Help-Difficult Pricing of Digital Photo's

[rainrainrain]

Hi,

As of late, one of my livejournal friends has asked to buy two of my digital photo's. I answered Yes, and at the present time, i need to send her the pricing and shipping information.

However, i am honestly new to this, never having sold any of my photo's. The photo's however, aren't at all beginner.

I've tried my hand at researching various forums and several websites, but found that many of the answers did not make things any easier for me.

So, i just need some help. Here are several essential questionsL

1. How do i price the photo's?
2. What prices would you recommend?
3. Do i print the photo's at a photo lab (cvs, etc) or somewhere more professional (anpther photo lab)? Online? Suggestions
4. Are there any requirements for the photo paper that i need to use?
5. Do i ask the buyer if they desire a frame?
6. Where can i find a frame and what material should i use? Do any places install the frame for you?
7. The photos will be for her personal use. In turn, do i need to copyright them or use any legal documents and how? Forms, etc.?
8. What type of shipping method should i use so that the photo's will not be damaged? Should i pack anything inside to prevent damage?
18. How should the picture and the frame all thogether
9. Is there anything that i am missing?

Any help would be Greatly Appreciated.

Thank You,
Sincerely,
Stanley Sandler

[lidarman]

1. How do i price the photo's?

Very subjective. You have to decide what your art is worth to you. It can vary from a few dollars to hundreds and even thousands if you were well known in the field.

2. What prices would you recommend?

Since you never sold any, maybe a few dollars. I can't suggest anything specific. Look at what studios charge but remember some studios also have a minimum package or a session fee.

3. Do i print the photo's at a photo lab (cvs, etc) or somewhere more professional (anpther photo lab)? Online? Suggestions

Definitely have them printed but a local lab or online at a place like www.printroom.com

4. Are there any requirements for the photo paper that i need to use?
Yes, archival photo paper! Inkjet papers fade in a few months, even weeks.

5. Do i ask the buyer if they desire a frame?

Most prints are sold without frames, but you can matt it if you like. I think the buyer can choose a frame after. If you want to matt it for presentation and protection, use a neutral matt.

6. Where can i find a frame and what material should i use? Do any places install the frame for you?

If you choose a frame, you can go to a frame shop. I would avoid framing it if possible. It adds to your handling and shipping cost to buyer--plus, it's a matter of taste that the buyer should worry about. You might suggest a frame if you think a particular one would be best.

7. The photos will be for her personal use. In turn, do i need to copyright them or use any legal documents and how? Forms, etc.?

You can, but it adds complexity. You are protected with copyright already. Usually, it's more of a hastle than it's worth until you have a reputation. You can write copyright, year, name on the back near the edge to start.

8. What type of shipping method should i use so that the photo's will not be damaged? Should i pack anything inside to prevent damage?

Sandwich between two pieces of cardboard and use soft tissue on the image surface.

18. How should the picture and the frame all thogether

N/A
9. Is there anything that i am missing?

Don't sweat. Be happy someone wants your work enough to pay. That is worth a lot already. Unless you are going to focus on making money, don't worry you didn't get $300 for an image. Focus on the art first.