When I used to blog a lot more, I did these posts every week and I want to start doing that again. I really want this blog to work, so I am going to start making more of an effort with it. Not sure about the form, but think I will let it grow depending on how certain things go.
Recently I spoke about how I am trying to work out Facebook and see if I can get my page moving. It is happening, but very slowly. It is a bit frustrating, to say the least.
Part of the reason for wanting to get it going was to fill my workshops, sell photos, sell my book and have others want to be mentored by me. It doesn’t seem too much to ask, but apparently no one wants to learn from me, well almost no one. So, I am currently doing an online course to help me build my business and use Facebook more effectively. It is too early to say if it is working, but I have high hopes.
Part of the problem, I’ve come to realise, is that my page is too much about me. So I decided to start a new page that would be more about helping people get their photography to the next level and develop their own style. I will still have the two pages, but one will be about me, and the other about the readers. I started it on Friday and called it The Photographers Mentor.
If you click on the image above it should be a link to the page if you would like to see it.
It is still in its infancy, but I really want to see if I can grow it. I know that it will change over time, but I’m excited about it and looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Selling Images
This is something else I want to try doing more of. I’m getting fed up with hearing how other photographers are selling images and I don’t sell any. I know I don’t push it much, but I’m hear to tell you that is going to change. I am reworking my gallery so I can sell more images, or sell some. It always amazes me how people say my work is distinctive and different, yet no one wants to own any. Maybe I do have it all wrong.
I will be reorganising what I have, and the plan is to have just one page of images that will be rotated, maybe. I am also thinking of using my Flickr page as a gallery, as I tend to only put the images that I love up there. You can see my account here, Flickr.
Videos
Part of what I want to do with Facebook is also doing more videos. Sharing more of my thought processes and how I do things. I used to do them more, but then forgot. So I’m going through what I have and seeing if I can reuse some, plus do some new ones. It is always interesting to see what people want.
I have a sunrise video for you. I processed it and then speed it up.
I like doing these, they are fun.
Finally
These posts are always going to be more about what I want to do. What I want to sell or promote. I am going to plan other posts during the week that are more for you and what I can do to help you.
I hope you had a great weekend and got lots of photos.
Good luck, I hear people aren’t using Facebook as much and they are coming out with new rules that might change how businesses operate.
I keep hearing that, but my new page is growing so much and it is very active, so people much be using it, I also find that most of my business, people wanting to learn from me come from there. I never, or rarely get anyone from blogging, blogging hasn’t been great business wise. The new rules could be great, actually, means that if you are posting what people that follow you want to see, then you are doing well. It is advertising products that people hate and FB are going to change that, which is interesting, considering that is what pays for FB. Time will tell, thank you.
You are amazing! Thanks for everything that you do. Best of luck selling your images Leanne .. Love the video. Will check out FB 😃
You are being so kind Julie, thank you so much. I hope you like the FB page, I’m really enjoying it.
I feel your pain, and I know there are a lot of others here who do as well. I look at your work, and when I hear you struggle to sell it, I wonder what hope I have… But I keep at it. I know ways to improve, and I’ll keep working at it. If I haven’t given up, you can’t, either! 🙂
Thank you Brianna, I haven’t given up, just taken a different route to see if it makes a difference.
I just hit “like” on your new FB page. Looking forward to the posts
Thank you so much Nora, I hope you enjoy the page.
The whole selling photography is daunting and its not about quality either. Some of the photos that win competitions are not in my mind as good as some of the work I see on blogs I follow. Next year I want to try and strategically investigate ways of selling, but one things for sure, your photos ARE different to a lot of other photographers, you have followers, you are consistent in your work, so its just digging away and finding the gap. Maybe a gallery promotion, get them printed and mounted and sell that way to get some exposure. Have you tried corporates – large format for receptions, restaurant walls, board rooms – your photos would look good in a modern environment – large scale. Good luck.
I have realised that too Judi, quality doesn’t seem to come into it.Thank you Judi, I plan on investigating it a lot further.
Wishing you much luck, Leanne. For me selling photographs was never a high ambition. Few people decorate their homes with art that is not directly related to their families, or so it seems to me. Then too, there are so many artists out there, some, like you, do stunning work, others just overload the media. Participation in exhibits, galleries, and the like, seems to be a mark of the known and successful artists. My image pages and blogs get very, very few visitors. Over on my tips, advice, and answers blogs traffic is amazingly good. Your mentoring page should do well. Hope you succeed with it big time!
Thank you Ludwig, I understand what you are saying, however, I am finding quite a few photographers here who are selling work, seems they aren’t doing any of those things. I want some of the action, so to speak. We will see if all this new promotion actually works. Thank you so much. I would really like that.
The struggle makes us human.
I don’t know about that, it seems some people don’t have to struggle at all, while others, have to fight for everything.
Keeping a blog going – and thriving – is a difficult proposition. It is like most endeavors in life. We take one step forward, and two back. I hope you figure out a way to make your art and hard work translate into tangible rewards. Your work is beautiful
It is a lot of work, which I’m starting to realise a lot more.Oh yes, the steps forwards and backwards are very frustrating. Thank you sheila, I hope so as well.
Leanne, I experience the same thing about selling my images, I get highly compliments and praises on my work, yet the selling point doesn’t really hit what peoples comments are promising. So I’m glad that you brought up this issue. http://www.corneliaweber-photography.com
It is frustrating isn’t it Cornelia. I hope to see some changes.
all the best….wish you all success..!!
Thank you so much.
Your photography is stunning Leanne. I hope you find success in attracting more clients. Best wishes, Brad
Thank you so much Brad, I hope so too.
Your work is stunning. You deserve to do well. I’m sure you will. I’m following on Flickr now too.
Thank you Helen, I do hope I find more success, I’ve been trying for quite a few years.
Link to Facebook works now
Good to know.
Link to Facebook didn’t work
It should work now Helen.
Hi Leanne, I know a lot of people have turned away from Facebook. I stopped using it years ago, if you want to get your work out there a lot of photographers now vlog on YouTube. But like any thing you have to work at it. I and many others turn to YouTube , its also where I follow some of my favorite photographer’s. It’ through video you see the photograph being made, processed and the mistakes. They don’t give all away but you do pick up there personally and know you would be happy doing a workshop with them. Your images are great but I can only know you through a blog page. All away social media has a part to play in reaching more people but I feel YouTube is the fastest growing and a great way to get yourself seen more. Just my thoughts, keep up the good work.
George
Hello George. Unfortunately FB is still the number one social media sites, so it would seem to be important to find out how to use it and make it work for me. I have things on YouTube as well. Not a lot, but I do put any videos I make on there as well. Well I am not only here, I am on most Social Media sites. I try to have some presence on most places. Thanks George.
I wish you luck. Each aspect of your plan should help the other.
Thank you Disperser, Hopefully it will all come together.
How come you haven’t sent your image for MM yet?
Because I didn’t do it right away and then it slipped my mind. Thanks for reminding me. Will send one now.
You’re welcome, didn’t want you to miss out again.