Thank you so much for posting this, I think you're the first person I've seen who actually breaks down the pricing in a realistic way. Your honesty is so appreciated!
2% making pictures, 3% printing, 95% marketing. So long as people know that successful marketing is the keys. If people don't know you exist they won't buy prints. I would also recommend staying away from these print on demand type websites.. The likely hood of you appearing on the top of the search results is almost zero unless your picture is very very niche.
I’m confused about the print on demand sights. Isnt the point to grow a following and then link them directly to these print on demand sights where your work is to purchase? I don’t see the scenario where people just browse the sight and maybe find you being how you run it
I’ve really got into walking and photography now, I’ve built up a following of over 3000 on fb, I’ve had a couple of photos put on the bbc weather which felt brilliant. Thanks for the inspiration, hopefully one day someone will want to buy one of my photos.
It’s not the printing that’s putting me off (I use Whitewall) but the framing. If you don’t want cheap tat it can be quite expensive. Nevertheless a great video as usual. As for selling prints as an amateur, it’s been a chastening experience as your expected to practically give them away.
Рік тому+3
Same for me. That’s why I tend to print on canvas. That way, I don’t have to add a frame, keeps the cost down.
Yep, framing bumps the cost up massively. I can't bring myself to sell cheap frames. If I sell the print alone though and people use a cheaper frame, that works for me.
Great work Adam. I have a Canon IPF6400 plotter with 12 inks that make beautiful nice prints. I want to ask you: how do you protect the print itself? Don't you do any kind of lamination? How you ensure the the client does not put the print in a frame with a plain glass, and the print sticks to it? Thank you for you videos! Greetings from Portugal.
The Pro 1000 printer is out of my price range as an amateur. But I'm very happy with my Canon PIXMA Pro 200. It's $550 USD, uses 8 cartridges, and takes paper up to 13" x 19" (A3+), or pano paper up to 13" x 39" via the rear feeder.
Is there any cheaper printer option, very budget friendly, to start deeping your feet into it and understand if that's something it might work for you?
Thank you for this insightful video. I use a lab to print C types and I have mounted 15x10 prints of mainly local scenes on sale in a local coffee/gift shop. They are £30 each. Feedback from potential customers is: "they are too expensive", or " I could have taken that!" Even mounted 7x5 prints at a tenner each have been slow sellers!
I had a question about the shipping. Rolling the print into a tube. Personally I have received prints that were rolled from a Print House and really didn’t care for that. I felt that a rolled print wouldn’t lay flat and mount as well or the print might have got damaged being rolled around itself. Your opinion on Rolled vs Flat please? BTW, very nice presentation with this video and a very i interesting subject.
There is no doubt that flat packing is better. But it’s significant less convenient and therefore quite a lot more expensive. With a roll there are device that can be used to flatten the image out, but rolling it carefully the opposite way around the packing tube can also help. I’ve also, in the past, turned it upside down and then laid a load of heavy books on it. It takes time but work pretty well. also, if you take a rolled print to a professional framers, they are very used to dealing with rolled artwork.
With regards to the £70 per hour - shouldn’t you divide that by the number of prints you expect to sell? You didn’t take a separate photo for every physical print. Am I missing something obvious?
@@TVe200 It would be rare that would happen. And if it does, he could offer a bulk discount. Pricing your work is about averaging. Plus, I'm not sure why he isn't including the shooting of the photo.
Prepare the paper, put it in the printer, use the computer, run the print, quality check, sign and wait for ink to dry (if not using a pencil) carefully packing it up, print the accompanying card, prepare and pay for the shipping label, print off invoice, attach all to the packaging, take to the depot. It's an hour of work per print......easily!!!
I'm just getting started on my photography adventure and I gotta tell you - This is the clearest and most concise breakdown of this process I've come across. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, skills and talent.
A really good breakdown of the process Adam - so informative - thank you!. I've not looked at printing seriously but it's something I want to try this year. That print is fabulous too! What gorgeous conditions. Great to see you enjoying your work!
Adam, Many thanks for this video. I have been looking for a step-by-step guide on how to do this for some time. In order to get there, I need to invest in a printer and also invest the time I need to take to generate that buzz you describe. I have photographed a lot more things locally with a view to building a local audience and also, this year, cut down on mileage and petrol costs and reduce my carbon footprint a bit. One thing you made clear is that using a lab to print my work will reduce or eliminate any margin that can be made, so having my own printer is key. It’s going to take me a while to get there, but I believe your video will be an invaluable reference to return to when my time comes. Thanks again! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Anthony
I’m purchasing a canon pro 200 this week. I’ve been undecided between the 200 and 300 but think that the 200 is ideal for my first proper photographic printer. Really looking forward to it and your videos have been loads of help. Cheers.
As interesting as your price calculation is, ANYTHING is only worth whatever somebody else is willing to pay. I somehow doubt there is a big (or even smallish) market for photo prints from no names willing to pay around $200 for one print. Just keeping it real! Like with other start ups, you might have to take a loss in the beginning to get some traction. Make a living with this? Talk to any musician, they are in the same boat.
I'm really frustrated that the audio is mute wth.....super pissed really Nevermind just finely got mad and closed youtube and opened back up and audio is working now...I apologize
Thanks for another great one, Adam. If I have a "regret" as a long time hobbyist photographer it's that I haven't printed nearly enough since "going digital" in 2006. I've been working on fixing that for the last year or so, although I've yet to take the plunge for the gear to produce the physical print and still rely on others for that (for now). It's definitely been wonderful putting my hands on more of my photos and I even did a small run of 75 2022 calendars that were a hit and shipped to half a dozen US states (which surprised me since they were all images from my small county). Keep the great content coming!
Thanks for posting! :) I've just ordered the new iPhone 14 Pro Max, so I'm intrigued to see how big I can print.. I've heard good things about the 48MP camera.
As someone considering selling some prints... I'm wondering if there is an app or something for Windows - that would allow me to sign them... much like how a painter artist signs their work?
