I used to photograph children's track & field event and as soon as they finish the event, I ask their name and address and send them tiny proof prints of themselves, along with prices depending on size of prints. Then I request them to send me a check based on what they ordered. That was during 35mm heyday and when I did my own black and white printing.
A tip for people in wildlife: Consider looking for local small wildlife-preservation and nature preservation groups. I know we have them here in Belgium with things like Natuurpunt. Before you make the full commitment of jumping full-time pro, you can offer your services for free - after all, these groups don't have a lot of money to pay for professionals, and you are probably making the pictures anyways. But this can be an 'in', as you grow, these groups talk, work together with publishers that might look for contract work, and you can potentially get referrals that way. Just make sure to make clear that as soon as it's no longer a local conservation effort, you need to start charging for your work.
I watch your videos over 99% of the rest of UA-cam photographers because your videos are plain fantastic. Clear cut, no nonsense and most importantly informative videos that aren't always trying to sell me on something, be it a sponsorship or product that put me in a virtual classroom. As an aspiring photographer, this kind of information delivered this way is priceless. Thank you.
I wholeheartedly agree, there are too many UA-camrs who regurgitate information in a sloppy manner like a lazy middle schooler writing about the news report he saw that morning. Not Simon! He presents your question, explains pitfalls, gives solutions, and even adds professional advice in such a condensed format I often replay to make sure I heard everything!
Exposure is one thing to really be careful with. A lot people and companies will say. " We will give you exposure in return" just trying to get free work.
This☝🏻 Don’t work for someone else’s definition of exposure. Quantify what you want to get out of the exchange and if they don’t agree to it then don’t accept the offer.
I love these tips! They remind me of how I "accidentally" started getting professional photography requests. I've never wanted to be a professional photographer, but I really enjoy shooting wildlife, sports, and music events that are of professional quality. If I would shoot a football game for families I knew, I made the images accessible to the families and coaches of the team. If I would shoot a concert, I would make the images accessible to the band and the owner of the venue. Without even trying, I was starting to get requests from teams and bands I didn't know to shoot their games and shows and were willing to pay me. It was also an indirect way of getting valuable feedback as to my talent and growth as a photographer. I'm still happiest being a "non-professional" photographer who does professional side gigs, but it is nice to know that I have an outlet that I enjoy that makes me a little money and would develop into something more full time if I wanted.
Any more tips on concert/gig photography? I'm looking to get into it, had tons of practice shooting my friend's band on their gigs, next month having my first paid gig for an acquaintance. That's a great tip to share photos with the venue, didn't even think of that lol
@@karloveliki5373 There's a few ways you can approach it. Where I live, we have live, free, outdoor music every night in the summer at different locations in town. I just take my camera, get there a little early, and ask the band if they would mind if I would take pictures of their show from the crowd. They always say yes and sometimes they'll give me a business card and ask me to send them the pictures. I always offer them for free when I just show up. After seeing my work, a couple bands have asked me to shoot another show and they always offer to pay me something for the second show. I never demand a specific fee since I do this as a hobby, but, more times than not, the band will offer to pay about what I would have thought my time was work. If I were to go pro, I would also make a photo book with sample of my shows. That way if you get a band that wants to see your work before they give you permission to shoot their show, you have a quick reference to what you have done to give them confidence to say "yes" to your request. Again, I'm not a "pro," I just go out and have fun shooting. So, my tips might not best, but this is what I would do if I were you.
I'm at this stage as well ... and before I knew it people asked me if I can shoot their swimming events. By helping them promoting their event, I develop my skills, meet other photographers and catch some advice here and there. I still feel bad when they ask the price of the picture, so everything is free and I feel better. Maybe one day, I'll overcome this feeling :)
I started down the stock photography and social media rabbit hole and, honestly, found it demoralizing. And I was starting to just try to "crank out content". I took a pause this year and just went back to doing photography for me, working on art I find compelling. I've been getting a whole lot out of your videos and the quality of my work is improving dramatically. As you mentioned, my work started getting noticed and I've started doing some non-profit volunteer work that has been getting me some great exposure. My business cards are circulating around the local community and a just one of the photo gigs I've gotten has been worth more than all my stock photo efforts to date. Thanks again for all that you do here. I can't say it enough.
"cranking out content" sounds all too familiar. Tried the whole "youtuber" thing and I've never been as "burned out" before. Happy to hear you got it back on track doing what you like!
dude, although I'm just a hobbyist, with no intention of gaining any money with photography or anything like that, still I have to say: these were 15 minutes of real SOLID advice, the kind of thing that can change someone's life, I'm impressed nice to see this kind of material available for anyone, great job!
A good one I got into was real estate photography. Not a lot of people talk about this option. Started charging $200 per 1 story house and $400 for a 2 story home under their enlistment. And then once you start getting better you can up charge your services. And then play with numbers when it comes to 1 story to a 2 story home. Some people I know charge a flat rate per or by hour. It’s honestly up to you.
This was some real ass mf advice. I'm 23 and people always tell me I have an old soul because I like old music, or old film cameras. That's not the reason, it's because I fw people like you. You just cannot beat experience and you prove that to me every video.
