My item checklist for selling prints on the street/sidewalk

I made a lot of mistakes the first time I sold prints during Miami Art Basel 2019. In order to avoid making the same mistakes again I made a checklist that helps me stay organized and keep customers happy.

• Clear bags.
  Place your prints inside clear plastic bags to protect them. I suggest looking at clearbags.com but then finding that same bag by the same company on amazon because it might be cheaper there. Make sure you buy the right size.

• Backing.
  Make sure to buy a sturdy cardboard backing to place inside the plastic bag, it keeps your print from getting bent. I also looked at clearbags.com for this one.

• Payment Apps.

  Unless you have a card scanner for your phone make sure you download all the payment apps and have them ready to use/find for people who don’t have cash. The most common ones I’ve seen are Venmo, CashApp, and Paypal. When someone pays you through the app, tell them to write the name of the print.

• Mounting Putty.
  Scotch tape does nothing if you’re hanging your prints on a wall outside. Bring lots of mounting putty, it will do the trick and best of all not damage your prints.

• Hang prints.
  Don’t even think about laying them on the floor in front of you when you’re going to a place with lots of people walking by otherwise your art is going to get stepped on. Also, hang your best sellers. Hanging makes it easier for people to see your prints from afar. When they are on the floor people will have no choice but to look down.

• If you don’t have a permit, don’t go too early.
  If you go too early the cops are more likely to say something if you’re not supposed to be there. I got kicked out of my spot…twice. ouch. The best time to be there is when it’s crowded, cops tend to be busy with more important things if it’s a big festival.

• Business cards.
  I place one inside each bag in the back so people won’t lose it.

• Small Notebook.
  I’m old school, I like to keep track of inventory and what prints are selling by writing them down. I also like to hand over people a notebook and a pen to write down their information just in case! You never know who you’ll meet. Plus, if you lose your phone, then what?

• Water & snacks.

• A stool or cushion.
  You’re going to get tired, the ground is dirty, and a cushion or a stool is much lighter to carry and takes up less room.

• Someone you trust. (this isn’t considered an item but something essential for sure!)
  At some point, you are either going to have a huge crowd of people who want to buy your prints and you won’t even know where to begin or you will have to use the bathroom and you can’t leave your spot or artwork behind. Having someone there that you trust can be a big help.

My short and light travel pack checklist for taking pictures

1. A Mirrorless Camera. Mirrorless cameras are lighter than DSLRs, the weight is in the lens but it will be easier to pack because you can take the lens apart from the body. I’ve been shooting Nikon my whole life but I had to get the Panasonic Lumix G7, Amazon is selling it for a steal and it’s a definite improvement to my good ol’ Nikon D5100. 

2. Tripod. I feel like tripods don’t get enough credit because they are considered to be big, heavy, and bulky. Except there are tripods that exist out there that fold up and fit into your overhead bag. I bought a yotilon on Amazon that comes with a bag I can sling around my chest and easily carry with me. It’s no Manfrotto which is arguably the greatest tripod brand there ever existed but it’s also not $300 like a Manfrotto tripod is. The yotilon is not heavy at all and so far I have been very happy with it!

3. Drone. I am new to the drone game and drones cost a pretty penny. I have been told the Mavic pro is a great travel drone but my main love for photography is still on the ground with my tripod…at least for now. I decided to buy the Mavic Mini because it’s small, light, costs half the price, and even though it shoots jpeg I am still getting wonderful shots and great videos that I look forward to sharing with you in the future.

4. Camera Bag. I just want to say that there is no cute camera bag that exists for girls and that needs to be changed so I settled for a Bagsmart shoulder bag which is so practical. It fits my Mavic Mini Drone with its controller and my Lumix G7 with a 14-42mm lens. Crazy right?! Not to mention a drone battery, wallet, keys and if I really place it right my iphone 8.

Tips on sneaking into places and what to do if you get caught.

1. Bring as little equipment as possible.
   You want to be incognito. People will bring all sorts of equipment that make it look like they’re shooting for commercial purposes which is what most places kick you out for. Bring only what’s absolutely necessary. Don’t take that camera out until you’re ALL the way in.

2. Walk around the place.
   I know that seems obvious but some people walk right in and start taking pictures. A perfect example is shooting in the hotel lobby. It’s the fastest way to get kicked out. Cameras, securities, and people are almost expecting you. Instead, walk into the lobby and act like you’re staying at the hotel. Take the elevator, get off somewhere random, is there an empty ballroom on the 5th floor? Be where the people aren’t.

