Early on as photographers, advice you often receive is to take your camera everywhere. I did this as a beginner and have advised others to do the same. That said, this camera is one I carry for a different reason, and here’s why.

I tried taking my DSLR and later my mirrorless camera with me daily, which worked sometimes, but I found they weren’t the right fit for an everyday carry. I wanted to document more of life, yet I found that their nature almost took you out of the moment, focusing more on capturing one photo rather than experiencing the moment itself. I sought something more compact and less intrusive, but still of high quality.

My search continued as I began shooting more film and experimenting with the medium. For a while, I tried carrying around a traditional SLR, which was better and served as a conversation piece, but I found it could still be too bulky, leading to situations where I wouldn’t bring it out.

Conveniently, this was around the time when film point-and-shoot cameras started gaining popularity among celebrities and the public alike. I wasn’t prepared to spend 3K on something like the Contax TII, but being crafty and budget-conscious, I started hunting.

That’s when I turned to thrift stores in search of old cameras ready for a new life. That’s when I found the Minolta AF101R for no more than $10.

The Camera

The Minolta AF101R, discovered by happenstance and persistence, now accompanies me almost everywhere. It’s compact enough to fit in my pocket, very un-intimidating, and still produces great quality images.

After cleaning it and shooting some test rolls, it started working perfectly with just some new batteries. Plus, I’ve learned there’s a special feeling about capturing your life on film. The flash works great when needed, and the autowinding is responsive. The only quirk I’ve noticed is that you’ll want to be a few feet away from your subject, as it can focus further, leaving the background sharp but the foreground subject a bit soft.

It also seems to be built well enough to be thrown in pockets, bags, and more without really worrying about damaging it.It may not be the latest and greatest camera. It may not be the digital camera with the body design and profiles of a film camera, but for capturing memories, for documenting life, it’s perfect for me.

Why? Just why?

I get the allure of alligators, I really do. Having lived in Florida, I spend many days out watching these dinosaurs in the lakes and rivers around Tampa, but I made for sure that I never got close to them (other than once when I almost stepped on one while fishing, but hey that was an honest mistake).

But this Florida woman absolutely went out of her way to get as close to a literal behemoth of gator and has the video to prove it.

Conny Randolph is a photographer with Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee, Florida and went out into the Everglades to try and get some cool photos and ended up with one of the scariest videos I’ve ever seen.

According to Fox13, this particular gator is known as “Snaggletooth” and has lived on the gallery’s property for over 20 years.

As the gator slowly plods towards Randolph, she realizes the danger she’s in a kind of chuckles to herself while saying:

“I’m going to back up a little bit.”

As she does, the gator lets loose a few soft clicking sounds before unleashing a loud, bone-chilling hiss, that I honestly thought was some type of machinery the first time I watched before reading the gallery’s caption.

I get that people need to go all out to get the best shots, but man this seems a bit too far, even for a brave professional like herself. As if it needs to be said, please don’t try this at home. We don’t want to read about a wanna be photographer getting swallowed by an alligator.

Summary: Aerial photography has become a critical tool for various applications, ranging from creative filmmaking to geographic mapping and surveillance. In Ukraine, where the landscape presents both beautiful vistas and challenging terrains, drones offer unique perspectives that were once impossible to capture. TS2 SPACE, a company known for providing satellite communication systems, has also become associated with high-quality drones suitable for aerial photography. This article explores the best drones available for this purpose in the Ukrainian market, considering factors such as camera quality, flight performance, and durability.

The Importance of Drone Technology in Ukraine
Drone technology has seen a significant uptick in usage within Ukraine, not only for artistic endeavors but also for more pressing applications such as monitoring the environment, conducting search and rescue missions, and in some cases, aiding in military reconnaissance. The versatility of drones makes them ideal for the diverse Ukrainian topography, which includes the bustling cityscapes of Kyiv, the expansive steppes, and the rugged terrain of the Carpathian Mountains.

Criteria for the Best Aerial Photography Drones
When assessing the best drones for aerial photography in Ukraine, several critical factors must be considered:

– Camera Quality: A high-resolution camera capable of capturing detailed images and videos is essential for professional-grade photography.
– Flight Performance: This includes maximum altitude, speed, and the ability to maneuver in adverse weather conditions.
– Battery Life: Longer flight times mean more opportunities to capture the perfect shot.
– Durability: With the challenging Ukrainian climate, drones must be robust enough to withstand tough conditions.

