For how do you sell your wildlife prints at shows?

Hello.

Can't edit subject lines, huh? Sorry for the typo...

I hope this isn't against policy but I posted the text below last year and received no responses to my actual question. I thought a repost might yield fresh views from those who might be able to respond based upon their own actual numbers.

If there is anyone selling 11 x 14 wildlife prints--either matted and bagged or individually (not all black frames/ivory mats, etc.) framed (with ready-made frames of the type available at Michael's (which, btw, new lines and they are much nicer than old stock and are re-engineered to hold double mats), A.C. Moore, and art supply stores)? If so, how much are you charging at art and craft shows/fairs, restaurants or wineries, state park spaces and/or legitimate gallery settings, or directly to individuals?

Also, do you adjust prices based upon venue or location?

Thank you.
Brett
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/26398858@N02/
_______

Last year's text...


Recently my images have been getting some attention (requests for donations (one very large) from well known wildlife organizations, invitations to exhibit at a number of state park and similar gallery spaces) and so I am planning to begin attempting to sell at (said) galleries and art/craft fairs next year.

I'll be offering 8 x 10, matted 11 x 14, and framed (individually--not uniformly) 11 x 14 and 16 x 20 prints.

I've reviewed more general pricing information here and elsewhere and I'm sure to get strong suggestions from the gallery managers, but at this early stage I'm interested in knowing what others in a position similar to mine are charging.

I'm in New Jersey and have been shooting for about 4 years, mostly local species. Not a big wildlife/nature state but we do have Cape May, arguably the top birding location in the country, and that is one of the towns where I'll have an opportunity to sell. Still, I'm talking blue jays and butterflies and raccoons, not lions and tigers and bears... Okay, a few bears...

I shoot with a 40D and 7D and a 100-400 f4.5/5.6 IS and 500 f4.0 IS. Happy to disclose any other information.

I'm aware of the various expenses and am looking more for actual prices for similar work, not common sense suggestions, equations, etc.

I appreciate any consideration.
Brett
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/26398858@N02/

I don't sell prints often, but other people have posted their rules of thumb which are often along the lines of 42 cents per square inch, plus framing/matting cost+markup.

8x10x0.42 = $33.60 (maybe round up to $35)
11x14x0.42 = $65
16x20x0.42 = $135

[edit] I just read that you're not looking for equations. Sorry. Let me rephrase that:
8x10: $35
11x14: $65
16x20: $135

There, it's not an equation any more.

Since you used a descriptive title, the forum has done a mini-search for you. Look at the links at the
very bottom left hand corner of this page.

nathancarter wrote in post #16207177
I don't sell prints often, but other people have posted their rules of thumb which are often along the lines of 42 cents per square inch, plus framing/matting cost+markup.

8x10x0.42 = $33.60 (maybe round up to $35)
11x14x0.42 = $65
16x20x0.42 = $135

That's exactly what I use.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #16207192
Since you used a descriptive title, the forum has done a mini-search for you. Look at the links at the
very bottom left hand corner of this page.

Which conveniently pointed him to his own previous thread.

I dont think there is one set formula on how to determine your print prices. A lot of different factors play role in the final price.

When selecting my prices I did so by looking at websites of others who offer similar type of photography. I looked at prices set by people who are on the same level as me as well as those who are more established. I tried to analyze all the prices and set mine based on that. This should get you started.

nathancarter wrote in post #16207177
I don't sell prints often, but other people have posted their rules of thumb which are often along the lines of 42 cents per square inch, plus framing/matting cost+markup.

8x10x0.42 = $33.60 (maybe round up to $35)
11x14x0.42 = $65
16x20x0.42 = $135

[edit] I just read that you're not looking for equations. Sorry. Let me rephrase that:
8x10: $35
11x14: $65
16x20: $135

There, it's not an equation any more.

Are those prices just for the print or print + mat/frame?

badams wrote in post #16208213
Are those prices just for the print or print + mat/frame?

Since I use a similar formula, those are my print only prices.

Thanks for the help.

Does anyone have a thought or formula re: marking up (ready-made) framing?

Double your cost is not a bad place to start, if your market will bear it.

For less expensive pieces, you can use a higher percentage markup. For more expensive pieces, you might use a lower percent markup (but you're still making more profit dollars).

Auto repair shops generally mark up their parts by anywhere from 50% to 300% of their cost.

nathancarter wrote in post #16210207
Auto repair shops generally mark up their parts by anywhere from 50% to 300% of their cost.

They can get it cause there isnt 1,000 other auto shops out there selling the same service...

Cover your material costs for sure, beyond that depends on the market you are in, your name/reputation, the presentation of your images etc...

There is a guy that sells is animal images in art fairs...(has been published a few times in Nat Geo & others), and even he has lowered the prices he charges in this economy...lower than what I charge for smaller matted images...it works for him, and he clears enough to pay for his overseas safari's a few times a year (he's retired). Get picked up by a gallery and your asking price suddenly jumps 100 fold..

"Get picked up by a gallery and your asking price suddenly jumps 100 fold.."

A gallery is selling art. They aren't going to sell a painting for a markup of the cost of the materials to paint it, or a photo for a markup of the cost to make the print.

tomj wrote in post #16210645
"Get picked up by a gallery and your asking price suddenly jumps 100 fold.."

A gallery is selling art. They aren't going to sell a painting for a markup of the cost of the materials to paint it, or a photo for a markup of the cost to make the print.

I agree - just because a gallery is selling your prints it doesnt mean your prices are going up. It is only 1 additional channel where you are selling your prints. You dont even have a guarantee that someone will buy them from this venue.

dkizzle wrote in post #16210729
I agree - just because a gallery is selling your prints it doesnt mean your prices are going up. It is only 1 additional channel where you are selling your prints. You dont even have a guarantee that someone will buy them from this venue.

Either 1 of you ever see a photo in a gallery for under $200...Remember, a gallery is dealing with a different level of clientele, really dont think you are going to see those folk at the local art fair. And those folks will pay more simply because they bought it at a gallery...(a known gallery mind you) The hard part of course is getting accepted. Andf since a gallery is going to get 40%-50% of any sale, do you really not think the price is not going to go up..

digirebelva wrote in post #16211380
Either 1 of you ever see a photo in a gallery for under $200...Remember, a gallery is dealing with a different level of clientele, really dont think you are going to see those folk at the local art fair. And those folks will pay more simply because they bought it at a gallery...(a known gallery mind you) The hard part of course is getting accepted. Andf since a gallery is going to get 40%-50% of any sale, do you really not think the price is not going to go up..

See now you are changing your story and saying "a known gallery". That is completely different story. Famous gallery will obviously have higher prices but it doesnt mean your overall prices will go up because of it. You will still have only 1 place where your prints can be potentially purchased at a higher than normal rate.