Would you buy a good surf photo of yourself?

Hi Guys.

Just wondering whether you would pay for a good surf photo of yourself?

I'm asking the question as I run a small part time surf photography business in Noosa. I've also surfed for over 30 years and the only image I have of myself (apart from self filmed Go Pro) is from when I was 12 riding a foamy. It was a lousy photo taken on a cheap instamatic camera by my Dad. He was a great builder, but a crap photographer. I'm sure many of you have the same issue, unless you know a mate who owns a good lens or water housing, has a good eye and is prepared to sit on the beach while you score waves!

I've run this little part time business for several years but have only recently (last 6 months) made a decent website / online store, concentrated on my facebook presence and done a lot more shooting. I specialise in getting good shots of local surfers and average everyday punters and tourists around the Noosa area - guys who may not usually see themselves in action. I don't chase business, and there's no pressure on anyone to buy, I just offer a service and if people are interested they'll contact me. I do get a few orders here and there but I'm certainly not flat out! As mentioned it's not my full time gig, more a fun hobby.

So despite having taken some great shots of local guys cruising into big glassy barrels, pulling airs, smashing lips etc (photos which I'd be stoked to have on my wall if they were of me) the response has been meh..... which surprises me a bit. My rates are reasonable ($15 for a digital up to around $300 for a massive 100x150cm canvas)

So, just wondering whether you would pay for a good shot of yourself, if so what sort of shot would it need to be (land based/water/barrel/air etc) and how much would you be prepared to pay?

Thanks in anticiaption of your feedback. Dave

ps by the way if you want to check out my facebook/webby go to www.facebook.com/surfshotsnoosa or www.surfshotsnoosa.com

I've sold a few for decent snaps (in digital form) for a hell of a lot more than $15 a shot.

Quality over quantity. I don't sell many, but it makes up for it.

My 15yo son paid $30 for a 8"x 10" print of him doing an good sized air on a snowboard at Perisher last winter. That photo takes pride of place on his shelf...

I reckon I would - up to say $50 for a good in focus action shot...

Surf any name break in bali -get the photo to prove it, usually pretty good quality to telephoto Lens like a bazooka
Get a disk full sequence shots of you yes you rippin or kookn mainly kookin but geez good photos at least I think I was rippin and got the photos (about 35) to prove it to my self ...hehehehe framed and in the lounge room much to war offices dismay


Memories

Best luck with the venture you will do alright coz we r all vain creatures

DaveyG - you have some nice shots on yr site. What gear are you using? Crystal clear!

Lots of folks down this way have been doing a similar thing to yourself for a longtime and doing well out of it.

www.aquabumps.com/ Uge is the original

sproutdaily.com

www.saltmotion.com Joel seems to have branched out into photos trips and these are always well attended

I have sold some of my shots for up to $100....money goes back into gear. Its a hobby for me not an income source. A good mate of mine sells lots of shots....it seems to me that the older blokes seem are a lot more keen on buying them than the younger fellas for much of the reasons discussed here. A mate of mine paid $200 for a 2hr session with a photographer at a charity event. Good luck with your efforts.

Thanks for the feedback guys. As mentioned this is just a hobby but it's always nice if a few $ come along as well. I have set it up as a business with easy online ordering to make it pretty simple for anyone. I also do one-on-one or small group personal photo sessions basically I come along and shoot you or you and a small group of mates for 1 or 2 hours for a fixed rate with the best shots included in the package. This is actually more popular than the individual shots and I've sold a few of these and I also have done a few shoots for local shapers etc. The price of the digitals is pretty cheap but when I do get orders the surfers usually buy anywhere between 3-8 shots so it makes it worthwhile!.

Whenever I shoot I hand out cards and let anyone who I've shot know about it - word of mouth and facebook shares are also great and I'm getting known bit more around the area. As mentioned I've only been at it locally for 4-5 months so it's slowly getting there without a huge amount of promotion thus far I've invested a fair bit in good quality gear and have a new water housing on the way so I'm gradually building up my tools of the trade.

Suba - yes mate I'd love to charge what the shots are really worth but it's a matter of balance - gotta meet the market so to speak. unfortunately 95% of the market up here are broke 16 year olds..... perhaps I should concentrate more on the cashed up 60 year old longboarders!

Ted - yes I know about Uge/Aquabumps and all the similar setups around Sydney (www.oneshuteye.com at Cronulla is another good one)- theres a couple up here on the Sunny Coast but really not that many so hopefully I've cracked a bit of a niche. i dont really do 'daily' photo's but concentrate on quality shots when the waves are good

Anyway, if anyone's ever up this way and wants a shot, give me a yell. Mates rates for Breezers! Cheers. Dave

Hey DaveyG

I'm in the same boat, did a lot of shooting of moto-x and road racing over here and had the same issues, guys would like to pay $2 (I have been offered that) for shots. Considering you invest a lot of money for gear and time.

I have tried my hand at surf photography, but staying on the beach and shooting or surfing when it's good is a testing decision. However when you get a good shot it's worth it.

The hard thing is everyone has a gopro or camera and they can get shots themselves, its a matter of getting something that they can't.

In answer to your question I'd pay $100 for good barrel shot, all I have is wipeouts and poping up and not too many sharp ones at that.

Yep I would for sure. Got some great skating pics but no surfing ones. I'm old and vain

Yes! I have bought pics of myself . They were $15 ea including postage on a disc