business not doing well

your stuff is not crap you are very talented michelle have you ever tried sending in stuff to national geographic they publish new photographers stuff every month and long shot but why not try sending in pictures to publications and you aren't to expensive advertise more try what the craft and threadbanger maybe more web adds and stuff maybe you have already tried these sites but it never hurts to suggest hugs hope it gets better

thanks blu

Michelle you are a very talented photographer and make beautiful jewellry.

You've only been going for a few months, typical business start-up theory is that for at least the first year you will be making losses because you have big pay outs to make and you're just establishing yourself as a business so you won't have many customers yet.

I don't really know what to suggest for you, if you can afford to advertise then go for it. Try and get some of your photographs on public display maybe?

It's a good idea to get a part time job to help you out, once you've paid your bills every month you may have some left over to inject into your business? It's some stability until your business has taken off at least... I know it's hard, you're business will take of eventually it just needs a bit more time.

Did you do market research before starting your business? I'm not exactly sure what you do - what about vintage style portraits or dress-up portraits? Are you advertising?

I did and I wasn't too shure it would work, but I got a grant to start up, and they thought it would work.

one problem might be that I do not have a proper store front, there are not too many locations free here

You don't nessisarily have to have a store front, if anything I would wait for a bit before thinking of getting one because it'll just be more overheads added to your debt. Premises rent, utilities etc etc etc

It would be good to get your portraits seen in the world by many different means if possible. Maybe at Art/Photography shows/conventions etc?

Portrait business is down everywhere. We haven't done a portrait in quite a few months...we just quoted a wedding @ $1500 and the bride didn't want to pay that much...she was looking for about $1000 which is basically nothing...doesnt even cover for the whole time being there! I feel your frustration lady! Oh and your jewlery is beautiful, dont put yourself down that way!

Melissa: Wow blimey, it sounds like tough times. In a Business/Economical perspective it kinda makes sense. People have less disposable income so spending less that they had a couple of years ago on what is considered a luxuary item/service is not ideal to them.

http://www.amazon.com/Seen-Sold-Proven-Marketing-Economy/product-reviews/0982539401/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I've put this up for anyone wanting to sell their Artwork. It seems good, but I think Michelle know's what she's doing. One thing that caught my eye on the single review written on that book is maybe taking a few of your nice portraits and maybe donating them for charity functions or something? I don't know it just sounded good to me.

Hang in there tight Michelle, if you are still surviving now then I think you've got a good chance of seeing the recession through as I think we've past the worst part of the recession!!

I have tried that as well

I have applyied for a few newspaper jobs. so cross fingers

:S

Sorry honey. I don't know what else to sugest.

Good like with the part-time job-hunting. I'll be thinking of you and let us know how you get on

Lolly.Bot- it's all good, the photography is my side job so it's just extra! We actually have a wedding this Sunday!

you'll make it Michelle, times are tough all over...just hang tight, you'll pull thru! (HUGS)

thanks hon

and I have applied for a few newspaper reporter/photographer jobs

so I created a new blog, talking about art(which I studied and am more familiar with)

http://arttheories.tumblr.com/post/904870297

as a way to develop my writing skills