just that and not literally.

beetle8 · January 25, 2008

Worthy
Hey Danny,
It truly is agreat shot, here is my issue. I've never been to flickr, but I'll bet if he liked it enough to tell you he wanted to buy it but didn't really want to, he at least took advantage of the fact that he could download a low res copy with the help of a little button on Flickr that says would you like to download this image? FREE
What is the benefit of that for you? I would at the very least egressively watermark the images you put up there.

Should I take this seriously???

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