I'm quite new to photography in general, about a year of work now, but I don't really know where I am. I think I'm starting to realise what makes a photograph, and what doesn't, but I don't quite know what sort of quality my pictures are at.
I was talking to my parents about photography in general, and I said about wanting to sell prints one day, and they basically said that people don't buy photographs, and seemed to find the idea strange that people might be interested in my photographs.
So, do people buy photographs? And what sort of quality are my pictures at? Would people ever buy my pictures?
My gallery (Just a quick dump of my most recent photography) is here.
I'm in the middle of uploading a load of new photos, so there'll be a few minutes (or 16.1mb) before it's finished.
Yes, people buy photos. I have known some of my friends to sell their photos in the range of $1,000 - $15,000. But, they are exceptional and experienced professional photographers and they produce exceptional photographs. Sometimes, they sell books of their photos.
Its interesting what sells. I am in St Louis and visit studio's as well as the art shows that are given in the surrounding area. Prices vary and I have seen some excellent work go for very little say in the $200 -$400 range. Then I have seen some not so good stuff sell for twice as much. I think the key to selling art is exposure. Don't just focus on one theme but offer variety.
As a fine art photographer, I can say that yes they do, but it has to speak to them and, at least in my place, its very difficult to make a living at it these days.
You must supplement Art with commercial or other forms of photography, or as in my case have another means to put bread on the table if you wish to photograph Art alone.
With that said I know many successful photographers, who earn a living on their photos alone. They are very eager and any one of them will tell its not an easy job at all.
I do not wish to put you off on photography as a career, but knowing the facts helps.
Research photographic careers and make your mind based on that. It is done by many, but the digital age has brought more competition than ever before.
There have been a few similar threads on this recently. One current trend (by-and-large, it may vary where you are) seems to be that people are buying large colour prints - 16"x20" or larger.
Locally, I have seen a few photographers in galleries advertising black and white "gelatin-silver prints" (eg, standard B&W, usually optically printed), not sure if they're selling at all, though.
thanks, it's interesting to know. I just felt that I knew people did buy them, but having been told that nobody would ever buy my photos, i've been pleasantly suprised.
Yes, people buy photographs all the time. In looking at most of yours, I would suggest that they would do better as stock, than prints for walls, but who knows.
"Nobody buys photographs" is a bit provincial. No offense intended to your folks.
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--J Brunner, The Prints of Darkness
Do people buy photographs? 
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