Top Drones for Aerial Photography in Ukraine
While TS2 SPACE is known for its satellite communications, they do not manufacture drones. However, they can be a key player in providing the necessary communication services for drone operations. Below are some of the drones that are well-suited for aerial photography in Ukraine:

– DJI Mavic Air 2: Known for its stellar camera quality and intelligent shooting modes, this drone is a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
– Autel Robotics EVO II: With its 8K camera and impressive flight time, this drone is a powerhouse for aerial imaging.
– Parrot Anafi: This foldable drone is not only portable but also boasts a 180-degree tilt gimbal and 4K HDR camera.
– DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0: A tried-and-tested model popular for its mechanical shutter and 4K video capabilities.

Although not exhaustive, this list represents some of the most capable drones currently available for aerial photography in Ukraine’s diverse landscapes.

FAQ
Q: Can drones be used for surveillance in Ukraine?
A: Yes, drones are increasingly employed for surveillance, especially for observing hard-to-reach areas or potentially hazardous environments.

Q: Are there legal restrictions for flying drones in Ukraine?
A: There are indeed regulations governing drone flights in Ukraine, and operators are required to adhere to these rules, which include altitude limits, no-fly zones, and privacy laws.

Q: What should I consider when purchasing a drone for aerial photography in Ukraine?
A: Prospective buyers should consider the drone’s camera quality, flight performance, battery life, durability, and adherence to Ukrainian drone regulations.

Q: Does TS2 SPACE sell drones?
A: No, TS2 SPACE does not sell drones. They specialize in providing satellite communication services which can be fundamental for operations that involve drone usage.

Q: How important is camera quality in an aerial photography drone?
A: Camera quality is paramount. The ability to shoot in high resolutions like 4K or 8K and capturing wide dynamic range is crucial for professional aerial photography.

This article has provided an overview of the best drones for aerial photography in Ukraine, highlighting the essential components that make for effective and high-quality imaging from the skies. While TS2 SPACE’s main business is not drones, its role in facilitating communications can be pivotal to drone operations that require robust and reliable connectivity.

For more detailed information about UAV regulations in Ukraine, refer to the official Ukrainian aviation authority website or reputable drone forums.

Please note that due to the sensitive nature of drone use in various contexts, always ensure compliance with current regulations and ethical standards.

Marcin Frąckiewicz is a renowned author and blogger, specializing in satellite communication and artificial intelligence. His insightful articles delve into the intricacies of these fields, offering readers a deep understanding of complex technological concepts. His work is known for its clarity and thoroughness.

Winter photography is a realm where Kevin Bruseby excels, capturing the stark and serene beauty of winter. His journey reflects a blend of discovery and unique challenges associated with capturing the essence of the coldest season. Drawing from the tranquil Scandinavian winters, Bruseby describes his journey as one filled with discovery and challenges.

In the challenging world of winter photography, Bruseby excels in capturing the season’s unique beauty. His adept handling of winter’s subdued lighting and contrasting elements showcases a deep understanding of the genre. Bruseby’s work goes beyond technical skill, delving into the emotional realm of winter landscapes, from solitary footprints in the snow to tranquil dawn-lit fields.

Central to Bruseby’s creative process is Zoner Photo Studio X, an essential tool that complements his artistic vision. This software excels in managing the distinct lighting of winter and maintaining the natural integrity of each scene. Bruseby’s reliance on Zoner Photo Studio X highlights its importance in producing images that are visually striking and emotionally resonant, truly capturing the spirit of winter. His artistry in winter photography not only showcases his skill but also invites viewers to discover the deeper narratives and emotions inherent in the season.

The Challenge and Allure of Winter

In the captivating world of winter photography, Bruseby finds himself confronted with unique challenges that test the mettle of any photographer. The diminished light of winter days, a consequence of the sun’s lower trajectory, casts a different hue over the landscape, creating long, deep shadows and soft, muted light. This unique lighting condition demands a nuanced understanding of exposure and an adept hand at balancing light and shadow to capture the true essence of the season.

