We’ve found that bird photography is becoming a top-selling subject in Picfair Stores. Read on to discover why it’s proving so popular, and how you can benefit from this information too
We've discovered a photography niche that sells well: bird photography. Read all about it below
We regularly review what photographers sell in their Picfair Stores and highlight some of our favourites in our fortnightly "Sold on Stores" posts.
While we have long noticed sales in landscapes, travel, and event photography, one particular sub-genre that has caught our attention is ornithology, or bird photography. Where we have observed a significant number of sales, both for prints and online.
While wildlife photography is a popular genre among Picfair photographers, it's interesting that birds are seemingly the winners right now when it comes to sales.
Below, we give our reasons why that might be the case.
Why do we think bird photography is a good seller?
One of the most compelling reasons bird photography is a good seller is its universal accessibility. Birds can be found everywhere - in every continent across the globe (including Antarctica!) and in both natural and urban environments. Making them ideal photographic subjects for both image makers and image-admirers the world over.
Birds have long been symbols of art, design, and culture worldwide. They are both familiar and awe-inspiring to humans. Watching them alone can give the viewer a deep sense of calm and a connection to the natural world, which can be highly rewarding when translated to photography and wall art.
One of the reasons why bird photography, in particular, is so striking is that cameras and lenses often can capture what the human eye cannot; for example, with powerful zoom lenses, you can capture spectacular images of birds that, in everyday life, you wouldn't get close to.
It's also important to mention that birds have incredible visual variety; they come in a rainbow of vibrant colours and unusual shapes and are found in equally visually interesting environments.
All the points above make it no surprise that images of birds are hugely popular with photographers and get the attention of image buyers across various markets.
I'm totally new to bird photography. Should I try it if it sells well?
While sales can never be guaranteed (as goes with any type of photography genre), we still think that if you have any interest in nature and want to push yourself with a new photography subject, then you should absolutely give bird photography a try! However, it's important to note that bird photography can be challenging due to factors like bird movement, lighting conditions, and the need for specialised equipment. But with practice and patience, you can overcome these challenges and capture stunning bird images.
Even if you're new to bird photography, the potential for personal growth and discovery is immense. You could discover a new type of photography you love, with the added bonus of tapping into a potentially profitable niche.
You don't need specialist gear to begin. Starting by photographing birds in your local park, garden, or through your window can be a great place to get your first shots and see if it's for you.
From there on, keep practising, take photos, and invest in some equipment ideal for bird photography (see the link below for more info). Before you know it, you could have some brilliant shots you'll be proud of. Don't forget to get your first images uploaded to your Picfair Store and share them with your friends, family, followers, or anyone in your network. As goes with any genre, spreading the word that you've started taking photos of birds and sharing those images, you could soon find an admirer for your work.
Do you have any tips or a how-to guide on taking photos of birds?
Yes, we interviewed bird photographer Alan Took This, who shared his essential bird photography tips and how to get started in that sub-genre of photography. This includes some of the gear you may want to invest in, too.
It's a brilliant resource for beginners on how to photograph birds, but also useful for experienced photographers too - and we highly recommend you read it.
What makes a sellable bird image?
There's no one-size-fits-all formula, in all honesty, but we've noticed that action shots of birds, birds in spectacular landscapes, close-up shots that you'd never get with the naked eye as explained above (i.e. you'd never get that close to a bird), and sharp compositions tend to do very well.
So, consider all of the above when planning and crafting your bird photography compositions.
Colourful birds or birds with striking plumage are also strong sellers, and images with a clean, uncluttered background tend to work best for commercial use and prints alike.
Take a look at some of these examples below to get an idea of what we mean:
Who should I market my bird images to?
As we've discussed above (and this is really the whole point of this article), bird images appeal to a broad audience and are potentially strong sellers. So think broadly when considering your marketing.
Here are a few ideas:
Prints and home decoration:
Bird photos for wall art is a hugely popular area where we see a significant amount of bird-themed images purchased as prints home use, so consider this a top area for potentially getting sales.
Editorial clients:
Publications or blogs on nature, conservation, or travel regularly use bird imagery, so this is a huge market that could be a captive audience. Don't be afraid to reach out to these places!
Educational and science organisations:
Think textbooks and museum displays. Bird photography is often used in academic content. (You'll often see Latin names displayed alongside images of birds, too, so if you add that information to your images, even better.)
Twitcher and birding communities:
Local or national birdwatching groups may also be interested in high-quality images for their websites or newsletters. Consider sending a message to group admins and telling them about what you've been photographing; you never know what that could lead to. When reaching out to potential clients, showcase your best work and explain how your images can enhance their projects or publications.
Need help with marketing your photography?
Look no further, we have a significant resource of guides available to help with marketing your photography.
When uploading your images to your Picfair Store, use relevant titles and captions to make your bird photos easy to find. If you know the Latin name for the bird(s), that's a huge bonus; add those, too! Also, certainly consider creating a dedicated album to showcase your images. You could even make a second album showcasing your very best images, or your bestsellers.
Final thoughts
Bird photography is not only a rewarding subject to explore, but one that’s also proving popular with buyers across Picfair Stores. Whether you’re new to the genre or already photographing wildlife, it’s well worth giving it a try.
Remember to upload your best shots to your Picfair Store, create a dedicated bird photography album, and share your work far and wide. You never know who might be looking for exactly the kind of images you’ve captured.
