http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID=100286

Some of my work, your thoughts appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

John

Hi John,

Thank you very much for posting your wares. I am glad to see new people adding to our community. I like your collection a lot because it includes places that I don't go regularly - particularly the Banff area.

You are using a service, Better Photo.com - how do you like them? What are they charging you? It is a pity that you cannot seem to sell your work on-line. Also, your work is *MUCH* better than the site's feel...I am using a T-1 line and I found some of the images loaded rather slowly.

Having said this, there are some great shots that I really like a lot. The first is "summer setter." It is a great portrait with nice focus on the right eye. Very well done. The photo "FootBridge" is also quite top notch. I see you got up nice and early for that one. "Blue & Gold Sunrise" is also a top notch photograph. I also really really like 'Who's the Boss?" I love pictures of owls. They are hard to photograph - so you get props. :P

What did you use for a B&W conversion for the wagon shot?

Have you considered doing your own website?

-JM

Hey,

Just did a bit of a more comprehensive check of BetterPhoto.com - it looks like the offer a variety of different services (including your own domain name, etc). It looks pretty comprehensive - and sales are done (I just could not figure it out from your webpages). I still feel that the pages take a bit to load, but otherwise, I cannot complain.

The most important part is that your work is excellent.


-JM

First thank you for the kind words...very much appreciated. I hear what you're saying about the website and I will get there but for now I sell through a very unique arrangement.
I have a friend who manages what is called an " Excecutive Centre". It's a collection of offices, 40 different businesses in this case, all under one roof and on the same floor, that utilize a common reception, boardroom, photocopying services etc....lots of foot traffic. Anyway my arragement goes like this..I supply 30 different pieces, matted and framed and each month I rotate a few new ones in to keep it fresh. The receptionist gives out my business cards ( each piece has a card also ) to anyone interested in the work. The "Executive Centre" gets new art every month and I get exposure.

James, thank you again for taking the time to look and comment on my work, I like the site and see myself here often.

Regards,

John

"Anyway my arragement goes like this..I supply 30 different pieces, matted and framed and each month I rotate a few new ones in to keep it fresh. The receptionist gives out my business cards ( each piece has a card also ) to anyone interested in the work. The "Executive Centre" gets new art every month and I get exposure."

This sounds like a business arrangement that I am envious of. How are you doing sales, though the vendors themselves, or are people contacting you directly?

Lou

Lou,
It's a very good arrangement for me, since mid-Feb I've sold 130 pieces, usually 10x14 for the print, matted 3 in. around which then fits a 16x20 frame.

John

Hi John,

That is great. You are selling matted, framed prints or just matted prints? How were you able to make this arrangement?

Is this arrangement an exclusive one? i.e. could you sell on-line if you wanted to?

-JM

James,
I am selling matted ( usually triple, sometimes double ), but not framed. If the client wants framed it's extra. Most of the people I deal with have purchased their own frame, some consideration of the home style/furnishings/colors makes it a better fit. I was able to make the arrangement because the person who runs the centre is a friend, but if you think about it, you could approach any business and offer art in exchange for the receptionist handing out a business card..win/win. No, this is not exclusive, I am free to offer them anywhere, on-line, other shops etc.

John

Hey John,

but if you think about it, you could approach any business and offer art in exchange for the receptionist handing out a business card..win/win

Good ingenuity. Are you offering a commission on your sales? I think this is a great idea. It really IS a win/win for everyone.

-JM

James,
I actually did offer a commission but the receptionist wouldn't take it. She says she enjoys a variety of new work every month and doesn't think she does much to warrant a fee. I did let her pick 2 pieces she liked for her home and she's very happy with that.

I should also add that I purchase my own matte(s) from a artist supply house and the framing/matting shop keeps it at there shop for me. It works out much cheaper to have them just cut the mattes that I supply than have them supply and cut the matte.

John