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a question about photo biz in SL, and if real money can be made


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I am wondering if anyone wants to chime in if they actualy make real world money doing photography in SL. Maybe not retire and buy a mansion in Hollywood Hills money, but some extra monthly income. Doing the math in my head, seems rather hard to earn rl money like this. And, I do tons of SL landscape pics for 'fun' mostly, but still wonder any ways to make some money from them... (have a store on MP stuff just really doesn't sell)

thanks!

 

 

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I have known a couple of photographers that have made RL money in SL, but their work was/is extraordinary in its artistry.  It also took them a long time to gain the recognition they had that led to demand for their work at an exceptional price, not only in portraiture, but for commercial work too.

Photography is relatively easy in SL to do and getting more so with the introduction of tools built into viewers that were not available before.  A lot of people also know how to use photoshop to enhance their photos and do an excellent job with it.  So your competition is very stiff not only with other pros but with hobbyists who just do it for their own enjoyment and either don't charge anything at all or do it very cheaply.

In iodination to the competition you have a limited market of people willing to pay a lot for photos.  So unless you are one of the top photographers in SL and can get a really good price, you will have to do a lot of volume at a very reasonable price.

I don't mean to be overly discouraging but you will have to have a lot of talent, skill, and time to make it to the top.  However just like anything in SL or RL, the best of the best is always in demand.

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well.. from what i ve seen , i may say that Jackson is really talented :smileywink:

A quick glance at the picture thread will give you an idea.

 

ETA : beside this, i agree with you Amethist, get rl money from SL business is smth that doesnt happen often...:smileywink:

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There are too many amazing photographers who spend hours editing photos and earn pennies, now if they took the same time and for example collect empty bottles in RL, they could earn 5 times more. They don't because doing photos is something they enjoy, its more of a hobby. Its kinda stupid example, but I want to say that you need to have some crazy luck to be able to sell stuff just by making them. Besides having a talent (which you do have) you should learn how to advertise and sell yourself. Then your SL income would rise. 

Your mp photos cost 250L. Thats fine. Now imagine you make a brand of your name, and sell limited amounts of photos for some crazy high prices? Its your world, your imagination, if you can imagine 2 people bragging about how many Jackson's pics they have in their home, and feel they accomplished something if they own more of them, go for it!

I never looked at my SL earnings as something I will transfer and spend in RL, if I try to count now;

each single photo costs 800L, I need an average of 3 hours to finish one, if I worked 9 hours every day that could make me 2400L$ daily which is almost 300$ monthly, and that is waaay below average rl pay. So I would spend hours "working" in SL and be frustrated because i can't earn enough. And of course there is rent to pay, new clothes, poses, costs for advertising... I do it for fun and don't think about the money:) 

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yes, thanks. Selling a product here, after you spend time to develope it, can sell a thousand times over. A 'service' is a one time thing. I think other than 'escorting' not many profitable 'service' trades in SL :matte-motes-big-grin-wink:

I was hoping to at least make 'some' money but seems more it is confined to an in-world hobby that generates a little play money

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There are a few photographers who charge 3000L or more for their portrait work, and also have some pieces in art exhibits for usally 1,000 to 2000L.  They also do advertising art. But even much sought after photograhers in SL don't quit their day jobs. A friend of mine uses funds he makes in SL to pay tier on his land and to pay for uploading textures and he's quite happy with that, less out of pocket RL spending in SL.

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  • 1 month later...

If a photographer can work their way up to an acknowledged artist status and have exhibits and shows, and perhaps sell their art in sl and on deviantart or the like, maybe that would bring in some extra money on the side.

 

I know one thing for sure. I seen real artists (not just editors) offer sketching and painting services instead of taking photos and they charge around 7000L per photo! Not bad if you have a lot of customers and can work fast. But then again that wouldn't be photography. Hmm i think i want to try that route..

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