Islanders Opinions needed on Photo website
So after I posted up my STX photos I had several suggesting that I try to sell them. So I am. Not looking to get rich, I am a graphic designer more so than a photographer but I like the idea that people like my photos enough to buy them and put them up in their homes.
My main question and what I am struggling with is that some of the photos are not fantastic. I am debating culling them away from each islands gallery and just focusing on the absolute best ones (best in my opinion).
I figured I would ask you all. Make a single gallery with 50 of the BEST ones? Or have a Best of Gallery and a "Culled" gallery? My sister is actually a high end photographer and she mentioned that people get overwhelmed with any more than about 30 photos.
You can see what I have so far at www.adrianpoe.com
You may also be able to check into the cost of making them into cards.
Check out the ones they have at Draughting Shaft.
I like them so much instead of writing and mailing off to friends I framed them.
PM me if you want the name of the business that does that.
Many photographers and artists do this with their pics and paintings.
Much of your pics are really nice.:D
You have some nice images there! Your STX gallery could be heavily culled, not because images are less good but because the galleries lack focus.
Thank you and YES I agree! I went through and deleted about half. I think its much cleaner. I may even delete more lol. I also made the galleries simple and blended the underwater with the land photos.
I think great pictures of these islands should be made into jig saw puzzles and sold in shops that sell to tourists for them to take home and always remember their once-in-a-lifetime trip well after they return back to the cold! I think there are companies out there that would be able to do just that. Just a suggestion. I'd buy some, especially the 750 to 1,000 piece ones. Great gifts too for those of us into jig saw puzzles!
I was wondering actually what's the rules with selling to the tourists? So say I have some prints made, I'd assume there's some pretty strict rules, permits and competition? I would like to print some canvas wraps, prints and cards like Alana said and put them in a couple galleries to start.
I would never get overwelmed with more than 30 photos. I think it's a wonderful idea. I would love to buy some really nice photos of St. Thomas like Megans bay, Hull Bay the Harbor. I would like them large enough to frame and hang on the wall like 30" or so.
supply and demand sissta. Limit the amount of images you release at any one time. build interest. then release another series. Id print an nice numbered series 20 to 30). Develop a collection. You may also want to speak with Jane at mango tang. She represents the majority of the VI's :best professional artists. Get on her list and the openings. Make connections.
Love your photos and entrepreneurial spirit! Also, your squid logo!
I was wondering actually what's the rules with selling to the tourists? So say I have some prints made, I'd assume there's some pretty strict rules, permits and competition? I would like to print some canvas wraps, prints and cards like Alana said and put them in a couple galleries to start.
Don't know the rules at all. However, I did a quick search and found the steps for obtaining a business license on the Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs website. Also a referral to PaveStreet, a business that can help you set up your business. Hopefully someone with experience going through the process can be more instrumental in helping you with questions.
I really enjoy interesting portraits of people and have been looking out for a good series. (just sayin, incase anyone has some tips or you begin that type of work).
Thanks everyone, there are so many beautiful subjects here! On my webpage you can order over 300 types of prints including large canvas wraps AND metallic prints. If you've never seen metallic prints, google it: they are SO amazing - they look 3D. . I'm still setting it all up but happy with my STX photo gallery so far. The wrapped canvass is a bit pricy but the rolled is a great price and with some 2x2s from Home Depot you can easily make a frame.
Blu - I will check that out for sure. I plan on printing off about 10 of the really nice shots and making canvas wraps and 11X17 prints matted and signed. Would LOVE to get some into a gallery. I try to be a bit more creative in my photos and if course get the island critters into my shots.
I haven't been able to get out and shoot as much as we're still settling in and unfortunatly I think I have a bug of some sort, not feeling too hot this week. I gotta go get our cistern water tested, we don't drink it but I use it for brushing my teeth and I think I may have picked up something not good. Feeling rather blah, ugh. Next week I have to start looking for a real job too lol.
Blu - I will check that out for sure. I plan on printing off about 10 of the really nice shots and making canvas wraps and 11X17 prints matted and signed. Would LOVE to get some into a gallery. I try to be a bit more creative in my photos and if course get the island critters into my shots.
Definitely go to Mango Tango and show your work to Jane. She'll give an opinion and advice for marketing. She has framing services. They also sell a varity of prints and cards. The "gallery" has more of warehouse feel.
I would never get overwelmed with more than 30 photos. I think it's a wonderful idea. I would love to buy some really nice photos of St. Thomas like Megans bay, Hull Bay the Harbor. I would like them large enough to frame and hang on the wall like 30" or so.
I just uploaded two new photos: panoramas - one of Sapphire and one of Megan's with a full rainbow. I thought of your post. I'm going to print the one of Sapphire on canvas for my house. 🙂
http://www.adrianpoe.com/SHOPforStThomasPhotography/STT-Flora-and-Fauna/27793084_CV3dbV
Going to go to Mango Tango tomorrow. Isn't it over in TuTu area? I thought I remembered seeing a sign.
I would never get overwhelmed with more than 30 photos. I think it's a wonderful idea. I would love to buy some really nice photos of St. Thomas like Megans bay, Hull Bay the Harbor. I would like them large enough to frame and hang on the wall like 30" or so.