The stark contrast presented by the bright snow against various subjects adds another layer of complexity. Snow, with its reflective properties, can create exposure challenges, often leading to underexposed subjects or overexposed landscapes. Bruseby emphasizes the importance of understanding how to manage these contrasting elements to capture the delicate interplay of light, ensuring that the snow remains a pristine white without losing the detail and texture of the subjects.

Beyond the technical aspects, Bruseby also speaks to the physical demands of winter photography. The cold, often biting weather, requires not only personal resilience but also equipment that can withstand the harsh conditions. Despite these challenges, Bruseby views winter photography as an immensely rewarding endeavor. It’s in the quiet, serene moments, often found in the heart of winter, where he finds the true beauty of the season. These moments, filled with introspection and tranquility, are what he strives to capture in his photography, offering viewers a glimpse into the soulful side of winter.

Choosing the Right Gear

When it comes to tackling the challenges of winter photography, the right gear is essential. Bruseby stresses the importance of using weather-sealed cameras and lenses capable of enduring the cold and moisture typical of winter conditions. This reliability is crucial for photographers who often find themselves amid fleeting and unrepeatable moments where equipment failure is not an option.

Bruseby discusses his choice of lenses and how each type serves a distinct purpose in capturing the essence of winter. Wide-angle lenses, for instance, are perfect for encapsulating the vast, open landscapes blanketed in snow, capturing the expanse of the winter scenery in a single frame. On the other end of the spectrum, macro lenses become indispensable for photographing the finer details of winter – the intricate patterns of frost and the delicate structure of snowflakes, each a tiny marvel of nature.

“Having gear that can withstand extreme conditions while delivering high-quality images is imperative,” Bruseby notes. He also touches upon the importance of additional equipment like sturdy tripods, which can be crucial for stability in icy or windy conditions, and filters that can help manage the winter light and glare from the snow.

Each piece of equipment, Bruseby explains, plays a vital role in his winter photography toolkit. It’s a combination of technical reliability and creative flexibility that allows him to convey the true spirit of winter through his images.

The Art of Winter Photography

Composing the Winter Scene

Bruseby’s approach to composing winter scenes is akin to crafting visual narratives. He uses natural lines, such as those created by bare, snow-laden trees and the shapes of snowdrifts, to guide the viewer’s eye. The predominance of white in winter scenes is both a challenge and an opportunity for Bruseby. He explains how the expansive white can be used to highlight subtle details or contrasts.

Adding Depth with Color

Bruseby often incorporates pops of color into his winter compositions. For example, he might capture the bright red of a cabin against a snow-covered landscape or the deep blue of a winter sky breaking through clouds. These color elements break the white monotony and serve as focal points, adding depth to the photograph.

Emotions in the Cold

Bruseby delves into the emotional aspect of winter photography, capturing the essence of the season. Winter landscapes, with their pristine beauty and inherent solitude, evoke a range of emotions. Bruseby aims to capture these feelings in his images, focusing on the story and mood beyond the visual appeal.

Capturing Feelings

Bruseby’s goal is to encapsulate emotions in his images. For instance, a single set of footprints in the snow can signify solitude or a journey into the unknown. A snow-blanketed field under dawn light can convey peace and stillness. His approach transforms his images into emotive art that resonates on a deeper level with viewers.

Through his composition techniques and emotional capture, Bruseby’s photography invites viewers into a world where each image tells a story, evoking the unique feelings and beauty of winter.

Within the confines of his studio, far removed from the icy winds and tranquil winter landscapes, Bruseby leans on Zoner Photo Studio X as an indispensable tool in his post-processing workflow. The software is currently available to try completely free for 7 days. This robust software plays a pivotal role in his journey of transforming winter images into emotive art pieces, seamlessly complementing his unique style of editing.

One of the standout features of Zoner Photo Studio X is its remarkable precision in controlling tones and colors, allowing Bruseby to tailor each image’s mood precisely to his vision. Bruseby emphasizes how Zoner’s mastery of lighting and color balance enhances the essence of winter scenes. It grants him the ability to elevate the subtle tones of a winter morning, evoking the cold, crisp air, or to balance the harsh contrasts of a snowy landscape, resulting in a more nuanced and impactful photograph.

