Tip: Increase auction profits with better photos

It's now par for the course that in order to sell goods on auction sites like ebay the item photographs need to be of high quality. Bad photographs reflect on the seller - a sloppy photograph points to a sloppy seller.

Dennis L. Prince has pinpointed the qualities needed for a perfect auction photograph and outlines very specific actions in his new article 'Propel Your Profits with Better Images'.

Among his tips, Prince, author of How to Sell Anything on eBay, and Make a Fortune, says photographers should use a tripod, natural light, and a solid color backdrop.

His tips, of course, work with any small-item static photography, whether for advertising or another commercial purpose.

Read the article on Auctiva

Tip: How to stand out from the crowd

I have been thinking about how photographers can make money in an era where everyone has a digital camera and digital cameras have increased in quality to the point that the 'point and click' approach can produce some excellent photographs.

On one hand the new digital-camera quality output allows the average person who has an interest in photography, but who is not necessarily trained in photography, to make money from their digital camera. Certainly, with innovation and dedication it's possible to create a viable business this way.

But let's take this a step further and think about how you can stand out from the crowd:

* Establish your own brand and market that brand.
* Develop your own style so your photographs have an 'edge' that is uniquely you. For example, perhaps you only focus on happy/lighthearted photos, or moody photos full of emotion ... or perhaps there is a photoshop technique or special type of paper that gives your photos a unique quality.
* Once you have identified the products and services that are making you the most money then focus on those things/become known for those things. (see point one)
*Make sure you unite your unique style with the products/services you choose.
*You can also set yourself apart by excelling in customer service and product delivery.

Idea: Decorative Photo Plates

Give plain crockery a photographic lift with this idea.

Apply photographs to plates and other crockery by printing out the photographs onto decal and applying as per instructions (see link below).

You could create a crockery set with a theme, or use people's family photos or unusual photographs to create one-off originals.

You will need to sell this product with a note that these plates are not dishwasher safe. They should be handwashed only.

The idea comes from marthastewart.com where you'll find the full instructions.

Idea: Photo pencils

This idea comes to us from Photojojo.

Take a cheap packet of ordinary coloured pencils and make them extraordinary by wrapping a photograph around them and presenting them as shown in the accompanying picture.

The tutorial is easy but the end result has a maximum effect.

This product could easily be sold as a generic product, or offer to take customers' photographs and apply them to the pencils. Sell using a mail order form distributed in magazines that are read by parents of young children, or at kindergartens, school fetes/fairs etc.

Two of the extra tips/ideas worth noting from Photojojo are:

1. Choose a photo that will still be recognizable when it’s only a centimeter wide: details of grass or a bunch of M&M’s spring to mind.
2. Use a different photo for each pencil, using colors that match the pencils (roses for red, blue sky for blue…)

Read the tutorial here

Tip: How to Photograph Christmas Lights

This is a timely tip on how to photograph Christmas lights, but applies for festive or decorative lights at any time of the year.

...getting a good photo of holiday lights involves a different kind of light balancing: Continuous ambient with fading ambient. You don't need a high-end camera for great results. You can use a very inexpensive digital camera and do just fine. You don't even need flash. It all comes down to what time of the day you shoot. And a couple of other little tricks.

See the entire list of tips here on the Strobist blog [via Lifehacker, where there is an additional video tutorial]

Tip: Learn how to improve your photos in 60 seconds

So these days it seems you don't have enough time to scratch yourself, let alone read lengthy tomes on how to improve your photography.

Luckily, idigitalphoto has produced an excellent resource for the extra busy among us. Now you can learn something useful for improving your photography in only 60 seconds.

Our tip is to schedule it into your day. Commit to reading one every Monday morning, for example, then try out the tip that week. Put it in your calendar so you don't forget

If you are tired of reading long explanations and confused by tricky photo techniques, here you can have it short and sweet. Arranged by topics, each subject takes less than 60 seconds to read.

Once you’ve read the ideas and tips, picture in your mind some photographs you have already taken. Think of how they could have been improved by applying what you have learned here. Visualize how you might have taken your photos differently. Already your photography is improving!

The link is here

Tips: Twelve Essential Photographic Rules

What happens when your systems go belly-up, when all of that cutting-edge technology dies and you must rely on (gasp!) your own knowledge? It pays to have these basics in your head. They can get you out of a jam and help you get good shots when nothing else will.

