BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Selling Image Files

So I guess my questions are: Is this being done? Can it be done? And if it can, what would be the best way to start?

Any and all feedback on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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August 31, 2001

There are plenty of sites out there that licence the use of their photographs through the web. But it is rare to find a place that offers a resolution better than 1024*768, due to size constraints. It is more common to see also, that they sell batches of photos, rather than individual photos. For example, you might get a pack of twenty "extreme sports" photos for about $5.

If you consider that to print it to near photo quality, you need at least 300dpi well, you're going to get a photo just over 3" by 2". It's not really printable quality. Remember that most people who buy prints want to hang them on the wall, so 8*10 is probably minimum, so 3 megapixel is probably minimum. That's about 256Kb compressed, or about 6MB uncompressed.

I'd say the best way to start is to put up a web page with your work, and then see if you can advertise it on places like this (BetterPhoto.com). Also, go to as many search engines as possible, and make sure you enter your page into their search engine.

Finally, ensure that the ones you post are only viewable quality, and preferably make some sort of arrangement to send the high quality file to them. Perhaps either password protected area, ftp, or if your files are small enough, email them. Remember that free email services rarely allow more than 2MB emails, and even paid services in Australia, more than 5MB.

I'd be interested in looking at your work, if you get it on the web! Good luck with your enterprise!

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September 01, 2001

There are lots of good options to explore when thinking about selling your work. In addition to the fine art, "hang on your wall" kind of sales, you should seriously explore some of the stock photography agencies. Some of them sell digital files exclusively. They take a cut, of course, and I would seriously examine any contracts before signing them. One in particular - the biggest - has a contract that I would not sign as an artist.

If you can find one that treats photographers well, it can be a very easy and convenient way to make a little extra money from your work.

Also, Ken, I just wanted to let you know that Jeff does have a Member Gallery with some of his favorite images posted. That is why his name, whenever you see it under a post or photo, is now a link.

Jeff is also beginning to built his own Web site with more images.

Enjoy!

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September 01, 2001

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September 01, 2001

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April 20, 2003

If you do - you are Cutting the throats of MANY Seasoned Photographers (Yours Truely - for ONE) who have been at this for Decades - and "Play by the Rules".
Those who DO that are referred to as UNSCRUPULOUS AMATUERS by The A.S.M.P. in
"The Photographers MarketPlace" Book - Published Annually. May I suggest that you
DIVE into BOTH Books ??

Beyond that - I KNOW Where you are Coming from - and I will point you at
> dotphoto.com < Then - Go to Their
> dotphotopro.com <
It's FREE to Post your Images there & DOT just wants to sell Prints. YOU set the Price - THEY do ALL of the $$$ and Shipping. Note that this is selling Individual PRINTS for Home or Office Use,
and NOT Selling PUBLISHING USAGE RIGHTS.

P.S. If you want to see an EXAMPLE of What/How you can "Post" Photos there - you can See MY gallery at
> dotphotopro.com <
Then - Search : Sharpshooter.
Warning : I have ordered Prints from them 3 Times before, and They SUCK !
Always WAAAY too Light.

...30 minutes of my 30 Years Shooting.
Good Luck ! ... Sharpshooter

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May 14, 2003

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May 15, 2003

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May 15, 2003