A buyer wants to be inspired by your work and envision it on their walls. There are many variables as to why someone is purchasing a piece of art, but these three suggestions may help you make a sale.
In this video, Scott French points out a simple idea: how will it look in the buyer's room, and will the art enhance their decor? Artwork must complement a buyer's home; the color has to work, and the subject matter has to inspire them.
You need to be inspired by your images to sell them. As French mentions, you should put your photos through a wall test, which involves putting your photography on a wall mockup. There are several apps available for this; I use Smartist. It's really easy to use, and they have a large selection of rooms. Using a wall mockup app will give you a good idea of how it looks on a wall and if it has a better chance of selling.
The second reason people are more likely to buy is if they are inspired by the image and if they have a connection to the subject matter in the photo. As French mentions, if people have an emotional connection to the piece, they will have an emotional connection to your work and you, the artist. You can inspire people by photographing a city you love, its architecture, or what makes that city special. You can also share your journey, and some people will have a connection to you as the artist or to your feelings and motivation behind a certain series you are shooting.
The third reason is buying art as an investment. Although many photos have sold for millions of dollars, typically it’s from well-known or very famous photographers. So it may not be a reason someone buys from you, but you should offer limited edition prints. This will create scarcity, value, and exclusivity in your work.