I have scoured the bowels of UA-cam to find advice on photography and they all focus on their bias towards brands and offer little to no advice and even worse just bad and completely wrong advice. You channel is always my go to. You sincerity in wanting to truly help people out become better photographers is a breath of fresh air and I hope you never stop. I’ve learned more from you in your short videos then I ever have in hours of others. If you have more workshops in the future I hope to join you one day and show the beauty of nature to others. Thanks for your work.
Friends keep asking me to sell them my photos after they see them. After listening to your suggestions, I decided it was go time! I went online and ordered photo cards as they were asked for already. The aurora borealis pics I took will wait til I see the quality for me to be sure. Then I have people who want to buy blow up photos to frame. Guess this is how I am starting. I did free photoshoots already for several people now. I love taking nature shots though. My used zoom lens I just got made such clear photos, I chose them to make cards out of within 3 days of taking pics. Thanks for all your encouraging words Simon.
I think I heard Joel Grimes say something like 'you don't need to be the next Britney Spears of photography to make good money'. Basically to work in your community and not to take on 100 clients when you can only handle 5 right now. Would love to see more content like this and get into some details and examples!
Great video and well worth watching. I sell my prints and always talk to potential clients. I see so many artist and topographers just sitting in the back of their booth on their phone and can't figure out why nobody looks or buys their work. Business is totally different in any field. You can be the best at what you do but blow your brains out because you don't understand business.
I love your ideas, the main reason why i don’t post my pictures on social media, is that my friends give it a bad rating, and then my pictures won’t be spread. But this video helped me, thx bro👍
I feel that people hugely under value working for "free" in exchange for experience and connections. I do large events now all because I offered to shoot for free in exchange for tagging me in their posts with my photos. I offer this to a lot of young photographers looking to improve their skills with shooting moving cars/motorcycles at a race track, none have taken me up on it and they miss out on huge connections.
I had clicked on your video right after watching a video from someone else where they explained that all of their income had come from social media and sponsors. It really let me down since I don’t have 20k followers never mind 200k. Your tips are incredibly helpful, the only person on UA-cam to give direct and practical advice. We love your videos.
Great video. I’ve personally done the approaching a new local business. This one a restaurant right next to where my photos I have on display were taken. I’ve since moved from the area but still am selling my prints because of that exposure alone. And whenever I go back for a visit it’s a great feeling to see them still happily displayed and a friendly welcome from the owner.
Hello Simon, I don't have words to express my feelings after watching your videos. Keep on posting video Learning Photography and it's Business. With lots of greetings from India.
For me, knowing what would sell is the biggest challenge. I've submited photo's loved by the FB groups I've shared them on etc, just to get feedback that the photo looks great but isn't something they think would sell. With all the sites available who sell prints online etc these days, the biggest challenge is getting that shot which is different enough from the rest.
So many UA-camrs these days would ask for a paid subscription to some course for this information, so thank you so much for just sharing without the financial gain. You’ve got a sub from me ((:
As a hobbyist, my goal is to cover costs of any new equipment I buy. I made it this year! I take plant close ups and edit in real life and stylized. Surprisingly, I found that cards are a good commodity. Low cost to make and a good mark up. Also, I have nursery friends that let me set up at their places for free if they are having an event. Another hint is check out different printing companies, the one I use for metal prints offers me a gallery for free. Good luck to all.
Wonderful video, Simon. I'm an armature at many things, but a professional at my vocation (23 years and counting) and am self-employed. I love the tips you are giving to the fledgling photographers who are looking for a way to make their passion a profession. It reminds me of the conversations I have with musicians. There's a perception I think that the only choice people have to make a living is by social media. It's just one of many tools. I think the last few years really highlighted the importance of face-to-face transactions as a great way to build a career in a global society that has been increasingly isolated through the massive increase in time spent in shallow social media relationships. The recent research findings of correlation of time spent in social media and the positive correlation with depression is an evidence of this. I think you are giving some great pointers for the next generation to think 'old-school' and get out face-to-face with potential new admirers.
I feel that people hugely under value working for "free" in exchange for experience and connections. I do large events now all because I offered to shoot for free in exchange for tagging me in their posts with my photos. I offer this to a lot of young photographers looking to improve their skills with shooting moving cars/motorcycles at a race track, none have taken me up on it and they miss out on huge connections.
Not the first time watching this video, and probably not the last! SO many notes taken! You're such a wealth of information, and you deliver it beautifully. Thank you, Simon!
Here in Germany we call it “Mundpropaganda” and that’s exactly how it worked 30 years ago. As a guitarist, I attended many local band concerts, always with my Canon A1 Prg. and a good zoom. I later gave the prints I made to the bands and my phone number. I did that for a few weeks because it was my hobby as well as music and then the calls started coming in, even from bands I didn't know. It was easy money, for nothing. Was just my hobby...
