One of my photography coaching clients just had her very first solo art opening and we sit down to chat about her journey as an Instagram Photographer to full artist, how to price photography, what she can do to sell more photos on Instagram during the show, and how my mentoring has helped push her into the limelight with Parked Portraits.
I took advantage of a super cheap flight to attend the art opening, mentor her in person, and explore the beautiful city of San Francisco. This is our story.
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Photography Journey
When I was going away to a college that was 1600 miles away from home I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited, but also nervous to leave all of my friends behind.
Out of all honesty, I picked the Rochester Institute of Technology because it was 1600 miles away from home. You see, I’m not a huge fan of Houston which is where I grew up.
So going away to school was a no-brainer for me. Plus, RIT had like 200 darkrooms and other schools I looked into wouldn’t even get me into a darkroom until my 3rd year (as a photography student! how does that work???).
I knew that going to a place where zero people knew me meant that I could be anything I wanted. Nobody would know the difference if I took on an entirely new persona once I arrived at school.
What I didn’t expect was meeting people who would show me who I was.
The people I met at college unleashed the real me. There were actually two people who changed my life on a fundamental level (recently I got to see both of them in the same week).
Most of it was luck of the draw… or fate… whatever you want to call it.
Meet Artist Vivienne Scholl
One such person is my dear friend V-I-V.
Yes, that’s what we call her…. V (pause) I (pause)V (pause) = Viv
Vivienne lived down the hall from me on our freshman dorm floor and we hit it off right away.
- She laughs at all of my jokes.
- She is a brilliant designer (and designed my logo for my photography biz).
- She has seen me through each and every relationship.
- We can talk shop about life or business with a flow and depth that is hard to find.
Recently, I photographed another RIT friend’s wedding in New Jersey and took advantage of a super duper cheap flight from Newark to San Francisco to see Viv (using rewards points, of course!).
I knew there was no one else I’d want to see after the wedding, as she is my emotional support animal.
Parked Portraits at Madrone Art Bar
The timing was epic, as Viv had her very first solo art opening for her Parked Portraits that very Thursday following the wedding. You see, as much as Viv is there for me, I’m lucky enough to also be there for her.
- I helped her with her pricing when someone wanted to buy one of her Instagram photos for the first time.
- I mentored her when she got the lead about the possibility of the art show.
- I keep pushing her to step up and be seen through this entire process.
- I photographed her wedding too!
How to sell photos on Instagram
We sit down over a glass of wine to recap her art opening at the Madrone Art Bar in San Francisco and discuss the unique marketing tactic that landed her the exhibition as well as how Viv can maximize sales of her photography while the art is on display.
If you want to know how to sell photos on Instagram or online, they key is to harness the power of storytelling.
As a pricing and sales mentor for photographers, I encouraged Viv to post each image that’s currently on sale and utilize the caption on Instagram to tell a few stories.
- About the car
- Something interesting about her walk that day
- A connection to the building in the photo
- Why she started taking pictures of vintage cars on the streets of San Francisco
At the end of the caption is a call to action telling the viewer exactly how to purchase a print.
Never underestimate how much energy and interest you will have in the beginning. This is when sales are the easiest, so do not play small by having underpriced artwork.
Marketing for a solo art opening/show
Vivienne landed the solo art show at the Madrone Art Bar by placing her business card on the windshield of the cars she photographed.
Putting yourself out there and letting yourself be seen will open doors.
Additionally, Viv is getting a ton of traction in marketing this solo art show because some jerk stole one of her images off the wall!
Parked Portraits and this solo art exhibition is also featured in the San Francisco Chronicle. Viv shares her journey in walking the streets of San Fran and her passion for vintage car photography with her iPhone!
Parked Portraits San Francisco
Do you struggle to sell photos?
I love that my addiction to earning rewards points and miles enables me to work remotely from anywhere… and gives me the flexibility to show up to my friend’s art opening!
Are you thinking about traveling more or working from home/anywhere?
Reach out below and let me know how I can help you do just that.
