Selling your photography prints is one of the best ways to make an income. You can take one shot and sell thousands of copies, which is why it works so well.
Turning your photography into a stream of passive income sounds like a dream—but with the right approach, selling prints online can become a practical and profitable part of your business. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process of selling your work as prints online.
Step 1: Choose your best work
Not every photo is print-worthy. Go through your portfolio and select images that are technically strong, emotionally resonant, and visually striking. Think about what kind of prints people would want to hang on their walls—landscapes, cityscapes, abstracts, or minimalistic compositions tend to do well. It’s often helpful to ask others for feedback to see which images resonate most.
Step 2: Prepare your files
Quality is everything when it comes to prints. Make sure your images are high resolution (at least 300 DPI for print), colour corrected, and free of dust or blemishes. Save files in a format suitable for printing—usually TIFF or high-quality JPEG—and consider offering multiple size ratios (like 4:5, 3:2, 1:1) to give your buyers more options.
Step 3: Decide how to fulfil orders
You’ve got two main options when it comes to fulfilling print orders:
- Print-on-demand services: These platforms (such as Printful, The Print Space, or Prodigi) handle printing, packing, and shipping for you. It’s hands-off and scalable, though you earn a smaller margin.
- Self-fulfilment: You print the images yourself or through a local lab, then handle shipping. This gives you more control over quality and packaging, but it’s more time-intensive.
Choose the model that suits your workflow and goals.
Step 4: Choose your platform
You’ll need a place to showcase and sell your prints. Consider:
- Your own website: Great for branding and control. Platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix make it easy to set up an online shop.
- Marketplaces: Sites like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 already have built-in audiences, but you’ll compete with many others and share a portion of the profit.
You can also combine both: build your own site while maintaining a presence on larger platforms to reach more buyers.
Step 5: Price your prints
Pricing can be tricky. Factor in production costs, platform fees, your time, and your desired profit margin. Research what similar artists charge and consider offering limited edition prints to add perceived value. Don’t undervalue your work—it’s okay to start modestly, but remember, pricing affects how people perceive your art.
Step 6: Create compelling product listings
Each listing should include:
- A high-quality preview image
- A clear description of the print (size, material, finish)
- Framing options, if available
- Delivery information and estimated times
- A brief story or background about the photo (this builds connection)
Make sure your site or shop is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly, as many people browse and buy on their phones.
Step 7: Promote your prints
Without promotion, even the best images might sit unseen. Use social media (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook), start an email newsletter, or write blog posts about your work. You can also collaborate with interior designers or influencers, or run seasonal promotions and giveaways to build buzz.
SEO (search engine optimisation) is important too—use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions, so your prints are more likely to appear in searches.
Step 8: Deliver a great customer experience
A smooth customer experience can turn first-time buyers into repeat collectors. This includes:
- Clear communication
- Fast dispatch and tracking (if applicable)
- Thoughtful packaging (even a thank-you note goes a long way)
- Easy returns and customer support
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews or tag you in photos of your prints displayed at home.
Selling prints online doesn’t require a gallery or an agent—it just takes a bit of strategy, quality work, and persistence. As you grow, you’ll learn what works best for your audience and brand. With each print you sell, you’re not just earning income—you’re placing a piece of your creativity in someone’s world. That’s a powerful thing.