Two years ago I shot a Calendar of local rescue//adopted pets and sold the Calendar to raise money for a local animal rescue organization. I was able to raise just over 3k 😊. I’ve just started a second Calendar for 2025, I’m hoping it does as well (100% of the proceeds went to the rescue, I had a business donate for the printing)
Hello Simon! Right now i´m just a teenager with a dream: being a professional photographer. Months have passed by, a lot of your videos made me self consious about my mistakes and after thousands of photographs I feel ready to the next step, from a hobby to a proffesion. I was really worried about how I could earn money with my craft, and this video just appeared in my "for you page" Thank you so much for sharing these advices.
it may be different in Canada but here in the US, calendars have proven to not be worth my time. I printed them for 4 years. I "sold" about 50 to 75 each year. By the time I found a printer that produced quality product on good paper, had them shipped to me and then I mailed them to the clients, margins were skinny. Last year, I didn't realize there was a substantial increase in postage for padded envelopes and actually lost about $.50 for every calendar. However, I had quoted a price and was not going back to increase it by several dollars so I decided to eat the cost. Last year was the last time I'm gong to print them to sell. From here on out, I will be printing about 20-25 to give to friends and family as Christmas gifts. I never did it to make money but at least break even on my cost plus enough for gas to and from the post office and cover the cost of the envelopes and mailing labels. I found them to be more trouble than they were worth and will no longer do that.
A lot of good advice here. I would add that it's best to avoid ordering a lot of copies of anything early on in your journey. Your standards may change quickly, leaving you with product you're reluctant to sell. Also, if you sell on consignment, realize that cards and calendars will become shopworn and unsellable over time. Consider providing a sample or catalog sheet for people to handle.
Thank you so much. This is great advice. I'm gonna take a punt on a website with a gallery and prints shop in the new year. You've given me that little bit of extra confidence.
Really admire your work, beautiful images. This channel is a goldmine of fantastic, clear information with something for everyone. I'm a film user considering the switch to digital. This channel has been the most informative and helpful. The editing you do is so similar to crop, dodge and burn on multigrade papers, that it makes the 'digital manipulation' argument irrelevant. Thank you.
DUDE! I love these videos, literally confirmation that I'm doing things the right way haha. I have prints on consignment in local prominent business's in my hometown, and also set up at local makers Market type events where people sell their wares, and sell prints. In addition to holding my own events at local establishments. I have found experientially that my Instagram success and subsequent overall usefulness as a media transmission platform, has a direct correlation to the effort I put in out in the real world. Example being, my main source of followers and post reach are all people that I first met out at events, who in turn followed, shared, so on. GAHHHHH your videos are fire 😅😅😅😅😂
Social media is definitely not my cup of tea. More videos on this subject would be most welcome, sir! And thank you for this. It comes at a most timely point in my life!
Holy smokes! Look at your channel blowing up! You deserve every bit of it. Of all my photography channel subs, you’re my hands-down favorite. Congrats!
This video is so immensely helpful! This is all amazing advice I never would've been able to get without tons of trial and failure otherwise. Thank you!
I love you Simon. Thank you so much for these videos. I’m in the space where I feel good about my work, still have some self doubt, but I want to monetize on my art. People tell me all the time to make postcards and notecards with my photos.
So far ive grown my social media to pay a couple hundred a month. However I've missed a lot of opportunities because of my day job. I work 6-6 m-f and people want stuff done on the weekdays. I feel like my day job is holding me back also the quality of my work suffers on the weekends because I'm rushing through it either because I have to be to work early, I'm exhausted or I'm trying to split time with my family. I really love photography and have thousands of followers. This is something I don't want to give up.
Great tips, as usual! But, while I've learned to never say never, I have absolutely no intention to to turn my photography into a business. I'll stick to enjoying it as a hobby.
This was a brilliant video and some great tips. I used to sell photography in the past and let it slide, now i am getting back at it with a more professional outlook.
Woo what great advice now if I could get the courage to move but I will try I been working more on my shooting in the last few months and I have my own style which I like so I take your advice and see what happens. As I have told you before I very much respect and love your style in passing on advice it kind with the big head of far to many artists.
I've been an amateur photographer for about 4 years. I've always had trouble visualizing the value of my work and why should people choose my photos over some others. I think this video just solved that for me. I really like these ideas. I will explore these ideas in the future. Thanks for the great insights.
I doubt I would have ever searched for this topic, but this is another fantastic video with a tremendous amount of tips and useful information. Maybe I never pursue the professional route, but plenty of great ideas on how I could help a non-profit or local organization that is special to me. THANK YOU, Simon!
Wow. Am I glad I found this site. A great inspirational and educational experience. My camera gear consists of a D800, GH4 and Canon T90. With the proper photo editing software and camera tips at this time I don’t have a reason to up grade.
I love videos like this. I'm still an amateur but I'm hoping to make wildlife photography my career one day. You're the most helpful creator I've seen on youtube and I'm really thankful you make these videos!
Hey Simon, if you take suggestions: A video that talks about how to properly display your photos at home would be really cool (ie. you talked about matting today, but how do know if a mat is a good idea? How do you pick the size/width/color of a mat? What about framing?). I can’t be the only person that needs to lean on things like the rules of composition because I just don’t have an artistic eye (yet?). Thanks for all that you create!
