What do people mostly buy super large prints of?

[rozzie]

Is there a general theme as to what people buy the larger prints of? Like 11x14+? Are they generally family group photos... close crops of the face... nice landscapes with a subject in the foreground... or is it really just different from client to client? I'm curious! I can't imagine what I would buy a 20x30 let alone 30x40 of :)

~Rozzie

[babybluetx23]

heheh I have been asking the same question myself. I had a local frame shop contact me about taking some of my work on consignment. I have a Downtown Dallas Skyline at Dusk that they want and they think would sell REALLY well. They said the same goes for just about any Major downtown Skyline photo. Other then that I would blow up some photos from the japanese Botanical gardens to mat fram and hang in my living room but that is because my living room is done in an asian accent. But I think it differs per person.

[suzyjazz]

I can't speak from experience (as a seller), but I would imagine the most common large print for people to buy is landscape. I had one of my Napa Valley photos printed 12x18 for a mat and frame. I also created 2 16-20 collage prints of lions and tigers and hung those up. If I could ever get a family photo taken (you know, if people would cooperate) I think the largest I'd print something like that is 11x14.

[epoh]

I know my parents bought a large print of my bridal portrait. That have that dang thing hanging over the piano in the dining room!

[cmalana]

We have been selling 20x30s of either bridal portraits or engagements (or both) primarily for use at the reception venue.

[Clint_Smith]

sell alot of 16x20s as bridal portraits and also in family portraits.

but for some reason, my clients want those "big 8x10s" .....as opposed to the smaller ones

personally I love the 16x20 print and think it is the most flexible print size when it comes to decorating a room.

[thebeginning]

Originally Posted by Clint_Smith

but for some reason, my clients want those "big 8x10s" .....as opposed to the smaller ones

man me too, it drives me crazy. So many of my portrait clients view 8x10s as the ultimate big print...hm.

I am photographing a traditional vietnamese wedding in the spring of 2007 with a fellow photographer, and we were completely shocked after hearing that they wanted a HUGE print for display at the reception (it's kind of a tradition). I suggested 30x40 or so and got 'at least'. I wish i had more of those!!

[jheiliger]

One question for you guys...

HOW ARE YOU PROOFING??

If you want to sell big prints, my suggestion to you is to project them as large as you want to sell them, and.... You will!

Clients have a really hard time envisioning a large print of thier family when you are proofing them off of a computer monitor or from 4x5's you had printed at the lab. The best way to sell them a print that they will consider "art" for their wall is to show them the image in the size you will print it.

The general rule is... whatever size you show them, they will usually buy one size smaller. So, if I project an image that is 30 x 40, they will settle down to a 24x36. If I show them a 24x30, they will settle for a 20x24.

I heard this for a long time from lots of successful photographers, and only recently have I started projecting in my studio. Time will tell...

Joe

[KeepsakeGirl]

Originally Posted by jheiliger

One question for you guys...

HOW ARE YOU PROOFING??

If you want to sell big prints, my suggestion to you is to project them as large as you want to sell them, and.... You will!

Clients have a really hard time envisioning a large print of thier family when you are proofing them off of a computer monitor or from 4x5's you had printed at the lab. The best way to sell them a print that they will consider "art" for their wall is to show them the image in the size you will print it.

The general rule is... whatever size you show them, they will usually buy one size smaller. So, if I project an image that is 30 x 40, they will settle down to a 24x36. If I show them a 24x30, they will settle for a 20x24.

I heard this for a long time from lots of successful photographers, and only recently have I started projecting in my studio. Time will tell...

Joe

Yup. I had a 30x36 print in my house and bride ordered a 24x30 bridal portrait. She hangs it over here fireplace

[adirty1]

depends on your clients too. not all clients are going to have enought wall space to hang a matted 20x30.

but your right you have to project that image so the client can see it and understand that if i get a 8x10 the only time iam going to see it is when i am dusting it off. now a 20x30 you will see from across the room. 16x20 is pretty damn close to perfect unless your trying to really make money off the prints then your going to want bigger prints sold.

[BenE]

In my case, sometimes projection works.. and sometimes not. I just finished showing projected previews, and only went up to 20x24. In addition I showed a 16x20,11x14,8x10 on the same small area (about 6 feet wide).

The mom cried said she had never seen such wonderful photography.... I was ready to write up at least a 16x20... , but said she had no place to hang anything larger than an 8x10, because she only hung photos on one wall, and it was already full of 8x10s. Funny thing... she said 4 years ago she used another photographer for another high school senior, and bought a 20x24, but it is in the closet.

I must be the "worlds worst photo salesman".. LOL

[Guther]

8x10 is the smallest print I have ever sold, And prefer to keep them at least 11x14.
I have sold a few in the 30x40 range...

Landscapes.

I.e.

This shot I have sold a few of in the 30x40 range.

[Rolland]

Projection is the way to go, start with the 30x40, give them the price and the others will seem a bargan. I will usually sell an 11x14 at least.
Rolland

[BenE]

Easily a print that would hang in the most upscale offices and homes.

Originally Posted by Guther

8x10 is the smallest print I have ever sold, And prefer to keep them at least 11x14.
I have sold a few in the 30x40 range...

Landscapes.

I.e.

This shot I have sold a few of in the 30x40 range.