pricing question

[windchimewalker]

On Saturday I'll be submitting two photos to a juried show at a Detroit area gallery. The 14x10 inch/35.6 cm x 25.4 cm photos are B&W & professionally matted and framed. Matted & framed they are 20x16 inches/50.8 cm x 40.6 cm. They're asking that all submitted works be for sale. The gallery takes a 30% commission. It's been years since I've played this gallery game and then it was with my original paintings. I am totally clueless as to what I should ask in terms of a price. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks.

Patricia Lay-Dorsey

[halesr]

Since it is a local gallery, can you check prices for other photographers who have shown there recently? Or at other galleries in your area to sort of get an idea of what the market might support? Also, I would suggest that you not under-price your work. Just a few thoughts.--Rene

[camera0bug]

30% isn't bad, as some galleries gouge you for as much as 50% I hear.

Three to four times your total initial costs is a fair start, especially since a chunk will go into that 30%.
Build your name and increase as you go.

[mikeangstadt]

I'm as clueless and as new to this stuff as you are, but I hear you have to be careful with the pricing. You might think, "I'm new to photography, and I really want someone to buy one of my photos, so I'll make the price low." But I've been told that, like with other art forms, a higher price can actually make people appriciate it more and make them more likely to buy it. Go figure, eh?

I recently submitted some of my photos to a contest in the Washington DC area. When I was in line to hand them over to be judged, the guy ahead of me priced his at $275, so I put mine at $175. I plan on visiting the gallery when it opens to look at the prices of all the winning photos to get a better idea of what a "good" price is.