Just got my biggest order yet, 40 framed fine art prints!!! Either a lot of debt is getting paid off or a D2h is heading my way :0)
Apologies for the blatant self congratulations but I had to tell someone. Am at work, so can't tell them, family's on holiday and girlfried is on a business trip abroad. I've been bouncing round the office, beaming inanely but can't tell anyone why!!!! (photography is my own business and would not go down well if i told work ie my dull day job about it...)
Anyway, I'm going to sneak out in a mo and go for a cheeky celebratory pint :0)
12-24 is nice, but i'm not 100% on it. It's mighty expensive for what it is. I've never used the 17-35, but have the 20-35 and they are both in the same league. If you don't need the extra 5mm then get the 17-35. If you really need the extra room at the wide end then get the 12-24.......
Talked to the shop this afternoon and it's not 100% definite but is pretty close. Should here a yey or no by the end of the week....don't want to jinx it but it sounds solid :0)
Profitwise, it's not proper to talk such things openly, but it's enough to put my student loan to bed for good. Result!
Have also just got back from a meeting from a very happy wedding couple, so should get some good orders from them.
Well done and I must agree with Efor you have some excellent images on your Web Site. 40 Framed Fine art Prints very nice order ( get yourself a D2H ), I would.
I just went to your site and looked through your portfolio. Unlike some others here I won't tell you to quit your day job....but that's just because I don't think that's anybody's decision but yours. I think your photos are wonderful. A couple of them really threw me for a loop (good) including "Blue Steel". WOW. I'm sure you could find work as a photographer if you wanted it.
Dan, I just got off your web site and frankly this success is just one of many to come. As someone has already pointed out, it's not our business to give suggestions about planning a career, but you have a solid, original eye and there is already evidence of that intangible that many photographers never acquire: a personal vision. It may not be too early to start thinking about that part of photography we hate: the practical, boring business side. In the meantime, have another pint and a whoop. Congrats.
Cheers guys, I really appreciate your comments and all the support, means a lot to me :0)
Now for the bad news, the sale hasn't gone thru for sure yet, as there's a slight discrepancy with the price. I knew i spoke too soon!!!!! I'll have to wait and see but I'm quietly confident.....i'm rubbing a rabbit's foot, crossing everything and wearing a horseshoe round me head as we speak so........i'll let you know
if it means making an enormous profit, i would lower your price a bit to get em in the uber-comfort zone.... d2h....d2h....
As for your website, it is pretty slow even on 2.5megabit cable....most of the picture 'links' at the bottom are broken as well... You should look into making your site more streamlined.... it is taking about 5min/per link...
yeah, i've lowered the price a little but i'm very concious of avoiding underselling myself. As it's a sale through a shop, it's not me doing the talking. I have to sit back and wait it out more or less......we'll see. I'm hoping that in the event that the sale falls through with the shop I can make the sale independantly.....here's hoping.
As for the D2h, tried one last night and i have to say i was luke warm. I've read about the great handling and ergonomics but i really didn't like the vertical grip. Not enough depth to it. I personally prefer my D1x's grip. The viewfinder's lovely though. Have yet to look through the sample pics i took.......i also like the changes they've made to the front dial, it protrudes more and is a lot easier to use......
danielson53 wrote:
I'm hoping that in the event that the sale falls through with the shop I can make the sale independantly.....here's hoping.
Obviously I don't know what your specific arrangement is with the shop but if you do not mind a little distribution advice... be careful.
I spent 18 years building dealer distribution channels and if you are going to have a shop selling and representing you and your images then I would strongly suggestion you stand behind the shop. Going around the shop to make a sale is the first way to get dumped and to gain a bad reputation.
The role of having others sell your products or services is because you can not be every where. You want this shop to promote you and your talents but if they can't make any money doing so then in my opinion you both lose.
I would offer your help to provide the client with more information or any thing else the shop needs to help convince the client but I would not offer them a price that is different than the price the shop quoted. This makes the shop look bad and in my opinion devalues your work.
Hope you don't mind the unsolicated advice. I also realize this is give with very limited knowledge of your situation.
On another note you should be thrilled. Even if this deal does not go down this is a sign that your talent is appreciated and of interest to others and you should be thrilled about that.
I talked to the shop today and they advised me to go ahead with the sale independantly if they can't sell it. They know that they are but one of the ways that i sell my prints so i wouldn't do it covertly. That would be a bad idea i agree. It's asking for someone to see a print and say something to someone, who's someone's babysitter who emails the manager of the shop, who gets VERY peeved and..., etc etc etc :0)
Cheers for the advice, i completely agree
Hoping to find out what's going on tomorrow so fingers crossed.....
congrats.
If you find you can't handle all this business I'm always looking for a bit more 
Go get the D2H, you'll love it