Event photography - Photo hosting and sale of individual downloads

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Event photography - Photo hosting and sale of individual downloads

(13 posts) (11 voices)

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TaoTeJared

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Joined: Apr '10
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I'm looking into a new hosting service to post and sell event type photography (Conference setting, opening events, announcements, etc.) and would like to see what others use.

For the stuff I generally do, I get a flat rate for the event, hand over the photos with very minimal processing (remove bad ones, batch process rest) and rarely have anything to do with the event after the fact. I'm doing an even in a week for a good friend who asked if I could host the photos and offer downloads for conference go-ers. I asked if I could charge $1 per download and she thought it was a great idea. With approx 2000 conference attendees I'm thinking something simple has just become very worthwhile to look into.

*Primary goals - Sell Downloadable images, Customizable/plug-in with current site. Low, low overhead, pre-developed templates, low commissions. Search by tags in the photos (i.e. names.)

*Secondary - Use of paypal, sell of prints, Printed books, multiple size download options and variable price on such. Plays nicely with other hosting/sales sites.

I'm not looking to host anything myself but just am looking for an Out-of-Box solution.

I will take any suggestions! Thanks everyone!

Posted 1 year ago #
adamz

The Predator
Joined: Mar '09
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anybody? I'm also looking for a company that will sell/redistribute my snaps. pitty that You doesn't have that much time Tao, as it looks like a good business model to follow - app. 1-2 months of development from scraches.

Posted 1 year ago #
sevencrossing

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In the UK I think everybody smile offers that service

Posted 1 year ago #
msmoto

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@TaoTeJared.... I am following you on this. It could be a great way to obtain some cash for covering of expenses. And the potential is unlimited. So, I will be following. And, if I come up with a service which does this... I will drop it here.

Posted 1 year ago #
sevencrossing

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msmoto said:
. It could be a great way to obtain some cash for covering of expenses. And the potential is unlimited.

In the dance word, the professionals seem to have given up on this
but looking at their prices, Video maybe the new money maker
( £50 for a DVD of the UK Ceroc champs)

Posted 1 year ago #
cyclekraft

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A friend of mine, who after being fired from his job starting shooting events, weddings etc full time. He uses Smugmug Pro as his "web site" and point of sale. I've looked at it a little and it appears fairly slick and easy to use. I believe there's a nominal fee of roughly $40 for a secure site. My friend's site has several private albums, one for each shoot/client. Buyers can download different sizes of the images or full res images.

For what little exposure I've had to Smugbug Pro it appears to be a possible solution for what you're looking for.

Posted 1 year ago #
spraynpray

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Joined: Feb '10
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They were bigging-up Smugmug Pro on TWIP the other day.

Posted 1 year ago #
elvishefer

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I went through a phase looking for a similar service, but I live in Canada, and there isn't a domestic equivalent. While hosting photos on a US site is always an option for US sales, having prints, etc. shipped worldwide makes those sites expensive for the rest of the world.

In the US:
Smugmug
Photoshelter

Posted 1 year ago #
dVo

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Joined: Apr '12
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Try photoshelter and/or graphpaperpress. If you're into event photography, visit Todd Owyoung's ishootshows site.

Cheers.

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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Joined: Apr '10
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adamz said:
anybody? I'm also looking for a company that will sell/redistribute my snaps. pitty that You doesn't have that much time Tao, as it looks like a good business model to follow - app. 1-2 months of development from scraches.

I agree with the time frame, I'm not opposed for it to take longer though, I'll have more than just this one.

My other idea is to utilize an EyeFi card, Iphone, and a cred-card swipe on my phone and sell photos on the street. Take photo, sell for a buck, take cash or CC swipe, e-mail instantly to customer. Upload directly (to a type of site i'm looking for) and they can buy it again. Good Facebook pictures - Right Here! I live across the street from where the college world series is played and thought this could be a fun thing to do.

Posted 1 year ago #
dehidding

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Joined: Apr '12
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I'd go with SmugMug Pro. They have a Lightroom addin that lets you transfer direct.

Posted 1 year ago #
Fargo911

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Joined: May '09
Posts: 46
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I signed up for Zenfolio about a month ago, and if you sign up for I think the premium package, you can set prices. I think you have some options on how you want orders/payment to work as well. I use it mainly for family stuff when I take pictures for relatives. You can password protect, and also turn on/off downloading or ordering abilities. I don't know about the ability to charge for downloads, but might be something to look at.

Posted 1 year ago #
mirtos

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Joined: Sep '11
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i was going to suggest smugmug myself.

Posted 1 year ago #