The 10 first steps in starting 10frame
This was always going to be an experiment this ’10frame’ thing. I have often received nice comments about my photos via Facebook and Flickr, I’ve done various weddings and I do genuinely enjoy standing there (whilst Bex walks on) waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment in photography. Does it always happen, that perfect moment? Nope. I am, what is known as, a trial and error photographer. I’ve never had a lesson, that’s not to say that I’ve not had tips passed onto me from people who know much more than I ever will about this little black box that produces such wonderful colours and lines. I’ve learnt to take photos over many hours and different locations. I’ve experimented with light and subjects. I’m not the finished product…but is anyone?
People liked and like my photos, so that’s why I’m here.
As I sit here @watergatebay (The Watergate Bay Hotel), I’m reflecting over the last three months. It’s crazy to think that a conversation around a dinner table in Los Angeles with my sister-in-law Emily (of holisticsquid.com fame) has inspired the beginning of a new business. 10frame. That was the decided-upon name. Why? Well, I wanted a concept which was manageable around my full-time job as a teacher of Languages and I also wanted to properly select photos…not just have them on sale for the sake of it. 10frame was perfect because of what it suggests…10 at a time: properly tagged and properly thought about.
It’s not been easy. But I expected that! Here’s what I have learnt so far (in 10 steps):
1. Your original idea changes: I want to take and sell photos. Great. Easy. Not easy. What do people, who I don’t know, want on their walls? Will they like my photos/my style? Will they buy into it? Am I trying to sell ‘one offs’ or multiple frames? Expensive or cheap?
2. Your family and friends are very supportive: but some of them (I’m sure) think I’m nuts. Bex and I don’t really ever rest up. It’s therefore the perfect addition to our life because 10frame means I am always doing something…Facebook, Instagram, Etsy.
3. My Mum is my number 1 fan: she bought my first photo. Thank the lord for mums. Jan Bartlett, you are a legend.
4. I’m still questioning whether Etsy is the right platform: it seems to look good and it’s very organised. It also has millions of stats included within a basic package – who is looking at what, which photo is the most popular, where the views are coming from. But…it just makes me feel a little far away from the customer. They can’t seem to access the photo in the same way they can on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – sharing, liking, commenting etc. Also, it’s an American site and I wonder whether my client base (Cornwall, surfing, pasty eaters, cottage rental types) will get on with that.
5. It’s made me realise that you need to start small and grow it: “I am starting in Cornwall”. That’s what I said to Bex whilst we were in St. Ives over half term. I love Cornwall and it is therefore, the most exciting place to start. There are lots of people, enjoying themselves, all over Cornwall. Whether born and bred here or on holiday, everyone loves it. My 10frame concept originally was to conquer the world, but first, I would like to conquer Cornwall and then I will move (and extend) my business model, one county/country at a time.
6. I am starting to finally understand Twitter: it’s really addictive isn’t? I say understand, what I really mean is understand the jargon: the hashtag, the ‘@’ and the RT being the fundamentals. It’s taken some time but I’ve realised it’s essentially a conversation, but it happens on many levels and it’s very public. If you want it to be.
7. I really like Instagram: I guess this is because I am a photographer who has an appreciation for all things glamorised. I like the instantaneousness of it. Take, upload, hashtags, done. And then people from all over the world (who you would never come into contact with on Facebook) start liking your world. Everything I take I hashtag with #10frame. In my own little way, I’m building up my world. One day, there will be millions of images hash tagged with #10frame. In theory.
8. I can’t stop talking about it: this, it can be assumed must be a common problem for many of us who are trying to make a living out of the hobby. I really can’t though.
9. We are seeing more beautiful places: this is certainly true. Since 10frame started, we are suddenly having conversations about potential photos. We’re going to Scotland in four weeks and one of the first conversations about the trip was…”wow, think about that light, those beaches”. It’s really exciting to think that you can sell photos of an experience that you live for real, not just for show.
10. There are a lot of people selling photos: I’m sure they are doing the same as I am. To me though, I think lots of photographers go to cliff tops with the intention of taking the photo. I like to go for the walk, mountain-bike ride, surf and the photo-taking happens as part of the experience. That’s what makes 10frame so special but obviously I am hugely biased.
See you next time,
N I K O L A A S x
@10framedotcom on Twitter and Instagram
http://www.facebook.com/10frame
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/10frame
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