Making $$ with photography

[SeX_producer]

is it possible to make a good buck these days with photography (in the age of video or streams)
would you have suggestions what are good places to sell?
i know this may be a stretch but what a good looking set goes for ?

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

is it possible to make a good buck these days with photography (in the age of video or streams)
would you have suggestions what are good places to sell?
i know this may be a stretch but what a good looking set goes for ?

That's like asking "How much does a car cost?"

Depends on many variables.

[tony286]

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

That's like asking "How much does a car cost?"

Depends on many variables.

well said need more info

[SeX_producer]

yeah that's why i said the last part may be a stretch...
how about something along these lines:
hosted.met-art.com/Full_met-art_sg_406_756/?pa=1471341

and as far as the first part of the question... is photography all gone or does it play a part

[JayAllan]

You need to give us a lot more information.

As far as your sample link goes... Met-Art probably paid about $600 US for that set.
So if you can find a high quality model, get a location, hire makeup, and have all the lighting gear and cameras to shoot it for under $600, then yes you could make money doing that. Provided you have talent and would not freak out the models. Of course there are lots of other variables as well.....

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by JayAllan

You need to give us a lot more information.

As far as your sample link goes... Met-Art probably paid about $600 US for that set.
So if you can find a high quality model, get a location, hire makeup, and have all the lighting gear and cameras to shoot it for under $600, then yes you could make money doing that. Provided you have talent and would not freak out the models. Of course there are lots of other variables as well.....

...mmm how can you possibly get all that and make $$ if you're getting paid $600?
is it exclusive for them only or did the photog might've made it semi-exclusive and sold to few outlets?

forgive my blunders here but what "other information" should be considered?

[Peter Romero]

The last time I was about to answer one of these threads... I got busy and didn't.

Then I came back later that day after everyone helped this guy to great lengths... and he said $200 for a used digital camera was alot and he was looking around for a "DEAL"

so... no coment.

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by Peter Romero

The last time I was about to answer one of these threads... I got busy and didn't.

Then I came back later that day after everyone helped this guy to great lengths... and he said $200 for a used digital camera was alot and he was looking around for a "DEAL"

so... no coment.

all right, i realize you're trying to say here something but (consider me a retarded if you'd like) you'll have to make it clearer. perhaps it makes sense to someone well into the topic but i wouldn't ask my question if I was

thank you

[Peter Romero]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

all right, i realize you're trying to say here something but (consider me a retarded if you'd like) you'll have to make it clearer. perhaps it makes sense to someone well into the topic but i wouldn't ask my question if I was

thank you

What? English please.

[SeX_producer]

rephrase your comment please
i see the irony but i see no clear answer

[NoWhErE]

Try starting from the bottom and learning the business. Work as an affiliate before becoming an a producer.

If you already don't know the answers to these very basic questions, don't try producing because you will crash and burn.

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by NoWhErE

Try starting from the bottom and learning the business. Work as an affiliate before becoming an a producer.

If you already don't know the answers to these very basic questions, don't try producing because you will crash and burn.

all right, a straight advice, i like that.
here's what i'm thinking. i don't want to turn this into a huge $$$$ business
i have the capability, equipment and skill to shoot some nice shots and i just want to be able to sell them. Simple
this is my only question here, what's a good way to go about it in this case.

realistically to cover the model (not just any but someone worthy) along with makeup etc is something like $300-$500 at least (in NYC at least). i'm just trying to find out if anyone has a suggestion how to structure the selling part.

[JayAllan]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

...mmm how can you possibly get all that and make $$ if you're getting paid $600?
is it exclusive for them only or did the photog might've made it semi-exclusive and sold to few outlets?

forgive my blunders here but what "other information" should be considered?

Exactly. You gave a sample link from Met-Art. Those girls are shot in Eastern Europe for the most part. So they get a couple hundred bucks, the makeup artist gets a few bucks, you rent a cool farm for $50, and the photographer makes a couple hundred which pays his rent for the month (an over simplification) but you get the idea.