The old business adage is true, the 80/20 principle where 80% of your sales come from the 20% of your customers. I recently bought the Canon Image Pro 300 and the prints are fantastic.
Thanks for posting this Adam.I went to the Canon showroom in Ginza Tokyo today to have a look at the PRO1000. Beautiful showroom. I was treated like a valuable customer. They made two A2-size prints for me of a winter garden scene that I had photographed. (No charge). When the time comes later this year, of course I will buy the printer from them. Thanks for the heads up on the printer and for the other valuable information contained in this video. Cheers. Dave.
It usually takes me a few sheets to figure out printing. Then I get discouraged and shut it down for a long time again. I'm never sure if I should be printing from the canon program or Lightroom and which Lightroom.
Hello Mister,may i ask from your humble opinion if you include your watermarks on selling your landscape?is it okay for the buyer to have your watermark or u dont include at all?i hope u notice me.
I use a canon cp1500 for post card size prints. 120 for the printer or 170 for the print and MAKE SURE THE PRINT IS THE RP-108 there’s another one that’s kr-108. You print 56 prints per cart with the RP-108 and the KP-108 is 36 per cart. They give you 3 carts but what’s the point
All I need to know about the practical side of printing photos in one video,, for free! Thanks, Adam. The biggest obstacle is psychological: Do I believe anybody would pay $200 for a print of mine? I'll never know if I don't ask.
I am a pro photographer that has literally sold THOUSANDS of prints. Yes thousands. My prints are typically 11 x 14 but sometimes larger. I also spent over 40 years as a director for a Fortune 200 chemical company, so I know economics and margin dynamics. The first rule is..... The actual PRICE you set for your print, has nothing to do with what it costs you to make that print. That is the single biggest mistake people make. Your "cost" is simply a walk-away. If you cannot make enough money given your costs.....then get out of that business. PRICE is market driven, so one must have local market knowledge. Without making this too long a post the general rule is...."If you are not losing some business due to price, you are priced too low !!" You are leaving money on the table.
Hi Adam, such valuable information (and makes me want to get one of those printers). I would love to hear your thoughts on photo paper. As I just organised an exposition with 45x60cm framed photo prints, but all the framed photo's started to curl up in their frame. Do you know if there's a paper type that is less sensitive to humidity and temperature differences? Thanks mate
Thank you for step by step! I print and it is a whole different skill set, wouldn't you say? Last weekend, I was pulling my hair out - couldn't get the color right only to find out the printer nozzle(s) were clogged. It is easy enough to push a button to clear and test it but these are issues people may not realize. It is an understanding paper printer profiles, etc. I have learned so much in printing and has made me a better photographer. Recreating that 'luminosity' on paper can be a challenge - and really the backlit screen and light on the front of the paper are two different worlds. I have just begun to accept this and look at the image as it stands alone. You make it look so easy. And your contrast, etc look perfect.! Thanks again. OH I wanted ask you if you would ever consider POD - Print on Demand to send out your prints?
Great video Adam. I like to support other photographers as well and just purchased your book in support of your journey. I look forward to seeing your images in the flesh. I recently purchased the Pro-1000 and fired it up last night and its awesome. I was testing and printing until 4am this morning and will have a few prints as gifts this Christmas. Some great videos this year from you - nice one. Enjoy the festivities ahead
My photography teacher (mind you it was a community college) acted like I was crazy when I saw a print displayed from another student and wanted to buy it. Of course that teachers bread and butter was ad work and my favorite thing to shoot is landscapes.
Sadly I've a few thousand images sitting in my Lr folder with nothing printed at all, I tend to be my own worst critic looking for flaws etc, for those of us that can't justify the outlay of a professional printer could you recommend a UK based printing business that you would recommend? Also what type of paper would you use? (Maybe it depends on the type of image I know)..Thanks for all of the great content you have put out this year. Hope you have a very peaceful Christmas and 2023 to come.
Great stuff. Ive been using labs for ages and considering doing my own now. How do you feel the quality is for longetivity (i.e. archival)? I'm a holdover from when inkjets first came out and they "bleed" everywhere. I suppose this is no longer? Clean edges? What about smudging and drying? So many questions... sorry and thanks.
I am a photographer who wants to invest in a printer that prints canvas. is this printer capable in printing canvas? if yes, Pre cut or roller canvas? what type of canvas is best for it? thank you.
how do you hang it? i just ordered the pro1000 and i'm planing to giva A2 printo all my clients. the problem is the only way i find to mount my prints is to frame them in a wooden frames with plexyglas. This i find too cheapy..... what are your suggestions? @@Firstmanphotography
Adam, I think this is one of best videos you have produced, all the way around: style, content, editing, score, etc. Great job! Re: printing. I have had my own art printed by a lab before (and sold my photographs through labs), and while I have entertained purchasing a printer, pulling the trigger is something all together a bit more... risky. Perhaps one day I will. Thank you for your content and candor. keep up the good work.
I really loved this video! I've been a professional photographer for 12+ years, I have traveled to 40 countries, but I've never sold my work. Due to some health issues I had to quit my commercial photography career and am looking to pursue fine art full time so I can work on my own time. It's daunting when you know your work would make amazing art but there's so much involved besides the actual art making so this was super helpful!
This is such an insanely helpful video. I just started selling some prints in a local shop and had no idea how to go about the whole process. Thank you so much Adam!!
wonderful and really helpful vid that makes me think about things I had never considered. Absolutey love your channel and the advice you give, thank you!
Another great video - really useful for someone like me starting to sell their work. I should say that I've had no luck selling my images via my website, but to be fair I've not put any work into publicizing my website or search optimization. On the other hand, exhibitions and arts fairs have worked really well for me.