Highly recommended. Includes depth-of-field, exposure and camera shake rules.
Read all the tips here ... Popular Photography PopPhoto.com [via Photojojo]

Idea: Create a memory book for parents

While we're on the subject of children and making books. You could also use the self-publishing services to collate a collection of photographs for parents.
This could be useful for:
- Photographs of a baby's birth
- Photographs taken over several years of a child's life
- Photographs you take in a special photo shoot. With this idea, try out several locations, and mix action shots with posed photographs (if the child is willing to sit still)

Book creation sites like Lulu.com offer several formats. This book is going to work better as a hardback, but this format is more expensive, so review your pricing and format according to what your clients would be prepared to pay.

For tips on how to take photographs of children, see:
Digital Photos 101
Kodak

Idea: Create a children's coloring book from your photographs

Fototiller has a great tutorial on how to make coloring pages from your photos. Read the tutorial here ...

Once you have mastered the technique, put together a collection that you can make into a book to sell. Try using a theme like toys or children playing, or play equipment, or beach holidays.

Then use a service like CreateSpace.com or Lulu.com to make and sell your coloring book. And/or approach newsagencies or children's toy stores to stock the product.

Resource: sell your photos online with SnapVillage

The online stock photo company founded and owned by Bill Gates, Corbis, today introduced a Web site that allows anyone to upload photographs for sale.
Called SnapVillage, the site allows any photographer, whether amateur, semi-professional or professional, to submit pictures and charge anywhere from $1 to $50 an image.

Source: New York Times

Check out SnapVillage and get uploading!

Tip: Enhance your photographs with classical colors

This tip comes from unfocusedbrain.com (via Lifehacker)

Adjusting your photographs to get the color 'just right' can be a chore. Think about this: The Old Masters of painting spent years of their lives learning about color. Why let all their effort go to waste on the walls of some museum when it could be used to give you a hand with color correction?
When Photoshop entered the CS series it included a new tool called 'Match Color.' This tools was made so that you could match a series of photos to one another.
But there is another thing you can do with 'Match Color' that is much cooler: You can match the colors in your photos to those in famous paintings.

If the examples on the site are any indication, the results can be dramatic and impressive. I wonder if a classical art lover would be instantly drawn to a photograph treated in this way, even if they didn't know the technique had been applied.

Try making a thematic group of photographs applying the colors from one famous picture, like a Van Gogh. One idea is to create a product like a calendar using the photographs, or an impressive thematic wall display.

Read the tutorial here, and view more (great) examples here

Resource: Photographers Wanted Advertisements

Find contract photography jobs here. There seem to be jobs advertised from all over the world.
On initial investigation it seems it costs nothing to join StarNow.com.au and create a profile. You can upload photos, write an online CV and receive the latest listings directly to your email.
Although, note if you want to respond to any of the advertisements you will need to register and there is a fee involved. Once registered, you can also post your own advertisement about your services.
Starnow.com.au Photographers Wanted

Are you a photographer already registered with StarNow? Let us know your feedback...

Tool: free online calendar creator

This is a good tool to use to create personalized calendars with your photos. Upload photos from your computer or directly from Flickr or Photobucket.

BigHugeLabs.com

You can also make 3D art cubes.

BigHugeLabs.com has other online tools that you can try, or get ideas from. Consider making them yourself with Photoshop or similar.** (This way you can make high-resolution versions 300dpi or higher for optimum printing)
Like the motivational poster. (See all the online tools here)

The make-a-magazine cover tool is lots of fun too. But it is probably more suited to an unusual birthday present for family and friends than making money. You could try it as a service, but don't make it the only service you offer.

Tip: If you are going to use this service, plan all your calendars or whatever beforehand then purchase the 'three day pass' for $5USD, which means you can download hi-res versions of your creations - as many as you like.

**Have you seen this online photo editor? PICNIK.COM. We tried it out and it works a treat.

Idea: Photo products galore

When it comes to creating products from your photographs, the possibilities are endless...

Aprons, beach bags, handbags/purses, mugs, deckchairs, pet-food bowls, cushions, glasses cases, mouse mats, shopping bags, tiles, table mats, t-shirts ... the possibilities are endless (well almost!).

