Promoting Your Work – How to go about it
You don’t need to make a living from photography to start promoting your work. Nor do you need to be an accomplished photographer to display your images either.
So what if you have not published anything? Yet.
Photography is an art, and like any other art form, it is subjective.
Take a look at these examples:
Andreas Gursky – RheinII
Peter Lik – Phantom
What do you think of them?
How do I feel when I look at these two images, to be honest…nothing
My first and only reaction when I look at these two pictures are “interesting but not significant.”
Ok, admittedly I have no class and no taste (all you need to do is read some of my blogs to realise that).
So, as an experiment, I decided to show these images to some of my friends and family members to get their “take” on these two photographs.
“Underwhelmed” would be a fair word to describe the consensus and “WTF” when I divulged a little more information about the two photos.
The first “Rhein II” by Andreas Gursky was sold by Christie’s New York in 1999 for a whopping $4,338,500.
“Phantom” by Australian photographer Peter Lik reportedly sold for $6,500,000 to an anonymous bidder back in 2014, making this the most expensive photograph ever sold.
So what am I trying to say here?
Any form of art is only worth the exact amount someone is willing to pay for it.
Art is subjective, and most importantly, don’t ever undersell yourself. Are you going to be the next photographer to surpass “phantom”? Realistically chances are probably not (At least I’m pretty sure it won’t be me).
But I can almost guarantee that no matter what image you decide to make public, it will appeal to someone.
That is what is important. If I can get someone to smile, or say “wow” when looking at one of the photos that I have taken, well then, mission accomplished.
Does it mean it’s a good image? Not to everyone, but to that person yes!
So, promoting your work:
My advice, firstly, get your hands on Andreas Gursky’s or Peter Lik’s publicists.
If that doesn’t work here are a few suggestions on how you can start promoting your work.
#1 – Local Businesses
Restaurants, cafes, doctors’ rooms, are often willing to display local artists work. It’s a great way to get your work out there.
Some may even sell your art for a small commission. It can be a win-win situation. The establishments get to decorate their walls for free, and you have the opportunity to sell your work.
#2 – Social Networking
Building a profile specifically to your photography is an excellent way to engage and interact with the public. FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter are all great platforms that should be taken advantage of, as a photographer.
#3 – Fetes, Festivals, and shows
If you are willing to invest a little cash in your photography, then this option has the potential to make good sales. Do your research first. See which has the most traffic. Choose the ones that you believe will be most beneficial to you.
Keep in mind though that you may need quite a bit of stock before opening your stall. Alternatively, you could approach current store holders and let them display your work for a fee or commission basis.
#4 – Public libraries & Community centers
Most public or community-oriented establishments are big on the idea of generating community spirit and promoting local talent.
#5 – Clubs & Organisations
Almost every club or organisation, with few exceptions, hold regular fundraisers to generate awareness and funds.
Let’s say you have beautiful photographs of birds, why not approach your local ornithological society and let them sell your work for a “slice of the pie” at their next event. These groups usually do all the marketing, so it’s a great way to gain exposure.
#6 – Portfolio website
A site may require a financial outlay if you are not “web savvy,” but it is an excellent way to showcase your work.
In conclusion, the central theme that you should get out of this blog? Well if you’ve read this far it means you have toyed with the idea of taking your photography a step further. Now it just takes that initial so-called “Leap of faith.”
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