Yes... yet another very good Simon video. The Marjorie thing was hilarious, and I don't need business cards or labels because all my photos have my shadow in them. Anyway... back in the eighties, wandering the streets of London (not-Ontario) with Ilford in my Oly, everyone ignored you because you were obviously just another hobbiest photographer. Roll on a few years and everyone ignored you because, Asian or not, you were obviously just another tourist. Now i can't move in public without people coming over and asking 'Are you a Photographer'. I always answer 'No, i take photographs'. It seems that there's the perception now that anyone with an actual camera and a big lens must be, somehow, doing it for pingers. I sometimes think about whether or not i want to monetize this investment of mine - i do put in a lot of hours. The handbrake for me is that i've turned past-passions into income before, and i'm really conscious of the risk of sacrificing the joy to the imperatives of making a living from it. Great guerilla-marketing advice though, Simon - we wish those who take it every success. Cheers and all the best.
Man, you're smart and probably one of the most informative channels for the technical aspects of landscape and wildlife photography these days. Thanks for the video and let me know if you ever come to Vancouver Island, would love to show you some wildlife ;-)
Bravo Peter! Standing O for this post. As someone who has been a photographer for 50 years, I have seen a lot of change. I have learned that the journey is the destination. If "Bangers" come along the way so be it. But documenting the whole journey is what I have focused on. Try to see everything along your way to a destination. Engage with the people you are with. There is so much to learn along the way. Photography is the tool we use to go through life and document what we can. As an art form, that is the bonus.
Great video Simon, as always! I employed many of the ideas here and had some success's here and there, but I would caution on doing too much "freebie" stuff as people will take advantage of you on the promise of "exposure". Be sure to evaluate the gains from said "freebies" periodically and be sure they align with your goals. Likes and Shares are great, but in the end, you can't pay your power bill with them. Keep doing what you do Man, LOVE your channel and content!
The videos you make are very informative and helpful. You have a way of explaining things in a way that shows why those things work well. Thank you. I definitely want to see more of this subject in the future.
Been watching you for a little while now. Congrats on winning mention in the Canada wildlife photo contest, I saw you on my feed, not sure what publication it was, but saw your name! Thankyou for all this helpful direction, the border state photos for tourists really got me! But all of this was just what I needed to learn, it will make a great difference in my future, so thank you Simon🙏💖
A big thank you for all your valuable tips, coming all the way from New Zealand. All very well presented. As a seasoned photographer myself, I've learned so much.
What’s your best technique to sell photos without social media? I’s love to know!
I used to photograph children's track & field event and as soon as they finish the event, I ask their name and address and send them tiny proof prints of themselves, along with prices depending on size of prints. Then I request them to send me a check based on what they ordered. That was during 35mm heyday and when I did my own black and white printing.
A tip for people in wildlife: Consider looking for local small wildlife-preservation and nature preservation groups. I know we have them here in Belgium with things like Natuurpunt. Before you make the full commitment of jumping full-time pro, you can offer your services for free - after all, these groups don't have a lot of money to pay for professionals, and you are probably making the pictures anyways. But this can be an 'in', as you grow, these groups talk, work together with publishers that might look for contract work, and you can potentially get referrals that way. Just make sure to make clear that as soon as it's no longer a local conservation effort, you need to start charging for your work.
I've entered a few contests (and even won a few) in the past. Don't know if that helps getting exposure though.
Prints of mine on bkank 5x7 note cards are my best sellers but also street faurs and local art gamey.
I'm a private investigator... I sell photos and video to lawyers, usually. ;)
I watch your videos over 99% of the rest of UA-cam photographers because your videos are plain fantastic. Clear cut, no nonsense and most importantly informative videos that aren't always trying to sell me on something, be it a sponsorship or product that put me in a virtual classroom. As an aspiring photographer, this kind of information delivered this way is priceless. Thank you.
Agreed!
I wholeheartedly agree, there are too many UA-camrs who regurgitate information in a sloppy manner like a lazy middle schooler writing about the news report he saw that morning. Not Simon! He presents your question, explains pitfalls, gives solutions, and even adds professional advice in such a condensed format I often replay to make sure I heard everything!
Exposure is one thing to really be careful with. A lot people and companies will say. " We will give you exposure in return" just trying to get free work.
This☝🏻 Don’t work for someone else’s definition of exposure. Quantify what you want to get out of the exchange and if they don’t agree to it then don’t accept the offer.
I love these tips! They remind me of how I "accidentally" started getting professional photography requests. I've never wanted to be a professional photographer, but I really enjoy shooting wildlife, sports, and music events that are of professional quality. If I would shoot a football game for families I knew, I made the images accessible to the families and coaches of the team. If I would shoot a concert, I would make the images accessible to the band and the owner of the venue. Without even trying, I was starting to get requests from teams and bands I didn't know to shoot their games and shows and were willing to pay me. It was also an indirect way of getting valuable feedback as to my talent and growth as a photographer. I'm still happiest being a "non-professional" photographer who does professional side gigs, but it is nice to know that I have an outlet that I enjoy that makes me a little money and would develop into something more full time if I wanted.