I just uploaded two new photos: panoramas - one of Sapphire and one of Megan's with a full rainbow. I thought of your post. I'm going to print the one of Sapphire on canvas for my house. 🙂
http://www.adrianpoe.com/SHOPforStThomasPhotography/STT-Flora-and-Fauna/27793084_CV3dbVGoing to go to Mango Tango tomorrow. Isn't it over in TuTu area? I thought I remembered seeing a sign.
WOW, that pic of Megans with the rainbow is gorgeous. In my home town of Mount Dora, which is located in central Florida 25 miles north of Orlando, they have what is called the Mount Dora Art Festival, which is held every first weekend in Feb. Matter of fact it's going on this weekend. The attendants of the art festival is between 500,000 to 750,000 for the two day event. Vendors come from around the country and parts of the world to show and sell their art. With Caribbean photos like yours blown up into say 30" X 24" or 36" x 24" some smaller some larger matted and even framed would fetch a pretty fair price. Heck even unframed and sold in a roller tube to be framed by the buyer I'm sure would sell like hot cakes. It would probably more than pay for your trip up there and back. Also great networking for your website by handing out business cards so if they don't buy at the festival, they could order on line.
Mount Dora also hosts the annual Crafts Fair like the third week in October it generates about the same attendants as the Art Festival for it's two day event. Just think of a small town of 20,000 residents having their population explode to 750,000 people in two days. It boggles the mind for sure.
By the way, what would be the size that I would be able to get a copy of the Magens rainbow picture? My daughter would love to have that for sure.
Thank you! I am glad you love it! At full resolution that photo would be a 10x20. As my first sale I will also make you a deal.... when I get my business cards in next week (or two) you pay for only the print and in return hand out 10 of my business cards. Sound good? The print runs $30 for the Lustre which is professional quality not high gloss but a very nice print.
Thank you! I am glad you love it! At full resolution that photo would be a 10x20. As my first sale I will also make you a deal.... when I get my business cards in next week (or two) you pay for only the print and in return hand out 10 of my business cards. Sound good? The print runs $30 for the Lustre which is professional quality not high gloss but a very nice print.
Yes. I like the Lustre. I sent you a PM.
Thanks,
Mike
I've just purchased the Magens Bay Photo on the website www.adrianpoe.com. I can't wait to get it. I'm getting it for my wife, who was born and raised on St. Thomas. That photograph is a million dollar shot. That is called being in the right place at the right time in order to capture the money shot with the rainbow over Magens Bay. To me, that's the pot of gold. I would love to see a few good shots of Hull bay, Hull point and inner & Outer Brass hint, hint:).
MIke
Thanks again!! I will definatly work on getting some Hull pics. 🙂
Puzzles, calenders etc everything includeing photo blankets can be made at WalMart, just download to there site and they mail them to you. We did this for christmas this year with our Alaskan pictures we were very happy with the results.
That would be great if I were any good at photography. I stink at it and appreciate those that can take great photos. I just not one of them. I would whole lot rather purchase great pictures from someone who take great pictures. This is why I call a mechanic, electrician and plumber. I stink at those as well. I person needs to know their limitations and I'm well aware of mine because my wife points them out to me constantly:).
Puzzles, calenders etc everything includeing photo blankets can be made at WalMart, just download to there site and they mail them to you. We did this for christmas this year with our Alaskan pictures we were very happy with the results.
On my site you can order stuff like that, when you're in the gallery click BUY then the tab top right that says merchandise. Coffee mugs, mouse pads AND puzzles 😉
I uploaded 2 new pics today, one of Sandy Bay on WAY west and an amazing red Bromeliad. What a HIKE. UGH I am really out of shape! Unfortunately we went right when we meant to go left and missed the correct road to Mermaids Seat. By the time we hiked back to the spot to go left we said forget it LOL! The surf was HUGE so no chance of getting in the water 🙁
Hi A,
I would like to make a suggestion if I may, I think it would be really neat (showing my age:) If your site focused more on locations like say for instance if you took photos of each beach located on STX, STT & STJ to mention a few. These should be panorama shots to capture as much of the beauty as possible. Also some of the harbours and have them listed as to their names and locations. When people think of the islands, that is what they are thinking of. It's really hard to find good quality large photos of the islands that aren't post cards.
I often thought what a great idea it would be if they were to make a documentary of each island going to the usual tourist traps to the local hangouts with a moderator explaining each location, but mainly let the beauty speak for itself and make each show 2 hours in length after cutting. Then peddle the finished product to the Travel Channel or similar. This gives older folks who are up in years the ability to visit these places without leaving home or being able to recall fond memories of past trips to the islands. It would also give young people a chance to see what they are missing and give them an idea of what island life is all about.
Mike
I got my Photograph of Magens Bay and the Rainbow, which I refer to as the million dollar shot to day in the mail. It is a gorgeous photograph and worth every penny. I'm anxious to see additional beach photo's when available.
[www.adrianpoe.com]
Thanks,
Mike
Great! Thank you again so very much! I too ordered about 20 of my photos in different stocks and sizes to make a portfolio. Business cards are in the way and soon enough I HOPE to have my photos up and a few places.
I sent you a PM
I just got my Magens Bay/rainbow picture back from the framer this morning. $50.00 for the frame,mat and glass, plus $33.00 for the picture. So for well under a hundred bucks, we have a beautiful reminder of St. Thomas so whenever we can't be there in body, we can be there in spirit. This was a birthday gift for my wife, who was born and raised on the North side of St. Thomas. She was thrilled to say the least.
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