Former_Member
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Honest Critique?

I need an honest critique please? How are my photos? Prices? Listings? I know there's ALWAYS room for improvement, and I know that there will always be someone better than you. But I want to know why I'm not getting any sales. I've been open for 4-5 months with 0 sales. Thanks!
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Everyone thats heard of Etsy and owns something resembling a camera and has learned which button trips the shutter is flooding the site with mediocre snapshots and calling it "art".
Flowers, cats, and mudane objects are probably the most commoly snapped shots on the planet. It can be hard to produce an image that stands out. The term "fine art photography" is used way too loosely here.
Ive only had a couple sales myself, and Im sitting on $20,000.00 worth of pro camera gear, and I have a pretty good idea how to use it. I only have 8 items listed here though. www.jimguyphoto.com
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Your photography is very beautiful. Some of my photos I have on here I'm not too proud of, but a few of them I am very proud of... mainly my animals. I'm beginning to think that selling my photography on here isn't really the best idea. :-/ I'd bounce up and down for just ONE sale! >.<
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

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Re: Honest Critique?

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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

My least favorites are my rustic ones of the shed & bench. I've considered taking them down many times. When they run out, I don't think I'll renew them.
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Hi Carrie,

I'm brand new here (joined yesterday) and still gradually stocking my shop, so I can't offer any seller advice. However, as a photographer and Etsy customer, I'd say:

1. You're right that there's always room for improvement in photography, and we all have a lot to learn. But you don't have to derive it all yourself, there are plenty of resources. Try Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, From Camera to Computer by George Barr, and almost anything by the publisher Rocky Nook. Study 500px and photographers that you admire to see what it is about their pictures that appeals to you, and why their images work. Get books of just photographs and spend time looking at each image.

2. Your images appear in batches of very similar work, which could be overwhelming to a customer. Sometimes too much choice is bad - you make the decision on which is the best (of the bee on the daisy, for example) and offer just that best one. (In my opinion, it's this one: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/192069862/8x10-bee-photo-bee-photography-flower?ref=shop_home_active...

3. Try some still life compositions to improve your subjects. Instead of plain shots of flowers, try taking a collection of petals and arranging them into a shape or word, something that people would like at home. The website Petapixel is a good blog for finding creative ideas by some of the worlds best photogs.

Good luck! When I have finished my store in a couple of weeks, I'll probably be asking the same questions.

Kevin
www.shuttersafari.com


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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Thank you very much Kevin. That's very helpful. :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

I'm considering doing framing as well. I think it will help.
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

I think a lot of people probably would hate to buy just a photo, but if it was already framed and ready to be gifted, they would be more willing to buy it. I, personally, am one of those people... especially if it's a handmade frame (coming from Etsy, that is).
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Your work is beautiful Brian. :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Honest Critique?

Thanks Carrie.
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