I totally agree as to why we do it. I have been on this discussion with my best friend who envisions her retiring and the four of us travelling the country doing shows. Spouses are best friends too. Problem is she is of the mindset that is shooting win shots and I have a different approach. Friendship and business does not always mesh so we may just do some traveling!
I just this last month donated two of my 2 1/4 to my local college. I kept one because I could not totally give it all up yet. I sold my 4x5 to a guy in England on Ebay. I am also currently selling items on Ebay that I sell at dog shows. Hopefully if you really like shooting dogs, you find a way to connect with that love and give buyers something they want.
Having started my earning life as an artist, I spent 17 years going to artshows. That to has changed and I found photography while taking Graphic Design in college. I had Dektol in my veins from that point on. The commercial job lasted 8 years and the catalog I shot for sold the 100 year old company. Times change. I thought I could shoot antiques for ever and I then feel in love with the auction business. I joined PPA, got Certified and my Masters of Photography. Rented a studio, built a studio and like you have become disappointed in this business. But that is up to me to react differently, not for the business to be the way it was.
As an artist I have always seen artists share more than photographers since they seem to feel you will steal their business. Well, now with stealing a real fact, I do not want to feel my clients are the enemy. I want them as friends. I do not have people come in the studio and cry when they see a photo, but they did a painting. Why people give other mediums more respect has always puzzled me. In fact I should have caught on when I was at an art show with my paintings and was next to a photographer with a sign on his booth-
"Compliments don't pay the bills"
The secondary market is seeing photography as art form or Soethbys would not have auctions just for that. And a Weston collection just went up for sale last month. WOW what prices. But just as a young painter I thought I would have to be dead in order to make it big. My choice of art was wildlife and I went to shows all over the country. I was in shows with Bateman, Brenders and many whos work I admired. Why I left that for photography baffles me but it could have been the instant gratification in the darkroom. (I really did not know instant until Digital) I think that may be it. We do not value instant!
That is it! When I was at art shows people would ask how long did it take you to paint that painting? I always found that strange but when a friend replyed, "it took me thirty years to learn to paint it", I wanted to use that reply.
Okay, that is enough of my brainstorming, how do we add to perceived value to our work? Also I am including some images of Ms. Bizers pups. She is the show chair of my obedience trial and this year I am trophy chair. I get to go shopping! Do you want to go to Minn, in May 08? I am not sure how she is involved with that show, but I will ask.