Let me start by saying, I've enjoyed and received some benefit from several of your videos, including parts of this one. But, with specific reference to your advice on pricing, I have to take serious issue. The pricing of anything, whether it's a service, manufactured goods, or art can only be based on the appeal of the product to its audience. Basic economics tells us, that the value (pricing) of anything must simultaneously consist of 4 components; 1) Utility, in that it must provide a useful purpose; 2) Desirability, being desired by those to whom it serves a purpose; 3) Scarcity relative to its demand (desirability); and 4) Affordability. Value/price has absolutely NOTHING whatever to do with cost, which is contrary to what you're advising in this video. The fact is, it may take many hours and lots of money to produce a finished product or piece of art that no one wants, which makes that product or piece of art worthless. The process for pricing art is no different than pricing any other product which always starts by identifying the probable buyer, estimating their demand for what you want to sell to them, then measuring your product's desirability against those of your competitors. Thanks again for your videos, and I do look forward to viewing more in the future.
I totally get what you say about pricing. I agree... If you are relying on that money as a pro. But I wonder how the pricing changes, if a hobbyist wants to sell prints "just for fun". For example, I'm a hobby photographer. I don't rely on money from my hobby. So I don't need to count in things like expenses for a printer, ink, etc. (At least in my opinion). If I would make money from a photo, cool. If not, fine. So I could say (maybe on a flea market) 50€ for a print and it's yours. (Framing not included)... So my questions is: Is this ok? And is this fair towards pros? What do you think?
You definitely don't have to worry about it being fair to the pro's. Thats not their problem, not yours. I do however think we should not under-value photography because it could give a wider impression that it's worthless, when clearly it is not.
I got the Pro-1000 about a year ago. It was on sale for 800EUR. I was still hesitant because it is a lot of change. But, oh my word! The prints that come out of it! I don’t think I will ever be able to go back! And printing the work is so enjoyable! I can only recommend to get a printer.
@@aloha1990. it depends on so many factors like size, suject, paper, print quality etc. I couldn’t tell you. But when you first start with the printer, it needs a lit of ink for the first start. Then it slows down and an ink can last you a little. Also, you need to print regularitly. Otherwise the ink will dry up and you will consume a lot of ink again to get it freed up. But there is a print calculator as mentioned by Adam in the video. I suggest you get it and see for yourself.
@@aloha1990. It should, like mine, come with the first load and 5 sheets of Canon Pro Luster A3 printing paper. But you always need ink afterwards. However, printing it in a professional printing service is still more expensive. But it remains a significant investment
Merry Christmas to you and your family, great videos, you inspire others with your art and videos. Could you share what photo cutter you are using and what size? It appears to be the Dahle 554 Professional Rotary Trimmer but I'm not sure if it's the 20 inch or the 28 inch. Thanks for the information, and keep up the great work.
I have printed a few pictures of mine over the years and purchased my sister a Selphy printer that she loves and I got one too just the other day. Fed up of the useless non pro Pixma range so my daughters can use the Selphy. Printing is cool and should be part of everyone’s workflow regardless of if they are sold or not.
After calculating that $230, does that include shipping? I know international shipping can be variable. Creating a base price for that, or factoring it into your overall print cost, would probably be helpful. Yet you have to adapt that based on the country and actual cost. I can't imagine you included this in your calculations, considering this. I appreciate you letting me know.
@@Firstmanphotography That makes sense. Thanks for the response! I do have another question. I'm working on getting my photography website set up and going, and I have been trying to figure out what to do for printing. I don't have my own large-format printer/s. I try to keep things within the photography/artistic community. There's a very small professional print company I know of in another state. I'm in Colorado, they're in California. I could use them for print fulfillment, which would be nice. They'd have to charge sales tax to satisfy local state laws. I'd have to withhold it on my end to satisfy my state's tax laws. So it would be doubled. There's no real way around this as I'm not able to be licensed for business in both states. These things can get complicated, especially for a sole proprietorship. I also work full time. So I can't really afford to start off with that many licenses, all the logistics, and tax considerations. My question is would you start off with a POD company like Printify, or would you opt for the small business within the community, even if it meant higher costs and less profits? I see what you've been talking about in your videos, doing more to support one another and realize the mediums of photography and printing aren't as big as they once were. I've been trying to weigh the options and figure out what's best prior to going live with my site. Thanks for anything you can share. I'm sure you've been through things like this yourself. That's why I thought you'd be a good person to ask.
I'm looking into a photo printer, more for home use than generating income...though it would be nice on the side. I'm looking right now at the Epson Expression XP970, I was originally trying to get my hands on the Canon Pixma IP8720 as it was on sale for $200(Can) at my local camera store but sold out almost instantly. The Epson I'm eyeing is off an auction site, so I'm hoping to try and score it. So I'm trying to do this on the cheap since its not a money generating investment. I know someone who also does this on the side with a Canon T3 but his family owns/runs a print shop business, allowing him to do some really nice large prints for sale. And probably shipping as well.
awesome vid but found this vid and clicked as I thought it would be more of a general guide. In the sense of I dont have the cannon products so how would you go about it. Also how did you get your hourly rate to £70, thats crazy to me but I've only dont £10ph jobs before so just curious how I would decide that.
You work out your hourly rate based on what you need to survive + what profit you can add on top based on the value you provide. It is a very individual thing.
Great video, packed with useful info. I was a photographer over 30 years ago and just starting to get back into it as a hobby and have been wondering about potentially selling my images as part time income. I just subbed to your channel on the strength of this single video. Question for you. My vision is create a photography/travel blog. Basically just create a blog about things I like to photograph. No delusion about becoming some huge blogger, but if I could make 'coffee' money from this, it would make me happy. Have you any thoughts on the blog approach to making money from your work?
It's tough. I love writing about photography though. I am actually going to be talking more about this in an upcoming video about the monetisation of digital content.
Love and respect both your attitude to print buying and selling and your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience. As a photographer with limited wall space, I collect smaller boxed print sets and would encourage all photographers to sell these. They offer an accessible, practical and enjoyable way of sharing fine art prints widely in our community.
I am using Wordpress for my website. I want to add a store and allow people to purchase prints directly from my site. I want people to go through the checkout and that to process directly to a print center as I would not be printing them myself. Im on the road, and I cant print, nor can I process the prints due to lack of wifi/data. So, if it can all do one on demand, that would be ideal. Any idea how I can do this?
