OK, I’m taking it to the next level and making photo prints available on my new website with Fine Art America at glolmsted.com. Many of you have commented on the quality of my photos and I thank you. I believe with practice I keep getting better. Trust me my ego absorbs all your “likes” but I also need honest critiques. Really, it’s how I can continue to improve.
I started by asking on Facebook for suggestions of websites to make photo prints available for sale. Then I checked them out looking at the free options first. But even the “premium” options are reasonable at $25-50/yr. Smugmug offers lots of options at $50+/year and I truly considered them as the first site looked at. Pixels was also a consideration which I ultimately became part of without realizing. Twenty20 seemed focused on mobile which I do little of. 500px I am still considering. And Fine Art America also offering many options including e-commerce to my website and social media. Most of these sites offer a free option or at least a free trial. I’m sure everyone has different needs so each site could work. I’d be interested if you’re using anybody else.
So after pushing all the buttons and looking at discussions, artists, products, and reviews, I joined the free Fine Art America (FAA). And just to play around advertised an event I’ll be attending 2017 Blogger-Fest under the title (which was required) QEO, Quartzsite Executive Officer. I am in no way organizing this event but will be there.
Then I spent 18 hours learning and uploading a few photos now available for sale. Upload is sometimes kind of slow but maybe it’s just my connection. I can’t do anything else online while uploading images. But slower is the process of choosing and post-processing what I consider the “best” while asking myself, would I want this hanging on my wall? I’ll be constantly adding new photos.
After only a few days I opted to spend the $30 for a year so I can upload more than 25 photos and utilize their marketing package which allows me to advertise and add a cart here and on Facebook, if I can figure out how to do it. I did add an advertisement on the side bar here. And I opened a new Facebook page exclusively for photography. Also, as a “premium” member I can use my own personally owned custom domain that I’ve paid for since 2008 and never used but had considered it being a photography website. All this took much figuring out with the help of fellow FAA members and support from Dotster where I bought my domains. Believe me, I’m no whiz at this website stuff although this went faster than creating the blog. Definitely a continued learning process, much like the photography itself. If you have problems with the site please let me know as I’m sure there are still bugs to kick out.
While learning more about the products available I discovered that Fine Art America is Pixels.com. They produce prints in various sizes, surfaces, and framing options, plus greeting cards, tote bags, phone cases and more. Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America and can be returned “for any reason” within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. Prices look reasonable and I earn a few bucks.
If you see an image on the blog you’re interested in that isn’t yet available for print please let me know (hover over the pic and note the label) and I’ll add it to the shop. Clicking on an image that is available will take you directly to the shopping page. Then it’s up to you.
Now I need to advertise and would greatly appreciate your help, if so inclined. If you would like the chance to win a Free 20×13 print or poster on acid-free paper using archival inks to guarantee that they last a lifetime without fading or loss of color, your choice of photo (or smaller print, coffee cup, tote bag, or four greeting cards) then enter below. Giveaway will run for three weeks and winner will be announced February 1, 2017. Thanks for all your support.