Any more tips on concert/gig photography? I'm looking to get into it, had tons of practice shooting my friend's band on their gigs, next month having my first paid gig for an acquaintance. That's a great tip to share photos with the venue, didn't even think of that lol
@@karloveliki5373 There's a few ways you can approach it. Where I live, we have live, free, outdoor music every night in the summer at different locations in town. I just take my camera, get there a little early, and ask the band if they would mind if I would take pictures of their show from the crowd. They always say yes and sometimes they'll give me a business card and ask me to send them the pictures. I always offer them for free when I just show up. After seeing my work, a couple bands have asked me to shoot another show and they always offer to pay me something for the second show. I never demand a specific fee since I do this as a hobby, but, more times than not, the band will offer to pay about what I would have thought my time was work. If I were to go pro, I would also make a photo book with sample of my shows. That way if you get a band that wants to see your work before they give you permission to shoot their show, you have a quick reference to what you have done to give them confidence to say "yes" to your request. Again, I'm not a "pro," I just go out and have fun shooting. So, my tips might not best, but this is what I would do if I were you.
I'm at this stage as well ... and before I knew it people asked me if I can shoot their swimming events. By helping them promoting their event, I develop my skills, meet other photographers and catch some advice here and there. I still feel bad when they ask the price of the picture, so everything is free and I feel better. Maybe one day, I'll overcome this feeling :)
Great information! Photo Organizing services are another way that many photographers have added a new income stream to their work.
I started down the stock photography and social media rabbit hole and, honestly, found it demoralizing. And I was starting to just try to "crank out content". I took a pause this year and just went back to doing photography for me, working on art I find compelling. I've been getting a whole lot out of your videos and the quality of my work is improving dramatically. As you mentioned, my work started getting noticed and I've started doing some non-profit volunteer work that has been getting me some great exposure. My business cards are circulating around the local community and a just one of the photo gigs I've gotten has been worth more than all my stock photo efforts to date. Thanks again for all that you do here. I can't say it enough.
Stock photography is not a bad way to make money. Stock Video is even better and there is still loads of opportunities
"cranking out content" sounds all too familiar. Tried the whole "youtuber" thing and I've never been as "burned out" before. Happy to hear you got it back on track doing what you like!
dude, although I'm just a hobbyist, with no intention of gaining any money with photography or anything like that, still I have to say: these were 15 minutes of real SOLID advice, the kind of thing that can change someone's life, I'm impressed
nice to see this kind of material available for anyone, great job!
This man is not only an exceptional photographer is exceptionally intelligent
Im a good landscape photographer who never thought about selling my work. Now you have inspired me to take that next step. Thank you!
Great to hear!
A good one I got into was real estate photography. Not a lot of people talk about this option. Started charging $200 per 1 story house and $400 for a 2 story home under their enlistment. And then once you start getting better you can up charge your services. And then play with numbers when it comes to 1 story to a 2 story home. Some people I know charge a flat rate per or by hour. It’s honestly up to you.
This was some real ass mf advice. I'm 23 and people always tell me I have an old soul because I like old music, or old film cameras. That's not the reason, it's because I fw people like you. You just cannot beat experience and you prove that to me every video.
0:18 Simon plugs his instagram insisting on the ways you could avoid having one. Genius!
I have scoured the bowels of UA-cam to find advice on photography and they all focus on their bias towards brands and offer little to no advice and even worse just bad and completely wrong advice. You channel is always my go to. You sincerity in wanting to truly help people out become better photographers is a breath of fresh air and I hope you never stop. I’ve learned more from you in your short videos then I ever have in hours of others. If you have more workshops in the future I hope to join you one day and show the beauty of nature to others. Thanks for your work.
Friends keep asking me to sell them my photos after they see them. After listening to your suggestions, I decided it was go time! I went online and ordered photo cards as they were asked for already. The aurora borealis pics I took will wait til I see the quality for me to be sure. Then I have people who want to buy blow up photos to frame. Guess this is how I am starting. I did free photoshoots already for several people now. I love taking nature shots though. My used zoom lens I just got made such clear photos, I chose them to make cards out of within 3 days of taking pics. Thanks for all your encouraging words Simon.
What’s the lens?
@@joelwilliam7295 For the Nikon it is the 200mm to 500mm Nikon lens used but was in mint condition. Found one for $270.
one of the best teacher on UA-cam
I think I heard Joel Grimes say something like 'you don't need to be the next Britney Spears of photography to make good money'. Basically to work in your community and not to take on 100 clients when you can only handle 5 right now. Would love to see more content like this and get into some details and examples!
Great advice, thank you. I currently work as an engineer, but I would give it all up in an instant to follow my dream and become a photographer.
You can do it!
Great video and well worth watching. I sell my prints and always talk to potential clients. I see so many artist and topographers just sitting in the back of their booth on their phone and can't figure out why nobody looks or buys their work. Business is totally different in any field. You can be the best at what you do but blow your brains out because you don't understand business.
