Can you make a living creating ‘art’ photographs, or do you have to do something more commercial too?

I take pretty good ‘art’ photos and ‘erotic’ photos. I get some offers to sell them. Is there a way to make a living doing this or do you also have to work commercially, like for industry, etc.

It is up to you.

When doing commercial photography, all your expenses are paid, you get to travel around and see new places, you get paid within a reasonable time (usually with the presentation of the completed assignment) and once you have a client, you usually get return assignments.

Art and art-photography requires you to spend money … a lot of it sometimes. Unless the photographer is shooting, developing the film, printing the image using archival methods, matting and framing it, most collectors are not interested in spending over $1500 for a framed, signed limited edition 11×14 print.

Now the tough part of selling art photos. You need to be represented by a good gallery. There are good ones all over the US and overseas, but how do you get them to represent you? You have to show up with representative examples of your photos in a flat file and get an appointment. Air travel and hotels are not cheap and they have nothing to do with your art or producing more of it.

Then do the math. What is your net after selling a $1500 print? Remember to include ALL your expenses.

Being independanly weathy or having a job that gives you a huge surplus every month is a big help.

I shoot editorial and glamor photos. Every once in a while I dig out my film body or 4×5 view camera and shoot some art and if it sells that is fine, but I don’t expect it to; I am just happy creating images that make me feel good.

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