Would it be profitable to make a living from home business of small-time photography? - 1

I'm good at photography, but that's limited to me taking pics with my smartphone or little Nikon. I get compliments on some of my shots and some say i should do more with my talent. Although in the way of gainful endeavours, I wouldnt know where to start?

My only idea would be framing or canvassing my work and selling out of home. Any tips?

Everyone and his cousin has a camera of some sort today.

Firstly, who's told you your photography is good? If it is family and friends, they lie… Ask strangers…

secondly, get your work printed and have a small exhibition at a local community centre/church - maybe contact other photographers in the area… Make it possible for people to buy your work…

THAT will give you an indication of their true worth…

who do you think will buy your stuff? Have friends and family offered to? Bet they ain't…

what do you photograph?

Ask yourself this:

"Would I buy images from someone who only used a cell phone camera or a point and shoot?"

If your answer is no or even a maybe then what makes you think people would want to buy your shots? I have several images from my P & S that I adore and would print for my own wall at home (one being a recent shot) but the likelihood a shot like that would sell is very small.

You have to keep in mind photography is a very saturated market and everyone and their mother thinks every snapshot they take is print worthy and sale worthy. The reality is that most are not. This is not to discourage you or say you can't do it though. It's just to give you a dose of reality. If you are not utilizing the best equipment possible (not saying gear is everything of course) then you are not in a position to sell your work… Yet.

Consider investing in a good DSLR and a couple good lenses. Study lighting, composition, exposure, etc. You will find it's much harder than setting the camera to auto and creating masterpieces.

Two years ago when still a newb (I had been shooting for a year) I screwed up A LOT of shots. Today, I still screw up a lot of shots but thanks to the insight of pros and semi-pros around me I have learned quite a bit and have honed my style. I see and understand lighting and composition much better than I did two years ago and the results speak for themselves.

I wish you luck in your endeavors no matter what you do. Just make sure to be realistic in your expectations.