Crucially, Bruseby adheres to a fundamental principle in his editing philosophy: preserving the natural integrity of the scene. Zoner Photo Studio X provides the ideal platform to make minimal yet essential adjustments that maintain the authenticity of the scene as he experiences it. This approach safeguards against the common pitfall of over-editing, a particular concern when working with winter landscapes.

Furthermore, Zoner assists Bruseby in addressing the distinctive lighting conditions encountered during winter photography. The software proves invaluable in managing the challenges posed by the winter sun, which often casts long shadows and imparts a soft, diffused glow to the scenes. Zoner’s versatile tools empower Bruseby to capture the drama and tranquility of winter landscapes while upholding their inherent authenticity.

When it comes to tackling exposure challenges inherent to winter photography, Bruseby relies on Zoner to ensure that his snow scenes are perfectly exposed. The highly reflective nature of snow can deceive a camera’s metering system, potentially leading to underexposed images. However, Zoner’s detailed exposure settings enable Bruseby to finely adjust his images, ensuring that the snow retains its pristine, white appearance while preserving intricate details.

In addition to its role in the editing process, Zoner plays a crucial part in Bruseby’s preparations for his photography expeditions, especially in remote winter locations. The software aids him in meticulously planning his shoots, offering the capability to review and pre-edit images in advance. This level of preparation is equally as vital as the physical aspects of gearing up, ensuring that Bruseby’s time in the field is both productive and safe.

In conclusion, Bruseby’s reliance on Zoner Photo Studio X underscores its integral role in his creative process. This software, combined with his skill and deep understanding of the art of winter photography, culminates in the creation of visually striking and emotionally resonant works of art. It serves as a testament to the synergy between the right tools and a photographer’s vision, resulting in extraordinary photographic masterpieces.

Final Thoughts

Kevin Bruseby’s journey in winter photography embraces challenges, transforming them into captivating visual narratives. His meticulous approach, crafting scenes that capture winter’s stark beauty and harnessing light and shadow nuances, reveals his deep genre understanding. Zoner Photo Studio X complements his vision, vital for portraying serene, introspective winter landscapes. 

His narrative transcends technicalities, exploring emotional connections evoked by winter scenes. Whether portraying solitude through lone footprints in snow or tranquility in dawn-lit snowfields, Bruseby’s work elicits emotions beyond the visual.

In essence, Bruseby’s work and insights offer a guide to winter photography, inviting a lens to find beauty and narratives in the coldest seasons. It underscores photography’s power to convey stories and emotions beyond the frame.

Zoner Photo Studio X is available to try completely free for 7 days using this link here. 

Vlada Liberova, a famous Ukrainian documentary photographer and presenter of Ukrinform’s Kramatorsk Station project, has been injured on the front.

After spending several years photographing starling murmurations in his native Denmark, photographer Søren Solkær has spread his wings and traveled across Europe to document the phenomenon. The migration routes of these passerines brought Solkær from Ireland and England to the Netherlands and Italy, where he photographed their incredible formations in the sky.

The result is Starling, a follow-up to his well-received book Black Sun. The book includes 138 images, including a new series of work that takes Solkær’s passion for these birds to a new level. Using light and electron microscopes, he was able to photograph their feathers. This added layer of visual information only serves to assist Solkær in unraveling the magic and mystery of their flight patterns.

Starling is set for release on December 26 and is available for purchase on the artist’s website. The publication comes on the heels of another important moment for the photographer. On December 9, his exhibition Søren Solkær:Black Sun opens at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum. It is his first major exhibition in the United States will feature over 50 photographs and pieces of video art. As part of the programming, the public will also have the opportunity to hear Solkær speak about his work at an event on December 10.

Both the book and exhibition are an incredible opportunity to study his images in-depth. While many photographers enjoy documenting these avian formations, Solkær does so with the eyes of a fine art photographer. He has a knack for picking up on uncanny shapes and really exploring the sinuous curves of the flock.

Danish photographer Søren Solkær is known for his evocative photos of starling murmurations.

He has been following their formations across Europe, from the United Kingdom to Italy.

His first exhibition in the United States is opening at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum on December 9.

He also has a new book, Starling, that is currently available for pre-sale.

The book contains 138 images, including new work focusing on the microscopic details of the starling’s feathers.

