Selling Prints- HUGE MISTAKES I Wish I Didn't Make!

Today we are going over huge mistakes you want to avoid when selling photography prints.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
Some of the links used in the description will direct you to Amazon and epidemic sound. As an Amazon Associate and Epidemic Sound Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

[RanftEvan]

If you want to edit like me checkout my Lightroom preset module. A completely new way to use presets and mimic my workflow. Link in description or go to evanranft.com/store

[nighttempest]

I do art handling for a photo gallery. Almost everything in this video is correct except a few things here and there. Regarding sleeves, don't just put your print in just any sleeves. It has to be archival (acid-free). Regarding signing, use micron pens that contains archival ink. And don't just sign it, edition it and limit the amount of prints of the particular size. This will increase its value. Lastly, keep an Excel spreadsheet archiving every print you printed out, to maintain your sanity in the long run.

[robinhodgkinson]

Lowering the price on either prints or your rates often just devalues the worth of what you are selling. And more importantly, lowers the perceived value and quality of your work in the minds of the client. They will see you as a less a photographer than the guy who’s charging more. It’s not just about how many prints you sell, and often lowering the price does not ensure you will sell more anyway. Trust me I know. Twenty five years as a pro photographer has taught me a few lessons.

I once didn’t get hired for a job because my rates were too low!! I happened to know one of the designers who overheard the conversation. My name came up and the art director asked how much I charged and when he was told it was like, ok who else can we use. Wtf. Big lesson learnt that day! If your work is good. Charge a good price or you will likely stay a budget shooter. It’s often not about how good your work is as much as how good it’s perceived to be, and price goes a long way to establishing that worth in the clients mind. Remember, cheap photographers get the budget jobs! Sure you gotta get a leg in the door but make sure you quote based on the client and the value of the shoot.

[corysilkenphotography]

6. Use a pencil, pigment pen, or paint instead of a Sharpie for signing your work, to ensure that signature is as archival as the image.

[nauscakes]

As an artist, I never signed my work, because I felt like it was a weird ego/pride thing. Why bother doing it. I don't feel like I need to tag it, because I just want to do art for fun.
But as a client, I absolutely want the signature. Because as you said, I'm buying from an artist, because I want that brand, and I want the signature. So now I've started signing all of my stuff, lol.

[StarCrossedWastland]

This comment section is gold. Thank you to all the folks adding helpful info!

[SuspensionTraveler]

Your pro tips are invaluable! Much appreciated, Evan 🙏

[FabrizioZago]

I'm with you 100% when you say that you don't let the printer service deliver directly. I always finally control the print and I add a personal thank you note, then I ship my artwork.

[Saltycures]

Love the point about not fearing promotion. I fall into the trap all the time if not wanting to be annoying with self-promotion on social media, but the fact is, as you pointed out, most people don’t see what you post and even fewer don’t read what you wrote about it! Gotta find that fine line and walk all the way up to it if you want to make sales!

[millysseb]

I am just starting to get into printing my work and I am gathering information (and confidence) hahah and this has helped in both areas. Thank you!

[DipankarSen]

Thanks Evan! I go through a lot of videos, but rarely people make others aware of such huge mistakes and also the way out to resolve such problems! God bless you!

[CapeKush]

Evan, your videos have given me inspiration to actually start selling my prints and taught me to not play the self sabotage game (I ALWAYS do!). I opened my store 2 days ago, Made 150$ in sales this morning! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You are an asset to this community and to Squarespace!

[killakeisha]

That self sabotage part I felt in my soul 🤦🏽‍♀️🥴😂

[jeanfugate-besalke]

Thank you for giving your time and experience!! I am 65 and still learning! I am a watercolor artist!

[grafixnetz]

Seriously, Dude, this was so very helpful! Lots of tips out there on how to sell, but YOU tell us what to do once we have a *buyer*.
Great hands on, nitty gritty, hardware required (boxes, shipping weight...) advice on how to handle and ship your work professionally and securely. THANKS!!!!

[adam.foster]

I watched his video again and the part about under promotion really resonated this time around. Perhaps because more time has passed where I've not honestly put my work out there. Thanks for the great advice . I hope in another two years I'll comment again with a story of success. Keep up the great work mate.

[anthonyrassam]

Can you make a video going over how your print is made? Maybe going over the equipment you use, what paper works best, maybe any online services that make good prints you can sign and ship out?

[warronfrench]

@Evan Ranft thanks for sharing your knowledge. Those tips are even more valuable since you already experienced the heartache associated with the pitfalls they caused.

Merry Christmas.

[johng]

Great video. Straight and to the point without the BS fluff.

[creativestudio]

Very true, what you say about "under promoting" yourself.. it's ike a self-sabotage, to give yourself a way out, an excuse for your failures.... so true - great video, and also, don't know what recording device you use, but damn, it's excellent.. I was listening with my ear buds and the sound was clear, pristine, not muffled.. it almost seemed like you were talking right behind me. Anyways, keep up the great work and the great videos! Cheers!