How do you handle this - coworker query

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi all

I haven't sorted out yet whether it's "OK" to sell my prints to coworkers. Mostly due to solicitation rules at work - it may well be OK I've just been too lazy to look into it. That said, it wasn't a big deal b/c I rarely showed anyone at work my photos.

Then, I did start to show a few flickr links to people. Then, the ooohs and ahhs (I only showed 'em the Paris ones! who wouldn't ooh and ahh).

I was taken off guard when I was approached by a coworker asking if I'd mind giving her a few files so she could print some flower photos for her Mother. Sez I, "Erm, ah, I don't give out files but I am happy to give you a few prints at my cost."

doh! Why is it so hard to tell someone "Sure, here is my website, order away"? or "My prints start at 35 dollars for 8x12" etc.

How to salvage politely with a coworker? I don't mind giving her a few at cost, but I don't want the word to get out to coworkers that my prints are free for the asking either.

Thanks.

[Dennis_Hammer]

Set up whatever site you use to sell the pictures and just say, Hey I think you can order them right off the site. Works for me some do and some don't because they were looking for freebies but it usually ends the conversation.

I use Exposure Manager which is a pro lab site with tons of products great quality and the best customer service. But it costs $99 a year. I have never used flickr or anything like it mainly because almost every photo stolen story starts with 'someone took my photo off flickr'. But if they do that order a print or two make sure the quality is good (because paying and then getting a bad print is not good for you) and set it up to sell. Here's an exposuremanager link if you want to check them out.

http://www.exposuremanager.com/aff/hammerphotos

[skywalkerbeth]

Thanks Dennis. I actually have a site - I was just taken off guard because I haven't researched whether selling at work is a no=no.

I think I'm going to explain to her exactly that - "taken off guard, I actually do sell my photos, here is the price, I'm happy to give you two at cost, and I need to figure out if I can sell at work per code of conduct, or not."

I really don't want others to line up for free prints though - especially if it's determined that giving things away is OK but not selling! haha

[PhotosGuy]

I really don't want others to line up for free prints though - Word will travel faster than you can imagine! ;) especially if it's determined that giving things away is OK but not selling! haha With the car guys, everyone knows my price & I don't cut it. They know that, too. But, for someone who has already paid for a shoot, I might give them a free 4X6" that I caught at an event like the Dream Cruise to "chum the pool". They show the shot to everyone they know, & it stirs up interest.

[spikeystitch]

I don't solicit my photos at work but have an entire wall covered in 4x6's and 5x7's and I get a lot of ooh's and aah's and it usually stirs up the convo on prints. I just let people know that as an artist in order to pay for my materials (aka, gear) and time that I charge for prints, most people are willing to pay. Obviously my good work friends will ask if they can have a print off my wall (thumb tacked into it) I usually don't have a problem as it just promotes my photos inside and outside of work. a 4x6 is easy to replace. ;)

[amfoto1]

...Sez I, "Erm, ah, I don't give out files but I am happy to give you a few prints at my cost."

doh! Why is it so hard to tell someone "Sure, here is my website, order away"? or "My prints start at 35 dollars for 8x12" etc.

How to salvage politely with a coworker? I don't mind giving her a few at cost, but I don't want the word to get out to coworkers that my prints are free for the asking either....


Thus the problem with too-low pricing. It's a deep hole that's hard to ever dig yourself out of. You can bet that others will hear of "the deal" she got, if you allow it.

There's also a problem with giving up quality control, by providing files and letting them make prints at Walmart or any place else cheap.

If (as is quite possible) the prints look like utter crap... You can bet they won't take responsibility (yeah, I wish I weren't so cheap)... They'll say "what a lousy photographer".

[skywalkerbeth]

Oh I'd never give out files - no way. And I've already indicated in my email to her that "here is the price, I'm happy to give you two at my cost but won't be able to extend this to others". I did after all tell her I would - my fault.

Is 35 for an 8x12 too little?

[Dennis_Hammer]

$35 depends on the photo, if you think its worth it then it is. First step believe it, and then they will. Never be hesitant when you quote I have seen it time and again when I price is quoted with a pause or unsurety the person receiving the quote is now as skeptical of its value as you sounded. Be confident, and your credibility will shine through.

[Karl Johnston]

I just don't work with cheap coworkers.

:lol: Damn freeloaders! They make salaries for a reason!

[Concretin Nik]

If you already have a website with sales capabilities... why not just send them there in the future? I would think that would eliminate any sweating over whether or not you are selling at work... You wouldn't be involved in that 'sale' really.

Could you perhaps set up a passworded gallery with "discounted pricing" for friends/co-workers?

But yes, since you already told her you would, ya should.

[FlyingPhotog]

I'd go have a chat with your Human Resources person/people and get the company policy in black and white.

People have been term'd for less and "I didn't know" usually won't save your job.

[JWright]

I leaned the hard way about combining photography and work...

When I worked for a large home improvement retailer, one of the cashiers was an aspiring singer and performer. I offered to do a shoot for her and actually did the shoot in a local park. I also offered to do photography for other employees.

Somehow, it got back to management that I was soliciting the young ladies to do nude photography, which wasn't the case at all. I was given the opportunity to tell my side of the story to the store manager, but I think he had his mind made up before he ever spoke to me. Needless to say, I went out the door...

I'm retired now, but the only photography I ever did at another employer was to shoot a company picnic at the request of the human resources manager.

[Got Turbo?]

In the future, when you show people pictures, could you show them ones off your site? That would make a segue into pricing pretty easy!

[SeattleSpeedster]

its an interesting topic...when i post on here people dont ask me for free high res copies. When i post on the photography subforum of my various car forums...happens often. It might also be a younger mindset that anything online is free for the taking. For some reason this one is getting a lot of "hey man can you send me a highres copy for my wall?"

http://www.vispoint.com/album/Objects%20of%20Interest/slides/_MG_7750.jpg

So far I have been responding like this: Thanks everyone I'm not inclined to give it away recalling how I froze my gear off that morning getting that shot

and then link to my site www.vispoint.com