The first step towards selling your own photography or artwork is to stop giving it away.
If there seems to be countless opportunities to gift or give away your artwork, then surely there is a demand for it.
Just learn to say no.
I don’t give away my work. I sell it or license it. For example here is a recent request I received to exchange my photography for “a photo credit”. Sorry last time I went shopping I was unable to purchase anything for a “photo credit”.
I’d like to buy these shoes, do you take photo credit?
Here is the request I received:
Hi, I am coordinator for the xxxx Festival in October 2019 here in xxx. We are having promotion in the “Town Planner” Calendar the month of October 2019- 40,000 copies throughout the area. I am seeking images for this calendar. We have a pool of images to choose from and I saw your work and thought I would invite you to submit. Sorry, no money but photo credit will be given. Our group will be submitting our selection(s) to the printers next Tuesday 8-28.
I would like to email you more information on the history of the event and our plans.
Regards, Mr. XXX
So this request comes three days before their deadline. For reference, typically I receive hundreds of dollars for a license to a publication of 40,000 copies plus photo credit.
And I’m familiar with this “Town Planner” publication. It’s a poorly designed, kind of tacky freebie calendar, crammed with local ads and coupons. Cheaply printed with mediocre photographs from the area. Not something a discriminating art lover would display in their home. And not something an artist of stature would want to be associated with.
My response:
Hi XXX,
Thank you for your interest in my work. Unfortunately I can not
grant your request as I am paid for my work as I am sure you are.
If you are interested in licensing my photograph in the furture,
let me know.
Thanks again, Edward M. Fielding
The bottom-line is you are in control of your artwork and your business. Just because someone wants something, you don’t have to give it to them. Learn that your work has value. When you respect the value of your hard work, others will also.