Making Money From Photography

For some people, starting a new business venture is not the most significant issue. It may be more important to view framing as another income stream that adds to an existing business portfolio. It then becomes much more about creating a unique selling point to attract additional orders or about providing a means to market your own work in new and exciting ways. This article, featured on the Focus on Imaging website, outlines some ideas that have worked successfully for photographers.
A new training package, with photography and imaging at its core, has been launched by DIYframing.
According to the company, it was clear from the first day of Focus on Imaging 2006, when its new web site went live, that this was going to be a massive year with the development of the new training package a major feature.
And at the same time, DIYframing has introduced a top quality range of professional framing tools. First, there’s a guillotine for cutting the mitred ends of moulding cleanly and accurately. It is floor mounted and foot operated and so can be used in areas without power – and without saw dust.
The second tool is the Logan Framers edge. With accurate bevel edge and straight edge cutters built into the system and production stops to guide the cuts, creating mounts of all sizes is fast and accurate – no marking out required.
Last of the trio is the underpinner, used for joining moulding sections to create the frame. Another foot operated machine, it means that users can keep the workshop space small and manageable.
“If you want to take your photography seriously,” says DIYframing’s Richard Buttle, “you need to learn how to make the most of it.
“Adding a mount and frame to an image does much more than add a protective package. At its best, it gets your work noticed and adds value commercially.
“Whether you’re a keen amateur enjoying exhibiting the work you have produced, or a professional trying to find ways of standing out from the rest in a competitive market, then learning how to create dynamic, top quality framing is essential.
“All it takes are two days and the right type of equipment ... and some expert guidance provided by DIYframing.”
The two day “Photography Weekends” and “Photography Specials” (for those who can make weekday dates) operate around the UK and take “students” through everything you need to know about the mounting and framing of images. Day One is all about how to plan, design and create frames for students’ own artwork. On Day Two they discover how to take the presentation even further by looking at different mount styles and packaging materials available. Each session is based around practical activities during which they will see each step demonstrated before carrying out the procedure themselves.
“The results are always surprising and top quality,” says Richard. “This package differs from our usual basics sessions because it means we can really focus (sorry about the pun) on areas of interest to photographers.”
“We look at how you can use the mount to shape the final image; how to present pieces for sale and exhibition. The best part is that it brings together photographers with differing levels of experience, artistic interests and ambitions.
“Our first-hand experience of working with groups of photographers is unequalled by any other framing group; in our first year we worked with over 40 photographers. Some were highly talented amateurs, others people who have been earning a living from photography in one form or another (wedding photographers, forensic work and portraiture). “
“Many of these we first met at exhibitions around the country, such as Focus on Imaging, and they came along with simple ambitions to frame their work for exhibition or just as gallery pieces for their own walls. Most completed the course buoyed up with the notion of marketing their own framed works and offering bespoke framing as an additional service (and income).
“We keep up with our “students” and have been delighted with the feedback that is coming through even a few months later. “
One of them, a keen underwater photographer, realised that simple prints would not offer the returns to cover the costs of the photo shoot, no matter how stunning the piece is. She has the contacts in the Caribbean to sell her works, via outlets such as sub-aqua clubs and diving gear hire-shops and is now able to offer framed works to other diving enthusiasts and holiday visitors; the value “framed” well over three times the cost of the print alone.
Another customer, already a professional wedding photographer, now offers directly to clients a bespoke framing service, which would otherwise have to be sub-contracted out, putting him one step ahead of the competition.
This article is featured on the Focus on Imaging Website in the NEWS section. DIYframing will be at this year's Focus On Imaging Exhibition, NEC Birmingham: 25th - 28th February 2007
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