Showmar Photography

I use artistic effects for images that I show in galleries.  My intent is to create something artistic, because people tend to buy something that doesn't look real.  It can be a photograph, but it has to be different.  It has to look like it was "created", not shot.   It has to have an artistic look about it, because many people (including traditional artists), don't view photography as an art.  I know?that's very disturbing, but for the most part?true.  I worked for years, both as a volunteer and as a paid staff member for the Progress Energy Gallery in New Port Richey and this is the trend I've noticed.   I was doing OK as far as selling artistic prints in galleries, however, the economy is changing and so is what people spend money on.  Gallery sales are down?way down.   I don't mean just for me, but for many, many artists.

You may be thinking?that's in New Port Richey, what about other galleries.  Well, I can't answer that, but I can tell you that I know many other gallery owners who are all saying the same thing.  That's still local.  I have no idea what the trends are in cities outside of Tampa Bay and I certainly have no idea about galleries in other States.  I can say that I spend far more in printing, framing and matting that I get back in sales.

I am only mentioning this in case you are interested in effects so that you can create master pieces and spend tons of money in preparation for gallery shows.  It's not that lucrative. 

 I try very hard to get nice quality shots and I make more money selling stock photos (locally) and doing portrait work. The gallery sales are really down in this economy, but what people seem to be coming to me for are either family portraits (newborns, family, elder parents, etc), because it gives them something to feel good about during a bad economy OR they want bio shots for books  or products they are trying to sell...photos for business purposes.   Also, many people are trying to sell something...(anything) via the Internet and seem to feel that they need some portraits to post on web pages.   I also sell portraits to people who have just gone through divorce, due to financial strain. They are going onto web matching services and want pictures (this may sound strange, but it's true).

Wedding photography is a great source of income, however, it can be very stressful.  I will only do weddings with a partner.  I would be devistated if halfway during a wedding, my equipment fails.  I also have two cameras on hand.

I also do photo shoots for  local hospitals and doctors.  I do various shots for surgeons who want to use the shots in their medical portfolio. I also go out and shoot patients for hospitals doing magazines and billboards to advertise their services.  
 
If I could recommend anything out of all the mistakes and the learning that I have done....I would suggest that photographers take a look at the stock photo industry. There is TONS of competition, but if you get a niche going...there is so much money to be made.  I've heard so many success stories out of stock photography.   I would also stay clear of the gallery scene unless it's just to advertise your work.  If you make sales, let it be a bonus for you.  Don't go into it planning to sell enough to get your money back.