I love your ideas, the main reason why i don’t post my pictures on social media, is that my friends give it a bad rating, and then my pictures won’t be spread. But this video helped me, thx bro👍
I feel that people hugely under value working for "free" in exchange for experience and connections. I do large events now all because I offered to shoot for free in exchange for tagging me in their posts with my photos. I offer this to a lot of young photographers looking to improve their skills with shooting moving cars/motorcycles at a race track, none have taken me up on it and they miss out on huge connections.
GOLDEN ADVICE that bridges different genre ..!!
I had clicked on your video right after watching a video from someone else where they explained that all of their income had come from social media and sponsors. It really let me down since I don’t have 20k followers never mind 200k.
Your tips are incredibly helpful, the only person on UA-cam to give direct and practical advice. We love your videos.
Great video. I’ve personally done the approaching a new local business. This one a restaurant right next to where my photos I have on display were taken. I’ve since moved from the area but still am selling my prints because of that exposure alone. And whenever I go back for a visit it’s a great feeling to see them still happily displayed and a friendly welcome from the owner.
That is awesome!
Hello Simon,
I don't have words to express my feelings after watching your videos.
Keep on posting video Learning Photography and it's Business.
With lots of greetings from India.
Thanks, will do!
Your videos deserve 100000 likes
Simon you are the best! Your "pay it forward" teaching is ALWAYS worth the time spent watching!
Wow, thanks!
For me, knowing what would sell is the biggest challenge. I've submited photo's loved by the FB groups I've shared them on etc, just to get feedback that the photo looks great but isn't something they think would sell. With all the sites available who sell prints online etc these days, the biggest challenge is getting that shot which is different enough from the rest.
This is the most valuable photography channel I have even watched since the beginning of the internet. Thank you.
Wow, thanks!
So many UA-camrs these days would ask for a paid subscription to some course for this information, so thank you so much for just sharing without the financial gain. You’ve got a sub from me ((:
You're so welcome!
As a hobbyist, my goal is to cover costs of any new equipment I buy. I made it this year! I take plant close ups and edit in real life and stylized. Surprisingly, I found that cards are a good commodity. Low cost to make and a good mark up. Also, I have nursery friends that let me set up at their places for free if they are having an event. Another hint is check out different printing companies, the one I use for metal prints offers me a gallery for free. Good luck to all.
If you like Children or Portrait Photography, volunteering to provide your Church congregation portraits or Pre School Portraits worked for me
🏆This Video is a WINNER!!! Thank You Simon!
Wonderful video, Simon. I'm an armature at many things, but a professional at my vocation (23 years and counting) and am self-employed. I love the tips you are giving to the fledgling photographers who are looking for a way to make their passion a profession. It reminds me of the conversations I have with musicians. There's a perception I think that the only choice people have to make a living is by social media. It's just one of many tools. I think the last few years really highlighted the importance of face-to-face transactions as a great way to build a career in a global society that has been increasingly isolated through the massive increase in time spent in shallow social media relationships. The recent research findings of correlation of time spent in social media and the positive correlation with depression is an evidence of this. I think you are giving some great pointers for the next generation to think 'old-school' and get out face-to-face with potential new admirers.
I feel that people hugely under value working for "free" in exchange for experience and connections. I do large events now all because I offered to shoot for free in exchange for tagging me in their posts with my photos. I offer this to a lot of young photographers looking to improve their skills with shooting moving cars/motorcycles at a race track, none have taken me up on it and they miss out on huge connections.
Not the first time watching this video, and probably not the last! SO many notes taken! You're such a wealth of information, and you deliver it beautifully. Thank you, Simon!
Glad it was helpful!
Good lessons there for my daughter in law. She buys astrophotos from NASA, and then over-paints them --BAK
Compared to a lot of similar videos on the same subject. THIS is gold!
Here in Germany we call it “Mundpropaganda” and that’s exactly how it worked 30 years ago. As a guitarist, I attended many local band concerts, always with my Canon A1 Prg. and a good zoom. I later gave the prints I made to the bands and my phone number. I did that for a few weeks because it was my hobby as well as music and then the calls started coming in, even from bands I didn't know. It was easy money, for nothing. Was just my hobby...
Two years ago I shot a Calendar of local rescue//adopted pets and sold the Calendar to raise money for a local animal rescue organization. I was able to raise just over 3k 😊. I’ve just started a second Calendar for 2025, I’m hoping it does as well (100% of the proceeds went to the rescue, I had a business donate for the printing)
Wow!! This much hustle to sell photos!! Insane.
Thank you for the video.
My pleasure!
Hello Simon!
Right now i´m just a teenager with a dream: being a professional photographer. Months have passed by, a lot of your videos made me self consious about my mistakes and after thousands of photographs I feel ready to the next step, from a hobby to a proffesion. I was really worried about how I could earn money with my craft, and this video just appeared in my "for you page" Thank you so much for sharing these advices.