By photographing these birds in many different ways, Solkær shares his passion for the starling’s behavior with the world.

Søren Solkær: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Søren Solkær.

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Amazing Photo Captures Thousands of Birds on Snowy Treetops

Winners of the Minimalist Photography Awards Show the Power of Simplicity

Photographer Travels Across Europe To Capture Stunning Starling Murmurations

Photographers, are you looking for ways to increase your print sales? I have a few super simple but often overlooked concepts that are not only easy but successful. Jump in and let’s explore how you can make panoramic prints profitable.

Let’s discuss your market. Who buys your prints now and who do you want to buy them? Whether you sell through a gallery, your own website, an Etsy shop, or other art-focused platforms, you will find that buyers look for and purchase art for a reason. For landscape photographers buyers are often situational such as customers who have been to a location and want to commemorate that, clients or interior designers who want to decorate a space, or professional entities like a doctor’s office or hospital that display artwork. Unraveling what appeals to them all can help you create art that you can sell to each market, therefore covering all bases and increasing your profits. This is where panoramic prints shine.

Selling to the Average Client

In conversations with non-photographers the overwhelming consensus is that panoramic photographs look unique, show more of the scenery, and make a big statement as a wall print. As the photographer, I understand the root of this. When most travelers visit a location they use their cell phones to capture memories and the beautiful views. Nowadays cell phones take great photographs. However, while the images are good many users just photograph in standard mode, a snapshot if you will. Although most cell phone camera apps do have a panoramic mode, not many people are aware of it or use it. Therefore when presented with a panoramic image it appears that much more special. In the cell phone day and age when almost everyone has a camera in their pocket you are creating and offering something different beyond the average snapshot.

Capture the Hearts of Your Potential Clients

It is also about the experience. When viewing a scene as a human we look around taking in the view at a vista, beach, forest, really anywhere. A panoramic, being wide, replicates the human experience of how we see a location. To prospective print buyers, this wide all-encompassing photograph visually brings them into the scene. For buyers who have been to a location, it brings them back to standing there taking in the views. They often purchase a print of somewhere they have been for nostalgia and to be able to gaze upon a fond place and memory. This is often called an emotional purchase due to the heartstrings calling your customer to the photograph. Many times you aren’t just selling a print but a story, a place, a special moment. The print becomes a more valuable piece due to its significance.

The Wow Factor

For buyers viewing a scene for the first time, the panoramic experience simply due to the format draws the eye from side to side. In a way, it takes longer to look at and process visually therefore drawing more attention to the details of the scenery. These types of prints are powerful pieces. When utilized for a stunning location this wow factor combined with a format that draws attention makes art that people enjoy as a big statement print.

Selling by Decor

For clients of any type, the format of a panoramic print can “fit” in many types of spaces. You can in your marketing or sales conversations reference how perfectly they fit above a fireplace, couch, counter, table, etc. A panoramic print can fill a space like an empty hallway or reception area. This greatly appeals to clients like interior designers or businesses.

Where to Start

The first step is building a set of marketable panoramic images. If you don’t already have any panoramic prints in your portfolio it is easy to start. There are probably a million tutorials online but here is how I make them. In the field, I create panos in these typical scenarios:

• The location lends itself to the format due to being a wide scene with beauty all around
• I can’t back up enough to fit the scene in one or just a few frames, so I need to create a big pano to fulfill the desired composition
• I see an amazing composition but I want it to be super high definition so I create a pano just to have high detail and quality

While panoramic images are often only thought of for landscape vistas they work well for city street scenes, skylines, town squares, tall buildings, bridges, farm scenes, forests, and even small macro scenes or abstract textures. I have even seen portrait photographers create hero-style images with family portraits or a single person standing in a big scene. Whatever your genre is, it is likely that you can create some amazing wide, highly detailed images that are print-worthy.

What Gear Do You Need to Create Panoramic Photos?

As far as gear goes you can create panos with the most minimal setups. As you may expect the bare minimum is a camera and a wide-angle lens. A sharp lens with clarity and detail is key. For my recent autumn color photoshoots I created beautiful panoramic photos using a loaner from our sponsor, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 lens for Sony E mount. I find this focal length to be perfect for me. The 17mm side is super wide and I can fill the frame. Then I can go into 50mm if I need a tighter look. I really like compositions that feel vast lately, so I end up at 17mm most of the time. With such a sharp and wide lens I can create exactly the kind of compositions that are my muse and make breathtaking prints.

