Best options?

[Tammie]

Hello, I have been shooting local sports for about 15yrs. I have been begged into doing it for a whole league...Not posed league shots but, the action shots...What would be the best way to go about having my images viewed and purchased?


Thanks!

[Debbi]

I know several people who do exactly what you are describing and they use Exposure Manager for viewing and purchases.

[GeoffreyB]

You might also look at SmugMug and a Pro account. I was debating the same issue - how to let people see the pictures, and have the ability to purchase them without me having to personally handle every transaction. I also wanted to be sure that I could prohibit people from just downloading the shots.

They're a forum sponsor, and there's a discount for TPF members.

I'll be setting up an account in Feburary (once my logo and cards are finished - all I've gotten done so far is to reserve my URL)

[snydersnapshots]

Tammie,

I've used photoreflect.com for the past couple of years and have been pleased. They handle all the financial transactions and send you a check each month. Their transaction fees total about 15%, but there is no setup fee or monthly charge--so you're not losing money during the months in which you don't sell anything. You set your own prices and can either use one of Photoreflect's lab, or you can use your own.

If you want to see it, my site is www.snydersnapshots.photoreflect.com. I'm not trying to advertise or sell you anything here, just give you an example of what the site looks like.

Good luck and have fun!

[Tammie]

Do most photographers just hand out cards to their site for people to view or do they wear their business shirts to advertise? Not sure on how to get people to the site?


Thanks!

[snydersnapshots]

Tammie,

I've used several different methods. If I'm asked to photograph a team event, I print up a sheet that thanks them for their business and has a price list with all my contact information. I format it so I can get two per 8.5x11 sheet, then I give it to the team mom or coach to hand out to the parents.

I have handed out cards when I've been "freelancing" or trying to sell to the team opposing my son's team (I don't wear anything that identifies me with my son or his team when I do that--at that point I'm just another guy with a camera). Honestly, I haven't gotten much response to just handing out cards. They get lost, or people just aren't interested.

This year I'm going to try something new. I bought an Epson PictureMate portable 4x6 printer for $100 (with a $100 rebate at the time--the price was definitely right). When I shoot, I'm going to get a picture of each player doing something, then I'll print them up early in the game. I've got some 2x4 labels made up with my contact information and an abbreviated price list and the comment that more options are available on my website. My thinking is that people will be less likely to lose a picture of their kid than they will one of my business cards. I'll see how the first couple of games go and if there's good response to the samples, I may try selling them for a dollar each--enough to cover the cost of printing, but not so much that people will turn them down.

If you or anyone else has comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them!