Hey Peter R

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

all right, a straight advice, i like that.
here's what i'm thinking. i don't want to turn this into a huge $$$$ business
i have the capability, equipment and skill to shoot some nice shots and i just want to be able to sell them. Simple
this is my only question here, what's a good way to go about it in this case.

realistically to cover the model (not just any but someone worthy) along with makeup etc is something like $300-$500 at least (in NYC at least). i'm just trying to find out if anyone has a suggestion how to structure the selling part.

Networking, trade shows, conventions - its all in the contacts you make. You need a marketing and promotion strategy. Identify a market, identify the need...fill that need.

Otherwise you'll just be another 'guy with camera'......taking pictures that'll gather dust on your harddrive. Lots of people are capable of taking "some nice shots" - but much of the market is already over-saturated with mediocrity.

I could go on for another few pages - but it won't be of any benefit.

[Peter Romero]

Originally Posted by JayAllan

Exactly. You gave a sample link from Met-Art. Those girls are shot in Eastern Europe for the most part. So they get a couple hundred bucks, the makeup artist gets a few bucks, you rent a cool farm for $50, and the photographer makes a couple hundred which pays his rent for the month (an over simplification) but you get the idea.

Hey Peter R

Nothin wrong with payin the bills!!! And after you got that covered everything else is profit right? I kid, I kid.

[SeX_producer]

thanks fellas, this does paint a picture.
i agree that being just another shooter gets you nowhere. i do have a specific approach in mind (...kind if like Met-Art shoot but even more of a tease) which is something i would see as a unique take on it, not that that much.

as a last question, from what you've said this (let's say $600) can be multiplied by a few buyers can it?

[RedShoe]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

thanks fellas, this does paint a picture.
i agree that being just another shooter gets you nowhere. i do have a specific approach in mind (...kind if like Met-Art shoot but even more of a tease) which is something i would see as a unique take on it, not that that much.

as a last question, from what you've said this (let's say $600) can be multiplied by a few buyers can it?

Depends on if they want exclusive or not.

Also, post a sample of your work. You said you could take a picture, meaning you already have taken a few. Post some links. I'll assist you and repost the links so people can view them.

[commonsense]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

thanks fellas, this does paint a picture.
i agree that being just another shooter gets you nowhere. i do have a specific approach in mind (...kind if like Met-Art shoot but even more of a tease) which is something i would see as a unique take on it, not that that much.

as a last question, from what you've said this (let's say $600) can be multiplied by a few buyers can it?

Not if it's sold exclusively. Something to note is no one in their right mind would get a model to a location and do ONE set with them. Do multiple sets & videos with each model, and make sure they are good. That's the only way you'll possibly be able to make money .... and even thats a gamble.

[commonsense]

.. and build a portfolio and post samples. If your work is any good you'll find some buyers. But if its mediocre, get ready for a pounding. Hope you have thick skin cause alot of doors will slam in your face and there are LOTS of critics of content and models on the boards. Take solace in knowing that 90% of them aren't even in the business.

[Yung Money]

What advice would you vets give to a new photographer if I wanted to get into the content business. Should I start with my own content site and build on that or should I try and get hired by an adult webmaster to shoot content for them and maybe learn the ropes that way?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

[collegeboobies]

photograph the shit out of stuff
I'd make random photos and try to market them as a "stock photo" package. Like non adult.

[RedShoe]

Originally Posted by Yung Money

What advice would you vets give to a new photographer if I wanted to get into the content business. Should I start with my own content site and build on that or should I try and get hired by an adult webmaster to shoot content for them and maybe learn the ropes that way?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

I guess the hardest part, hands down is selling your content. Every guy with a digital camera is trying to sell content. Of all the areas of this industry to get into. Content is probably the hardest. Designers, editors, programmers, shooters, it's all hard, but shooting is the hardest. I worked with a guy a while back and it is beyond stressful. Chasing money, dealing with "crack head pimps and agents" as he'd call them. No clients want to pay. It's a joke. It's widely known I only shoot for one client. A homeowner that rents out his spot liked my work and asked me to come and shoot one of his models. I told him my RIDICULOUSLY "low rate" (as another established photographer told me) and the guy wasn't even open to negotiation. I told him my low rate and he damn near had a heart attack. You could hear him in the BG "NO WAY! TOO EXPENSIVE" as his secretary told him my rate.