Hi Adam, as usual a very clear and helpful video, thank you. Would you be able to suggest any suppliers for the boxes and tubes for sending photographs in as you showed please? (Ex P.S. 2621 SWP) many thanks.
Great video. Are there “standard” sizes for your prints? IE A4, 3, 2 etc? I’m just thinking about what ratio I should have in mind when creating images..
Great vid and great images. Personally, I would never use the scaling function on my Canon printer for quality purposes. My 300 dpi tif file is usually about 16x24" from the raw file. When I am done processing, I then use upsizing and sharpening software to prep files for various sizes and media textures, such as 60x38". I would be afraid of a quality hit using the scaling function in CPPL as I couldn't control for dpi and sharpening.
Hi Adam. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Great channel I am a big fan of your work. I have a question if you don't mind answering. Where do you purchase your packaging tubes and boxes from. Thanks in advance..
Hi Adam! Just thought I'd let you know that I received a copy of your book 'Illumination' for Christmas! Wow! Completely unputdownable! I've read it already! That's all I can say really.
@@Firstmanphotography In actual fact I did write more than that in the above comment Adam. But UA-cam seems to have deleted most of it. But not to worry. You got the gist. Yeah, you're quite a writer, as well as being an exceptional photographer. I must admit that I wasn't expecting the book to be quite so autobiographical. I was really really impressed. And the photography! WOW.
Awesome vid, very informative and to the point.. I am curious, with having an established youtube channel, and instagram, you get a lot of traffic... are there any sites that you can recommend to people to shop and sell prints from?? cheers!
I actually have a question regarding a problem I have with the print software. I print on a Canon Pro-300 using the Canon Professional Print & Layout software as you do from a MacBook Pro M1. Whenever I get an OS update for the MBP I loose the ability to use the Professional P&L software. I have to reinstall the software and print driver to get it to work again. I know this is off topic but was wonder if you as a user of the software or anyone else here has run into this. Thanks for any comments you may have. Enjoy your work.
As long as you have a target market your picture can sell up to $1000 or more and by doing so your work will have value. An artist spend $50 to buy paint and brush but sell the painting @ $5000 easy, while we spend thousands of dollars on our gears.
Another great video Adam...more food for thought as always and especially relevant in view of my intention to acquire an R5 (or possibly an R7 if money's too tight) as my present to myself for 2023. Merry Christmas to you and yours and here's to a happy, healthy and image-rich 2023 !
Thank you so much for posting this, I think you're the first person I've seen who actually breaks down the pricing in a realistic way. Your honesty is so appreciated!
Glad it was helpful and appreciate the comment.
2% making pictures, 3% printing, 95% marketing. So long as people know that successful marketing is the keys. If people don't know you exist they won't buy prints. I would also recommend staying away from these print on demand type websites.. The likely hood of you appearing on the top of the search results is almost zero unless your picture is very very niche.
I would agree. they’re not gonna do the work for you.
I’m confused about the print on demand sights. Isnt the point to grow a following and then link them directly to these print on demand sights where your work is to purchase? I don’t see the scenario where people just browse the sight and maybe find you being how you run it
Your work has to be good. That’s all that matters. It’s not always about a niche market.
@@Vejur9000 your work could be award winning but if the general public don't know who you are they are not going to buy.
Marketing yourself is key.
@@josephvillarreal5560there are many ways you can get sales from these sites, (SEO, e-mail marketing, tiktok, Instagram and FB ads).
I’ve really got into walking and photography now, I’ve built up a following of over 3000 on fb, I’ve had a couple of photos put on the bbc weather which felt brilliant. Thanks for the inspiration, hopefully one day someone will want to buy one of my photos.
It’s not the printing that’s putting me off (I use Whitewall) but the framing. If you don’t want cheap tat it can be quite expensive. Nevertheless a great video as usual. As for selling prints as an amateur, it’s been a chastening experience as your expected to practically give them away.
Same for me. That’s why I tend to print on canvas. That way, I don’t have to add a frame, keeps the cost down.
Yep, framing bumps the cost up massively. I can't bring myself to sell cheap frames. If I sell the print alone though and people use a cheaper frame, that works for me.
Great work Adam. I have a Canon IPF6400 plotter with 12 inks that make beautiful nice prints. I want to ask you: how do you protect the print itself? Don't you do any kind of lamination? How you ensure the the client does not put the print in a frame with a plain glass, and the print sticks to it? Thank you for you videos! Greetings from Portugal.
The Pro 1000 printer is out of my price range as an amateur. But I'm very happy with my Canon PIXMA Pro 200. It's $550 USD, uses 8 cartridges, and takes paper up to 13" x 19" (A3+), or pano paper up to 13" x 39" via the rear feeder.
Awesome. Have a great Christmas
Is there any cheaper printer option, very budget friendly, to start deeping your feet into it and understand if that's something it might work for you?
Thank you for this insightful video. I use a lab to print C types and I have mounted 15x10 prints of mainly local scenes on sale in a local coffee/gift shop. They are £30 each. Feedback from potential customers is: "they are too expensive", or " I could have taken that!" Even mounted 7x5 prints at a tenner each have been slow sellers!
Yeah, no point wasting our time with the low-ballers. C types are fantastic though. I use that for all my prints bigger than A2.
wow, I think not a lot of people spend over 220 $ for a single picture, me too, its really expensive
I had a question about the shipping. Rolling the print into a tube. Personally I have received prints that were rolled from a Print House and really didn’t care for that. I felt that a rolled print wouldn’t lay flat and mount as well or the print might have got damaged being rolled around itself. Your opinion on Rolled vs Flat please?
BTW, very nice presentation with this video and a very i interesting subject.
There is no doubt that flat packing is better. But it’s significant less convenient and therefore quite a lot more expensive.
