How to Sell Your Photography (or Art)
This is from a recent seminar given live on X (twitter) in the community, “Inspired Landscape Photography” I hope you find it helpful. With that I give you “How to Sell Your Photography”.
Introduction
Good afternoon, everyone,
It’s an absolute honor to speak with you today about one of the most exciting and rewarding topics in landscape photography: how to sell your art.
Photography is not just about capturing the beauty of the world around us; it’s also about sharing those moments with others who find joy and inspiration in what we create.
Turning your passion into a thriving business takes strategy, hard work, and a willingness to grow, and I’m here to share practical lessons to help you on that journey.
One thing to note, I decided very early that I was not going to be schlepping my work to art shows all summer long. I was going to focus on online sales. This article focuses on online sales.
Who Am I?
Who Am I? Why do I have anything to say?
My Name is Wayne Moran of Wayne Moran Photography
Way back in grade school I picked up a camera.
In 2004 I started taking photography seriously via Flickr.com and the new digital camera revolution.
I have purposely chosen to focus my business on Online Sales. I do not want to schlep my prints to art shows.
FineArtAmerica.com is where I sell most of my work and I have sold over 1000 prints there, and hundreds more in other places.
I am one of the Top 5 Landscape Photographers in Minnesota
There is a Hospital in Minneapolis with almost 100 of my prints.
My images have been made into wallpaper for conference rooms throughout Minneapolis and St Paul.
check this: https://flickr.com/photos/waynephotoguy/albums/72157625983643292/
Crazy right?
My images have been published dozens of times, in bestselling books, magazines, and websites.
One print is crazy popular with both Military People and Native Americans, The Chief Tecumseh Poem.
Check this: https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/how-to-sell-art-online-act-of-valor-poem
So, let’s get started.
1. Master the Craft of Photography
Before you can sell your art, you must focus on becoming the best photographer you can be. This means learning the technical skills required to create outstanding images, such as understanding composition, lighting, and post-processing. It also involves developing your artistic voice and staying committed to continuous learning. Attend workshops, join photography communities, and immerse yourself in the work of others to inspire your growth. When you master your craft, your work naturally becomes more marketable and captivating.
If you want to improve your craft quickly, check out these videos
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/photography-training-videos
If you want more help, contact me for some lessons.
https://waynemoranphotography.com/photography-lessons
2. Build a Great Portfolio
The foundation of selling your art is having a stellar portfolio.
Your portfolio is the storybook of your artistry and craftsmanship. It should showcase your best work, highlight your unique perspective, and prove why your art deserves a place in someone’s home or office.
Look at the collection I’ve curated on my website as an example (https://wayne-moran.pixels.com/collections/portfolio ). It demonstrates consistency, high-quality imagery, and variety while staying true to my artistic vision. Make sure your portfolio is equally polished, and purpose driven.
If you need help building your portfolio, contact me.
3. Establish Your Own Website
In the digital age, your website is your most powerful marketing tool.
- It’s not just a gallery but also a place where potential buyers can
learn your story - trust your expertise
- and connect with your work.
Think of your website as the hub of your marketing wheel. This is where you house all your amazing content, then you can share it across social media, which is the tire or your wheel, the outside, expanding your reach.
Writing insightful and engaging blog posts, for instance, can establish you as an authority in landscape photography. It’s also a fantastic way to improve your search engine visibility, which means more eyes on your art.
If you need inspiration, check out my site (https://waynemoranphotography.com).
I’ve dedicated time to crafting articles that engage my audience.
Examples of this would be
Building a sales funnel for artists.
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/sales-funnel-artists/
Or
You Can Sell Your Art for $54,000
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/you-can-sell-your-art/
Or
Travel Inspiration
https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/dreaming-about-your-ultimate-greece-travel-adventure
Sharing valuable content builds trust and encourages visitors to explore your artwork further.