Good luck.

If you're looking to photograph really hot girls right off the bat, forget it. Go DJ or tend bar at a strip club if you're just wanting to look at pussy.

You asked for advice. Shoot as a hobby, and if you want in adult, become an affiliate. at 50% they make more than the program operators.

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by commonsense

Not if it's sold exclusively. Something to note is no one in their right mind would get a model to a location and do ONE set with them. Do multiple sets & videos with each model, and make sure they are good. That's the only way you'll possibly be able to make money .... and even thats a gamble.

yeah, that kind of brings back the original question. Can you make $$ by just shooting alone (producing contents) while you're facing shoot costs of $300-$500.
I'm not asking for anyone's trade secrets but based on your experience do you see it to be possible this day and age.

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by RedShoe

I guess the hardest part, hands down is selling your content. Every guy with a digital camera is trying to sell content. Of all the areas of this industry to get into. Content is probably the hardest. Designers, editors, programmers, shooters, it's all hard, but shooting is the hardest. I worked with a guy a while back and it is beyond stressful. Chasing money, dealing with "crack head pimps and agents" as he'd call them. No clients want to pay. It's a joke. It's widely known I only shoot for one client. A homeowner that rents out his spot liked my work and asked me to come and shoot one of his models. I told him my RIDICULOUSLY "low rate" (as another established photographer told me) and the guy wasn't even open to negotiation. I told him my low rate and he damn near had a heart attack. You could hear him in the BG "NO WAY! TOO EXPENSIVE" as his secretary told him my rate.

Good luck.

If you're looking to photograph really hot girls right off the bat, forget it. Go DJ or tend bar at a strip club if you're just wanting to look at pussy.

You asked for advice. Shoot as a hobby, and if you want in adult, become an affiliate. at 50% they make more than the program operators.

that's some solid advice, thanks
i'd like to hear more about this affiliate approach as it regards to producing contents...

[HorseShit]

wait, your username says sex_producer, you're not one???!?!?!!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!!?!??!

[Yung Money]

Totally appreciate the advice

I have a friend who is really successful in the adult industry. He runs several pay sites and has quite alot of connections. He recently told me that he can probably hook me up with a friend of his who would be willing to pay big $$$ to shoot exclusive content down in countries like Columbia. Should I try and pursue with that instead?

[Yung Money]

Originally Posted by RedShoe

I guess the hardest part, hands down is selling your content. Every guy with a digital camera is trying to sell content. Of all the areas of this industry to get into. Content is probably the hardest. Designers, editors, programmers, shooters, it's all hard, but shooting is the hardest. I worked with a guy a while back and it is beyond stressful. Chasing money, dealing with "crack head pimps and agents" as he'd call them. No clients want to pay. It's a joke. It's widely known I only shoot for one client. A homeowner that rents out his spot liked my work and asked me to come and shoot one of his models. I told him my RIDICULOUSLY "low rate" (as another established photographer told me) and the guy wasn't even open to negotiation. I told him my low rate and he damn near had a heart attack. You could hear him in the BG "NO WAY! TOO EXPENSIVE" as his secretary told him my rate.

Good luck.

If you're looking to photograph really hot girls right off the bat, forget it. Go DJ or tend bar at a strip club if you're just wanting to look at pussy.

You asked for advice. Shoot as a hobby, and if you want in adult, become an affiliate. at 50% they make more than the program operators.

Sorry I'm kind of new to this, but what exactly do you mean by being an affiliate?

[JP-pornshooter]

man i wish i had just come on gfy and asked everyone for advise when i started shooting, i had no idea even gfy existed so you are one up on me ;)
lots and lots of perseverance
a natural talent for getting girls to undress for you
a good amount of business and technical knowledge
good physical shape (shooting is hard work)
money in the bank to keep you alive while you are trying to get afloat.

I would suggest to start by applying for photographers assistant jobs to learn the ropes of the business and to build connections etc.
Most great photog started this way...

[crockett]

Originally Posted by SeX_producer

...mmm how can you possibly get all that and make $$ if you're getting paid $600?
is it exclusive for them only or did the photog might've made it semi-exclusive and sold to few outlets?

forgive my blunders here but what "other information" should be considered?