With a roll there are device that can be used to flatten the image out, but rolling it carefully the opposite way around the packing tube can also help. I’ve also, in the past, turned it upside down and then laid a load of heavy books on it. It takes time but work pretty well.
also, if you take a rolled print to a professional framers, they are very used to dealing with rolled artwork.
With regards to the £70 per hour - shouldn’t you divide that by the number of prints you expect to sell? You didn’t take a separate photo for every physical print. Am I missing something obvious?
He said it takes an hour to print each.
@@teknikel If he print 10 in a row it will definitely not take 10 hours.
@@TVe200 It would be rare that would happen. And if it does, he could offer a bulk discount. Pricing your work is about averaging. Plus, I'm not sure why he isn't including the shooting of the photo.
Prepare the paper, put it in the printer, use the computer, run the print, quality check, sign and wait for ink to dry (if not using a pencil) carefully packing it up, print the accompanying card, prepare and pay for the shipping label, print off invoice, attach all to the packaging, take to the depot. It's an hour of work per print......easily!!!
I'm just getting started on my photography adventure and I gotta tell you - This is the clearest and most concise breakdown of this process I've come across. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, skills and talent.
I've got great images of the national parks. But I could never sell a print as much as the posters in the gift shop are at for a 5 or $10
bogos binted
A really good breakdown of the process Adam - so informative - thank you!. I've not looked at printing seriously but it's something I want to try this year. That print is fabulous too! What gorgeous conditions. Great to see you enjoying your work!
Adam,
Many thanks for this video. I have been looking for a step-by-step guide on how to do this for some time. In order to get there, I need to invest in a printer and also invest the time I need to take to generate that buzz you describe.
I have photographed a lot more things locally with a view to building a local audience and also, this year, cut down on mileage and petrol costs and reduce my carbon footprint a bit.
One thing you made clear is that using a lab to print my work will reduce or eliminate any margin that can be made, so having my own printer is key.
It’s going to take me a while to get there, but I believe your video will be an invaluable reference to return to when my time comes.
Thanks again!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Anthony
Thats exciting to hear. Good luck
I’m purchasing a canon pro 200 this week. I’ve been undecided between the 200 and 300 but think that the 200 is ideal for my first proper photographic printer. Really looking forward to it and your videos have been loads of help. Cheers.
As interesting as your price calculation is, ANYTHING is only worth whatever somebody else is willing to pay. I somehow doubt there is a big (or even smallish) market for photo prints from no names willing to pay around $200 for one print. Just keeping it real! Like with other start ups, you might have to take a loss in the beginning to get some traction. Make a living with this? Talk to any musician, they are in the same boat.
£150 cash back from canon on the pro1000 at the moment
Really helpful! Just one question.
Do you also add a certificate of authenticity or something like that?
Thanks!
Yes I do!
Love your videos about printing! As as "mostly nomad" I find it quite difficult but one day I'll have my workspace with my printer...hopefully:)
Definitely. There's always the lab.
I'm really frustrated that the audio is mute wth.....super pissed really
Nevermind just finely got mad and closed youtube and opened back up and audio is working now...I apologize
Thanks for another great one, Adam. If I have a "regret" as a long time hobbyist photographer it's that I haven't printed nearly enough since "going digital" in 2006. I've been working on fixing that for the last year or so, although I've yet to take the plunge for the gear to produce the physical print and still rely on others for that (for now). It's definitely been wonderful putting my hands on more of my photos and I even did a small run of 75 2022 calendars that were a hit and shipped to half a dozen US states (which surprised me since they were all images from my small county).
Keep the great content coming!
Nice Mike. I find Americans to be especially supportive.
'I don't want to deal with pennies' - first item on the list is £1.40...
You didn't list the packaging or shipping in your costs for the print
Thanks for posting! :) I've just ordered the new iPhone 14 Pro Max, so I'm intrigued to see how big I can print.. I've heard good things about the 48MP camera.
nice, will be fun finding out.
Great advice and tips! So you don’t frame the prints before selling?
As someone considering selling some prints... I'm wondering if there is an app or something for Windows - that would allow me to sign them... much like how a painter artist signs their work?
The old business adage is true, the 80/20 principle where 80% of your sales come from the 20% of your customers. I recently bought the Canon Image Pro 300 and the prints are fantastic.
Like it
Thanks for posting this Adam.I went to the Canon showroom in Ginza Tokyo today to have a look at the PRO1000. Beautiful showroom. I was treated like a valuable customer. They made two A2-size prints for me of a winter garden scene that I had photographed. (No charge). When the time comes later this year, of course I will buy the printer from them. Thanks for the heads up on the printer and for the other valuable information contained in this video. Cheers. Dave.
That's awesome Dave and encouraging to hear about such a great customer service experience. Appreciate your comment.
It usually takes me a few sheets to figure out printing. Then I get discouraged and shut it down for a long time again. I'm never sure if I should be printing from the canon program or Lightroom and which Lightroom.
The Canon software is superior to Lightroom for printing (with Canon printers).
@@Firstmanphotography thank you, I'll keep trying, I appreciate the reply.
Hello Mister,may i ask from your humble opinion if you include your watermarks on selling your landscape?is it okay for the buyer to have your watermark or u dont include at all?i hope u notice me.
I use a canon cp1500 for post card size prints. 120 for the printer or 170 for the print and MAKE SURE THE PRINT IS THE RP-108 there’s another one that’s kr-108. You print 56 prints per cart with the RP-108 and the KP-108 is 36 per cart. They give you 3 carts but what’s the point
All I need to know about the practical side of printing photos in one video,, for free! Thanks, Adam. The biggest obstacle is psychological: Do I believe anybody would pay $200 for a print of mine? I'll never know if I don't ask.
Exactly.
I just printed on a canon pro luster & it feels a bit tacky. What type of paper do you use?
I am a pro photographer that has literally sold THOUSANDS of prints. Yes thousands. My prints are typically 11 x 14 but sometimes larger.
I also spent over 40 years as a director for a Fortune 200 chemical company, so I know economics and margin dynamics.
