Your artwork (photos) are incredible. The reason your prints aren't selling is because you're marketing them to other photographers, and this is the same exact problem I've seen from literally every other photography KZitem channel and then they complain about how it's so difficult - but that couldn't be further from the truth. The people who want to buy your art are NOT interested in photography. They may not even be interested in going on adventures. Who buys art? That should be the question that leads you to finding your audience, and we can say straight off the bat it could people interested in things like interior design who like wall art, or local businesses like bars and salons who want framed artwork on their walls. Remember, you will be looking for people who have enough disposable income too. You already hinted at how people would be interested in prints of their local area, so start with that - run some some Facebook ads to target people in those areas. Boomers especially love their local history and landmarks. You have photos of Chile on your site, so who is interested in Chile? Who is interested in Punta Arenas? Go find those people. I wish you the best :)
@adammoweryphoto
3 ай бұрын
As a full time photographer who makes a good living off of print sales I second this! @PixPete nailed it with this comment.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thank Pete - I really appreciate you taking the time to answer this. I think you hot the nail on the head re. photography YT. A lot of us are basically selling to other photographers which isn't going to work a lot of the time. I'll explore what you have said and will take it from there. Thanks again.
@anta40
3 ай бұрын
"Who buys art? That should be the question that leads you to finding your audience" Yep I think art is a smaller niche. Pastry or coffee shops perhaps can be easily enjoyed by greater audience. But art? Thanks for the hints: people who like interior design, bars and salons which put framed artwork on their walls...
@xavierg8985
3 ай бұрын
Your comment is right, but don't underestimate other photographers. As a photographer with many friends in this field, I buy 5-10 images a year and almost every other photographer I know does the same. When you buy from others, you can market it and sell a lot more.
@josuetrujo
3 ай бұрын
I have been trying to sell my prints for over a year now. I've tried Etsy, my own website, and a little of ebay. I only sold 1 after several months on etsy. I haven't given up but I did ran out of money to continue investing on these services. My next try would be the local market but honestly I dont know now if its even worth it. Maybe my photos are not that great?
@birdie399
3 ай бұрын
You can’t be a failure because you are creating, you are doing and others are not. I admire your honesty. From what I saw your work looks very inspiring and professional. Thanks for a video full of hope and achievement.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, I appreciate that. Not seeing it as a failure, I really enjoyed the whole process and learnt A LOT!
@robwoodman355
3 ай бұрын
I watched this before heading to work this morning and its been on my mind ever since. I too have thought about ways that my own photography could start paying for itself and its tough to find an answer. One of the subjects I enjoy photographing are endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals that often haul out for a nap on the island I live on. I send all my photos to NOAA so they can monitor the health of the population of seals on Lana'i and gather data points on where the seals are traveling too. This made me think of setting up a nonprofit business where I can sell my prints to raise funds for habitat studies and population monitoring where I live. I've not fleshed out the concept to even think about pulling the trigger, but people might be more keen to invest in prints if a portion of the profits go back to aid or benefit the subjects we shoot. Nat Geo's Photographer series inspired this thought and maybe this concept could work for you. Just my 2 cents. As always, great video!
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thank Rob. Might you be well placed to sell to the tourist market? I like that idea, I'll have a think about how I can give something back.. thanks for the idea 👍🏻
@JohnPurcell
3 ай бұрын
RE: success/failure: printmaking is its own art form. Just like you can't just flip a switch from photography->videography, prints represent a completely different artistic challenge. There are so many factors at play to make an excellent print... and then you're ultimately at the mercy of an interior design problem. Though I think we're coming into a resurgence of physical media, I also think the average person has very little artistic experience with print artwork of any medium... so it falls on artists to not only make great art, but educate their audience about the value and experience of this physical art beyond the screen.
@dan.allen.digital
3 ай бұрын
You gained technical skills and wisdom from this experience which is probably worth more than the revenue from the print sales. Thanks for all the tips as I am thinking of getting the same Canon printer you have.
@daniellbrinneman
3 ай бұрын
This is the video KZitem recommended to me. Thanks for being genuine and helpful.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
thanks
@principlephotography
22 күн бұрын
Thanks very much for being so honest about selling prints. I hope sales have improved since you made this video.
@RickBebbington
21 күн бұрын
No worries! Honestly, they've not but that's entirely my fault - I've done zero marketing as I've just not had chance. Hoping to change this, and the offering over the next few weeks. It's like anything you are trying to sell, you need to keep pushing it.
3 ай бұрын
Very good and honest video. Congratulation for starting the printing adventure! A good advice I saw is not only offering photos that we love but also photos that are going to suite people walls: Having some B&W is always a good choice, but I recomment going to a shop like IKEA and ask ourself what photo could suite the different showrooms. We also need to ask ourself: what other photographers photo did we bought, what we love about thoses and how we display them. This is a long long journey.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, that's great advice. Ikea is a good shout actually, they only have what ships in volume. It might not tie in with my view on what I want to sell, but that's part of the learning I guess!
@karanverma8776
3 ай бұрын
Thank you Rick for such a genuine retelling of your situation and attempt.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
thanks
@ivansince91
Ай бұрын
Tbh i think that to sell prints nowadays you need to be a really famous photographer, huge social media following, be included in many projects, have awards, etc.
