A few of you here participate in markets. I've been thinking of giving it a try. At first I thought I'd enter a market in April, but instead, I'm going to visit it first, talk to the artists there, and see if I have a chance in marketing framed photographs. I'd appreciate any tips that you proffesional vendors may have for me.

The children photos aren't for sale. They are just examples of my style, and hopefully that I may get orders to take children photos. I know it's risky, since everyone is able to take photos...so that's why I thought I may concentrate on the B&W catagory.

Here is a video displaying some of my works. If you like you can see it in HD quality on Youtube. Just double click on the screen.

EW...they are beautiful!

Locally, several photographers do well. Personally, I like framed art.but like the option of using my own frame...for decor purposes. And if you want to turn tourists' eyes, be sure to include many local attractions.

Why not also offer those video frames...they are more popular nowadays.

I have no advice as I am notr a vendor and never been in that market. All I can say is: WOW!!
Your pictures are just breathtaking, so clear and sharp and I personally like black and white and have noticed many popular designers using framed, black & white pictures on the walls in new home designs. You are so talented, I kid you not...

Thank you Di and Chatty. I soooo appreciate it. Actually BWS is at fault , because so many have encouraged me. Well, I will pursue this...don't want to be on my death bed saying..."man I should have tried that!" lol.

Go for it, Edelweiss. As you said, you don't want to be on your deathbed wishing you had tried something you didn't. Here in Tucson, we have a street fair twice a year; there are always photographers there with framed and unframed photographs for sale. And your pictures are at least as good as some I've seen at the fair.

Lovely work, Edelweiss! I think black and white prints are a great concept. As others have said, people like them for decorating, and they can be so dramatic.

I know I bought a large framed print a few years ago because I walked into a framing store and was knocked out by the image, which had beautiful triple matting, as well as a frame that really harmonized with the image...

I had not been planning to buy a print when I walked into the store, but it spoke to me so strongly I was compelled. And I know I paid a TON more for the image because it came all set up in the frame than the simple print alone would have sold for.

Can't end this post without telling you that the images of the children were outstanding. You have a real knack for the unposed candid shot, and parents are willing to pay big bucks for that. (I speak as the mother of a professional photographer.)

Also, I always love viewing your slideshows, because you choose such fantastic music to accompany the images. I wonder if there is some way you can offer that as a product?

Yonah and Anne, thanks so much for the encouraging words. I think I'll do as orginally planned. simply check out the markets, and if I see they go well, then I'll participate. My business instinct is making me cautious. I don't want to jump into this blindly. It's incredible how much money has to be invested to participate. Maybe because it's only a market for professionals. The rent, purchasing a tent, and of course the decor and framed art work combined, makes me think I will have to sell zillions of photos to just cover the costs.
I'm looking into on-line sales. That's easier.

Great photos.

But in terms of people, who are strangers, I wonder how much people would want to pay for framed photos.

I think the digital photography world is under great competition against the ease of anyone taking digital photos.

Well, Edelweiss, that caution is well-placed. I agree you have to look at your expenses and ability to make a profit. Don't start anything until you've put together a budget that shows you can start to turn a profit in a comfortable amount of time.

When I was offering my encouragement, I wasn't aware you'd have rent and tent costs involved. I somehow thought -- guess I wasn't thinking -- there was little or no investment involved in exhibiting at craft fairs, etc.

Were you in the US I'd advise that your local SBA office -- and SCORE -- can help you assess your risk factors. SCORE offers small business mentoring ( SCORE.org) services free and in confidence. Not sure what counseling is available to you in Germany.

Edelweiss, your work is certainly good enough to sell professionally.

Some suggestions (take or leave them, just suggesting...)

Include local & scenic shots -- yes, people love them! -- but only frame a few, including some as larger size "show pieces" -- and sell the bulk as matted prints with the protective cellophane. This is what I see the most at fairs, and it cuts down on your costs (frames).

Have a separate area in your booth (up front on one side) with your portraits and a sign CUSTOM WORK. If possible, have a video montage(s) constantly running, with the sound turned down low enough so you can speak/hear over it.

Have a price list (a discreet stack of xeroxed copies) for everything under the sun: your hourly rate, travel costs, prints, matted, framed, videos, etc. OR just offer several package deals, where you get ABCD for a certain price. But people need to be able to take home a list and think about it. However, your presentation should focus on quality and experience, not price.

You can ask vendors how good a particular show is, but no one can tell you how well your product will sell. You can also ask for recommendations on buying a cheap or used tent.

Do you want to accept credit cards? I don't know the options in Germany but other vendors will.