The first rule is..... The actual PRICE you set for your print, has nothing to do with what it costs you to make that print. That is the single biggest mistake people make. Your "cost" is simply a walk-away. If you cannot make enough money given your costs.....then get out of that business.
PRICE is market driven, so one must have local market knowledge. Without making this too long a post the general rule is...."If you are not losing some business due to price, you are priced too low !!" You are leaving money on the table.
Hi Adam, such valuable information (and makes me want to get one of those printers). I would love to hear your thoughts on photo paper. As I just organised an exposition with 45x60cm framed photo prints, but all the framed photo's started to curl up in their frame. Do you know if there's a paper type that is less sensitive to humidity and temperature differences? Thanks mate
Thank you for step by step! I print and it is a whole different skill set, wouldn't you say? Last weekend, I was pulling my hair out - couldn't get the color right only to find out the printer nozzle(s) were clogged. It is easy enough to push a button to clear and test it but these are issues people may not realize. It is an understanding paper printer profiles, etc. I have learned so much in printing and has made me a better photographer. Recreating that 'luminosity' on paper can be a challenge - and really the backlit screen and light on the front of the paper are two different worlds. I have just begun to accept this and look at the image as it stands alone. You make it look so easy. And your contrast, etc look perfect.! Thanks again. OH I wanted ask you if you would ever consider POD - Print on Demand to send out your prints?
Great video Adam. I like to support other photographers as well and just purchased your book in support of your journey. I look forward to seeing your images in the flesh.
I recently purchased the Pro-1000 and fired it up last night and its awesome. I was testing and printing until 4am this morning and will have a few prints as gifts this Christmas.
Some great videos this year from you - nice one.
Enjoy the festivities ahead
Thanks Andrew, much appreciated. Great for gifts, although I have to cycle the recipients. We dont want to be too predictable!!
@@Firstmanphotography haha.... yes thats true
Love your pricing formula and promoting buying other artists work
This is the way.
My photography teacher (mind you it was a community college) acted like I was crazy when I saw a print displayed from another student and wanted to buy it. Of course that teachers bread and butter was ad work and my favorite thing to shoot is landscapes.
Sadly I've a few thousand images sitting in my Lr folder with nothing printed at all, I tend to be my own worst critic looking for flaws etc, for those of us that can't justify the outlay of a professional printer could you recommend a UK based printing business that you would recommend? Also what type of paper would you use? (Maybe it depends on the type of image I know)..Thanks for all of the great content you have put out this year. Hope you have a very peaceful Christmas and 2023 to come.
Take a look at "theprintspace" for printing. Great quality, customer service and speedy delivery (when post not on strike that is).
Agree, I use them.
Ok question but if you sell your picture 10 times... you still get 70 pounds for your time x 10?
Yes, I do. It takes time to print, sign, package nicely and ship etc. A lot of love (and time) goes into each one.
Great stuff. Ive been using labs for ages and considering doing my own now. How do you feel the quality is for longetivity (i.e. archival)? I'm a holdover from when inkjets first came out and they "bleed" everywhere. I suppose this is no longer? Clean edges? What about smudging and drying? So many questions... sorry and thanks.
I am a photographer who wants to invest in a printer that prints canvas. is this printer capable in printing canvas? if yes, Pre cut or roller canvas? what type of canvas is best for it? thank you.
i have a question about hanging this kind of prints
Ask away
how do you hang it? i just ordered the pro1000 and i'm planing to giva A2 printo all my clients. the problem is the only way i find to mount my prints is to frame them in a wooden frames with plexyglas. This i find too cheapy..... what are your suggestions?
@@Firstmanphotography
Adam, I think this is one of best videos you have produced, all the way around: style, content, editing, score, etc. Great job! Re: printing. I have had my own art printed by a lab before (and sold my photographs through labs), and while I have entertained purchasing a printer, pulling the trigger is something all together a bit more... risky. Perhaps one day I will. Thank you for your content and candor. keep up the good work.
Thanks Jason. greatly appreciate your comment.
I really loved this video! I've been a professional photographer for 12+ years, I have traveled to 40 countries, but I've never sold my work. Due to some health issues I had to quit my commercial photography career and am looking to pursue fine art full time so I can work on my own time. It's daunting when you know your work would make amazing art but there's so much involved besides the actual art making so this was super helpful!
This is such an insanely helpful video. I just started selling some prints in a local shop and had no idea how to go about the whole process. Thank you so much Adam!!
So you used your own printer at home and framed them? Then took prints to a local shop and sold them? What was your process?
wonderful and really helpful vid that makes me think about things I had never considered.
Absolutey love your channel and the advice you give, thank you!
Thanks. Much appreciated.
Hi Adam, do you usually maintain the 3.2 aspect ratio or crop to the A2 etc ratio? Thank you 🙂
Another great video - really useful for someone like me starting to sell their work. I should say that I've had no luck selling my images via my website, but to be fair I've not put any work into publicizing my website or search optimization. On the other hand, exhibitions and arts fairs have worked really well for me.
Nice.
I love your passion when out in the field, i feel it so much when I am out doing the Landscape shots.
Great video Adam , would like to know what paper you using for the different prints .
Probably easier to check out my other print videos.
17:32 Anyone know where to find these boxes? I literally cant find them anywhere
damn the price of that printer, well the IRS best cough it up soon.
Let me start by saying, I've enjoyed and received some benefit from several of your videos, including parts of this one. But, with specific reference to your advice on pricing, I have to take serious issue. The pricing of anything, whether it's a service, manufactured goods, or art can only be based on the appeal of the product to its audience. Basic economics tells us, that the value (pricing) of anything must simultaneously consist of 4 components; 1) Utility, in that it must provide a useful purpose; 2) Desirability, being desired by those to whom it serves a purpose; 3) Scarcity relative to its demand (desirability); and 4) Affordability. Value/price has absolutely NOTHING whatever to do with cost, which is contrary to what you're advising in this video. The fact is, it may take many hours and lots of money to produce a finished product or piece of art that no one wants, which makes that product or piece of art worthless.
