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How Can I Sell My Photo
As A Postcard?
By Andrew Hudson
The best place to start is to find some postcards with similar pictures. On the back should be the address of the publisher. Send a nicely-printed sample to the publisher and see if you get a response. If they have an email address or web site listed, you could contact them beforehand to see if they're worth the effort.
Unfortunately, it's likely that you won't get a reply since most publishers probably get many such submittals and already have an arrangement with one photographer, or a few photographers. It's easier for them to work with a small number of photographers as there's less work -- less accounting, less checks to write, less hassle with terms, etc. Hopefully though, they'll be interested. They may offer you a one-time license, to use the image indefinitely. The payment may not be much, perhaps $100, but at least you'll get your picture published.
If you're more motivated by seeing your work published than getting any money, you could offer to license the image for free, or in exchange for some finished postcards to give to your family and friends. Note that you would offer to "license" the image rather than give them the "copyright". With a license, the publisher can use the image according to the agreed terms, but you still retain the copyright so you can use the image yourself.
If you have a digital camera, you could send a digital file on a CD. The best format is a "RAW" file straight from the camera, or, if not, a high resolution, unmodified JPEG. For film cameras, don't use or send print ("negative") film -- it flags you as a novice. Use slide film, preferably something sharp like Fuji Velvia, but don't send the original until something has been agreed -- if you send an original slide on "spec" you probably won't get it back.
Bear in mind that postcard publishing -- like other types of regional publishing -- is often small-time, local, and niche-orientated. There's not a lot of money to go round, personal relationships count, and publishers don't stray far from the niche that works for them. Also, they may already have a postcard with the same picture as yours, they may not see a market for your image, or they may simply not be printing new cards at this time.
As with anything, originality, color, and quality count. Publishers are looking for something that is not just as good as their current offering but is better, that will add to their line-up, that will attract buyers and fly off the shelves.
You could, of course, make your own postcards. This requires some effort, time and up-front money to do the printing and distribution. On the plus side, postcards are the lowest-cost way to tangibly publish your own work. If you want to read more about self-publishing, click here.
For the record, I've never sold a photo for a postcard, so I'm not much of an "expert" in this field to advise you. The nearest I've come is when a gift shop asked to license some of my images from one of my books for fridge magnets and printed brochures. That was nice though -- my fridge now has a lot of colorful magnets!
Learn more with
Links to Postcard Publishers
Photo Tips for Postcard Photographers
How To Become A Postcard Photographer
Copyright 2006 Andrew Hudson for Photo Tour Books, Inc. You may reproduce this article for personal, educational, non-commercial and non-Internet use, such as in a local photo club newsletter or school project. No Internet publishing is permitted. For commercial use, please email me for permission.
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