You would obviously have to shoot more than one set with the girl..

[vidvicious]

Personally I'm getting pretty sick of these threads ..
My clients hire me as a consulant and pay a high hourly fee just to ask me production questions .. what makes you any different ..

I spent years and thousands of dollars getting my degrees in art, photography, film and television .. and even more time honing my skills and artistic talents ...

I even offer private workshops .. so far only large studios have takin me up on those.

My point is ... If your asking then youhaven't researched it enough .. and if you haven't researched it . then maybe your just not that interested or dedicated to doing this ..

No one wants to hand things on a silver platter .. the last time I did that, My assistant ended up with my update contract cus he more then a third my price .. now you tell me ... Should we be open to sharing information so that you can under cut us ?
because in the end .. every person that has posted these threads are the ones that end up selling content for less the models make

[Cardinal_Sin]

Unusual for gfy - Some very good advice -

I shoot - Am not pro, but probably make 50X that of most shooters -
Why? I took a chance on shooting a specific niche and went on to open my own pay sites - It worked for me as I guess I had the right sort of models who worked better with the camera than I could ever hope for. I am honestly still totally crap at photography but I am banking good cash.
My advice woud be this - What do you really love to shoot and know everything there is to know about it? Do it -If it's adult - then open your own pay site and keep your stuff to yourself.
Then learn how to market!

[SeX_producer]

Originally Posted by Cardinal_Sin

Unusual for gfy - Some very good advice -

I shoot - Am not pro, but probably make 50X that of most shooters -
Why? I took a chance on shooting a specific niche and went on to open my own pay sites - It worked for me as I guess I had the right sort of models who worked better with the camera than I could ever hope for. I am honestly still totally crap at photography but I am banking good cash.
My advice woud be this - What do you really love to shoot and know everything there is to know about it? Do it -If it's adult - then open your own pay site and keep your stuff to yourself.
Then learn how to market!

see, even in porn business there's some nice people
;P

[RedShoe]

Originally Posted by Yung Money

Sorry I'm kind of new to this, but what exactly do you mean by being an affiliate?

It's kind of like a corporation. An affiliate is basically a sales rep. However, the affiliate is independent and can and does work for all your competition as well.

So an affiliate works for BOOB SITE A and sells memberships at the same time he also works for BOOB SITE B - Z and also sells memberships.

The affiliate sets up several different marketing tools and basically give out free porn until one guy sees something he likes and then buys a membership. It's like fishing, you set out all your little hooks and reel the fish in when they bite.

Now here is where's MUCH DIFFERENT. Mainstream corporations only pay between 5%-15% on a commission. Adult pays 50% and higher. Think about it this. If a program pays you 50%, that means that on a 29.95 sale the biller takes 14% to process the credit card holder, that leaves 25.75 then you and the sponsor split the profit so you get $12.88 the sponsor gets $12.87 subtract expenses, and partner fees if any, and hosting... the sponsor ends up with just a couple of dollars per sale. Hardly profitable. But you.. the affiliate.. you make all the money.

I'd say almost all of us here on GFY are affiliates to programs and the rest are surfers. You can be a photographer and still be an affiliate to the program you are shooting for. If you're not, you're stupid and just leaving money on the table.

[Praguer]

There are niches that do very well with photo and some where video is a must.

In my experience hardcore responds better to video. Softcore nude does better with high quality photos, since video tends to get boring really fast.

Regarding your question on how to sell. I think first you need to worry about having either a unique niche or an extremely high quality product (photos in your case) in a general niche.

Once you are absolutely certain you got that and you have a wesite or a place to showcase your work. Trust me, the market will find you.

[latinasojourn]

these days anyone can buy a cheap digicam and become a "photographer".

to make a living as a commercial photographer is a completely different thing.

and to have it as your sole source of income requires these skills:

1. an eye for it, a unique style that captures the attention of a potential client.
2. better hardware than amateur shooters can afford
3. superior marketing

i could give a better opinion on whether a shooter could make it in the biz of selling photos if i saw some of the shooters' shots.

only 5% of the stuff folks here say "i'd hit it" would pay the rent in the real world.

[awgy]

it depends on many other factors.