The process for pricing art is no different than pricing any other product which always starts by identifying the probable buyer, estimating their demand for what you want to sell to them, then measuring your product's desirability against those of your competitors. Thanks again for your videos, and I do look forward to viewing more in the future.
Thanks Kenneth. Appreciate you taking the time.
I would sell a book and a story behind the pictures
How is the market today? Can you live on selling ?
How did you add your canon plug in ? I don't see it.
Just an install from the Canon website. Searching Professional Print and Layout should find it.
Thanks, I had to contact canon to get the correct driver and plug ins thank you
@@Firstmanphotography
Is it violation of copy right if i print a picture of tintin or any other cartoon character and sold it?
So, what if you’re a hobbyist, but people are interested in buying your prints? What then?! Convert to a business?
Just sell them. No need to start a full business. No permission required.
I totally get what you say about pricing. I agree... If you are relying on that money as a pro. But I wonder how the pricing changes, if a hobbyist wants to sell prints "just for fun". For example, I'm a hobby photographer. I don't rely on money from my hobby. So I don't need to count in things like expenses for a printer, ink, etc. (At least in my opinion). If I would make money from a photo, cool. If not, fine. So I could say (maybe on a flea market) 50€ for a print and it's yours. (Framing not included)... So my questions is: Is this ok? And is this fair towards pros? What do you think?
You definitely don't have to worry about it being fair to the pro's. Thats not their problem, not yours. I do however think we should not under-value photography because it could give a wider impression that it's worthless, when clearly it is not.
Love everything about this video. Thanks for the encouragement and hands on looking at the printer
I got the Pro-1000 about a year ago. It was on sale for 800EUR. I was still hesitant because it is a lot of change. But, oh my word! The prints that come out of it! I don’t think I will ever be able to go back! And printing the work is so enjoyable! I can only recommend to get a printer.
This is the way.
How many prints can u make until u have to renew the ink? Bc that is quite expensive as well 🤔
@@aloha1990. it depends on so many factors like size, suject, paper, print quality etc. I couldn’t tell you. But when you first start with the printer, it needs a lit of ink for the first start. Then it slows down and an ink can last you a little. Also, you need to print regularitly. Otherwise the ink will dry up and you will consume a lot of ink again to get it freed up. But there is a print calculator as mentioned by Adam in the video. I suggest you get it and see for yourself.
@@FabienMathey ok great thx 👍🏽
So u need the printer plus all the different colors, so thats an additional 400€?
@@aloha1990. It should, like mine, come with the first load and 5 sheets of Canon Pro Luster A3 printing paper. But you always need ink afterwards. However, printing it in a professional printing service is still more expensive. But it remains a significant investment
Merry Christmas to you and your family, great videos, you inspire others with your art and videos. Could you share what photo cutter you are using and what size? It appears to be the Dahle 554 Professional Rotary Trimmer but I'm not sure if it's the 20 inch or the 28 inch. Thanks for the information, and keep up the great work.
Yes that's the one, although it's the 960mm (38 inch) version.
I have printed a few pictures of mine over the years and purchased my sister a Selphy printer that she loves and I got one too just the other day. Fed up of the useless non pro Pixma range so my daughters can use the Selphy. Printing is cool and should be part of everyone’s workflow regardless of if they are sold or not.
Totally agree.
That is so helpful info, thank you very much buddy
Btw, I have just subscribed, happy new year !!!
Thanks mate. Have a great one
Excellent video! Just starting out, and this is exactly the information I needed. New sub here! Cheers!
Amazing. thanks Adam. much appreciated
I could use a print/paper cutter like what you used! What brand is it and where can I get one like it? Thanks
It’s a Dhale. very happy with it.
After calculating that $230, does that include shipping? I know international shipping can be variable. Creating a base price for that, or factoring it into your overall print cost, would probably be helpful. Yet you have to adapt that based on the country and actual cost. I can't imagine you included this in your calculations, considering this. I appreciate you letting me know.
Shipping would be additional. Although some people add a cost on and then say it’s “free shipping”
@@Firstmanphotography That makes sense. Thanks for the response! I do have another question. I'm working on getting my photography website set up and going, and I have been trying to figure out what to do for printing. I don't have my own large-format printer/s. I try to keep things within the photography/artistic community. There's a very small professional print company I know of in another state. I'm in Colorado, they're in California. I could use them for print fulfillment, which would be nice. They'd have to charge sales tax to satisfy local state laws. I'd have to withhold it on my end to satisfy my state's tax laws. So it would be doubled. There's no real way around this as I'm not able to be licensed for business in both states. These things can get complicated, especially for a sole proprietorship. I also work full time. So I can't really afford to start off with that many licenses, all the logistics, and tax considerations. My question is would you start off with a POD company like Printify, or would you opt for the small business within the community, even if it meant higher costs and less profits? I see what you've been talking about in your videos, doing more to support one another and realize the mediums of photography and printing aren't as big as they once were. I've been trying to weigh the options and figure out what's best prior to going live with my site. Thanks for anything you can share. I'm sure you've been through things like this yourself. That's why I thought you'd be a good person to ask.
I'm looking into a photo printer, more for home use than generating income...though it would be nice on the side.
I'm looking right now at the Epson Expression XP970, I was originally trying to get my hands on the Canon Pixma IP8720 as it was on sale for $200(Can) at my local camera store but sold out almost instantly. The Epson I'm eyeing is off an auction site, so I'm hoping to try and score it. So I'm trying to do this on the cheap since its not a money generating investment. I know someone who also does this on the side with a Canon T3 but his family owns/runs a print shop business, allowing him to do some really nice large prints for sale. And probably shipping as well.
Noticed your trimmer but wasn't able to catch the make/model. Mind sharing that?
It's a Dahle 556 960mm.
awesome vid but found this vid and clicked as I thought it would be more of a general guide. In the sense of I dont have the cannon products so how would you go about it. Also how did you get your hourly rate to £70, thats crazy to me but I've only dont £10ph jobs before so just curious how I would decide that.