Fantastic advice! Thanks for taking me along!
it may be different in Canada but here in the US, calendars have proven to not be worth my time. I printed them for 4 years. I "sold" about 50 to 75 each year. By the time I found a printer that produced quality product on good paper, had them shipped to me and then I mailed them to the clients, margins were skinny. Last year, I didn't realize there was a substantial increase in postage for padded envelopes and actually lost about $.50 for every calendar. However, I had quoted a price and was not going back to increase it by several dollars so I decided to eat the cost. Last year was the last time I'm gong to print them to sell. From here on out, I will be printing about 20-25 to give to friends and family as Christmas gifts. I never did it to make money but at least break even on my cost plus enough for gas to and from the post office and cover the cost of the envelopes and mailing labels. I found them to be more trouble than they were worth and will no longer do that.
My first year I sold 400 at $35 and my cost was $15. That being said, it was indeed work, and agree postage seems to be a rising cost.
A lot of good advice here.
I would add that it's best to avoid ordering a lot of copies of anything early on in your journey. Your standards may change quickly, leaving you with product you're reluctant to sell.
Also, if you sell on consignment, realize that cards and calendars will become shopworn and unsellable over time. Consider providing a sample or catalog sheet for people to handle.
Great tip!
Thank you so much. This is great advice. I'm gonna take a punt on a website with a gallery and prints shop in the new year. You've given me that little bit of extra confidence.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice, is social in person, sometime is better because we need to talk to people in person.😊
Really admire your work, beautiful images. This channel is a goldmine of fantastic, clear information with something for everyone. I'm a film user considering the switch to digital. This channel has been the most informative and helpful. The editing you do is so similar to crop, dodge and burn on multigrade papers, that it makes the 'digital manipulation' argument irrelevant. Thank you.
It is really an honor for me to learn from you, I learned many things from your videos. Many thanks
Thanks yet again for this unbelievably rich set of seemingly solid suggestions. Il faut me mettre au travail!
Have fun!
DUDE! I love these videos, literally confirmation that I'm doing things the right way haha. I have prints on consignment in local prominent business's in my hometown, and also set up at local makers Market type events where people sell their wares, and sell prints. In addition to holding my own events at local establishments. I have found experientially that my Instagram success and subsequent overall usefulness as a media transmission platform, has a direct correlation to the effort I put in out in the real world. Example being, my main source of followers and post reach are all people that I first met out at events, who in turn followed, shared, so on. GAHHHHH your videos are fire 😅😅😅😅😂
you are becoming one of my fav photography channel
Happy to hear that!
good info, much better than people who just say go sell all your hard work for $.25 of pop on stock photography sites
Thanks, some great ideas there. Social Media is much too crowded generally but of course does have tremendous reach.
Social media is definitely not my cup of tea. More videos on this subject would be most welcome, sir! And thank you for this. It comes at a most timely point in my life!
Love your videos so much. I find social media exhausting, so I am excited to hear what you have to say about this.
Thank you so much!
The density of worthful information in your videos is unseen. Thank you so much, sir! 🙏
And yes, I'd love to see more business videos from you!
Holy smokes! Look at your channel blowing up! You deserve every bit of it. Of all my photography channel subs, you’re my hands-down favorite. Congrats!
Thanks very much!
great advice, I am selling some but realize how much work it is for not much money,
Thanks a lot for your advice! I guess many people want to share their work without entering the noise of social media...
Hi from Western Australia. Great video as always. Really true and valuable information and tips. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
This video is so immensely helpful! This is all amazing advice I never would've been able to get without tons of trial and failure otherwise. Thank you!
I love you Simon. Thank you so much for these videos. I’m in the space where I feel good about my work, still have some self doubt, but I want to monetize on my art. People tell me all the time to make postcards and notecards with my photos.
Another great one, Mr d'Entremont. Thank you so much for educating us.
My pleasure!
You’re on your game, man. Keep up the great content
Thanks, will do!
Simon - you have a real gift and the other UA-camrs are still out there shopping. At least that's the way this sailor sees it _/)_
You are literally the best photography UA-camr! Thank you for these really useful tips, Simon!
Wow, thanks!
Many doing review of gears...etc
But you gave insight of photography business.
i learned a lot today
Glad to hear that
So far ive grown my social media to pay a couple hundred a month. However I've missed a lot of opportunities because of my day job. I work 6-6 m-f and people want stuff done on the weekdays. I feel like my day job is holding me back also the quality of my work suffers on the weekends because I'm rushing through it either because I have to be to work early, I'm exhausted or I'm trying to split time with my family. I really love photography and have thousands of followers. This is something I don't want to give up.
Thank you for the video Simon! My journey is all the better with you helping me along.
Rock on!
This is pure gold
Great tips, as usual! But, while I've learned to never say never, I have absolutely no intention to to turn my photography into a business. I'll stick to enjoying it as a hobby.
This was a brilliant video and some great tips. I used to sell photography in the past and let it slide, now i am getting back at it with a more professional outlook.
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice! Yes, please, more videos on the business, including the website work.
Woo what great advice now if I could get the courage to move but I will try I been working more on my shooting in the last few months and I have my own style which I like so I take your advice and see what happens. As I have told you before I very much respect and love your style in passing on advice it kind with the big head of far to many artists.
