Selling photography prints is a fantastic way for photographers to expand their audience, earn additional income, and get their work on the walls of homes, offices, and galleries. Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, or abstract compositions, creating a business around selling photo prints requires more than just uploading images online. It involves making informed decisions about production, pricing, marketing, and customer service.
This comprehensive guide is packed with 13 essential tips to help photographers succeed in the world of selling photo prints, both online and offline.
1. Define Your Goals
Clarify what you want to achieve. Are you hoping to make a full-time income from print sales, or are you testing the waters with passive income streams? Knowing your purpose will help shape your pricing, marketing, and production strategies. Setting short- and long-term goals can also give you a roadmap for scaling your print business over time.
2. Identify Your Ideal Customer
Understanding your target audience is key. Are your photos perfect for home decor? Do you cater to interior designers, art collectors, newlyweds, or businesses decorating office spaces? Identifying your ideal customer will guide how and where you sell your prints, from selecting the right marketplace to crafting compelling messaging.
3. Choose the Right Printing Method
Photographic giclée printing is the gold standard for producing high-quality prints. This method uses archival inks and produces exceptional color depth, tonal range, and clarity. Partnering with a fine art printer (like MasterLab in Salt Lake City) that specializes in photography ensures museum-grade results that will satisfy the most discerning buyers.
4. Select the Best Paper or Material
The print surface you choose has a huge impact on how your image is perceived. Here are some common materials for photographers:
- Luster Paper: Offers vibrant color and subtle texture with minimal glare. A go-to for many photo genres.
- Matte Fine Art Paper: Textured and non-reflective, ideal for a soft, painterly look.
- Canvas Prints: Offers a classic gallery aesthetic with a softer feel. Good for lifestyle, travel, or nature photos.
- Metal Prints: Modern, high-contrast, and durable. Excellent for bold landscapes or high-detail compositions.
Always choose archival-quality, acid-free papers and materials to ensure longevity and color fidelity.
5. Set Competitive Prices
Pricing your prints correctly is crucial for profitability and perceived value. Consider these elements:
- Production Costs: Include printing, packaging, and shipping expenses.
- Editions: Limited edition prints (signed and numbered) can command higher prices. Open editions are more affordable and scalable.
- Market Research: Study other photographers in your niche to understand price trends.
- Size and Material: Larger or premium materials (metal, canvas) often justify a higher price point.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 2.5x your production costs while keeping value perception in mind.
6. Build a Professional Online Presence
Your website acts as your storefront and portfolio. Make sure it’s visually appealing, functional, and optimized for conversions. Essentials include:
- High-resolution galleries of your work
- Clear pricing and product descriptions
- Seamless e-commerce checkout
- Mobile responsiveness
- About and Contact pages
Use platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify for a photographer-friendly experience. Don’t forget to set up Google Analytics and SEO plugins to track and improve your performance.
7. Sell Through Photography Marketplaces
Expand your reach by listing your prints and digital downloads on photography-friendly platforms:
- SmugMug, Zenfolio: Designed for photographers, these platforms offer portfolio. E-commerce, and marketing tools.
- Fine Art America, Redbubble, Society6: Popular Platforms to Showcase and Sell Your Photography Many photographers use print-on-demand platforms to sell their work on everything from t-shirts and coffee mugs. These platforms make it easy to build a portfolio, reach new audiences, and monetize your photos in creative ways.
- Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, Alamy: Ideal for licensing your photos to a commercial audience.
- Etsy: Great for niche and handmade markets.
Diversifying your income streams across platforms can increase visibility and sales. Keep in mind that many platforms require you to register and be approved before you can start selling. They also take a commission or royalty on each sale, so be sure to review the terms carefully.
8. Leverage Social Media for Marketing
Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are excellent tools for photographers. Use these strategies:
Share behind-the-scenes content and editing processes
- Create engaging Reels and Stories
- Use hashtags like #fineartphotography, #photoprints, #homedecor, and #photographerlife
- Collaborate with interior designers or influencers in your niche
- Drive traffic to your website using link-in-bio tools like Linktree
Building a loyal audience takes time but pays off with consistent marketing.
9. Use Email Marketing & Newsletters
Email remains one of the highest ROI marketing tools. Build a list and stay in touch with your audience:
- Offer a discount or freebie for subscribing to your newsletter
- Announce new print drops or limited editions
- Share photography stories and creative insights
- Promote seasonal sales and exclusives
Use email platforms like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or Flodesk to design beautiful, branded emails.
10. Attend Art Fairs and Local Markets
In-person events offer an opportunity to connect with buyers face-to-face, gain feedback, and make direct sales. Here’s how to stand out:
- Look online for shows and exhibitions you can participate in. In Utah, websites like Salt Lake Arts & Culture, Eventbrite, or Utah Art Market, list upcoming art events. You can also explore Facebook groups to connect with local photographers and galleries.
- Use high-quality print displays, signage, and branded materials
- Offer a range of sizes and price points.
- Bring business cards and QR codes linking to your site or portfolio
- Accept multiple payment methods (card, Venmo, PayPal)
- Share your story with visitors to build rapport
Local art events and pop-ups are ideal for testing your product-market fit.
11. Protect and Package Your Prints Professionally
Presentation matters. Quality packaging enhances the unboxing experience and prevents damage during transit. Essentials include:
- Acid-free backing boards
- Clear poly sleeves
- Reinforced mailers or shipping tubes
- Custom branding elements (stickers, thank-you notes, care cards)
- Optional: Certificates of Authenticity for limited editions
A well-packaged print can turn a first-time buyer into a repeat customer.
12. Offer Custom Sizes, Framing, or Editions
Tailoring your prints to meet different customer needs adds value. Consider:
- Custom sizes on request
- Framing options or recommendations
- Bundling sets of prints
- Personalized messages or signatures
Upselling with add-ons like framing or mounting can increase average order value.
13. Provide Exceptional Customer Service & Build Trust
Great customer service is key to standing out in a competitive market. Prioritize:
- Prompt communication
- Transparent order and shipping updates
- Easy returns or satisfaction guarantees
- Collecting reviews and testimonials
Trust and credibility go a long way in online sales. Don’t underestimate the power of referrals and repeat customers.
Final Thoughts
Selling photography prints is both an art and a science. From selecting premium materials and choosing the right printing methods to marketing effectively and building a loyal customer base, each step plays a role in your success. The key is consistency, authenticity, and investing in your craft.
Need help printing your photography? MasterLab offers premium giclée printing services tailored specifically for photographers. By partnering with a trusted fine art printer like MasterLab, you can be confident your photography is represented at the highest quality possible. We work closely with photographers to bring their vision to life, using archival materials and expert craftsmanship. Contact us today to start your journey into professional print sales!
