I Sold My First Picture!

For years, and I mean years, like since I was 6 or 7 years old, I have wanted to be a writer and an artist. For at least 10 years now, I have also been working hard at developping my photographic skills.

Sometimes I think I do a pretty darn good job; in my writings, in my drawings, and in my photography. But I don't know where to start to begin to sell anything, or even to get people interested. Absolutely no idea have I, unfortunately.

I'd like to learn. I know people do better with agents and the like. But I can't afford an agent right now, I'm still looking for a job and a place to live, after all!!

Anyway.....

The other day I had the extreme pleasure to receive the following in my email inbox:

Hello Nana,

I work at [a university], in [Someplace]
California. Our new university president was born in
[a small town in] ND. I found your photo of the land
outside [that small town] very evocative. May I have permission to
use the photo in our university magazine. It would run
about 2inches square and we can pay you $.

Please let me know if this is agreeable to you. My direct
email is:

Thanks!
I love your work.

Needless to say, I said yes. I am very happy.

The photo in question is below.

The major lesson I have learned in this is the importance in tagging your photos in flickr. If this particular shot hadn't been, it never would have been found in the millions of photos out there, much less purchased for professional publication!!

I'm going to be spending a lot of time this weekend naming, tagging, and describing my pictures on flickr, that's for darn sure!!!