Sonya - your photography is positively awesome! I see also that you are quite skilled with altered photos. Here's where and how I found success on etsy....
I started with a nature photography shop (which I have since closed). I thought my work was beautiful, but after spending hundreds of hours promoting, marketing, etc., I had 20 sales in a 6 month period. So I did the market research and came up with a list of criteria based on the successful shops on etsy in the art category. I came up with this:
1. Anything "vintage" is sure to be found.
2. Cute, cute, and more cute
3. Unique and more unique..even weird. The more unique the better.
4. Affordable
My last piece of criteria was that it had to be something that fit into a flat mailer and utilized photo paper, ink, and all the supplies I had already invested in. After much thought and a series of events, I came up with the anthropomorphic work.
You already have super unique items in your shop. I fully believe that if you brand yourself as a certain type of artist and have your altered work be the primary sellers, my guess is that you will see great success. I fully believe people aren't necessarily looking for "beautiful" on etsy when it comes to photography or art. They want unique. Something uncommon. Something that makes them say, oh wow..this is so cool.
You unquestioningly have the talent and skills. Also, I would suggest to build your circles up as much as possible. Spend a lot of time interacting and favoriting others' work. Once you start attracting your audience, your shop will take on a life of its own.
Don't give up. You definitely have what it takes. :)
~ Donna
