If you’re a photographer looking to sell your artwork directly to clients or fans without relying on stock photo websites, creating your own online gallery is a powerful move. One of the best platforms to help you do that — especially if you’re just starting out — is Pixieset. With its clean interface, easy setup, and built-in sales tools, Pixieset makes it simple to showcase your work and turn it into a revenue stream.
Whether you’re selling fine art prints, client galleries, or digital downloads, this guide will walk you through the basics of getting started, pricing your work, and creating a professional online storefront.
Why Use Pixieset?
Pixieset is built specifically for photographers. It’s not just a portfolio site — it also includes tools for client delivery, online stores, print sales, and more. With Pixieset, you can:
- Host and organize photo galleries
- Create a branded client experience
- Sell prints and digital downloads
- Integrate with professional print labs
- Accept payments directly through your site
For beginners, it’s a great all-in-one platform with both free and paid plans depending on how much storage and customization you need.
Step 1: Create Your Pixieset Account
Head to www.pixieset.com and sign up for a free account. The free plan gives you 3GB of storage — more than enough to get started. You can upgrade later for more space and additional features like watermarking, advanced branding, and more print options.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll land on your Pixieset dashboard where you can:
- Upload galleries
- Set up your store
- Customize your site
- Manage client orders and sales
Step 2: Upload and Organize Your Photos
To start selling your photos, you’ll need to create a new gallery:
- Click on the “Galleries” tab in your dashboard.
- Select “Create New Gallery” and name it (e.g., “Sunset Landscapes”).
- Upload your images — make sure they are high-resolution and professionally edited.
- Organize your images into collections if necessary, and add titles or descriptions to each.
Pixieset’s galleries are clean and responsive, meaning your work will look great on both desktop and mobile.
Step 3: Set Up Your Store
Now it’s time to turn your gallery into a shop.
- Click on the “Store” tab.
- Enable the store for the gallery you want to sell from.
- Choose the products you want to sell: prints, canvases, framed art, or digital downloads.
- Select your fulfillment method:
- Self-Fulfilled: You handle printing and shipping yourself.
- Automatic Fulfillment: Pixieset integrates with pro labs (like WHCC, Mpix, or ProDPI) to handle production and delivery.
Tip: If you’re just getting started, automatic fulfillment makes life easier and lets you focus on photography instead of logistics.
Step 4: Pricing Your Photography Artwork
Pricing your work can feel intimidating at first, but here are some guidelines to help:
1. Know Your Audience
Are you targeting art collectors, casual buyers, or local fans? Pricing should reflect your market.
2. Cover Your Costs
If you’re self-fulfilling, factor in:
- Printing costs
- Packaging
- Shipping
- Time investment
3. Use a Markup Formula
If using lab fulfillment through Pixieset, set a markup over the base cost. A common range:
- Digital Downloads: $10–$75 depending on size and usage
- Small Prints (5×7, 8×10): $15–$40
- Large Prints (16×20 and up): $60–$200+
- Framed or Canvas Art: $100–$500+
Experiment with pricing and adjust based on demand. You can also offer bundles or limited edition runs to increase perceived value.
Step 5: Customize Your Gallery Page
Your gallery is more than a storefront — it’s an extension of your brand. Pixieset lets you customize:
- Logo and branding: Upload your logo and choose brand colors.
- Gallery layout: Choose from grid, mosaic, or slideshow styles.
- Text and info pages: Add an “About” page, contact form, or artist statement.
- Watermarks: Optional, but recommended for digital preview images.
Use the “Site” tab to build a cohesive homepage if you want your own full photography website under Pixieset.
Step 6: Share and Promote Your Gallery
Once your gallery and store are set up, it’s time to bring people in.
- Share the link on social media, in emails, and on your website
- Run limited-time promotions or discounts
- Offer free desktop wallpapers to encourage sign-ups
- Use SEO-friendly titles and descriptions to help your galleries show up in search engines
- Collaborate with influencers or local businesses to promote your work
Bonus: Collecting Payments
Pixieset integrates with Stripe and PayPal to let you collect payments instantly and securely. Setup is simple:
- Go to Store > Settings > Payments
- Connect your Stripe or PayPal account
- Choose your payout currency
- Set your tax and shipping policies
Once set up, Pixieset handles the rest — from checkout to delivery (if using a print lab) – making this a completely passive income stream beyond marketing your photos and adding new ones if you choose to do so.
Final Thoughts
Selling your photography through your own online gallery gives you full control over your art, your pricing, and your customer experience. With platforms like Pixieset, even beginners can build a professional, clean-looking shop in just a few hours.
Whether you’re selling landscapes, portraits, or creative edits, your work deserves a home — and now you’ve got the tools to build it.
Need help writing your product descriptions, choosing a print lab, or curating your galleries? Let me know and I’ll walk you through it.
As always, thank you for reading, and don’t forget to follow along for more content like this!
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