Robbie Becklund Photography

I think the thing I want most in my life is to make a living selling my photographs. I realize that there's a problem with this for me. The more I think and plan in terms of selling, the more I second guess the photos I make. I don't like this. I want to take and make the photos that come naturally to me not the ones I think will make me the most money. But if you want to make a living selling your work this has to be, because it's a business and you have to be somewhat business like. It's like selling hot chocolate at the beach in August--it ain't a good business move. While some of my photos are and have been sellable, others haven't and aren't and probably never will be.

The other problem is money. You need money to make money. What do you do when you don't have extra money? Save money. What do you do when you can't, won't, or don't have time to make more money so you can save?

I really enjoy selling at art fairs and I think that is where I have the best chance of success. Unfortunately, you have to have money for these shows. I'm sure I can save up enough to do a few local shows and that is my plan, but is it worth it. Is it worth making myself shoot photos to sell, not letting my work grow/evolve/improve in it's own way? And, is it worth trying to pay for show fees, photo supplies, mat board, frames, rent, food, gas, child care and a little recreation all at the same time?

Or... do I keep shooting what I want and do my website and blog to share my work and sell a photo here and there and just...just enjoy my photography. I don't know. Maybe I need another year of shooting and learning and experimenting and saving money before I make a serious effort to sell my pictures.