@OwlzzZRelaxation
3 ай бұрын
Rick, I'm an American here to offer one explanation for not getting many sales in the US: we don't use the metric system, so our stores don't sell frames to fit standard metric paper sizes, like A3. Our standard paper/ frame sizes are based on Imperial inches. Inversely, I once moved to a metric country and could not find a single frame to fit my standard Imperial-sized art because all they sold was metric "A#" frames. There really was not even a close approximation that could sort of fit. People buying an 80-pound print probably don't want to spend another $80+ to order a custom frame for it. And even if they don't want it framed, they still might want the size to match the size of other prints they already own.
@aeromodeller1
3 ай бұрын
The photo can be mounted on a larger board that fits the local frames. People may be matting the print anyway, so the mount board and mat will fit local frames.
@OwlzzZRelaxation
3 ай бұрын
@@aeromodeller1 What I meant by the sizes not even being close is that it wouldn't have looked good with a mat because the vertical borders would be a very different width than the horizontal borders. And you'd still have to pay extra to get a custom mat cut because precut mats are also sized for metric or imperial. I also tried to get a frame shipped in from the US, but the shipping cost was just as bad as a custom frame. So that piece of art sat rolled in a tube for years until I moved back the US, and now it is finally framed on my wall. :-)
@aeromodeller1
3 ай бұрын
@@OwlzzZRelaxation Paper size and print size are not the same. Perhaps he could size the print area for imperial markets to standard imperial mats. This complicates the ordering process.
@OwlzzZRelaxation
3 ай бұрын
@@aeromodeller1 yes, if it was printed at a standard imperial size on metric paper, that might be the simplest and most affordable solution for buyers and Rick. Anyone with scissors could cut the excess white paper off to fit an imperial mat or frame. But Rick would have to create different crops of all his images because the height to width ratios aren't close to being the same.
@jonathandoucet5111
2 ай бұрын
That's a really good point .I'm also American and I didnt even think about the different measurement systems.It is really something to take into consideration .
@journalearth8379
2 ай бұрын
Great video Rick and amazing images! I would consider data base marketing using something like Mailchimp, the way I would build a database is sell something really reasonably to build up your database, once someone has bought something from you they are more likely to buy again and spend more next time, think about it in the way charities market to people, you build a relationship and people spend more the more they get to know you and trust you. I was talking to a colleague about this earlier this week and discussed a double sided Zine printed on standard paper folded however you wanted to do it, double sided A3 / A2 could work easily and be sent out cheaply in an envelope. Use the Zine as a limited edition art piece, collect email addresses from the sale and mail to them every month with offers etc, make it easy for people to buy the first item from you. Charities are excellent at marketing, you'd be surprised how much they spend on it, check out how they do it and see if any of those marketing ideas work for you? Good luck and best wishes, Kirk.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
This is the way I think it'll go. I've been building a newsletter database which I probably need to provide more value to. I'll have a look at charities, thanks!
@artiedoc
3 ай бұрын
Rick excellent video and advice “Don’t lose 💰” ….its not you nor your work …which is excellent…people’s lives are soo complicated and fast paced that I think they sometimes just click past opportunities they otherwise would have jumped at . Keep being you …real , honest , and sincere and your talent will shine through and your niche followers will jump at the opportunity to buy your work !🤩Best -Art
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Cheers Art, I will!!
@paullavin5449
3 ай бұрын
I hope it works out for you in time. I tried selling framed A4 prints in a local cafe. All of the photos were scenes that were local to the cafe, which is close to a beach and a harbour. In 18 months, I sold 1 print and a customer knocked one off the wall breaking the frame 😂. I was only doing it to try to supplement my pension, rather than relying on sales, so it was no big deal for me.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Paul. It's a tough gig isn't it?! That's similar to me, it's more to supplement rather than there being a reliance on it, so at least there's zero pressure on this venture
@sharonswan9861
3 ай бұрын
I’m sorry to hear that. I have my images in a local cafe. I offer a few sizes and find that my A3 matted prints sell the most. I’ve also had one frame broken by falling. I enjoy hearing people’s comments on the images. Good luck
@agnieszkakj8867
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your honesty. I've come here accidentally or as some say there is no accident. That was my big dream to take shots and sell them as some people say I should. But I bet some would say don't even try this. So I will only dream having my secure 8 hrs/day boring job. I wish you luck, take care.
@LisaFrostPhoto
3 ай бұрын
Years ago I tried out selling prints in a lot of different ways, and local restaurants etc was the worst, which makes sense in hindsight - people aren't in a restaurant/cafe to buy art. I found the mindset of the people has the most to do with how successful I was with selling, and had the most success with holding an exhibition in a local gallery, even though it wasn't very busy - people walking into a gallery have the right mindset, and are also ok with higher prices. I also did local markets for a time, which was very hit and miss. I feel sure I'd have done better if I'd had more easily identifiable local scenes, however, there is still the issue that here in Australia people go to markets expecting a bargain...it's not the place for selling high priced items. From the sounds of it, the art fairs they have in the US are quite different.
@jfphotography69
3 ай бұрын
Good luck. Selling prints is extremely difficult to do nowadays do to the digital age. I also own the Canon prograf pro 1000 printer. Have owned it now for five years. I pretty much print for myself and family. If I sell a print I consider it a plus. Once again. Good luck.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, it really is!
@colonelfailure
3 ай бұрын
Just stumbled into your channel, so I'm a first time viewer. Not a photographer, nor do I buy photography, but from the experience you describe it seems like the piece of the puzzle missing is the audience. Who are you trying to sell to? Who is looking for the photos that you've taken? Simply that they're well composed and visually striking won't make the magic happen in terms of sales. In the same way as identifying your audience to build a following on social media, including KZitem, is the key part of the process, the same is true for selling anything. Where you have an strong starting point is in having followers already. In each of your future videos, find the one shot that you think nails the experience and offer it for sale within the video. Also, it's worth offering limited quantities for those who maybe see it as an investment. "There'll only ever be 5 prints of this photo" adds incentive to your audience to pick it up if they're on the fence. Fundamentally, try to get a read on who is following your primary marketing channel, whether that's KZitem, Instagram or wherever. Are they following you to get ideas for their own projects? Because they love your end results? The better you understand them, the more likely you can convince them to make a purchase. Good luck.
@brucemcclelland904
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, Rick, for your thoroughness of analysis and your honesty. I’m retired but have started moving toward the same goals as you have, but I am several steps behind you in terms of name recognition (effectively zero) and printer size. I know Danson’s (and many others’) attitude toward print selling, which is why most landscape photographers use conducting workshops to earn their keep - something I’ll probably never do because I don’t have the personality for it. I am digesting the implications for me of what you’ve told us, and I would like to follow your progress…and hopefully, success.
@the_rat_run
3 ай бұрын
Fingers crossed for the future of your store, Rick. I thought your choice of images reflected the trip well, I hope the only way is up from here!
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I hope so too! Thanks, appreciate it!
@abacussin
25 күн бұрын
Thanks for the insight Rick.
@rhiannonlawler7313
3 ай бұрын
Well you know I’m a fan and soon to be proud owner of those prints! 🙋🏻♀️ Loved the journey and honesty in this video, also incredibly helpful having just got the same printer myself. Looks like you’ve learned lots and enjoyed the process, I’m sure the sales will follow, but even if they don’t 1. My piece will be even more valuable 😅 and 2. You’ll have beautiful prints for your home!
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I know, thank you again :) I have, it's been great! Hope you are enjoying your printer!
@imagejon
3 ай бұрын
I recently had an exhibition. I had over 500 visitors and I’d say that at least half of them were properly interested in the subject matter (does that overcome the localness aspect?). I recon that if I’d been selling the pictures (A2 and over), I’d have sold at least 2. My thoughts though - being there in person enabled me to quickly develop a relationship with the audience (I don’t have an on-line presence which seems like a massive hurdle to me). Maybe if the pictures had been clearly for sale then things might have been different (but I didn’t want this to be a sale, but rather it was a chance to enthuse about the subject - which I’d say was successful). I did have a book sitting around and this got a lot of eyes time - problem is there a whole different level investment to sell books. All that I can say is that getting the printer and bringing my photos to life has been a fabulous experience. Breaking even seems like a truly lofty goal and I’ve all but given up thinking that this could be an income stream. I do wish you well, and I look forward to receiving a print.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Jon, that's such a positive amount of visitors - well done! I totally agree with you on bringing your photos to life with a printer - it's so rewarding. Thank you, I really do appreciate it. Print in the post tomorrow 🙏🏻☺️
@cullenphotographic
3 ай бұрын
Honest guy! Thank you so much…..YOU keep going!
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, I will!!
@seanhancocks4743
3 ай бұрын
Interesting video Rick and I admire your honesty. Don’t despair, I’ve been selling prints for about 3 years and have sold well over 2000 and none of them bigger than A3. In my opinion you need a bigger range, a handful isn’t enough. I think a shopper wants to be able to see a range of images and I find sets of images sell well.
@lensman5762
2 ай бұрын
Ther is no easy money in photography. I can assure you of that. Modern technology has also assured that no particular skill or vision is required to produce good photographs, nor the financial investment, time and know how that once required. Nice prints though.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
It's true!! Thanks
@davebrown1100
Ай бұрын
Your prints may have been a bit of a lesson exercise, but you've definitely gained some followers including myself. Keep going man. 💪👌👏
@ZaxxaZ
28 күн бұрын
Well one thing is certain, your pictures are beautiful. Regardless of whether they sell or not, you are still sharing beauty and love with the world. I spent a long time setting up an online store for my photographic work whilst I worked at a printers. Just as I was about to go live the print shop closed due to The owner becoming seriously ill. Since then it's just been in limbo whilst I work out what to do next. I wish you all the best and hope you start making some money. One thing I might offer, people are lazy. Receiving a beautiful print is one thing, getting it suitably framed is another. Perhaps a higher price point for a framed print could work?
@RickBebbington
21 күн бұрын
Thanks, I appreciate your comments and your suggestion and will look into it. I guess my main issue with that is storage but I'm sure I can find a solution. Wishing you all the best with your venture too - I hope you can make something of it.
@Nimlot18
3 ай бұрын
Great and honest video. Really well done! Best of luck with your project!
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Much appreciated!
@koenpijpersphotography
3 ай бұрын
What a timing, I printed my first pictures today haha. NIce video Rick and good luck on selling prints, I would love to do thesame bought an Epson ET-8550.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thank you!! I'd love to say it's worth doing 😂 have fun on your printing journey!
@walknwander
3 ай бұрын
Thank you sir for sharing your process.
@alpinejonny
3 ай бұрын
Step 1: have a successful KZitem channel
@stevenlennie
3 ай бұрын
100%. No money in it for us mere mortals. Also Etsy is a disaster now for print sales due to AI shit saturating the market.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Working on it 😬😂
@dheerajdman
3 ай бұрын
what i observe in the comment section is that we all are struggling with PRINT thing. I am also trying to mail different people for my print sale and so far i haven't heard from anyone even though the Presentation, price, paper option and sizes are really good. The thing i notice is that only the architecture has to buy prints for their clients (hotel, shops, offices) but when i visit a top tier hotel, i notice there are lot more paintings than photo prints. The value of photo prints is still lower than paintings for sure. seems like a Photographer has to been a famous or legendary photographer to sell their work.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Yep, it's a tough market that's for sure.
@cillin4821
2 ай бұрын
thanks for the video - very interesting. Suspect that while selling locally would mean a large drop in price - people do want to have an emotion with the subject and local does tug at the heart a bit. Don't lose faith, try offering larger - thats what people generally can't print on their own... best of luck and thanks for being so honest.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, I just need to weigh up if I'll ever have time to sell local!! Larger is something I'll explore in the near future, feels like I'm missing a trick there. Thank you.
@monkeysausageclub
3 ай бұрын
Well done on trying pal, it is the hardest thing to do. So many people don't understand buying from an artist is expensive and for a good reason. When they can simply go to one of these generic picture websites and buy something or get a framed print from IKEA. However this is not your target audience and this is where it gets really hard, getting the right people's eyes balls in front of your work.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks mate, you're so right. I need to find the market that finds meaning and value in the work I suppose
@railway-share3820
3 ай бұрын
You could also print for other people. I would pay for some of my wildlife photos to be printed just to see what they looked like initially.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
That’s a great shout, I’d not thought if that - thanks 👍🏻
@galacticnemesis366
Ай бұрын
Nice one mate, people like photography experiences more than they like photography things. Printing and selling prints is great and completes the art. You just can't rely on prints as your number one source of income. Do your other photography things and hope you sell a few prints here and there.
@RickBebbington
Ай бұрын
Thanks - appreciate it!
@skinwalker_
10 күн бұрын
Mate you are 5 days in! I am 7 years into a software business and we have not even broken even yet, not by a long way. Keep going it's not easy. The one thing I would say is that saying "Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life" Utter bullshit. Doing a business with something that you love will eventually grind you down as businesses are hard especially to launch but once you get over the hump and you see light at the end of the tunnel all the sweat and blood brcomes a distant memory. My other bit of advice is that not everybody needs to start a business. Personally I wish I never had.
@RickBebbington
8 күн бұрын
Sounds stressful, and I totally know where you are coming from. It is hard, but to me, working for someone else is harder so I'll keep plugging away at slowly destroying my hobbies 😂
@haardshah1715
3 ай бұрын
Hey, Thank for such an honest video on the whole process. I have been thinking of opening my own store as well and this has been an honest inspiration. I tried to order on your website and realised your cart option after adding items to cart appears really far down to the bottom. It wasn't obvious to me at all, maybe consider changing the design slighly to make it appear near the add to cart button so the transition from 'add to cart' to the 'cart' page is quicker and smoother. Maybe this is hindering the sales as customer can't find the button quickly. Just some thoughts.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
thanks, hadn't noticed that - will take a look!
@jonathandoucet5111
2 ай бұрын
Good luck !!! Great video !!!
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@jarlatheoingallagher4382
3 ай бұрын
You work is incredible and the pricepoint for what you are offering I think is pretty good. I was hovering over buy there on an image and then your video mentioned Yellowstone and the Tetons so I have paused for now. I will absolutely buy from you but for really personal reasons I would love to know if you are likely to offer something from Yellowstone in your print shop. Thank you Rick for this video, great content. I will look forward patiently for what is to come.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, I appreciate that.
@Sydney.Bright
2 ай бұрын
Also another idea would be to sell backdrops photography for product photography, of windows or garden in the background, because i only found two websites that sell what im looking for.
@FrenchSissoko
11 күн бұрын
I’ve got to stop at "hopefully in the long term”. I’m not going to say you need a business plan because I think they are irrelevant in a lot of ways. But you need to make a couple of calculations and know roughly your thresholds where you’re going to stop loosing money, start breaking even, and hopefully make some cash. (Otherwise either just do it for pleasure and roll with, or sleep with eyes open but that is not worth giving advice - & sorry I’m not trying to be rude but I’ve been a one-man business owner with a struggling photographer right next door..)
@RickBebbington
8 күн бұрын
Yeah, appreciate that. Given that it's not a priority, I'm not too bothered right now. I probably need to factor time into it somewhere... That's a cost that I've not really attributed anything towards.
@philyoung4804
3 ай бұрын
Good luck. I guess it is all about perseverance. 🤞🤞
@MachineOak09
3 ай бұрын
Good Luck!! I love your work. I would like to see how it works out for you, watching from New York. Remember that everything always a learning experience.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, that's very kind!! it is, and am treating it so. Love New York btw, can't wait to get back!
@aeromodeller1
3 ай бұрын
Ansel Adams supported his family with his commercial work. Edward Weston gave up his commercial studio for Art and was notoriously poor. Both families have continued to market their art photos online. Visit their sites. There are several KZitem videos on pricing art. Basically, look for work of similar size and quality to yours. Selling art is a game of chance. You are doing well if your advertising has a 1% return rate. You want to post as many photos as you can so the buyer can find the picture he wants. At the same time, you don't want it to be overwhelming. You want to make it as easy as possible for the buyer to find something he wants. Major categories with thumbnails works for me as a buyer. Also, you want the ability to make the purchase right on the page with the image. To get an idea of how to present your work online, look at the many photographers online. What works for you as a possible buyer?
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, that's really helpful. I've definitely noticed that once the marketing tap is switched off, the sales dry up
@3choflow
12 күн бұрын
Print your best photos ,pack them and go outside in the restaurants in public places, ask people do you wanna buy a photo for your wall, your house , your bar e.t.c 10 bucks please
@RickBebbington
8 күн бұрын
I can see how people would be drawn to doing this, I'm just not sure what you'd make from doing that would be worth the time investment. I'm happy to sell less but keep it easier for myself. For now!!
@3choflow
8 күн бұрын
@@RickBebbington Just to clarify my previous comment to avoid any misunderstandings: When I say "You have to do blah blah," I mean "What I have to do blah blah if I were in your situation." I'm not giving any suggestions, just sharing my thoughts :) I understand that it is tough to sell art through social media these days, but it is not impossible. As you said, sell less and be okay for the moment.
@DarrenJSpoonley
3 ай бұрын
Best of luck Pal! A Challenge might be an audience of togs wanting images other than their own on their walls ?
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Cheers Darren!
@boomshiddang
3 ай бұрын
Such a fun watch as I’ve long thought about setting up prints as well! Now I’m wondering…does this mean we can look forward to a book from you then?? 😂
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
One day, why not?! Thanks!!
@wednesdaythroughthelens830
3 ай бұрын
Job done - your vlog has lead me to your web and sales site for a nose around.
@AnthonyJGianotti
2 ай бұрын
I would say offer standard imperial sizes for the American market with an additional processing time disclaimer for the custom sizing. Finding say an a3 frame here is exceedingly annoying as some frames even marked as such are really 11x17 and most people are not going to take the time/money to custom mat a photo. Also, your KZitem and socials audience is prime for say workshops but not for selling prints. Normal folks, interior designers, businesses, etc. buy prints ime, no other photographers unless they are particularly moved by an image. To that end, I’ve bought exactly one print from another photographer and it was a photo that hit me hard. I hunted them down to buy it (dm’s, comments, joined their patreon, etc. lol), I wasn’t taking no for an answer. The few prints I’ve sold to other photogs have been the same way as well.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, that's something I overlooked actually. Thanks. Workshops are something I'm considering..... we'll see!
@brianmckeever5280
3 ай бұрын
You've done a beautiful job on the shop, I wish you the best. You made great choices, so I don't think you need to worry about the quality of the images. One thing I would be interested in is an electronic magazine or "zine" of your images. I don't personally need more physical things. Shipping and boxing are pretty cheap and easy for that too :-) I think Sean Tucker does those. One thing I saw on James Popsys' store is "Nothing at all." You can buy them in one-pound increments. Looking forward to the Tetons and Yellowstone videos.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Brian. I have actually been contemplating electronic 'zines' recently so I'm glad you mention it.... Similar to James, I did have 'buy me a coffee' on the website but it seems to have gone (I'd love to say i ran out of stock!!). I'll get it reinstated! Thanks again.
@markpimlott6056
3 ай бұрын
Interested in your journey. It has been interesting to read the comments and I must confess I see a lot of photographers selling to other photographers which is nice but you never going to make money out of it. To me the key is accessing people who are interested in art, galleries seem the initial answer but I guess access to galleries is very limited and you really need to be a named artist to be able to command their attention. I hope it goes well and will watch your journey.
@dheerajdman
3 ай бұрын
for sure a photographer wont be interested buying one. I have been mailing Architects. I have made a good presentation and I have good paper options, price and sizes but i think i need more of marketing.
@ThomasParis
2 ай бұрын
My number 1 problem is no one knows me. Your problem might be similar: in my experience, most photographers don't buy prints from other photographers. I believe they're wrong not to but many have told me they never did. And no, I don't know how to get others to know about you. If I did, I'd get them to know about me ;)
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, undoubtedly the more people that 'know you' the more sales you'll get. Getting known is most certainly a long game.
@LTHanlon
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experience. Many of us have considered doing the same. Question: Did you need model or property releases?
@dheerajdman
3 ай бұрын
if there are more than 5 people in the photo then no need of Model release and if the Private property is clearly visible and is the only property visible then only you need a release.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
No worries. Honestly, it's not something I considered. This might be a little naive and maybe I should have done....
@benthespread
3 ай бұрын
Most people don't ever place a value on photographs any more, on a recent holiday a fellow traveler said to me "oh thats why you take good pictures you've got a proper camera" , & the only other person with a picture of mine on there wall is the sister in law who used an image my partner shared on WhatsApp & didn't even bother asking .
@Arcticfox7
3 ай бұрын
Rough 😂
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I hate it when people say the good camera thing. I think a lot of people still place value on it, but your are right. Most don't.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
😂
@MartinV.
3 ай бұрын
Great Video!
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@rafaeleffects
3 ай бұрын
Good initiative, but the final price is too high for the vast majority of people. It's a premium product, obviusly, but it not for everyone.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Seems that way, but I have to weigh up if it's worth my while selling them for less. I'm not sure it is?
@EssexLadOutdoors
Ай бұрын
@@RickBebbingtonanyone can work for nothing 👍
@walknwander
3 ай бұрын
Work is not crap buddy, to me it's price, went to support on site and price got me, lol.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it. Out of interest, what would you be prepared to pay?
@walknwander
3 ай бұрын
@@RickBebbington I would max out at $50 myself.
@devin_starling
3 ай бұрын
I have yet to see anyone break even selling prints, let alone turn a profit. I bet even the big KZitemrs in the photography game aren’t even selling prints. Hell many admit to a minor loss or breaking even with a book or zine.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
The longer this goes on, the more you may be right..... 😅 Not something that get's mentioned all that much though!
@Bosmanneggie
3 ай бұрын
Do you sell the prints in a frame.? Or just the paper print. Frames are a big cost, and I guess you would need them in stocks.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Just paper. I've not got the space (or time, or inclination) to do frames as well.... Tempted to look at print box sets like Ben Horne does in the future though maybe....
@theoldtimefiddler
3 ай бұрын
selling photos today is equivalent to trying to sell ice in the arctic.....the market is absolutely saturated. just one website, fine art America, has some great photos on the first page, and it states that there are over 14,600,000 photographs for sale...one website among hundreds...maybe an established art gallery can get you started, but on your own? this is the golden age of learning and the result is that there are thousands of new photographers trying to do what you are every week. It seems that the road to success in the arts now days is to make instructional videos and run workshops all around the world, get well known for that, then maybe sell prints on the side...the equivalent of selling t shirts at a rock concert...just selling photos? good luck being just another grain of sand on the beach....
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
I think you are right. I guess my hope is that as the channel grows then my sales will too but we'll see. Hopefully the experience has shown others how hard it can be!
@Photo_doctor
3 ай бұрын
Which paper did you use?
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Fotospeed NST BW
@Neil_Llewellyn
3 ай бұрын
Don't sign your photographs with a ball point pen, its not archival and it doesn't look professional or quality which you are trying to portray.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
thanks. Need a new pen
@ianchappytube
3 ай бұрын
better sell cute dogs n cats pix ....such is life 😫😫
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Haha!! Funnily enough, I spent 4 years photographing dogs and cats when I worked in-house!! Never again....
@MBDronePhoto
2 ай бұрын
Amazing photography but you are competing with other amazing photographers. Sobering video. Michael Kenna prints small. Don't give up
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@billingalls1940
3 ай бұрын
I just finished watching this video while walking on my treadmill and I surely wish you success in this endeavor. I have a thought you might consider: I'm an amateur photographer and have been, off and on, for more than 60 years. On my walls here in my den there are 46 photographs. Three of them are gift pictures of family and one is an aerial of a place where I worked over 20 years ago. The rest are mine. I very much enjoy your channel and those of some of your compatriots, but I've only purchased one print from the four of you. I wonder if photographers who watch KZitem may not be the best market targets. I would be happy to be wrong.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I wonder that too....! I'm going to keep at it and try different things, hopefully I'll learn enough to enlighten everyone but I do feel that there is quite a bit of misinformation out there in terms of what people have sold. I may be wrong though! Thank you.
@Bhethar
23 күн бұрын
My marketing suggestion, the people will buy your print but you need to sell your story. People love a story of passion, courage and defiance. Images are amazing but knowing the struggles, the joys and moments that you felt when creating your work is what really seals the deal.
@RickBebbington
21 күн бұрын
That's a good point actually. I think as I venture further into this KZitem journey, that's an opportunity that will hopefully present itself more often. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it.
@ClaytonDowling
2 ай бұрын
Print sales, especially online, is a long tail game. It's not that uncommon for me to sell prints from someone who saw my prints six months ago.
@NuttyLlamasftw
2 ай бұрын
I’m a web developer… your website looks good but there are some issues with text clipping on medium sized screens. Specifically the Yellowstone print title. Just a heads up, and good luck for the future
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, appreciate that - I'll take a look.
@Bob_Amaral_Photography
3 ай бұрын
You forgot about packing supplies as well. I have tried both methods. For me, I order from the lab and then drop ship from lab to the customer. I then have a separate series called a Signature Series. That contains my signature. I use Shopify for my website. I sell a huge amounts of prints. Please let me know if you need any help. I can give you some really rock solid advice.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks Bob, appreciate that. I might take you up on that actually, thanks.
@Bob_Amaral_Photography
2 ай бұрын
@@RickBebbington Anytime! Just let me know!
@narecardoso1
2 ай бұрын
Hello! Any particular reason to have the white borders? I tend to avoid them 🤔
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
I just prefer how they look. Also gives space to sign and title...
@narecardoso1
2 ай бұрын
@@RickBebbington Ah, cool. It makes sense. Thanks. I usually sign at the back 😊😊 keep it up 👍👍
@mitchpainephotography
3 ай бұрын
This is a super helpful video as a photographer looking to do sometime similar! Great video as always, thanks for posting!
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad it's been helpful!!
@MillennialDiligence-sx8re
2 ай бұрын
I've thought about going to events and setting up a small booth. Shoot and print portraits on the spot with a small portable printer. Would that be viable?
@RockiesRiot
2 ай бұрын
I am honestly quite confused why you only waited 5 days to come to your conclusion. Photos take a while to gain traction, I would have at least waited 2 weeks - 1 month to see how my sales are doing, patience is a virtue. Additionally, £80 is an insane price for a photo which is 1) not personal. 2) A3. 3) A first launch. Lastly, your photos are very nice, however, they are quite stock-esk, I personally feel something more unique to you, artistic, experimental, and emotion-invoking would sell for much more and much faster. Imagine a painting in a museum and how you can become lost in it, try to create something like that with your photos. Furthermore, this isn't coming from nowhere, I am a photographer myself with over 24 million views and 150,000 downloads, I am only starting to look into prints and I have also been developing my editorial style over the past 4 years.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
I had no further insights after 2 weeks top a month than I did after 5 days. Selling prints without being reliant on a massive following or SEO is very much a marketing game, as soon as the marketing stops, the sales stop. It's not insane at all if you look at other photographers, it's all dependent on the market you are aiming for. I'm just doing the print sales as a side gig, selling for any less doesn't necessarily feel like a good use of my time. If you've got that many views and downloads, I'm wondering why you've not tried prints sooner?
@ronrice6029
18 күн бұрын
Great video Rick! Would you mind sharing your source for the cardboard shipping sleeves? Thanks!
@DavidRinaldoPhoto
3 ай бұрын
Good luck Rick! I just launched my print store about 3 weeks ago. We’re on the same journey around the same. Only 3 sales so far. I’m a little under 1% conversion rate for site visits. It’s a hard business so far! But I’ll keep at it. Best of luck friend.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Yep, sounds similar!! Likewise, thanks!
@user-zl5gi8sv7u
Күн бұрын
Who would buy a photo of three chairs though? Not many. Ps the hover on your website is broken. The images just go white and there’s nothing to see
@RickBebbington
23 сағат бұрын
It’s been the best seller so far 🤷🏻♂️ just goes to show how subjective photography is. Just checked and it seems ok to me, thanks though.
@oscarrosalesmartinez2007
3 ай бұрын
Hey Rick great video! I just wanted to say, I had the same mindset in the beginning of wanting my own website to sell my prints but I didn’t want to limit myself to just my audience/ following. I ended up opening an Etsy and it’s been relatively successful. I’ve only been open for a little over a year now and have made profit. I’m by no means retiring off this income but I get a lot of joy seeing random people across the country/world purchase my photos for their home.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
That's interesting... maybe I'll take a look. It';s just weighing up if it's worth the time investment I guess... Making these videos is a lot more time consuming than I ever imagined it would be!
@RedSapTree423
3 ай бұрын
First time viewer. Your photography is phenomenal. The problem isn't your photography, it's that there's only five photos we can choose from. I like the light and airy tree ones on your website but I can't buy those. They go with the art I have in my house already. (Wall space is limited, so choices shouldn't be). Also, I've bought photography from a KZitemr for $29. My max would be about $50 if I REALLY connected with the photo. P. S. Keep your chin up! I would love to be as far along in photography skills and in the business side of it as you are! Keep going!!
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Thanks, really appreciate that. Definitely some things to think about, specifically toward what I'm selling......
@Yuurekk
Ай бұрын
You should be selling on public sites like ebay, amazon, etc.
@orbitforcreators
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the insights - I've had my own experience with selling prints in person where I sorta broke even 😅 From my perspective people buy prints if the have a connection to the photographer AND the subject. Just liking one is usually not enough.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I think you may be right..... maybe a wider spread of locations will work a bit better. I'll keep testing! Thanks Valentin
@ChrisBrown-gu4ki
2 ай бұрын
Interesting background to what it takes to sell prints, Thanks Rick
@JohnPurcell
3 ай бұрын
I think it's really hard to compete with a lab on a per-page cost. Yeah, you can technically get some savings (~15-20%) once you're running... but it's very hard to compete with the economies of scale. Though I think this is kinda moot since, as a photographer, the bulk of the price customers are paying is for the art, not the materials.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Probably. I like printing for myself though, so this was a solution that worked better for me. For now anyway!
@wednesdaythroughthelens830
3 ай бұрын
And lateral thought - you might find a market for Patagonia images in North West Wales (Wales) due to the cultural and Welsh language ties. 👍
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
That's a great shout actually!! Thanks!
@EJej-z5g
3 ай бұрын
At least you've got a nice printer. Printing your photos is more enjoyable than just storing computer files.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
Haha - very true!! Need more ink already 😬
@vijaychitte6921
2 ай бұрын
By the way very nice green T-shirt with white branding …
@drpepper998
3 ай бұрын
Selling prints is the long game. You just have to keep doing it until it breaks for you. I have found doing local shows will help.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, I will!
@akoako37
3 ай бұрын
Just subscribed. Thanks for sharing your experience. 🎉
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for subbing!
@FTRek
21 күн бұрын
How much did it cost to start printing? Printer, ink etc.?
@RickBebbington
21 күн бұрын
It very much depends on the printer you buy... this one, the Pro-1000 was around £1000 I think, but the ink is where the real expense lies. The printer does come with some ink, but to replenish all of the inks in the printer will likely cost around £600. Not ideal if you are just printing for yourself!!
@theStevenPowell
2 ай бұрын
Good video. Im a new subscriber tonight. Your speech, analysis and talking points are brilliant however I think the photos may not be.....I think range may be the issue mate - range and a couple of WOW photos! Good luck with it all and i look forward to following you from here.
@oz9762
3 ай бұрын
My apologies for previous comment. It wasn't intended for this video. Not sure how my comment went onto this video. I appreciate a fellow photographers work and I wouldn't intentionally insult your work.....again.....please accept my apology
@DRGBTL23
2 ай бұрын
I think the approach is a bit off. You should try and sell good photographs and not good prints. If it does not make sense what I just said, take a minute and think about it and hopefully you’ll come to a realization. Good luck!
@onbeyondllc4762
3 ай бұрын
Look forward to seeing if your "rb" logotype and your "Rick Bebbington" logo are reconciled. It's like your face shaved and with a beard. Identity is hard. Good luck! Printing is the best.
@sonicmistress
2 ай бұрын
It's a shame really, if you didn't feel the need to list everything in the description except the kitchen sink I might subscribe but not for me. Personally I'd never pay £80 for an inkjet print, labs at least give you the option of printing on photopaper which a lot of buyers prefer, the tech pros and cons are irrelevant, it's all in the head. Not that much more effort to personalise prints from a lab if you find one local to pick up from. As Pete says you're targeting the wrong market, a simple mistake but don't beat yourself up about it just means a bit more foortwork to get your work out there. Most photographers don't buy prints as we have our own to put up!
@Benjamin-un4mw
3 ай бұрын
If u have the support of your family then keep going. Perservance yields success. All the best.
@MaximillianandRubyGrace
3 ай бұрын
FEAR Yup That’s Me
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
horrible isn't it?!
@MaximillianandRubyGrace
2 ай бұрын
@@RickBebbington yes☹️
@bobobojan
3 ай бұрын
How would one get someone to their online store if they don't already have a following of any kind?
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
SEO I'm guessing. It's hard though
@VannApragal
3 ай бұрын
Explain this to me. How do you expect to lower your print cost over time? Not to mention paper cost, ink cost and most importantly time cost.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
I don't expect to lower my costs, I mean over time printing at home will be cheaper than using a lab... If I'm printing at home, I have the initial cost of my printer plus the cost per print (paper + ink + time + packaging). So say £1000 for the printer and £40 per print for arguments sake. So if I sell one print, in theory that costs me £1040. If I sell one print and get it done at a lab, that might cost me £60 and that's it - a lot cheaper than printing at home. However, if I sell 100 prints, the cost for printing at home then goes up to £5000 (£1000 printer + 100 x £40). The cost from the lab will be £6000 (100 x £60). So assuming I one day get to a certain number of prints sold, my costs will be lower by doing this at home than by using a lab. Hopefully that makes sense!!
@VannApragal
3 ай бұрын
@@RickBebbington you are better off using cheaper lab for prints. Prints will actually look like photographs on offset printer. And you will save ton of time, headache/stress/anxiety, and useless paperwork for taxes. Trust me, you will thank me in the long run. I can think of a couple of cheap and amazing printers in New York.
@DavidMBanes
3 ай бұрын
You said only a few sales in the first week, that's great! When we setup our online retail business it looks weeks of varying the marketing and targeting until we started getting orders. Keep at it.
@RickBebbington
3 ай бұрын
Thanks David - I think I probably had quite unrealistic expectations 😂
@mikesmith-po8nd
3 ай бұрын
How many people are buying your prints and how many are stealing them from your website? Nobody is going to pay for anything that they can steal. You have two choices - either make them harder to steal or, like the big retailers, pass the cost on to your customers. Neither option is cheap. The first one costs you money and the second costs you customers. And don't undervalue your work - if you think it's worthless, so will others.
@RickBebbington
2 ай бұрын
I feel like this is a very cynical take on it. The people 'stealing' are never going to buy from you so it's not even worth thinking about. Clearly people will pay for prints because they have done.
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