Most importantly for panoramic images, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 has an internal zoom and internal focus design. This means that the lens doesn’t extend its length as you zoom or focus, instead, it stays stationary. Your external lens filters and relative settings can remain stable as you navigate the puzzle pieces required to create panoramic compositions.

Another special feature of the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 lens for Sony E mount is that it has a minimum focusing distance of 7.5″ on the wide end. With these specs, I can combine focus stacking with my panoramics when the foreground elements are right up to the edge of my frame. The results are photographs that immerse the viewer in the scene as if they could step out into nature. I am enjoying playing around with the possibilities a lens like this opens up for me, a photographer who loves layered compositions.

I am working on a full review of the newly released Tamron 17-50mm f/4 to share more details. It is a great light, sharp and affordable lens. I love any gear that is so solid and effortless to use that I can just focus on creating.

Next, while you can create raw handheld panoramic images, ideally you will want a few accessories to help you out: a circular polarizing filter, tripod, and cable release. The filter will improve the light and colors of your images. If you haven’t tried a CP filter before I have a previous article to help you learn all about them. For tripods the choices are vast. Your tripod needs to fully and solidly support your gear so that your photos are stable and not affected by capture blur when you move or press the shutter. To help keep your photos sharp, combining the tripod with a cable release or at least using the self-timer function will keep your photos clear and crisp. With this basic set up you are ready to start creating panoramic images.

The Pieces of a Pano Puzzle

While there are panoramic tripod heads and formulas for creating panoramic images, I prefer a simpler approach. This is because post-processing software nowadays is so very forgiving. So, in the spirit of keeping it simple, when at a location that I can imagine as a pano, I just take a series of images from one side to the other. I keep my tripod stationary and swivel the camera on the ball head. I use the horizon or something noticeable as a reference point to keep things from going crooked.  If I start at the left I swivel enough that 1/3 of the image overlaps in each frame. You are creating a puzzle collage. It is not like taping a piece of paper edge to edge, instead, you want that 1/3 overlap so that your software can stitch the pieces together. To create an easy pano in Lightroom or Photoshop this overlapping is key as the software will be doing all of the hard work. Your final set should be a row of photographs each overlapping the other by at least 1/3. Sometimes I get fancy and do multiple rows for really big scenes. How long your row is and how many frames are is up to you. I let the scene dictate this for me but usually, I end up with at least 4-6 frames in a row.

Start Local

A good beginner exercise for starting with panoramic prints is to make a series of them at places near you. Whatever your area is known for: a quaint downtown, city skyline, beautiful vista, or historic landmark. You don’t have to go somewhere exotic. Prints of local scenery by local artists are highly desirable! Places like gift shops, cafes, visitor centers, libraries, doctors’ offices, banks, city halls, and other government buildings, and of course your local art galleries are all places that often celebrate local art.

One note worth mentioning is that some places that you want to photograph may have restrictions or copyright on their architecture so you’ll want to double-check that for landmarks to be sure. Just a quick search online can save you a headache later on. It’s uncommon but depending on where in the world you are, doesn’t hurt to double-check.

The Package Deal

My recommendation for panoramic prints is to offer three sizes and two display types. Then to increase your sales create packages with them as print sets. The smallest size print can be your silver package, medium is gold, largest is platinum. Then have paper prints matted and framed as your standard display type. You can offer a premium option such as acrylic face mounts (or canvas or metal, pick only one though) as an upgrade option to any package. Keeping a simple format like this will reduce buyer hesitation due to too many options. The easier the decision, the more likely that they will make it in your favor.

For high-end print sales offering a certificate of authenticity helps elevate the buyer experience. This can be a simple postcard or parchment paper with the story of the photo or a behind-the-scenes memory of you creating it, along with your signature, and a number assigned to that specific image. In the art world, this would be known as an artist proof which you can take a step further. You can choose to have an open edition where you can print as much as you want or a limited edition where there are a finite number of prints that will be made. In a limited edition run you choose the amount and label the print so, such as 1/500 to mean that it is number one in a line of only 500 prints to be made. With exclusive limited edition prints, price higher accordingly.

