I did it!!

[Blue_In_AK]

I FINALLY got a business license and opened up a SmugMug account. I'm nowhere near finished with setting up my galleries and whatever other fun stuff I can do there to personalize the place, but if you all want to check out what I've got so far, it's at...

http://northernvisions.smugmug.com

[NV Whino]

1. Congratulations!

[JeffR]

2. Way to go, Blue!

And a Sunrise/Sunset section just for me. Though with the current temperature, I'm really enjoying the winter shots.

Nice selection. Can't wait to see more.

Good luck!
:hi:

[Blue_in_CA]

3. Yea!

About time! I'm so proud of you!!

[RagingInMiami]

4. Cool!

Northern Visions. I like it.

[priller]

5. Really good!

You are fortunate to have such stunning scenery around you. And you've captured it beautifully.

[insane_cratic_gal]

6. I love your winter tree shot

and that sparrow? or chickadee? is adorable..and I may just order them BUT before I do... I think you need to raise your prices!! You can't be turning any sort of profit? I can't pay just 2.99 for an 8x10 that's at cost? I wouldn't feel right about that lol my hubby does wedding photography so .. I'm use to them prices

[Blue_In_AK]

7. Oh, I haven't set prices yet...

It was hard enough picking out a few pix. :) Wait to order until I figure out how much I'm going to charge, but I promise I'll be reasonable.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. The bird is a stellar jay

or "camp robber." He was looking so happy because he had just eaten about half of our dark chocolate.

[insane_cratic_gal]

9. HAHA cute

I think I am actually going to purchase those two.. Can I make one request? Could I see the bird in a black and white?

I'm looking for some pictures for my walls in my bed room I love those two I think they would fit well but I am wondering if black and whites wouldn't add more drama. Going for a Zen minimalist sort of feel

I don't want to add to your work load.. maybe just the little bird after my own heart.. because who doesn't love chocolate!

I would also use your wining entry of the broken tracks in your line up too, it's a strong photo

[Blue_In_AK]

13. Something like this?

I put a twinkle in his eye, too, since I thought he needed one. Which other picture were you talking about? The squirrel?

ed. Oh, wait - you meant the one with the tree, right? Did you want to try that one in black and white, too, or leave it in blue? I did have that one blown up to 11x17 for Blue_In_CA (my daughter) for Christmas, and it looked great.

[insane_cratic_gal]

22. I've decided

I like them both the way they are lol.. all that and I'm just content with the original. I like the black and white but the color is so vibrant on the Tree/winter one it would only detract from it.
The little bird is fine in color, shows his range of contrasting mute feathers better.

Let me know when you get the prices set.

[Blue_In_AK]

24. Sure thing...

I'll probably be getting back in there this evening sometime. I've got too much work to do today to think about it much. I guess I'd better get prices up before I post any more pictures.

[Blue_In_AK]

14. The only problem with the tracks

is that I took it with my old camera set at a low resolution. I have hundreds of old pictures I wish I could use, but they probably wouldn't enlarge well, so I think I'd better just go with the ones I've taken since I got my 20D last November. I'm really looking forward to fall, because the colors here are great, and I think I should get some good shots especially since we'll be taking a Denali trip around the middle of September. Hopefully, I'll get some more wildlife then, too.

About the bird and the chocolate - I'm glad it was just birds and not bears like other people are having problems with this summer.

[Gregorian]

10. Gorgeous stuff.

Thanks for sharing that.

I'm dying to get more time to shoot pictures.

This evening I saw a group of birds doing a flying "dance" in the sky. So I went out on the grass by the pond and just started snapping shots. And they flew around for half an hour just after the sun set. I didn't get any notable shots. But their wings made a fabric kind of sound in the air up there. They were doing something. Flying in a group. Then they all decided to come swooping down into the reeds at the edge of the pond, where they continued to rustle all around like some crazy little beasts having fun. I realized that getting a good picture is only half of the equation. Just being there is part of it too.

[insane_cratic_gal]

11. I agree I think it's 20 percent skill

and 80 percent luck

[CC]

12. About damn time.

:applause::bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce::applause:

Some of us have been waiting. I will wait until you set prices to send the link in a mass email though.

[Blue_In_AK]

15. Thanks.

Unfortunately I just had to go out and pick up some more real work (can't give up my day job yet), so I'm going to have to set the gallary aside for just a bit. Meanwhile, you guys can tell me how much I should charge (again) because what you said the last time just seemed like so MUCH. Am I selling myself short? I just can't believe people would pay as much money as you said for pictures that were so much fun for me to take.

Do people really get to make money doing what they love??? What a concept...

[ConsAreLiars]

20. You should charge "standard" prices.

(and/or give them away as free downloads). You don't (yet) have the name recognition for "premium" pricing, but your images are comparable in appeal to "real" photographers and should be priced accordingly. Professional photographers need to price their work at a rate thst lets them cover their expenses (gear, travel, and all the other stuff) and survive on the proceeds. You need to take the same approach, or thius will just remain a money-pit hobby. The "standard" prices you will find via the links at NANPA are a good guide for finding the right numbers.