You work out your hourly rate based on what you need to survive + what profit you can add on top based on the value you provide. It is a very individual thing.
@Firstmanphotography thanks for that! Makes a lot of sense, I was wondering if it was based of how many prints you sell per month ect.
Thanks for the videos and advice Adan. Great book by the way I would recommend it. Have a lovely Christmas.
Thanks Mike. Appreciate your support.
I stumbled on you channel and content, and have to say,excellent stuff. Real simple, straight to the point, and professional.
Thanks so much, glad you're here.
Great video, packed with useful info. I was a photographer over 30 years ago and just starting to get back into it as a hobby and have been wondering about potentially selling my images as part time income. I just subbed to your channel on the strength of this single video. Question for you. My vision is create a photography/travel blog. Basically just create a blog about things I like to photograph. No delusion about becoming some huge blogger, but if I could make 'coffee' money from this, it would make me happy. Have you any thoughts on the blog approach to making money from your work?
It's tough. I love writing about photography though. I am actually going to be talking more about this in an upcoming video about the monetisation of digital content.
@@Firstmanphotography I look forward to it. Cheers!
Love and respect both your attitude to print buying and selling and your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience. As a photographer with limited wall space, I collect smaller boxed print sets and would encourage all photographers to sell these. They offer an accessible, practical and enjoyable way of sharing fine art prints widely in our community.
What is a boxed print set?
Yes. I think they are brilliant.
Thanks a lot for this. I was able to print a clients pictures following this.
Glad it helped!
I am using Wordpress for my website. I want to add a store and allow people to purchase prints directly from my site. I want people to go through the checkout and that to process directly to a print center as I would not be printing them myself. Im on the road, and I cant print, nor can I process the prints due to lack of wifi/data. So, if it can all do one on demand, that would be ideal. Any idea how I can do this?
Hi Adam, as usual a very clear and helpful video, thank you. Would you be able to suggest any suppliers for the boxes and tubes for sending photographs in as you showed please? (Ex P.S. 2621 SWP) many thanks.
I use DavPack.
@@Firstmanphotography Thanks Adam
Great video. Are there “standard” sizes for your prints? IE A4, 3, 2 etc? I’m just thinking about what ratio I should have in mind when creating images..
Yeah there are. Often dictated by paper manufacturers, although it means there’s often non-custom frames to suit. I mostly use A2 and A3+.
@@Firstmanphotography Cheers. What ratio would you shoot in to maximise the similarities between shot and print?
Great video & Prints! Question, What monitor brand, model are y using since Adobe RGB is important
Thank you for sharing! Very informative! Maybe a video on producing a book would be helpful!
Check the backlog. Hope you have a great Christmas
@@Firstmanphotography Thank you!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Great vid and great images. Personally, I would never use the scaling function on my Canon printer for quality purposes. My 300 dpi tif file is usually about 16x24" from the raw file. When I am done processing, I then use upsizing and sharpening software to prep files for various sizes and media textures, such as 60x38". I would be afraid of a quality hit using the scaling function in CPPL as I couldn't control for dpi and sharpening.
Helpful video, and I love your idea of buying one for every ten one sells. Happy 2023!
Thanks Jim. Hope you have a great year.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and learned a few things along the way. Thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Adam.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Great channel I am a big fan of your work. I have a question if you don't mind answering. Where do you purchase your packaging tubes and boxes from. Thanks in advance..
Here in the UK I use DavPack.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Adam.
In Australia printing isn't affordable Adam...the cost of ink ...it's cheaper and time saving to outsourcing
Which is what I do ...
I've sold one print this year. TBH it's barely even worth it for me
Great video!! I have a question regarding the packaging. Where do you buy the A2 boxes? Thanks and have a fantastic 2023!
Any decent art and crafts or graphics shop will stock them. They’re often called "presentation boxes."
@@Firstmanphotography perfect!! Thanks for sharing it!! Have a great 2023!!
Thanks for a simple but really informative Vlog
My pleasure 😊
Hi Adam! Just thought I'd let you know that I received a copy of your book 'Illumination' for Christmas! Wow! Completely unputdownable! I've read it already! That's all I can say really.
Amazing feedback mate. thanks so much.
@@Firstmanphotography In actual fact I did write more than that in the above comment Adam. But UA-cam seems to have deleted most of it. But not to worry. You got the gist. Yeah, you're quite a writer, as well as being an exceptional photographer. I must admit that I wasn't expecting the book to be quite so autobiographical. I was really really impressed. And the photography! WOW.
You should consider a Canon iPF8400s for your studio, gives you many more print options and materials, we have one and it is brilliant.
Awesome vid, very informative and to the point.. I am curious, with having an established youtube channel, and instagram, you get a lot of traffic... are there any sites that you can recommend to people to shop and sell prints from?? cheers!
I actually have a question regarding a problem I have with the print software. I print on a Canon Pro-300 using the Canon Professional Print & Layout software as you do from a MacBook Pro M1. Whenever I get an OS update for the MBP I loose the ability to use the Professional P&L software. I have to reinstall the software and print driver to get it to work again. I know this is off topic but was wonder if you as a user of the software or anyone else here has run into this. Thanks for any comments you may have. Enjoy your work.
As long as you have a target market your picture can sell up to $1000 or more and by doing so your work will have value. An artist spend $50 to buy paint and brush but sell the painting @ $5000 easy, while we spend thousands of dollars on our gears.
Hello Adam, what SW is it that calculates the price of printing? Is something similar for Pro-300 or is it just a feature of Pro-1000?
I know a guy that photographed the top bourbons and makes $150k a year selling prints. Its kind of insane.
Another great video Adam...more food for thought as always and especially relevant in view of my intention to acquire an R5 (or possibly an R7 if money's too tight) as my present to myself for 2023. Merry Christmas to you and yours and here's to a happy, healthy and image-rich 2023 !
Thanks Terry. Same to you
Love the idea of setting aside a budget as a photographer for buying other artists' prints! Conscious capitalism))