From the Digital Darkroom to the Wall

As to the printing itself, if you cannot produce the prints in-house, there are so many great options of places to print online. Many of them also have a “pro” login version of their services. This will often give you a huge discount and more customization options. I like to print on lustre paper, so not high gloss that shows reflections, but not matte that will look flat.

With framed prints, I like a white mat and a black low profile frame to keep the focus on the photo rather than the image. In some cases however I have sourced vintage frames, upcycled them, or even made my own frames from scratch for an extra talking point. A great example of this is using reclaimed wood from local torn-down barns as the frame for a huge wide panoramic photograph of a sprawling farm scene. Even if you aren’t able to make them yourself, searching flea markets or thrift stores for vintage frames can help add a high-end and unique touch to your prints.

A very useful pro service option is called white label shipping and it’s often the same price or only slightly more expensive. You can use this option to have your prints sent directly to the client without an invoice or price inside. It will be a bland package, often without even the printing house’s name on it. As a little tip, you can ship a white-label order to yourself for the finishing touches. Check and sign the print if you want to do so, include a custom card or receipt, and then ship it to the client in that nice white-label packaging. For prints that you want to sell locally the white label shipping box and interior wrapping are a great way to store and safely deliver prints to your local clients. Either way you can also brand the plain white label boxes yourself with printed labels of your logo, custom stickers, or even a custom stamp or other embellishment that fits your branding and vision.

Selling Like a Pro

Once you have a mini portfolio of panoramic photographs you can start to market them. If you aren’t already marketing to designers and businesses but want to, this can be your push to start. Look up a list of local interior design firms and send them a friendly introduction email. You can share how you are a local photographer, you’ve just completed your brand new series of panoramic prints, explain how great the panoramic format fits client walls as described earlier, and offer them a volume discount. If you start a working relationship with designers and they get a perk they are more likely to use you, and by offering locally created art they also appeal to their clients. It is a win-win. A few might say no, or not reply, but try others. It all starts with one yes.

Another way to get your prints marketed is to offer a newsletter on your website. Then make a social media blast to all of your accounts sharing your sign-up page, or post a reminder that it exists. With the next newsletter that you put out announce your latest print set, and explain a little about how, or why you created it. Then link back to the purchase page for the set on your site or wherever it can be purchased. A special coupon just for newsletter recipients can help. Some artists prefer to never discount their work and others like to create these exclusive moments where discounts incentive purchase. Whichever you decide, you can still use the newsletter as a way to advertise and connect with your audience.

Inventory Woes

Now back to working with interior designers, local businesses as well as online platforms. These types of clients will also help you with one of the great downfalls of print sales whether they are panoramic or standard – having to stock inventory. If you sell by setting up a tent at art festivals, hanging your work in a gallery, or attempting consignment you have to foot the bill of creating all of these prints up front hoping that they sell, and then storing the leftovers afterward. One option is to create a few “floor” samples and then have a catalog book to order from. Either way, the upfront costs are there for your floor samples. By working directly with clients instead you are creating your art on spec just for them. You can still choose to have a few samples to show off if you would like but it’s nothing like having to stock whole galleries.

Another note for art on spec is to have a simple buyer/seller contract and require at least a percentage up front to begin work. Make sure that the percentage covers your material costs in the off chance that the buyer flakes out on you. Then require payment due upon (or before especially when shipping) receipt of goods. Whether shipping or hand-delivering your work have the buyer sign for the package. Then give them a receipt and if you like include a handwritten thank you card. Good practices like this give a professional experience and help you should any issues arise later on.

May Your Prints Be as Big as Your Dreams

Hopefully, this article gave you some inspiration into ways that you can level up your print sales. Whether it be through the panoramic format or just the oomph to reach out to new clients, try new sales formats, and get your art on more walls; Sharing tips and tricks together can help us all learn and grow as photographers. From gear like the awesome new Tamron 17-50mm f/4 lens for Sony E mount or ideas like using limited edition prints in custom frames, there are so many ways to create a better experience both for you creating and your customers in enjoying your beautiful art. Do you have any tips or tricks that you would like to share about selling prints? Post your favorites in the comment section below.

Meet Local Photographer Woody Phillips! – ABC 36 News