How do I make professional photo greeting cards to sell?

Question

i want to make my own greeting cards but i am really confused as to what to do. my thoughts are below, but what is the correct procedure? feel free to give all your ideas, experience, referrals, links, etc.

I want to learn how to take pictures of flowers, nature, etc. but i don't know what camera is the best. i assume some sort of digital camera should be used. i wonder if i should buy card stock/or paper used to make greeting cards to print on or should i take them/digital photos to the local print shop/Kinko's/staples to print. what is the best type of printer/ink...laser? or should i just skip it and use the print shop. should I copy right my pictures? should i get some sort of bar code for the back of each card? i suppose i should make a business name.

I don't want a big time organization to compete with the big guys. I just want a cost effective way to make extra money from home.

Answer 1

If at this point you do not understand photography, lighting and the macro photography required, you are light years away from needing a business name. Get a camera and begin practicing first.

Answer 2

Firstly, you could be crap at photography if you haven't even tried it. So, your best bet is to buy some kind of camera to practice and to see if your photos are any good and if you enjoy it enough to make a little business out of it. Do it for at least a few months before you even think about making cards. Post your photos on a photo sharing website like www.deviantart.com to get feedback on whether people like your photos or not, because if they don't then no one is going to buy your cards!

Answer 3

Maybe you should be thinking about learning Photography before you start thinking about a business. You don't need an expensive camera but you should find one with at least 6 MP.

If you have any questions on where to start or anything on photography and how to shoot just ask!



here is some of my work.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crashthesceneee/



and you can email me at [e-mail] f you have questions. id be more than appy to answer!