I've been an amateur photographer for about 4 years. I've always had trouble visualizing the value of my work and why should people choose my photos over some others. I think this video just solved that for me. I really like these ideas. I will explore these ideas in the future. Thanks for the great insights.
I doubt I would have ever searched for this topic, but this is another fantastic video with a tremendous amount of tips and useful information. Maybe I never pursue the professional route, but plenty of great ideas on how I could help a non-profit or local organization that is special to me. THANK YOU, Simon!
Glad it was helpful!
Wow. Am I glad I found this site. A great inspirational and educational experience. My camera gear consists of a D800, GH4 and Canon T90. With the proper photo editing software and camera tips at this time I don’t have a reason to up grade.
I love videos like this. I'm still an amateur but I'm hoping to make wildlife photography my career one day. You're the most helpful creator I've seen on youtube and I'm really thankful you make these videos!
You can do it!
Thank you Simon. Good advice and great encouragement.
Very welcome
Yes, please make more videos about the business of photography. Thank you.
You got it!
That’s was really helpful. I’m not looking to head this way - but I often ponder doing so.
Hey Simon, if you take suggestions: A video that talks about how to properly display your photos at home would be really cool (ie. you talked about matting today, but how do know if a mat is a good idea? How do you pick the size/width/color of a mat? What about framing?). I can’t be the only person that needs to lean on things like the rules of composition because I just don’t have an artistic eye (yet?). Thanks for all that you create!
I have a video on printing (color gamuts, etc) and displaying photos on my to-to list.
Yes... yet another very good Simon video. The Marjorie thing was hilarious, and I don't need business cards or labels because all my photos have my shadow in them. Anyway... back in the eighties, wandering the streets of London (not-Ontario) with Ilford in my Oly, everyone ignored you because you were obviously just another hobbiest photographer. Roll on a few years and everyone ignored you because, Asian or not, you were obviously just another tourist. Now i can't move in public without people coming over and asking 'Are you a Photographer'. I always answer 'No, i take photographs'. It seems that there's the perception now that anyone with an actual camera and a big lens must be, somehow, doing it for pingers. I sometimes think about whether or not i want to monetize this investment of mine - i do put in a lot of hours. The handbrake for me is that i've turned past-passions into income before, and i'm really conscious of the risk of sacrificing the joy to the imperatives of making a living from it. Great guerilla-marketing advice though, Simon - we wish those who take it every success. Cheers and all the best.
Simon, your the best!
Simon. This presentation by you I feel has been one of your very best. Very informative. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
✨Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Wish you all the best!
May you be will and Happy! ✨
Man, you're smart and probably one of the most informative channels for the technical aspects of landscape and wildlife photography these days. Thanks for the video and let me know if you ever come to Vancouver Island, would love to show you some wildlife ;-)
Thanks 👍
Bravo Peter! Standing O for this post. As someone who has been a photographer for 50 years, I have seen a lot of change. I have learned that the journey is the destination. If "Bangers" come along the way so be it. But documenting the whole journey is what I have focused on. Try to see everything along your way to a destination. Engage with the people you are with. There is so much to learn along the way. Photography is the tool we use to go through life and document what we can. As an art form, that is the bonus.
Opps. Wrong video. Sorry.
Great video Simon, as always! I employed many of the ideas here and had some success's here and there, but I would caution on doing too much "freebie" stuff as people will take advantage of you on the promise of "exposure". Be sure to evaluate the gains from said "freebies" periodically and be sure they align with your goals. Likes and Shares are great, but in the end, you can't pay your power bill with them. Keep doing what you do Man, LOVE your channel and content!
Agree!
Simon, great video and advice, inspired by this and I will make it my mission to make some money from my photography in 2024.
Priceless tips and, as usual, comprehensive, well structured and actionnable!
Thank you Simon!
Many thanks!
This is such a valuable content!!! I highly appreciate and recommend this video💖
Thank you so much ‼️
Deserving is a huge understatement, Simon. Thank you for this exceptional, informative video.
Much appreciated!
Really usefull down to earth tips. It's a tpic we don't see often on photography chanel.
Could you please make a best photo of the week month or even year, it would be very interesting to see more of your photos🤞🙏
I'm really enjoying your videos. It's great to have someone making videos that aren't just gear reviews all the time.
Glad you enjoy it!
The videos you make are very informative and helpful. You have a way of explaining things in a way that shows why those things work well. Thank you. I definitely want to see more of this subject in the future.
Been watching you for a little while now. Congrats on winning mention in the Canada wildlife photo contest, I saw you on my feed, not sure what publication it was, but saw your name! Thankyou for all this helpful direction, the border state photos for tourists really got me! But all of this was just what I needed to learn, it will make a great difference in my future, so thank you Simon🙏💖
P s your photos and their beauty and purity makes you one of my most favorite of online teachers thus far
Thanks!
A big thank you for all your valuable tips, coming all the way from New Zealand. All very well presented. As a seasoned photographer myself, I've learned so much.
My pleasure!
I just might give it go, Simon!