by Ann Miller

Created on: October 19, 2010

 The advent of digital photography has increased the number of amateurs who can now take good enough photographs to be able to sell them commercially.  The question is where to start?

 There are several avenues to explore: the amateur can self publish a photo-book with a company such as Blurb.com.; she can upload her photographs to print-on-demand art sites such as Redbubble and ImageKind who produce fine wall art as well as cards, or to sites such as Zazzle where the photographer can create designs to go on mugs, tee-shirts, mousemats, cards and so on.  She can produce her own calendars and cards to sell on her own website or at craft fairs in her local area or submit relevant photographs to the local newspaper.  Alternatively, she can submit her photos to Stock Image sites which I have discussed in an earlier article:

http://www.helium.com/items/1922518-making-money-fro m-digital-photography-and-stock-image-companies

 Self Publish Photo Books: Blurb.com

Even professional photographers are turning to self-publishing with the online site Blurb.com.  After creating a free account, you download software, which has hundreds of templates available, create your book then publish in Blurbs Bookstore.  For more information on how to create a photo book with Blurb go to:  http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-a-book-with-blurb com

Fine Art Photography as Wall Art: Redbubble.com

To produce good wall art in the form of canvas, mounted prints and cards, Redbubble is one of the best for quality.  Added to that, you can create your own Redbubble site with a very well presented portfolio gallery to show off your work.  There you can sell your work without any hassle: you don’t get involved in the printing or shipping although you do need to do some of your own selling.  For more information, I have written a lens on Squidoo.  http://www.squidoo.com/introducing-redbubble

Quality Gifts Featuring Your Photography: Zazzle.com

This is a print on demand site where the photographer can create images to go on a wide variety of items from mousemats to wall canvases.  Once created, you can post your item for sale in the Zazzle marketplace. 

With all of these sites, you as the artist can dictate the price, you can order as many as you like for selling independently of the sites and received quite handsome discounts.  All of them are very high quality so they are not cheap to sell on, but then quality always wins out doesn’t it?

Start by offering what you produce at local craft fairs and branch out from there.  Utilize your local newspaper to write an article about who you are and what you are doing.   Competition is fierce but it is possible for the amateur photographer to make money selling their images.  It does, however, take time, effort, dedication and skill.   

 When you are ready to take it further I highly recommend the book The Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook.

Learn more about this author, Ann Miller.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.