[Blue_In_AK]

25. Thanks, Cons...

You always come through for me with the good advice. :pals:

[Blue_In_AK]

26. I'm assuming you mean North American Nature Photographers

Assn.? I went to that website, but I don't see which link you're talking about. :shrug:

[ConsAreLiars]

27. My hazy recollection - the links are to books

instead of websites, but the books are at: http://www.nanpa.org/books_business.html
You can also get some idea on prices by browsing thru pro sites.

[Blue_In_AK]

28. Thanks - this is all so complicated.

:heavy sigh:

[F.Gordon]

16. Did Hell freeze over?

Did you get a "Pro" smugmug account? Have you filed your W-9 with smugmug?

Great name and love the photos you have on there. I'm no "expert" but I've saved a bunch of fixes, customizations, and hacks when you're ready to decorate your smugmug.

When you're ready I'll help ya' direct traffic. I'm now up to Google Page 1 with my smugmug and it's total crap.... Project # 1245 :eyes:

Fantastic that you made the leap. I can now say I "knew her when..."
:hi:
:applause:

[Blue_In_AK]

17. Yes, I did get a "pro" account,

but on CC's advice I've turned off the "buy prints" option right now because I don't know how much to charge yet. Are you serious about the W-9? (I never know when you're kidding.)

Of course, you know I'm doing this for the sole purpose of writing off all the camera gear and every vacation from here on out. :evilgrin:

[F.Gordon]

18. All "F.Gordoning" aside.....

Turn off buy prints good idea. Also enable right click protect and disable seeing originals. CC suggested to me, which I used, to only let people view "medium" on some prints. CC has been very helpful to me too.

And no, I'm NOT kidding...... real easy to fill out... instructions on this page for the W-9....

http://www.smugmug.com/help/reporting

[Blue_In_AK]

19. Oh, thanks again

I missed the right click protect, but I did do the no originals thing. I'll go back in and fix that. I will probably be hitting all of your SmugMuggers up for advice in the coming weeks. I really want to make a go of this because I imagine the day will come when I'll finally get tired of doing all this transcription stuff and will just want to do photography full time. I can't think of anything nicer. :) Just a couple more years until social security and then I think I can finally stop typing my fingers to the bone.

[Eurobabe]

21. How did you get so good on the 20D, did you read the manual?

(This is a personal joke between my hubby & me) He teases me, because I've had my 20D now for almost 2 yrs in December, and I have yet to read the manual. Probably why I am not off the automatic mode yet. <sigh>

I need to learn more about my camera, I am across the pond now, and in the perfect setting for some amazing photography. Took this one in northern Italy last month.

[Blue_In_AK]

23. Haha - yes, I read the manual

and also watched most of a DVD my husband bought me called "Canon 20D Digital SLR, A training video for new to intermediate camera users," which was also very helpful. The previous camera was a Sony Mavica, which a person could do manual settings on, but I never did, so I had a lot to learn about apertures, speed and all that stuff. Lately I've been trying to leave the camera on 100% manual most of the time, just for practice. I've missed some good shots while spinning dials around, but I think it's been a good learning experience.

Your shot above is lovely. Post some more.

[Eurobabe]

29. Thanks Blue!

Hmm, sounds like I might benefit from that DVD. I am not really a manual type of person, I learn by doing (rather making mistakes!) I've been taking photos since I got my first Pentax SLR at age 12 in 1972. I traded up to the 20D from a FujiFinePix (the kind that actually had a normal size lens and looked like a mini SLR). Quite a big jump, I know. And just when I got it I moved away from my camera buddy who has now gone on to be the official photographer for my alma mater (Univ. of Virginia) Bad timing, because he had already taught me some tricks.

It's a toss up though as to what I have taken my better photos with...digital or regular camera.

I'm trying to talk my dh into some serious glass for Xmas. :) His jaw dropped at the price though for the telefoto, it's almost as much as the camera body!

I so enjoy your photos, they are gorgeous...best of luck with your new site.

[Blue_In_AK]

31. Ooops, posted in wrong place.

[Touchdown]

30. Neat site. Keep it going.

Some of us othr will be inspired to do the same.:applause:

[Blue_In_AK]

32. I just want to take a moment here

to say that you guys are absolutely THE BEST. As a newbie to this SLR stuff, I have found that your suggestions and encouragment over the time that I've been here have really kept me going. If I have any success at all in this endeavor I'll owe it all to the DU photo group.

:grouphug: :yourock:

[JeffR]

33. You'll owe it to your talent

So there.
:)

[Maestro]

34. I just added you as my friend at Smugmug.

You pics look awesome and don't forget to order prints. Smugmug prints on high quality Fugi photo paper. I have ordered up to 8X10 so far and I have been impressed with their service. I only have a pro version though. Also, sign up at www.digitalgrin.com. It is the forum site that is sponsored by SmugMug. This forum and Digital Grin are basically the only two photography site where I post.

[Blue_In_AK]

35. Thanks, Maestro...

I'm going to put some more pictures up tonight, I think, and I'll definitely check out the forum.

[bvar22]

36. Congrats, Blue!

Sending you thoughts and wishes for Prosperity and Happiness in your endeavor.
I checked your site. I don't know why, but I felt Proud of You!

[Blue_In_AK]

37. Thanks, Bvar...

I love the support I get from this group. :grouphug: