Interesting. Here are some of my own experiences, from selling prints are street art markets in town centres in Leeds, Manchester and Cheshire: - Photographers don't buy prints. They only want to talk about photography. - I put a lot of time and expense into the quality of my printing, mounting and framing. Customers don't care. They'll happily buy quite shoddy stuff from other people. - Pictures are like pop songs. The prints that sell are like hit singles. You might have an album full of great album tracks but only one song that will make a single. - Customers commonly buy because of a personal connection with the place. - Black and white is just as popular as colour - Size matters (for my work). I sell most in my small size (30x40cm), and far less in my largest size (50x60). - Price matters - see above about size but remember your venue. I'm selling to people who are mostly buying on impulse. It's a street market not a London gallery. My price has to match. - If you want to sell prints yourself you can make your life easier by standardising your aspect ratios. It makes it easier to buy or make mounts and frames. If I could start again I'd choose square format for everything. Have to balance this with your comment about how panoramic sells so well. - If you are repeatedly transporting your framed work around the place (i.e. for street markets) choose frames in a distressed style - then small knocks won't show and you won't have to throw as many away. - Framed prints sell better than unframed. The customer can see what they're getting and it's a finished product. I wish I had more space to show more framed prints. - Real customers (mine, at least) don't care how you took it. Technical details don't matter. - My customers don't care about limited edition or "it's just a print". - People who look at my work and make a loud fuss about how beautiful it is won't buy. Real buying customers browse and look in silence. Nice pictures, by the way! I've been to your gallery, it's really nice.
Thanks for your comment Anthony, your experiences pretty much mirror mine - standardised sizing especially, main thing which you’re obviously aware of is catering to market forces. I think as photographers we have a tendency to judge our work and the genre as a whole in a vacuum a bit so hopefully this might be a bit of an eye opener to people as I genuinely don’t think many believe what I’m saying regards the general low opinion of photography as an art form by the wider public
@Anthony Shaughnessy Some of your points are the same as mine but some are quite the opposite, but maybe it's a cultural difference (I live in Germany and not in England)? Who knows. -I buy other photographer's prints and I have photographers friends that do the same. -I sell more unframed prints rather than framed, more or less 80% unframed, just matted. Most of my customers like to choose a frame on their own, according to he style of their own house/flat where the photo will hang. Because of this, I keep the matting in standard sizes. - Some customers ask how the photo was made and if happens that was taken on film, they appreciate more. - I did not see any difference in sales between people browsing and looking in silence or people making comments That is my experience, so far.
Cheers Nigel yep in terms of running a gallery there won’t be many - it’s fascinating listening to the discussion sometimes even if it’s not complimentary 😂
As someone who's looking into starting a business with photography prints, I think this video bursts the bubble straight away with hard true facts, which for me is good because I can learn from it and adjust my plan from the start. Thank you for the input Stuart. You have a great way of explaining it.
I'm glad you've started this channel Stuart. I think your content fits a gap because of the fact that you actually run a gallery. I have visited your gallery many times since you opened and talked with you a few times. I think your images are definitely better than the other galleries in the area. I haven't bought from you only because I print and frame my own work (I print A1 images for my own personal use only). However, that doesn't stop me appreciating how fantastic your images are and how much work, time and effort goes into scouting locations and producing these images. Please keep the vlogs coming. They're great.
That's so true about the picture having to match the aesthetics of the room. I've suggested to the missus about hanging certain shots of mine I like and she rightly dismisses it as 'it won't go'. I now consciously think about certain shots and tones if they will fit a room. Nice video Stuart
Thanks Stuart yes the photographic perception and the general buyer perception of how an image should be presented are often massively at odds with each other
A lot of people don't respect photography. I had someone running for public office and they ask me to cover a event for them. So I did and they did not even want the photos. They just wanted someone walking around with a camera so try look important.
I know this is a few years old now, but a very informative and realistic look at the market landscape photographers deal with. A few years ago I sold at a pretty high end and well regarded street/art fair. Several K's people coming through every day. I saw every reaction you've mentioned, from wealthy people sneering at "just a photograph" to people who bought big prints because "we've been there!" Also interesting, I sold ZERO on day 1 and day 2, sold a ton of stuff day 3, and ZERO day 4 of this show. Wierd.
Thanks for offering this perspective and insight. I really have not heard anyone else talking so clearly about selling printed, your obvious experience gives the commentary gravitas. Brilliant
Thanks Geoff glad you enjoyed it - the true reality is landscape photographers (even the best) don’t sell prints in large volumes, there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors out there with many wanting give the impression that they sell more than they do to keep up appearances. Reality is most people are reluctant to buy anything without seeing it first
You have explained the subject well and covered the right headings there are probably thousands of us dream of taking the plunge and open a gallery like yours. I was lucky to have an experience selling large canvas prints in a charity art gallery that welcomed all forms of creativity. Sadly that closed. Your comments on customer subject interests are very true.
Great video Stuart. Because digital photography is easily accessible for everyone people in general probably don't see it as the art form that it really is. As in your last point there is an element of ignorance and a lack of understanding in what it takes to create something special. Getting to the stage of printing and selling your work takes time and knowledge. Thanks
Thanks Ian yep that train of thought had definitely become more prevalent with digital for sure which is something I didn’t really mention (probs a video in itself) as I think as a genre it had more credibility years ago in the film days due to there being more of a ‘craft’ element to the process
Very interesting to hear your insights on what sells and what doesn't. You are spot on about other's perception of landscape photography and the 'I can take that on my phone' comment.
Cheers for watching Gary, what’s interesting is I talk to a lot of painters who are extremely complimentary regarding photography as they understand the process, it’s the people who know nothing about neither art or photography that usually make the comments. It’s all good fun though it makes the day more interesting lol
Wow, it was quite an eye-opener. I've been doing photography for several years and just now thinking about selling prints. Thank you for sharing the hard truths.!
Great video and insights about selling prints. It is a difficult task here in Brazil, but I believe in the whole world. Most of the points you mentioned are the same we face here
Another belter Stuart. Cannot beat hearing about experience like that from someone "living it". Having worked for the man for a number of decades, yours is the detail the public wouldn't get to hear from a marketing campaign - the team actually doing all the heavy lifting in the background, and that's where the real expertise behind the delivery sits.(hope that makes sense). Very insightful. Keep em coming. Ta.
Another great video Stuart, very informative. I was a press photographer for 18 years and always shot horizontal and vertical so the sub editors could fit a page. So have carried on that tradition into landscape photography. Must admit I've had the same experience of people not rating photography as highly as art. Even the camera crews were better thought of than press on photo assignments! I can remember in the last few years in the press business, lots of mobile phones would be used at events. People would take the same shot I set up with their phone, posting it straight to social media. Everyone is a Photographer now! 🤣
Cheers Diane yep mobiles have had a huge effect, I’m sure you’ll know photography for media has gone from being about excellence to now just ‘good enough’ which is a real shame. Great to have your insight thanks very much 👍
Very insightful video! Lots of things to think about as I look at getting started with my website and considering prints. Thank you for all these valuable bits.
So many useful tips that I’ve never heard anyone else mention, especially around the aesthetics of the prints and their aspect ratios. It was really insightful to get the perspective of a gallery owner on how the general public view landscape photography. A great video, I loved it 👌👏👍
I will subscribe simply because I really like your attitude. I just stumbled onto your video but I will gladly walk to your work and go knowing I will be rewarded with great quality. Take care Stuart.
I've just recently found out that you had started a vlog through a post on TP. I've admired your work on there, Flickr and more recently in Instagram but am really pleased that you have taken to vlogging. I'm sure your channel will grow from strength to strength so good luck. A great insight into selling prints. I have sold a very few prints and canvases and the one thing that sticks with me is that I have found the images that I like most are generally not the ones that others like. Shots that I think are lacking in some aspect technically or composition etc can be the most popular to non photographers. As you say people just want a 'nice' print/canvas that fits into their home. Keep up the good work.
Cheers mate thanks for watching, yes your experience mirrors that of many in the casual viewer/buyer (unsurprisingly) is less concerned about technical proficiency etc although it’s to a much great extent than perhaps even we as photographers would think.
Excellent video Stuart. It’s always important to listen to people who know what they are talking about and you certainly do, thanks for making this video.
Hi Stuart, i've just come across your channel and work - very impressive ! I had a gallery in Cape Town for 8 years and can relate to all your comments and observations about selling prints. I particularly like the punter comments you highlighted and could add a few of my favourites I overheard, or even said to my face about my work. When I first opened I used to get really indigent, but then as my gallery and work grew I got "thick-skinned" and developed some special replies to the worst - in the end it became highly amusing and supplied me with fodder for social conversation. Keep up the work you have great vision. ;-)
Hi Peter thanks for watching - yes I've long been at that stage also where the comments I hear just get an eye roll or a laugh, they make good fodder for putting on Twitter, much to the amusement of those who follow my work. I must admit though when I first opened a few years ago I was shocked at how poorly thought of photography is with the general public, it's something that most landscape photographers never even realise.
Nice video - packed with down-to-earth, real-world common sense. Can't finish without saying just how good your pictures are - lovely composition. Thanks for going to the trouble of making this video.
Really interesting vlog/ perspective from a pro with 'hands-on' experience - thoroughly enjoyed that & thks for the tips etc. Defo 'food for thought'.. cheers, John
Thank you Stuart for all the background info. In your follow up can your framer touch on mounting please, there's nothing worse for an amateur entering a local competition and listening to the judge spend all the time talking about your mounting ability when you've just submitted your best image. Thank you
Thanks Howard, the comp judge comment makes me chuckle a bit, as I wonder how many of them are framers? 😂 he’ll explain the mounting process clearly although things like colour and texture are purely a subjective choice. You can of course butcher a print with a garish mount colour though you’re on pretty safe ground with an off-white with the right proportions
Thanks for another interesting and insightful video Stuart. The biggest predicament for most I guess is how to get people viewing your work in the first place? The digital gallery is very misleading and there really is nothing like seeing the print first hand, so your point about getting decent 'product' photos definitely is one to work on 🙏 As for visitors trashing the park, I have little faith for improvement unless it's nipped in the bud now 😕 Look forward to the next video, thanks again 😊
Yep it’s an issue for sure, websites can only really give a guide on the final product though as you say it’s all we have for the most part, but it’s definitely a barrier to people buying this stuff, more than I think a lot of photographers realise. Cheers for watching 👍
That was a really interesting and thought prevoking video. With regards to peoples buying habits, I agree that they buy a print for a wall that firstly goes with the colour scheme of the room they're planning to put it in. It's got to be the correct size to fit the space they have and the subject matter has to fit with the mood of the room it's going to hang in. Colours follow fashion, so if you look back at what the popular colours on the catwalk were 12 to 18 months ago, you'll see those same colours being picked up in fabrics, whether they're being offered to cover sofas or for curtains or throws. Obviously, paint colours and wallpapers tone in with these and also flooring too. So yes, if you display prints in the gallery that contain colours that are on trend, you should do better with them. This year it was various shades of grey teamed with orange tones, particularly burnt orange. Last year, it was grey teamed with either pink or blue and the year before that it was grey and mustard. You also mentioned about panoramas being the most popular print size. Had you considered splitting a panoramic image into three portrait images? I know some of the prints we sell in store are often supplied in sets of three, consisting of a main landscape image with two balanced portrait images that will sit either side like a garniture. Lastly, for the photography heathens that come into your gallery on a regular basis making thoughtless and often amusing comments, well I think you can engage with them about photography as an artform, but probably just on the topic of composition. I get customers making completely ill-judged comments about the furniture I sell, sometimes to another customer and I step in at that point if they're factually incorrect just to set the record straight. I appreciate it's different with a print, but it's often how you can open the eyes to the value in a product by demonstrating the amount of work that goes into producing the finished product when it isn't immediately obvious. I look forward to the release of the next instalment.
Cheers Ian glad you enjoyed it, on a couple of your points - the panos yes I do occasionally sell as tryptichs and it’s something that is always available as an option to customers. Regards talking to them I’ll use my judgement on that, if it’s something which is particularly inaccurate I’ll step in if necessary but if it’s comments of an idle throwaway nature it’s best left alone, as these people are unlikely to ever buy anything and to be honest is a waste of energy
Some good points here Stuart, we had a talk by a guy who took photos and sold them on Knutsford market, he said that his best sellers were ones that most photographers would have probably deleted. He's had to alter what he shoots to try to keep his content saleable as opposed to what he thinks is good as a photographer.
@@StuartMcGlennon my wife and I were in Keswick recently, took our caravan to the site at the head of the lake and remember having a quick look through your gallery window while waiting for my wife to come out of another shop. I wasn’t aware of your RUclips channel or you for that matter until you liked a photo of mine on the Lake District Facebook group. I often look at people who comment / like my images (I don’t get many😂) and from that started watching your channel. I’m really enjoying it and your photography so next time I’m in Keswick I’ll pop in to thank you for taking the time to put content out and entertain us. Cheers, Phil
Thanks for saying it like it is Stuart, very informative and a dash of reality and perspective I needed. It might be interesting to shoot and print images side by side with your cell phone so that people might better understand that there is more to a print than getting a cell phone shot.
Stuart i really loved this video. Very helpful and great insights. Most of all your experience with the gallery is invaluable. I wish i could pick your brain some more about this!
Invaluable advice Stuart. Lots of useful tips to take forward, although I had already worked some of it out, certainly about presenting work in the best light anyway. Another thing I've noticed is that drama sells, breaking Waves for example and Glorious sunsets. But it's all too easy to go over the top and end up with gaudy, overdone images. Certainly I have done that in the past.
Yep it’s why we are where we are currently, the never ending battle get make work noticeable so everything ends up becoming more and more ‘dramatic’ - an understandable by-product of social media currently. Thanks for watching 👍
Fascinating insight Stuart, the customer is not always right! lol. When I bought my first camera 35 years ago I thought it can't be that difficult, surely it's just a case of aim and shoot, it didn't take me long to realise the extent of my ignorance!
Very interesting to hear Stuart. What you say makes sense and I have to agree I have heard public comments like the ones you quote. Your advice is good and can be applied to camera club members if they are showing prints in their club’s annual exhibition where members of the public get to vote on the prints displayed. I will bear it in mind. Keep up the good work. Love these vlogs.
What a top video Stuart! this is great food for thought, I have some of my suff in Galleries but I don't get to hear peoples thoughts like you do on a day to day basis so this is really enlightening, re the warm images, totally get it 100% even my Mrs says the same thing, some of my favourite personal images are Winter ones but she won't have them in the house for the same reason... makes the room feel cold! (told her to just put a jumper on, but she's not havin' that either...) really informative, not something I've seen anyone do before wither on YT so big kudos for being original in what you're doing, still haven't got up your way since C19 but will call in when I do, keep up the good work, really enjoying the videos.
Cheers pal appreciate that, I’ll have to get your mug on one of these vlogs lol - aye I’m in a unique position somewhat in having a gallery, not sure there’s many of any in the boat on YT. Think some of this will be a bit of an eye opener for many
@@StuartMcGlennon Haha I'd be up for that! yeh it's very refreshing to get this kind of angle on what folk think, I've found very minimal stuff goes really well too, can't weight it up, they either want it all, or next to nothing !
Selling prints can be hard. I consistently have prints in both the best black and white, and color shows in my city when only half for the entries are accepted. I've sold nothing. And, out of 250+ prints in each show, only about a dozen sell in any given show. i have had groups of people stop and look at mine for quite a while, then look at the price (which is in line) and walk away. Also, a well-known gallery here hangs paintings, watercolors, etchings, etc., on the walls but sets photographs unprotected on the floor.
I found this really fine information as I have thought about my photography as a source of supplement income foe retirement. You got a new subscriber here. Thanks for sharing.
Very good video and thank for including your experience and not sell it off as end all be all knowledge. It had got me thinking and also confirmed some of my thoughts on the subject.
Fantastic Stuart. Lots of real and honest information about the reality of selling prints. Love your photos! I learnt an awful lot and really enjoyed the day I spent in your gallery learning Lightroom as well as the day out shooting on the 1 to 1. Look forward to watching more of your RUclips vids.
First time watching you Stuart, watched you on the Pubcast and liked you on that so thought I'd check you out, great start and look forward to watching more now.
@@StuartMcGlennon Quick question Stuart, what type of glass do you use. I'm interested as I work with glass and have done for 42 years. More technical that window glass.?
@@garystone6583 for the majority I use standard glass though it can be quite reflective. A lot of galleries use anti-glare though in my experience despite being less reflective they actually make the print look a little ‘soft’ and also look a bit cloudy. Museum glass which i use on ltd editions, it’s about 4 times cost but easily the best as it’s virtually see through and gives almost no reflections so it’s the best of both worlds.
@@StuartMcGlennon we at work use several different types of reflective glass from fine to a course grade, We do have clear anti reflective but is a lot more expensive. Clearvision is one said glass. But price is high.
I looked at those galleries we passed in Keswick a few weeks ago (sods law we were only there on Monday & Tuesday when you were closed). Of those I saw, I liked your images best, I also thought they were reasonably priced.
That's very kind Nigel thanks - yes pricing is tricky, my work is probably way under valued in comparison with what my peers charge though selling to a largely tourist market makes that pretty much irrelevent. The location of the shop will always be something of a hindrance regarding true value of the work
Another cracking video Stuart! Real insight and you are bang on when you say what people say about people and mobile phones! 'Its an easy gig! Everyone can do it!' Well actually, No They Can't! Keep them coming mate! All the best, Andy
Hi Andy I do apologise completely forgot to respond to your email you sent me I’ll do it now - thanks for watching yeah the mobile phone thing is a bit annoying sometimes but mostly I just find it funny more than anything else
Just discovered your RUclips channel 👍 Have of your photos on the wall at home and have bought many cards from your Gallery. Interesting comments about what you hear people saying - your work could certainly not be produced by a casual tourist on a mobile. As a Cumbrian who is on the fells weekly I have many photos that I’m proud of but bought your work because of the quality of light and fell conditions when you captured the composition. Looking forward to watching other videos ATB
Thanks Graham you might have got the cards from the previous owner though I will be bringing these back at some point in the future - thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it
Great tips, thanks. I can relate to the comment about the mobile phone images that anyone can take these days and the perception they will look great on a large print. You certainly are in a great position to comment on the user comments and desires, running your own gallery.
As a pure enthusiast of photography, I take photos for my RnR and visit many galleries when out and about, I totally get your points regarding the panoramic images and people's perceptions of the £ value of "just a print"..... I didn't catch if your prints are open edition of limited?
I love seeing this perspective and it all makes complete sense to me. Even the harsh bit about "it's just a photo". I can put myself in that persons shoes. The silver lining to this is that if you have tried to sell some prints and nobody bought them, it might not say much of anything about your skill as a photographer. There's a good chance a few of these factors are at play.
Not a bore off at all Stuart - very sound observations. Lucky for me Joe Public doesn’t look for technical photographic excellence when making a purchase ha ha. I look on all sales as a massive compliment. I like your point about presentation of the final product - shall bear that in mind. Sorry to hear the litter louts still haven’t learned 😒
Absolutely Claire every sale should always been something to be proud of, that someone is willing to spend their money on your work. Yeah the trashing of the lakes and other national parks is such a shame, never seen it so bad
Some very interesting points and facts, but I am so glad I am long retired! I can still not understand though why a photographer would ever want to buy another photographers picture or calender! no matter how good it is......but I must agree your pictures looked great in your gallery, the best of luck with your business in this uncertain times that we are in at the mo......And I agree all the rubbish that tourists leave behind is a disgrace........
Hi Des, thanks for watching - personally for me i'm quite happy to buy other prints/books etc if the image moves me enough and I admire the work of that particular photographer and will continue to do so. Yes the mess that's currently being left in all the national parks is a huge problem, suspect many of them haven't been able to get to Spain this year....
Nice video Stuart (👍) and interesting thoughts on the commercial side. I do make a living from photography (mostly the aerial stuff). But would love try selling my landscape images in print. Keep up the good work👍
A great insight to selling prints, its not that easy. What you think is a great image, doesn't always sell. Think the location is important to, i.e. can't sell mountains in Norfolk.. Keep it local. Looking forward to more vlogs from you, great content.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Stuart .. thick skin indeed given how many times you must hear these things in the gallery .. It is interesting what you say about the portrait 3x2 format ..I really do think to sell well it the portrait aspect ration need to be A2 or larger ..anything else and I think you lose the impact of the scene ... less forgiving with landscape format ... I've been shying away from printing some of my panoramics but I may give it a go with the rollers attached to see how things come out ..
Well said Stuart - thankfully, I am an amateur with no interest in selling my work, but I am interested in the idea of selling prints. I see some of the sickly 'picture postcard' images for sale in your town and think 'who in their right mind...' and then remember I am looking at them as a photographer, not a tourist. Who wants a moody monochrome image of a grim day on the fells, when they can have bluebird skies over Catbells? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and art is only worth what the collector is willing to pay. Keep making a living with photos 'not to your taste' so you can afford to make images that are to your taste Stuart. Thanks for sharing an honest account of pro life.
Hi Steve thanks for watching and for your comment - there is of a course a line to be drawn when selling those ‘postcard’ type images and there’s certain types of shot or scene which no matter how saleable I won’t shoot as you run the risk of pigeon holing yourself a touch. I try to have a balanced mix of stuff on the walls - images I really like and images that I can live with. At the moment the ratio is about 50/50 though as the shop grows the ‘need’ for those postcard type images will become less and less.
I had not considered the appeal of panoramas. I will have to shoot more of them. Thanks for tip! While photos may be considered by the average public person, less value in cost to produce compared to the many hours spent on an original fine art painting (the ones that have lots of detail), however when landscape photos are enhanced in color, brightness, dodge and burn, this becomes artwork that is not just a simple snapshot. But I understand how common folks may not understand the amount of work involved in capturing and editing a photo. Great discussion.
Hi Adrian sorry I missed your comment - yeah that's absolutely true, unfortunately as customers passing through you don't have the time to explain any of this to them lol
@@StuartMcGlennon Could you perhaps not mock up a brief guide on what goes into making an image and display it framed in the gallery. Like you see in museums, explanations on items or a little history on a particular relic. Some may not choose to read them, which is of course fine, but many will and it may help educate the potential buyer what goes into making an image in your eye.
@@keithyjoe5094 hi, I already do this with most of the images on display in terms of what went into the shoot using display cards, there’s also a couple of display boards which detail the image making and printing process to give greater context.
I'm glad I found this video because your points are well made and so relevant...would I put one of my favourite images on my living room wall? I'm subscribing to this channel and will be viewing more of you videos as it's clear that you are providing realistic and practical advice based on experience....more chance of turning my expectations into reality .
As an avid amateur photographer for 45+ years, the tips in this video and some of the comments below really resonate with me. I suppose it's the difference between photographer / artist and fine art retailing. You need to offer and stock what sells. I work in London and have visited some of the "big name" photographer exhibitions and the contrast between what is put on (non-sale) exhibition and the work of the same photographers that appears in commercial galleries can be quite pronounced. I can sort of understand the relative low sales of low saturation colour photos but how do you find sales of B&W / monochromatic work?
Yes it's all completely driven by the market - most of what I would class as my 'best work' is largely unsellable to a mass market in a tourist town, not in great quantities anyway. Putting on an exhibition etc would be entirely different of course and the images would be completely different. Mono work generally is very much a marmite thing - to a mass audience they either love it or hate it, though I'd say in general it's not very popular to casual buyers. I do have a few on sale though I don't invest a great deal in it stock-wise though I have a wider selection on the website should one wish to view and purchase that way.
@@StuartMcGlennon Thanks Stuart. That's sort of what I expected. I'd starve to death if I tried to sell my stuff as (a) it's very much my taste, not what I think would sell and (b) the majority is B&W or, if it is a colour photo, I try to keep the colours as close to reality as possible.
Just catching up on your vlogs! Very informative and think it helps a lot of people understand the realities of selling prints. For panoramas you could just use panorama mode on your iPhone. Reckon it'd be pretty much the same 😂
People definitely don't see the difference between great images with just the right composition and lighting, and the photos they took with their phone at high noon. Just go to any social media platform and look at the blurry images with no post processing many people proudly upload. Then there is that often heard comment about "Your camera takes great pictures," having no clue that its not so much the camera as the camera operator. Funny thing is they would never compliment a chef by saying they have a great stove.
Hi Jeff, yes there’s certainly value in Ltd’s I run a few in the gallery, ones which have either won big awards or I think are worthy of being classed as ltd. These are usually in runs of 25 or 50
Hi Stuart: This is a very interesting perspective on producing images for sale. Do you have any thoughts on allowing your images to be included on a local tourism site or marketing board as long as you receive credit for it? Do you feel that allowing this would be beneficial to your business model in developing a client base? Regards . . . Keith Pinn (Canada)
His Keith, short answer is no I don’t allow images to be used in a commercial sense without them being paid for. Long answer is more often than not the organisation wanting use of the image drastically over estimates how much actual ‘reach’ they have and how much benefit they can bring to the contributing photographer. Sadly the way of the world now is that photography in commercial sense is no longer about using the absolute best but rather ‘good enough’ imagery, and there’s often an army of inexperienced photographers desperate for a bit of ‘exposure’ only too happy to hand over images for free, which in turn drags the industry as a whole down. It’s a tough one as I can empathise with photographers starting out who are trying to make their way in the industry and want a bit of exposure to grow, so I’d not judge anyone too harshly for it, but personally speaking it’s something I’ve never done from the start and continue to operate that way.
I find that compositions very seldom fit standard formats. Almost all of my photos are in custom formats, with the exception of some portraits. Occasionally a composition will fit the sensor size, but not often.
Yep that’s often the case although from a business perspective I often have to try to standardise a lot of the sizing for efficiency and cost and also not to confuse customers too much.
Interesting. Here are some of my own experiences, from selling prints are street art markets in town centres in Leeds, Manchester and Cheshire:
- Photographers don't buy prints. They only want to talk about photography.
- I put a lot of time and expense into the quality of my printing, mounting and framing. Customers don't care. They'll happily buy quite shoddy stuff from other people.
- Pictures are like pop songs. The prints that sell are like hit singles. You might have an album full of great album tracks but only one song that will make a single.
- Customers commonly buy because of a personal connection with the place.
- Black and white is just as popular as colour
- Size matters (for my work). I sell most in my small size (30x40cm), and far less in my largest size (50x60).
- Price matters - see above about size but remember your venue. I'm selling to people who are mostly buying on impulse. It's a street market not a London gallery. My price has to match.
- If you want to sell prints yourself you can make your life easier by standardising your aspect ratios. It makes it easier to buy or make mounts and frames. If I could start again I'd choose square format for everything. Have to balance this with your comment about how panoramic sells so well.
- If you are repeatedly transporting your framed work around the place (i.e. for street markets) choose frames in a distressed style - then small knocks won't show and you won't have to throw as many away.
- Framed prints sell better than unframed. The customer can see what they're getting and it's a finished product. I wish I had more space to show more framed prints.
- Real customers (mine, at least) don't care how you took it. Technical details don't matter.
- My customers don't care about limited edition or "it's just a print".
- People who look at my work and make a loud fuss about how beautiful it is won't buy. Real buying customers browse and look in silence.
Nice pictures, by the way! I've been to your gallery, it's really nice.
Thanks for your comment Anthony, your experiences pretty much mirror mine - standardised sizing especially, main thing which you’re obviously aware of is catering to market forces. I think as photographers we have a tendency to judge our work and the genre as a whole in a vacuum a bit so hopefully this might be a bit of an eye opener to people as I genuinely don’t think many believe what I’m saying regards the general low opinion of photography as an art form by the wider public
@Anthony Shaughnessy Some of your points are the same as mine but some are quite the opposite, but maybe it's a cultural difference (I live in Germany and not in England)? Who knows.
-I buy other photographer's prints and I have photographers friends that do the same.
-I sell more unframed prints rather than framed, more or less 80% unframed, just matted. Most of my customers like to choose a frame on their own, according to he style of their own house/flat where the photo will hang. Because of this, I keep the matting in standard sizes.
- Some customers ask how the photo was made and if happens that was taken on film, they appreciate more.
- I did not see any difference in sales between people browsing and looking in silence or people making comments
That is my experience, so far.
This was really informative
'People who look at my work and make a loud fuss about how beautiful it is won't buy.'
Some wise words there, especially this comment.
Excellent points Stuart. I think you are in a unique position to have that fly on the wall observation which is valuable.
Cheers Nigel yep in terms of running a gallery there won’t be many - it’s fascinating listening to the discussion sometimes even if it’s not complimentary 😂
As someone who's looking into starting a business with photography prints, I think this video bursts the bubble straight away with hard true facts, which for me is good because I can learn from it and adjust my plan from the start. Thank you for the input Stuart. You have a great way of explaining it.
No probs thanks very much for watching
I'm glad you've started this channel Stuart. I think your content fits a gap because of the fact that you actually run a gallery. I have visited your gallery many times since you opened and talked with you a few times. I think your images are definitely better than the other galleries in the area. I haven't bought from you only because I print and frame my own work (I print A1 images for my own personal use only). However, that doesn't stop me appreciating how fantastic your images are and how much work, time and effort goes into scouting locations and producing these images. Please keep the vlogs coming. They're great.
Cheers Anthony thanks for watching
That's so true about the picture having to match the aesthetics of the room. I've suggested to the missus about hanging certain shots of mine I like and she rightly dismisses it as 'it won't go'. I now consciously think about certain shots and tones if they will fit a room. Nice video Stuart
Thanks Stuart yes the photographic perception and the general buyer perception of how an image should be presented are often massively at odds with each other
A lot of people don't respect photography. I had someone running for public office and they ask me to cover a event for them. So I did and they did not even want the photos. They just wanted someone walking around with a camera so try look important.
Yep that sounds about right
I know this is a few years old now, but a very informative and realistic look at the market landscape photographers deal with. A few years ago I sold at a pretty high end and well regarded street/art fair. Several K's people coming through every day. I saw every reaction you've mentioned, from wealthy people sneering at "just a photograph" to people who bought big prints because "we've been there!" Also interesting, I sold ZERO on day 1 and day 2, sold a ton of stuff day 3, and ZERO day 4 of this show. Wierd.
Thanks for watching yeah it’s very interesting seeing peoples reactions who aren’t invested in your work the same way you are
Thanks for offering this perspective and insight. I really have not heard anyone else talking so clearly about selling printed, your obvious experience gives the commentary gravitas. Brilliant
Thanks Geoff glad you enjoyed it - the true reality is landscape photographers (even the best) don’t sell prints in large volumes, there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors out there with many wanting give the impression that they sell more than they do to keep up appearances. Reality is most people are reluctant to buy anything without seeing it first
You have explained the subject well and covered the right headings there are probably thousands of us dream of taking the plunge and open a gallery like yours. I was lucky to have an experience selling large canvas prints in a charity art gallery that welcomed all forms of creativity. Sadly that closed. Your comments on customer subject interests are very true.
Thanks for watching John glad you enjoyed it 👍
Great video Stuart. Because digital photography is easily accessible for everyone people in general probably don't see it as the art form that it really is. As in your last point there is an element of ignorance and a lack of understanding in what it takes to create something special. Getting to the stage of printing and selling your work takes time and knowledge. Thanks
Thanks Ian yep that train of thought had definitely become more prevalent with digital for sure which is something I didn’t really mention (probs a video in itself) as I think as a genre it had more credibility years ago in the film days due to there being more of a ‘craft’ element to the process
Very interesting to hear your insights on what sells and what doesn't. You are spot on about other's perception of landscape photography and the 'I can take that on my phone' comment.
Cheers for watching Gary, what’s interesting is I talk to a lot of painters who are extremely complimentary regarding photography as they understand the process, it’s the people who know nothing about neither art or photography that usually make the comments. It’s all good fun though it makes the day more interesting lol
Wow, it was quite an eye-opener. I've been doing photography for several years and just now thinking about selling prints. Thank you for sharing the hard truths.!
What a great video you really are a good landscape photographer with some amazing work and fantastic little shop.
Thanks Paul
Great video and insights about selling prints. It is a difficult task here in Brazil, but I believe in the whole world. Most of the points you mentioned are the same we face here
Thanks very much 👍
Another belter Stuart. Cannot beat hearing about experience like that from someone "living it". Having worked for the man for a number of decades, yours is the detail the public wouldn't get to hear from a marketing campaign - the team actually doing all the heavy lifting in the background, and that's where the real expertise behind the delivery sits.(hope that makes sense). Very insightful. Keep em coming. Ta.
Cheers Drew glad you enjoyed it, the feedback I get is often invaluable even if it’s perhaps sometimes not what you want to hear
Another great video Stuart, very informative.
I was a press photographer for 18 years and always shot horizontal and vertical so the sub editors could fit a page. So have carried on that tradition into landscape photography. Must admit I've had the same experience of people not rating photography as highly as art. Even the camera crews were better thought of than press on photo assignments! I can remember in the last few years in the press business, lots of mobile phones would be used at events. People would take the same shot I set up with their phone, posting it straight to social media. Everyone is a Photographer now! 🤣
Cheers Diane yep mobiles have had a huge effect, I’m sure you’ll know photography for media has gone from being about excellence to now just ‘good enough’ which is a real shame. Great to have your insight thanks very much 👍
Very insightful video! Lots of things to think about as I look at getting started with my website and considering prints. Thank you for all these valuable bits.
Thanks Darrien
So many useful tips that I’ve never heard anyone else mention, especially around the aesthetics of the prints and their aspect ratios.
It was really insightful to get the perspective of a gallery owner on how the general public view landscape photography.
A great video, I loved it 👌👏👍
Thanks very much for watching glad you found it interesting 👍
Good stuff, found this really helpful and insightful, more so coming from someone with a gallery which adds huge weight. Good work.
Thanks Simon appreciate that, cheers for watching
I will subscribe simply because I really like your attitude. I just stumbled onto your video but I will gladly walk to your work and go knowing I will be rewarded with great quality. Take care Stuart.
Cheers Michael :-)
I've just recently found out that you had started a vlog through a post on TP. I've admired your work on there, Flickr and more recently in Instagram but am really pleased that you have taken to vlogging. I'm sure your channel will grow from strength to strength so good luck. A great insight into selling prints. I have sold a very few prints and canvases and the one thing that sticks with me is that I have found the images that I like most are generally not the ones that others like. Shots that I think are lacking in some aspect technically or composition etc can be the most popular to non photographers. As you say people just want a 'nice' print/canvas that fits into their home. Keep up the good work.
Cheers mate thanks for watching, yes your experience mirrors that of many in the casual viewer/buyer (unsurprisingly) is less concerned about technical proficiency etc although it’s to a much great extent than perhaps even we as photographers would think.
A very insightful video Stuart with plenty of food for thought there, thanks for sharing.
Cheers glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for your thoughts...has been helpful...just getting started with selling prints...still organizing and getting my website together
No probs Ken 👍
Excellent video Stuart. It’s always important to listen to people who know what they are talking about and you certainly do, thanks for making this video.
Thanks Steve enjoyed your stuff on here for some time, cheers for watching 👍
Hi Stuart, i've just come across your channel and work - very impressive !
I had a gallery in Cape Town for 8 years and can relate to all your comments and observations about selling prints. I particularly like the punter comments you highlighted and could add a few of my favourites I overheard, or even said to my face about my work.
When I first opened I used to get really indigent, but then as my gallery and work grew I got "thick-skinned" and developed some special replies to the worst - in the end it became highly amusing and supplied me with fodder for social conversation.
Keep up the work you have great vision. ;-)
Hi Peter thanks for watching - yes I've long been at that stage also where the comments I hear just get an eye roll or a laugh, they make good fodder for putting on Twitter, much to the amusement of those who follow my work. I must admit though when I first opened a few years ago I was shocked at how poorly thought of photography is with the general public, it's something that most landscape photographers never even realise.
Nice video - packed with down-to-earth, real-world common sense. Can't finish without saying just how good your pictures are - lovely composition. Thanks for going to the trouble of making this video.
Thanks Robert glad you enjoyed it that's kind of you to say :-)
Really interesting vlog/ perspective from a pro with 'hands-on' experience - thoroughly enjoyed that & thks for the tips etc. Defo 'food for thought'.. cheers, John
Cheers John glad you enjoyed it and found it useful
Thank you Stuart for all the background info. In your follow up can your framer touch on mounting please, there's nothing worse for an amateur entering a local competition and listening to the judge spend all the time talking about your mounting ability when you've just submitted your best image. Thank you
Thanks Howard, the comp judge comment makes me chuckle a bit, as I wonder how many of them are framers? 😂 he’ll explain the mounting process clearly although things like colour and texture are purely a subjective choice. You can of course butcher a print with a garish mount colour though you’re on pretty safe ground with an off-white with the right proportions
Thanks for another interesting and insightful video Stuart. The biggest predicament for most I guess is how to get people viewing your work in the first place? The digital gallery is very misleading and there really is nothing like seeing the print first hand, so your point about getting decent 'product' photos definitely is one to work on 🙏
As for visitors trashing the park, I have little faith for improvement unless it's nipped in the bud now 😕
Look forward to the next video, thanks again 😊
Yep it’s an issue for sure, websites can only really give a guide on the final product though as you say it’s all we have for the most part, but it’s definitely a barrier to people buying this stuff, more than I think a lot of photographers realise. Cheers for watching 👍
I really appreciate your points. I have a goal/ dream of selling prints. This makes me think I should just shoot for me.
Cheers Jim yes if you don’t have the commercial constraints I do you should always shoot for yourself 👍
That was a really interesting and thought prevoking video. With regards to peoples buying habits, I agree that they buy a print for a wall that firstly goes with the colour scheme of the room they're planning to put it in. It's got to be the correct size to fit the space they have and the subject matter has to fit with the mood of the room it's going to hang in. Colours follow fashion, so if you look back at what the popular colours on the catwalk were 12 to 18 months ago, you'll see those same colours being picked up in fabrics, whether they're being offered to cover sofas or for curtains or throws. Obviously, paint colours and wallpapers tone in with these and also flooring too. So yes, if you display prints in the gallery that contain colours that are on trend, you should do better with them. This year it was various shades of grey teamed with orange tones, particularly burnt orange. Last year, it was grey teamed with either pink or blue and the year before that it was grey and mustard.
You also mentioned about panoramas being the most popular print size. Had you considered splitting a panoramic image into three portrait images? I know some of the prints we sell in store are often supplied in sets of three, consisting of a main landscape image with two balanced portrait images that will sit either side like a garniture.
Lastly, for the photography heathens that come into your gallery on a regular basis making thoughtless and often amusing comments, well I think you can engage with them about photography as an artform, but probably just on the topic of composition. I get customers making completely ill-judged comments about the furniture I sell, sometimes to another customer and I step in at that point if they're factually incorrect just to set the record straight. I appreciate it's different with a print, but it's often how you can open the eyes to the value in a product by demonstrating the amount of work that goes into producing the finished product when it isn't immediately obvious.
I look forward to the release of the next instalment.
Cheers Ian glad you enjoyed it, on a couple of your points - the panos yes I do occasionally sell as tryptichs and it’s something that is always available as an option to customers. Regards talking to them I’ll use my judgement on that, if it’s something which is particularly inaccurate I’ll step in if necessary but if it’s comments of an idle throwaway nature it’s best left alone, as these people are unlikely to ever buy anything and to be honest is a waste of energy
Some good points here Stuart, we had a talk by a guy who took photos and sold them on Knutsford market, he said that his best sellers were ones that most photographers would have probably deleted. He's had to alter what he shoots to try to keep his content saleable as opposed to what he thinks is good as a photographer.
Hi Phil yes it’s a tricky balance sometimes, photographers views on what’s good vs the public is usually miles apart!
@@StuartMcGlennon my wife and I were in Keswick recently, took our caravan to the site at the head of the lake and remember having a quick look through your gallery window while waiting for my wife to come out of another shop. I wasn’t aware of your RUclips channel or you for that matter until you liked a photo of mine on the Lake District Facebook group. I often look at people who comment / like my images (I don’t get many😂) and from that started watching your channel. I’m really enjoying it and your photography so next time I’m in Keswick I’ll pop in to thank you for taking the time to put content out and entertain us. Cheers, Phil
Ah cheers Phil yes pop in for a chat next time you’re passing 👍
Very helpful and held my attention to the end. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks Ralph much appreciated
Really useful video with a few points I'd not heard before, your unique perspective as a gallery owner is really valuable, thanks very much.
Thanks Matthew much appreciated
Thank you for sharing what you've learned in the gallery.
thanks Greg glad you found it useful
Thanks for saying it like it is Stuart, very informative and a dash of reality and perspective I needed. It might be interesting to shoot and print images side by side with your cell phone so that people might better understand that there is more to a print than getting a cell phone shot.
Glad you enjoyed it Stephen - yeah i think printing a mobile phone shot at 30inches wide would be a bit of an eye opener for many!
A very informative video, with a interesting viewpoint form your experience of selling prints from your gallery.
Thanks for sharing
Cheers Tony no probs
Great video Stu! Can't believe I've only just found you channel. Love your work.
Cheers mate 👍
Stuart i really loved this video. Very helpful and great insights. Most of all your experience with the gallery is invaluable. I wish i could pick your brain some more about this!
Invaluable advice Stuart. Lots of useful tips to take forward, although I had already worked some of it out, certainly about presenting work in the best light anyway. Another thing I've noticed is that drama sells, breaking Waves for example and Glorious sunsets. But it's all too easy to go over the top and end up with gaudy, overdone images. Certainly I have done that in the past.
Yep it’s why we are where we are currently, the never ending battle get make work noticeable so everything ends up becoming more and more ‘dramatic’ - an understandable by-product of social media currently. Thanks for watching 👍
Fascinating insight Stuart, the customer is not always right! lol. When I bought my first camera 35 years ago I thought it can't be that difficult, surely it's just a case of aim and shoot, it didn't take me long to realise the extent of my ignorance!
Thanks mate yep sometimes they are wrong!
Finally got a chance to sit down and watch it properly. Great video, very useful information. Thanks Stuart!
Cheers mate thanks for watching it 👍
Very interesting to hear Stuart. What you say makes sense and I have to agree I have heard public comments like the ones you quote. Your advice is good and can be applied to camera club members if they are showing prints in their club’s annual exhibition where members of the public get to vote on the prints displayed. I will bear it in mind. Keep up the good work. Love these vlogs.
Cheers mate thanks for watching - really enjoyed the CC talk we did was a pleasure 👍
brilliant video, very down to earth and to the point. So true about the public view of photography too
What a top video Stuart! this is great food for thought, I have some of my suff in Galleries but I don't get to hear peoples thoughts like you do on a day to day basis so this is really enlightening, re the warm images, totally get it 100% even my Mrs says the same thing, some of my favourite personal images are Winter ones but she won't have them in the house for the same reason... makes the room feel cold! (told her to just put a jumper on, but she's not havin' that either...) really informative, not something I've seen anyone do before wither on YT so big kudos for being original in what you're doing, still haven't got up your way since C19 but will call in when I do, keep up the good work, really enjoying the videos.
Cheers pal appreciate that, I’ll have to get your mug on one of these vlogs lol - aye I’m in a unique position somewhat in having a gallery, not sure there’s many of any in the boat on YT. Think some of this will be a bit of an eye opener for many
@@StuartMcGlennon Haha I'd be up for that! yeh it's very refreshing to get this kind of angle on what folk think, I've found very minimal stuff goes really well too, can't weight it up, they either want it all, or next to nothing !
Selling prints can be hard. I consistently have prints in both the best black and white, and color shows in my city when only half for the entries are accepted. I've sold nothing. And, out of 250+ prints in each show, only about a dozen sell in any given show. i have had groups of people stop and look at mine for quite a while, then look at the price (which is in line) and walk away. Also, a well-known gallery here hangs paintings, watercolors, etchings, etc., on the walls but sets photographs unprotected on the floor.
Thanks for watching yes sadly photography is often the poor relation to other artforms
I found this really fine information as I have thought about my photography as a source of supplement income foe retirement. You got a new subscriber here. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bob much appreciated
Great real-life insight into the world of commercial landscape photography and its marekplace
Thanks Keith 👍
Very good video and thank for including your experience and not sell it off as end all be all knowledge. It had got me thinking and also confirmed some of my thoughts on the subject.
Thanks for watching mate glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic Stuart. Lots of real and honest information about the reality of selling prints. Love your photos! I learnt an awful lot and really enjoyed the day I spent in your gallery learning Lightroom as well as the day out shooting on the 1 to 1. Look forward to watching more of your RUclips vids.
Cheers Matt thanks for watching mate
Very very interesting comments. Some viewpoints I hadn't considered. Cheers !
👍👍
SUPERB video!! I especially like your point about print ratio! A fine point to consider!
Thanks Joseph glad you enjoyed it
First time watching you Stuart, watched you on the Pubcast and liked you on that so thought I'd check you out, great start and look forward to watching more now.
Cheers Gary
@@StuartMcGlennon Quick question Stuart, what type of glass do you use.
I'm interested as I work with glass and have done for 42 years.
More technical that window glass.?
@@garystone6583 for the majority I use standard glass though it can be quite reflective. A lot of galleries use anti-glare though in my experience despite being less reflective they actually make the print look a little ‘soft’ and also look a bit cloudy. Museum glass which i use on ltd editions, it’s about 4 times cost but easily the best as it’s virtually see through and gives almost no reflections so it’s the best of both worlds.
@@StuartMcGlennon we at work use several different types of reflective glass from fine to a course grade,
We do have clear anti reflective but is a lot more expensive.
Clearvision is one said glass. But price is high.
Thanks for your honesty you know your market and that is a great plus in the world of photography business!
Cheers Neil glad you found it interesting :-)
I looked at those galleries we passed in Keswick a few weeks ago (sods law we were only there on Monday & Tuesday when you were closed). Of those I saw, I liked your images best, I also thought they were reasonably priced.
That's very kind Nigel thanks - yes pricing is tricky, my work is probably way under valued in comparison with what my peers charge though selling to a largely tourist market makes that pretty much irrelevent. The location of the shop will always be something of a hindrance regarding true value of the work
Another cracking video Stuart! Real insight and you are bang on when you say what people say about people and mobile phones! 'Its an easy gig! Everyone can do it!' Well actually, No They Can't! Keep them coming mate! All the best, Andy
Hi Andy I do apologise completely forgot to respond to your email you sent me I’ll do it now - thanks for watching yeah the mobile phone thing is a bit annoying sometimes but mostly I just find it funny more than anything else
Just discovered your RUclips channel 👍 Have of your photos on the wall at home and have bought many cards from your Gallery. Interesting comments about what you hear people saying - your work could certainly not be produced by a casual tourist on a mobile. As a Cumbrian who is on the fells weekly I have many photos that I’m proud of but bought your work because of the quality of light and fell conditions when you captured the composition. Looking forward to watching other videos ATB
Thanks Graham you might have got the cards from the previous owner though I will be bringing these back at some point in the future - thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it
Great content and I really look forward to your videos coming out. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Cheers Mark sorry I missed this, new one up today 👍
Great tips, thanks. I can relate to the comment about the mobile phone images that anyone can take these days and the perception they will look great on a large print. You certainly are in a great position to comment on the user comments and desires, running your own gallery.
Thanks Gavin 👍
Very insightful. Makes sense though and food for thought. I'm in Keswick this week - I may pop in and say hello if I get chance
Cheers Jamie 👍👍
Great video!! You seem like a great guy and I loved the points you went over! Also your photographs are killer!!
Thanks Rylee very kind of you, glad you enjoyed it 👍
As a pure enthusiast of photography, I take photos for my RnR and visit many galleries when out and about, I totally get your points regarding the panoramic images and people's perceptions of the £ value of "just a print"..... I didn't catch if your prints are open edition of limited?
Hi Glenn thank for watching - I currently run 4 images as ltd editions the rest are open editions.
Really enjoyed this one - being up in the mountains is much better than in freaking office, lol. Good job, Stuart, as always. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks Juraj 👍
I love seeing this perspective and it all makes complete sense to me. Even the harsh bit about "it's just a photo". I can put myself in that persons shoes. The silver lining to this is that if you have tried to sell some prints and nobody bought them, it might not say much of anything about your skill as a photographer. There's a good chance a few of these factors are at play.
Thanks for watching glad you found it informative - yes skill and what sells often aren’t linked at all
Not a bore off at all Stuart - very sound observations. Lucky for me Joe Public doesn’t look for technical photographic excellence when making a purchase ha ha. I look on all sales as a massive compliment. I like your point about presentation of the final product - shall bear that in mind. Sorry to hear the litter louts still haven’t learned 😒
Absolutely Claire every sale should always been something to be proud of, that someone is willing to spend their money on your work. Yeah the trashing of the lakes and other national parks is such a shame, never seen it so bad
Stuart, really interesting vlog, great points made and certainly worth taking on board. Those overhead comments are brutal ! all the best
Cheers Kevin thank for tuning in :-)
Some very interesting points and facts, but I am so glad I am long retired! I can still not understand though why a photographer would ever want to buy another photographers picture or calender! no matter how good it is......but I must agree your pictures looked great in your gallery, the best of luck with your business in this uncertain times that we are in at the mo......And I agree all the rubbish that tourists leave behind is a disgrace........
Hi Des, thanks for watching - personally for me i'm quite happy to buy other prints/books etc if the image moves me enough and I admire the work of that particular photographer and will continue to do so. Yes the mess that's currently being left in all the national parks is a huge problem, suspect many of them haven't been able to get to Spain this year....
Nice video Stuart (👍) and interesting thoughts on the commercial side. I do make a living from photography (mostly the aerial stuff). But would love try selling my landscape images in print. Keep up the good work👍
Thanks Graeme (it’s Stuart btw 😉)
Stuart... sorry it’s the heat mate👍
A great insight to selling prints, its not that easy. What you think is a great image, doesn't always sell. Think the location is important to, i.e. can't sell mountains in Norfolk.. Keep it local.
Looking forward to more vlogs from you, great content.
Cheers yep location is key, I have many Scottish images though I can’t and don’t sell any in the gallery (or very rarely) as it just isn’t the market
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Stuart .. thick skin indeed given how many times you must hear these things in the gallery .. It is interesting what you say about the portrait 3x2 format ..I really do think to sell well it the portrait aspect ration need to be A2 or larger ..anything else and I think you lose the impact of the scene ... less forgiving with landscape format ... I've been shying away from printing some of my panoramics but I may give it a go with the rollers attached to see how things come out ..
Cheers mate thanks for watching, bigger definitely better in a gallery, you’re right those traditional formats do lose impact at smaller sizes
Well said Stuart - thankfully, I am an amateur with no interest in selling my work, but I am interested in the idea of selling prints. I see some of the sickly 'picture postcard' images for sale in your town and think 'who in their right mind...' and then remember I am looking at them as a photographer, not a tourist. Who wants a moody monochrome image of a grim day on the fells, when they can have bluebird skies over Catbells? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and art is only worth what the collector is willing to pay. Keep making a living with photos 'not to your taste' so you can afford to make images that are to your taste Stuart. Thanks for sharing an honest account of pro life.
Hi Steve thanks for watching and for your comment - there is of a course a line to be drawn when selling those ‘postcard’ type images and there’s certain types of shot or scene which no matter how saleable I won’t shoot as you run the risk of pigeon holing yourself a touch. I try to have a balanced mix of stuff on the walls - images I really like and images that I can live with. At the moment the ratio is about 50/50 though as the shop grows the ‘need’ for those postcard type images will become less and less.
Enjoyed that pal. It was nice to get an honest insight into the reality of selling prints.
Thanks very much Mark
Stuart McGlennon no worries. There is obviously a big difference between what appeals to photographers and what appeals to the general public.
Mark Broomfield oh yes that’s for sure!
I had not considered the appeal of panoramas. I will have to shoot more of them.
Thanks for tip!
While photos may be considered by the average public person, less value in cost to produce compared to the many hours spent on an original fine art painting (the ones that have lots of detail), however when landscape photos are enhanced in color, brightness, dodge and burn, this becomes artwork that is not just a simple snapshot. But I understand how common folks may not understand the amount of work involved in capturing and editing a photo. Great discussion.
Hi Adrian sorry I missed your comment - yeah that's absolutely true, unfortunately as customers passing through you don't have the time to explain any of this to them lol
@@StuartMcGlennon Could you perhaps not mock up a brief guide on what goes into making an image and display it framed in the gallery. Like you see in museums, explanations on items or a little history on a particular relic. Some may not choose to read them, which is of course fine, but many will and it may help educate the potential buyer what goes into making an image in your eye.
@@keithyjoe5094 hi, I already do this with most of the images on display in terms of what went into the shoot using display cards, there’s also a couple of display boards which detail the image making and printing process to give greater context.
I'm glad I found this video because your points are well made and so relevant...would I put one of my favourite images on my living room wall? I'm subscribing to this channel and will be viewing more of you videos as it's clear that you are providing realistic and practical advice based on experience....more chance of turning my expectations into reality .
Thanks very much Terry
Great tipps, Stuart, thanks! 👍 It became clear to me that I don’t want to sell prints 😂
Haha don’t let me put you off! 😂 thanks for watching
I've checked the website, beautiful gallery space. I bet it was a lot of work to put it together.
Definitely subscribed.
Thanks Fabrizio very kind of you to say thanks for subbing
Thank you for the insight, I have just started receiving requests for a print or two so will keep this video in mind
Cheers Justin hopefully you found it useful 👍
I appreciate your honest viewpoints. Very helpful information! Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks Deb 👍
Thanks for sharing your well thought out professional views.
No probs glad you enjoyed it
Very interesting. This was recommended watching from The Photography Pubcast by Darren. Well worth the watch. Subscribing.
Thanks Susan much appreciated
Very good video and eyeopening. Thanks for that!
No probs Christian glad you enjoyed it 👍
As an avid amateur photographer for 45+ years, the tips in this video and some of the comments below really resonate with me. I suppose it's the difference between photographer / artist and fine art retailing. You need to offer and stock what sells. I work in London and have visited some of the "big name" photographer exhibitions and the contrast between what is put on (non-sale) exhibition and the work of the same photographers that appears in commercial galleries can be quite pronounced. I can sort of understand the relative low sales of low saturation colour photos but how do you find sales of B&W / monochromatic work?
Yes it's all completely driven by the market - most of what I would class as my 'best work' is largely unsellable to a mass market in a tourist town, not in great quantities anyway. Putting on an exhibition etc would be entirely different of course and the images would be completely different.
Mono work generally is very much a marmite thing - to a mass audience they either love it or hate it, though I'd say in general it's not very popular to casual buyers. I do have a few on sale though I don't invest a great deal in it stock-wise though I have a wider selection on the website should one wish to view and purchase that way.
@@StuartMcGlennon Thanks Stuart. That's sort of what I expected. I'd starve to death if I tried to sell my stuff as (a) it's very much my taste, not what I think would sell and (b) the majority is B&W or, if it is a colour photo, I try to keep the colours as close to reality as possible.
Just catching up on your vlogs! Very informative and think it helps a lot of people understand the realities of selling prints. For panoramas you could just use panorama mode on your iPhone. Reckon it'd be pretty much the same 😂
Cheers pal yep not all sunshine’s and rainbows! 😂 Lol ‘pano’ mode I’ve heard that one specifically
Well said…people have no idea the amount of work involved
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Excellent info, much appreciated. Thanks.
No probs Darren 👍
Really interesting and enjoyed doing a chat vlog but at different locations, not just in the office
Thanks bud yeah I’d far rather be outside doing that, much nicer
fascinating insight! thanks for the tips! makes you think!
Thanks very much 👍
Even more relevant in year 2022. Thank You
Thanks for watching glad your found it useful
Interesting video and useful insights, thanks Stuart
Cheers John thanks for watching
Nice insight and thanks for sharing Stuart
Thanks Andrew
@@StuartMcGlennon My pleasure - just came across your channel for the first time so will check out your portfolio etc
Super interesting. Thanks for sharing
Cheers Derrick
People definitely don't see the difference between great images with just the right composition and lighting, and the photos they took with their phone at high noon. Just go to any social media platform and look at the blurry images with no post processing many people proudly upload. Then there is that often heard comment about "Your camera takes great pictures," having no clue that its not so much the camera as the camera operator. Funny thing is they would never compliment a chef by saying they have a great stove.
Haha yep exactly, when I'm asked what camera I have I usually just say "a black one" lol
Next time I'm in the lake district I'll pop by and take a look at that winter print with no sales 😉
Haha you’ll do well I never have it up these days 😂 it is on the website though
Great real world advice, any benefit to offering limited edition prints?
Hi Jeff, yes there’s certainly value in Ltd’s I run a few in the gallery, ones which have either won big awards or I think are worthy of being classed as ltd. These are usually in runs of 25 or 50
Hi Stuart: This is a very interesting perspective on producing images for sale. Do you have any thoughts on allowing your images to be included on a local tourism site or marketing board as long as you receive credit for it? Do you feel that allowing this would be beneficial to your business model in developing a client base? Regards . . . Keith Pinn (Canada)
His Keith, short answer is no I don’t allow images to be used in a commercial sense without them being paid for. Long answer is more often than not the organisation wanting use of the image drastically over estimates how much actual ‘reach’ they have and how much benefit they can bring to the contributing photographer. Sadly the way of the world now is that photography in commercial sense is no longer about using the absolute best but rather ‘good enough’ imagery, and there’s often an army of inexperienced photographers desperate for a bit of ‘exposure’ only too happy to hand over images for free, which in turn drags the industry as a whole down.
It’s a tough one as I can empathise with photographers starting out who are trying to make their way in the industry and want a bit of exposure to grow, so I’d not judge anyone too harshly for it, but personally speaking it’s something I’ve never done from the start and continue to operate that way.
Really interesting and helpful, thanks.
Thanks Sue
I find that compositions very seldom fit standard formats. Almost all of my photos are in custom formats, with the exception of some portraits. Occasionally a composition will fit the sensor size, but not often.
Yep that’s often the case although from a business perspective I often have to try to standardise a lot of the sizing for efficiency and cost and also not to confuse customers too much.
Very informative, thank you for sharing.
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Nice little vlog mate, very interesting
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Some valuable advice, thank you. 👏
Thanks Andrew