10 Lessons I Learned About Printing and Selling My Photography

As a part-time photographer, printing my work started out as a passion project, and over the years, I’ve sold prints here and there to help cover costs. While I’m not chasing big profits, I’ve learned quite a bit from experimenting with printing my own photos and seeing what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to selling them. If you’re considering printing or selling your photography, maybe these insights will help you.

My little print shop at a local makers market, September 2024.

1. Nothing Beats Seeing Your Work in Print

There’s something magical about holding a physical print of your photo. It’s a whole different experience than staring at a screen. Framing your work and living with it over time teaches you about your own photography—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve.

2. Home Printing Is Great—But Not for Everyone

If you enjoy experimenting with paper types and don’t mind a bit of DIY, printing at home can be rewarding. But be warned—it’s not cost-effective, and it’s definitely time-consuming. Ink tanks have a way of running dry at the worst moments, and it can be frustrating if you’re not into the process itself.

3. Don’t Expect to Make Serious Money

For most of us, making an (extra) income, or even any profits off print sales alone isn’t likely. You either need extraordinary work that fills a unique niche or a huge following. Otherwise, the sales might hardly be enough to cover just the cost of operation. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do it, but it’s important to manage expectations. If money is the motivator, a print service is probably favourable.

4. Art vs. Decoration

Most buyers are looking for decoration, not fine art. While you may have a favorite piece or something that’s popular on social media, that doesn’t mean it’ll sell. People tend to choose prints based on how they’ll look in their home—simple, minimal subjects, nice colors, and pieces that complement their interior design.

5. Match the Paper to the Purpose

Different types of prints require different approaches. For framed prints, I usually opt for matte paper to avoid glare from the glass. Glossy paper, though, can make colors pop beautifully, especially if the print won’t be framed or will be kept away from direct glass contact. Understanding the effect of paper type on your print is key.

6. Megapixels Aren’t Everything

You don’t need a camera with a gazillion megapixels to produce a high-quality print. Any camera with 8MP or more should allow you to print up to A3 size without much of an issue. What matters more is sharpness and keeping ISO noise in check. Most of my bad prints come down to one of these two factors.

7. Timing Is Everything

People buy your work when they’re ready—not when you are. Announcing your shop doesn’t necessarily mean sales will follow immediately. Purchases often come when someone’s redecorating their home, looking for a gift, or simply when the timing is right. That’s why it’s important to keep putting your work out there consistently.

8. Compliments Don’t Equal Sales

Lots of people will express interest in buying your work, but not all of them will follow through. Most of my actual sales come from people I don’t know personally or who aren’t vocal on social media. Kind words are nice, but they don’t always translate into purchases.

9. Your Buyers Might Surprise You

You may think you know who your buyers are, but they’re often not who you expect. My customers tend to be local or semi-local and have a connection to the area I photograph. They might not engage much online, but they appreciate the work quietly over time. Shout out to those silent followers—I see you and I appreciate you!

10. People Buy in Series

When people do buy, they often buy multiple prints at once to decorate a space. It’s less about that one standout piece and more about finding several that work well together. Offering cohesive collections or sets can make it easier for people to envision your work in their homes.

Anything to add?

I hope you found some useful insights here! If you’ve had any similar (or different) experiences, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to drop a comment or share your own tips and questions below. Happy printing!