I’ve had the idea of selling photos for a long time.
It’s been a dream to become financially independent. To be in a situation where I don’t have to fully rely on someone else to provide me with an income. Ideally, I’d love to do this full time but many factors make this a bit difficult at the moment.
Yet typing these ideas into my editor doesn’t make it so. Starting this process takes time and it’s a journey more than a destination. Anyone trying to sell something will tell you this.
This post is going to serve as a place to where I can return and look at what needs to be done and what has been done. A to do list. It is a road marker where I can return to when I’m unsure. Or when I don’t know where to turn next.
This will be my road map.
The list.
An endeavor such as this isn’t something you want to wing. There are a few things I have to do if I want to make this even mildly successful. Because this isn’t a complete list I’ve put down what I think is important. As it grows I will update the list, adding or removing, as needed.
In no particular order, this is what I’ve came up with:
- Find photos.
- Get them on a platform to sell.
- Decide on the format.
- Marketing.
- Goals & time frame.
Find photos.
I need a good product if I want to sell it. I’m going to work through my existing photos and take a few new ones. Look at what works and then update as needed.
This might mean more early mornings or perhaps some travel. Going to new places to find different environment. Learn new techniques when it comes to editing. A collaboration or two.
Get them on a platform to sell.
The website I have will serve as a redirecting point to a Paystack online shop. Most of the heavy lifting is handled on their side.
I’ll have to look at what they offer in terms of costs, terms of service and so forth. I did have an Etsy shop a few years ago but didn’t sell any work from it. This might be an alternative to Paystack or something to use in conjunction.
Decide on a format.
I was considering only digital formats.
Physical copies have a more personal touch but for the time being it will be limited to people in the same country as me. Shipping to different countries are going to be too expensive for me to cover.
The digital copies make it a lot easier as it gives me a wider market. It also eliminates the need for shipping.
Marketing.
If no one knows I’m selling photos no one will be buying right?
For this part I don’t want to use the traditional media. I want this to run from two places. Primarily my website and then off Substack.
Substack serves as a introduction to myself and my work. My website gives a bit more backstory if you will. Here you can see some more images, read more of my writing. A central point.
From my website potential buyers go to Paystack where they can purchase images.
Goals & timeframe.
I would like to sell a photo a month for the first six months.
I might sell five photos a month. I might also sell zero photos a month. Does it mean I’m not a good sales man or my photos aren’t good? Who knows. My takeaway from whatever happens is going to be “what did I learn here“.
Do I have to improve my marketing? Go out and try to find different types of photos? These are questions only experience and time can answer.
In closing.
This is going to be a glimpse into my journey. I’ll do my best to update and share as much as I can. We all know how busy life can get but I’ve come to the understanding that this won’t be successful if I don’t put in more work.
It’s easy to sit and dream about what it would be like to sell photos. Actually selling photos, knocking on doors, finding printers, looking for the best shipping option – these things take time and effort.
At the very least I will have done something which I can look back on. Something which I can be proud of. And something which other people who are at a similar fork in the road can use for either inspiration or a what to do / not to do.
Thanks for reading ; )