3. Do your research before you go.
   Is there a guard? what time is the guard there? Who works there? Is it busier during the weekends or weekdays? I have been in Miami Design District so many times I swear I know where the guards are posted. I look for a blind spot. In order to find me you’d have to actually look for me.

4. Think of something to say in case you DO get caught.
   Who is the marketing director of the place? Look them up, know their name, use them even if you don’t know them. For example you can say, “I’m taking pictures for the hotels website I spoke to Mike the Marketing Director” I PROMISE you the chances of a security guard knowing the Marketing Director are very low. They’re in two completely different departments. People don’t like looking like they don’t know things they feel they should know. The security guard may just say “oh ok” and leave you alone.

If you get caught:

1. Don’t spill the secret.
   Don’t you dare tell the owner, security guard, or whoever caught you how you got in. Don’t you dare. You’re ruining it for the rest of us. Don’t tell them about the secret passage, the window, the opening, that the door was unlocked. Don’t do it. They’re just kicking you out. Unless you’re trespassing on private property you’re not going to jail. There’s no reason to spill the beans.

2. You get two strikes, not one and not three.
   Once they tell you to leave if they don’t escort you out stay. Yep, stay. Not in the exact same spot, act like you’re leaving but stay around. This works if they’re nice to you about kicking you out the first time. The second time they’re more stern. Don’t let there be a third.

3. Don’t call it a day.
   They’ve kicked you out. Now what? don’t go back in…but also don’t call it a day! as much as you want to take pictures inside take a look at the outside of the building. I bet that you can get some pretty cool pictures there too!
   

5 unconventional tips for portrait photographers on their first photoshoot .

The majority of photography tips I see online are all technical. That’s fine but I wanted to write a small article about other things to be aware of that any photographer including myself might look over.

Tip 1. Think outside of your equipment.

It’s important to bring your equipment, bring at least two of everything, and check it twice. Bring extra memory cards, bring extra batteries, don’t forget your tripod, flash, remote, etc.

However there’s a list of things you should consider adding to your standard equipment.

• A ladder.

A dedicated photographer will climb a tree to get the shot from above. A smart photographer brings a ladder. Being able to get different angles in a shot will give you more opportunities to get “the” shot.

• Towels.

I live in Miami, it’s hot all the time. If you’re shooting a male he will appreciate a towel to wipe his sweat and it’ll save you time to edit the sweat out in post production.

Models are usually leaning or sitting on something during a shoot. A towel can help keep their clothes in tact and make it more comfortable for them to sit on the scorching hot ground, car, or any other surface you want to shoot them on.

• Water.

For yourself and for the model. You don’t want to shoot someone who is exhausted. It will show in the photos and you wont be at the top of your game if you’re dehydrated.

• Insect Repellant and/or Sunscreen

If you have sweet blood like me then mosquitos absolutely love you. If your model is getting eaten alive during a shoot they will appreciate your insect repellant and you will appreciate them staying still!

Tip 2. Scout your location before the shoot.

If you can go to the location before the shoot and get a feel for the place do so. Look around. Is there anything that catches your eye? Are there enough trees or enough shade? where is the sun? Take a step back, walk around. If you can’t go to the location before the shoot have your model wait. Explain to them you must take in the surroundings. There’s so many photographers that show up and start shooting immediately. I get it, you don’t want to waste anyones time and you want to get through it but photography takes patience. It is an art after all. Breathe and take in your surroundings…then shoot.

Tip 3. Communicate with your model.

Try to make a connection with your model before shooting. Taking pictures with a model is like dancing. When the model moves you move with them. Sometimes they lead, sometimes you lead them. It all works with communication. I have modeled for photographers where they don’t say a word to me. It was difficult to know if I was doing anything right so I asked a lot of questions. Talk to each other. Make them laugh then take the picture. Make them think and take the picture. Candid shots can be gold especially when you’re working with a subject who has never modeled before.

Tip 4. Shoot with purpose.

What is the purpose of this shoot? If it’s just to make money then you’re not using the creative part of your brain. Before the shoot select some photos that inspire you and that give you and idea as to what you want your shoot to look like. Go in with a plan, a vision, be flexible and have fun!

Tip 5. Don’t just leave when you’ve finished.

When you finish a shoot don’t just say goodbye and leave. Thank the model for allowing you to shoot them. Give them a model release form and explain it to them before they sign it. Give them a date where you can get together and go over the photos or if that’s not a possibility ask them for their email and let them know what to expect in their inbox. Ask them if they have any additional questions.