4. Create an Exceptional Online Gallery
Your online gallery is your virtual storefront. Platforms like Fine Art America provide an incredible space to professionally showcase your work, giving buyers an easy way to purchase.
The visual presentation matters: use crisp, high-quality images with detailed descriptions that inspire and connect emotionally with potential buyers.
My gallery (https://wayne-moran.pixels.com ) serves as a robust example. With nearly three million visitors to date, it’s proof that a thoughtfully presented collection can drive incredible engagement and sales.
On FineArtAmerica.com / Pixels.com You are also able to build a community of other supportive artists, that in turn help you to get your art seen.
FineArtAmerica.com also does marketing for us the artists. It helps a ton!
I have just recently gone over 3 million visitors to my online gallery. Real people seeing my art leads to sales.
5. Build Relationships with Local Art Dealers and Travel Bureaus
Art Dealers
Local art deals that sell to commercial organizations are a great way to extend the reach of your art, especially if you are photographic regional art in unique and beautiful ways.
By connecting with these organizations, you are creating a win-win, giving them access to great art more affordably, and creating a market for you.
My large sale to a regional hospice was because of this type of relationship.
Check this: https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/update-on-university-of-minnesota-hospital-images
Travel Bureaus
Local travel Bureaus can be a goldmine for your art sales.
I build a relationship with the State of Minnesota Travel Bureau “Explore Minnesota”
1st, they got me access to a giant Red Bull Extreme event call “Crashed Ice”. Ice Skaters basically skate down a luge course.
Check this: https://waynemoranphotography.com/photography/red-bull-crashed-ice-st-paul-minnesota-2015
Then they licensed my images.
Then they made me the Governors official photographer for the kickoff to summer event, The Governor’s Fishing Opener.
It was this kind of exposure that made me an Influencer on Social Media
Check this: https://waynemoranphotography.com/blog/2018-minnesota-governors-fishing-opener-willmar
6. Seek a Portfolio Review
One of the fastest ways to grow as an artist and seller is by seeking feedback.
Honest professional critique helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement in your work.
A service like my Photography Critique Services (https://waynemoranphotography.com/photography-critique-services/ ) is designed to give you actionable insights and elevate the quality of your portfolio. Never underestimate the value of an expert’s perspective.
7. Embrace Failure and Keep Experimenting
Fear of failure is one of the biggest roadblocks to success. Some of your ideas will work, and others won’t—that’s okay!
Every unsuccessful experiment teaches you something new about your audience and your craft.
Be willing to take risks, adapt quickly, and try again. Remember, every master was once a beginner who kept trying.
8. Learn to Love Marketing
As much as we love to create art, selling it requires embracing marketing.
- Learn the principles of creating a sales funnel
- building email lists
- and using social media effectively.
Connect with your audience on platforms they frequent, whether it’s Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Pinterest.
Promote your work confidently and consistently; you’re not just selling photos but the vision and emotion behind them.
9. Leverage Social Media
Social media is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit.
Your website is the hub of your marketing and communication world, but social media is the wheel around the hub.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing your work, engaging with your audience, and driving traffic to your website or online gallery.
- Share behind-the-scenes content, stories about your creative process, and the inspiration behind your shots.
- Build relationships by responding to comments and messages and using targeted advertising to reach potential buyers.
Social media lets you connect with a global audience, making it an essential element of your art-selling strategy.
Conclusion
Selling your art is a journey filled with learning, resilience, and passion. Focus on building a top-tier portfolio, creating a robust online presence, and mastering marketing, and you’ll lay the groundwork for success. Most importantly, trust in your vision and never stop refining your craft.
I can help you along your path. I coach students on the entire process. Please, feel free to Contact Me.
Thank you for allowing me to share these insights with you.
Now, let’s go out there and show the world the incredible landscapes only you can capture.
Happy shooting and selling! And until next time, get out and capture the adventure.
Written by Wayne Moran - Visit Website
moran.wayne@gmail.com