Make your name by becoming a known brand for one product, or branch out and offer everything.

Use your own unique artistic photos, or transform people's own favorite pics.

Learn how to make them yourself, or order from an established manufacturer. Companies like My Bigger Picture have a special trade price for people who want to buy a product then sell to customers. See http://www.mybiggerpicture.com/trade/

Idea x2: Photo Bookmarks and Photo Centerpieces

We have two photo money-making ideas for you today. They both involve using your photographs in innovative products.
Tip: it is useful to think of particular markets for such products and focus on targeted advertising. For example, with the photo centerpieces you could focus on the weddings market and advertise in bridal dress stores or in any of the widely circulated bridal magazines or on online wedding/bridal sites. Mock up an example using your own or a friend's wedding so you have something to show potential clients.

These ideas come courtesy of the Martha Stewart website.

Photo Bookmarks

Cut a piece of 2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon 3 inches longer than twice the height of the book; snip a point at each end to prevent fraying. Sew a 1 1/2-inch-by-2-inch photograph to the ribbon by hand-stitching each corner.

Read the tutorial and view an example on marthastewart.com

Photo Centerpieces
Create a set of photo frame lanterns -

They consist of three hinged photo frames set around votive candles. The black-and-white photos are printed onto ecru-colored vellum paper, which is translucent enough for the images to be visible by candlelight.

Read the tutorial and view an example on marthastewart.com

Idea: Photo pop outs

It's one thing to take great photographs, but it's easy to do some extra things to create extra value.
This idea (from Photojojo) involves creating novelty pop-up photographs with your shots.
Essentially you give your photograph a 3D effect using two copies of the same photograph, foam core, tape and a knife.
Obviously some photographs are going to be better for this than others. Photos with animals, people, children, action shots can work well. Experiment then branch out!
Selling:
This kind of product can be posted to buyers.
Perhaps your customers can submit their own photos for you to doctor. They could email a high-quality digital photograph, which you can print, for example ...

Here is the tutorial on Photojojo

Idea: Take great photographs of food

Taking photographs of food may be hard, but once you've mastered it, you can use your new skill in various different ways. Take photographs of food for restaurants - they can use the photos in a menu, for advertising, or for in-house display.

Of course it is essential that these photographs make the food look appetizing, so polish your food photography skills before approaching eating places.
See some tips on how to take excellent photographs of food on our special new page on the vrbanner.com site -

Digital Photography Food

Tip: Licensing your photos

As a general rule you should always retain the copyright to your photos then license use of those photographs to other entities. This way you can 'sell' them again and again.
Beware, some photographic competitions make you give up your copyright as a condition of entry. This would mean you wouldn't be able to use that photo elsewhere without their permission.
PhotoCritic has an excellent guide on this topic...

Read about it at PhotoCritic

Tip: Take blink-free group photos

Yes, you wouldn't think it was possible to take a photo of a group without at least one person closing their eyes. But it is possible. In fact, there is a scientific formula to help you - it is based on the number of photos you need to take to make sure you get a good one (well 99% confident anyway). Beware ... when the group gets to over 50 it is close to impossible to get everyone with their eyes open.

Read CSIRO physicist Dr Piers Barnes' practically fail-proof method on the Velocity science in motion website.

Tip: Give your photos an unusual-film look

Unusual and innovatively doctored photos can be used in many products for sale, like say a compelling calendar or something as simple as a framed shot. The key is in choosing the right photo and adding your own splash of creativity.

You can give your photos the look of A Scanner Darkly, the recent film based on a Philip K. Dick book and as equally quirky as Dick's writings. For the film, the movie makers used a posterized live-action animation style and had to repaint each frame, but to make your photos look this way is easier of course. You need Adobe Illustrator and a suitable photo. Photos of people seem to work better.

See the tutorial (written by one of the film's animators) here at IllustratorTechniques.com [via Photojojo]

Tip: How to photograph smoke

Photographs involving smoke can make for interesting and unique images that you can use in a number of the money-making ideas we outline.

Not sure about the best way to photograph smoke? Photocritic interviews smoke-photography expert Graham Jefferey, of Sensitive Light fame who outlines these methods. Read this instructional article