We were lucky to catch up with Chris Fabregas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I fell in love with photography when I was 8 years old. I entered a school photo contest and won. I’m sure it was beginner’s luck, but that got me hooked and I became captivated by the art of capturing moments through the lens of a camera. Between playing sports and school, I always had a camera with me. Since I love the outdoors, it was easy to photograph nature’s beauty.
Fast forward to 2018, the year I decided to take the leap and turn my passion into a profession. This decision was not made lightly; it was the culmination of years of honing my skills and dreaming about sharing my work with the world. Here’s how it all unfolded:
The Initial Spark
One evening, while reviewing some of my recent photos from a hiking trip, I realized I had amassed a substantial collection of images that truly represented my vision and skill. It dawned on me that these weren’t just pictures; they were pieces of art that deserved to be shared. The idea of selling my landscape prints professionally took root.
Research and Planning
The next day, I began researching everything I could about the fine art photography market. I looked into other successful photographers, pricing strategies, and the types of prints that were in demand. This phase was crucial. I needed to understand the market and where my work could fit in.
Developing a Portfolio
Over the next few months, I curated a portfolio of my best work. I selected images that not only showcased my talent but also told a story of my journey as a photographer. This was an exciting but meticulous process, as each image had to be perfect.
Setting Up the Business
With a solid portfolio in hand, the next step was setting up the business. I had to figure out the legal aspects, such as registering the business and understanding the tax implications. I also set up a professional website to showcase my work and make it easy for customers to purchase prints. I wanted my website to reflect the quality and beauty of my work, so I invested time in getting it just right.
Finding the Right Print Medium
One of the critical decisions I had to make was choosing the print medium. I experimented with different options and eventually decided on metal canvas and museum-quality paper. These mediums elevated the visual impact of my photographs and provided the durability that my customers would appreciate.
Marketing and Networking
With the business officially launched, the next challenge was marketing. I started by leveraging social media platforms to share my work and connect with potential customers. I joined local art shows and galleries, which allowed me to network with other artists and art enthusiasts. These interactions were invaluable in spreading the word about my business.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Launching the business was just the beginning. Over the years, I’ve continued to learn and grow. I attend workshops, follow industry trends, and constantly seek feedback from my customers. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, but the passion that started when I was 8 years old keeps me motivated.
Looking Back
Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was filled with excitement, hard work, and a few sleepless nights. But every step was worth it. Today, I am proud to share my work with the world and grateful for the support of my customers and community.
Chris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello! I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey with you. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a passionate fine art photographer specializing in landscape prints. My love affair with photography began when I was just 8 years old. I entered a school photo contest and, to my surprise, I won! That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of a camera.
Growing up, I always had a camera with me, especially during my outdoor adventures. Nature has always been my favorite subject, and I find immense joy in capturing its ever-changing beauty. It wasn’t until 2018 that I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my passion into a profession. I began selling my landscape prints professionally, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.
About My Work
I offer fine art photography prints on both metal canvas and museum-quality paper. These mediums bring out the rich colors and intricate details of my photographs, making them perfect for home or office décor. My goal is to create pieces that resonate with people, evoke emotions, and bring a touch of nature’s beauty into their spaces.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets my work apart is my deep connection with nature and my commitment to quality. Each photograph is a result of countless hours spent exploring, waiting for the perfect light, and capturing the essence of a moment. I strive to create images that tell a story and transport the viewer to the scene itself. Additionally, I personally oversee the printing process to ensure that each piece meets the highest standards.
Solving Problems for Clients
For my clients, I solve the problem of finding unique, high-quality art that resonates on a personal level. My prints are not just decorative pieces; they are meant to inspire, soothe, and bring joy. Whether you’re looking to enhance your living space or find a meaningful gift, my photography offers a connection to nature that many people find refreshing and uplifting.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on my clients. Hearing how a particular photograph has brought happiness or a sense of calm to someone is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft.
What I Want You to Know
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know, it’s that my work comes from the heart. Each photograph is a piece of my journey, a snapshot of a moment that moved me deeply. I am committed to providing the best quality and service, ensuring that every piece you receive is something you’ll cherish for years to come.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I look forward to sharing more of my journey and the beauty of the world through my lens with you.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the COVID pandemic hit its peak, I launched an inspiring art campaign that featured a lion’s face along with the message, “Never let fear speak louder than your dreams.” The idea was to take over a Times Square billboard and spread positivity during challenging times.
The thought behind this was simple: I believe in the healing and motivational power of art, especially when the world is facing fear and uncertainty. Times Square, being a global icon, was the perfect spot to reach people from all walks of life.
My campaign had a straightforward message – even in the darkest hours, your dreams and aspirations are worth chasing. I aimed to encourage people to face their fears and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. It’s all about fostering hope and resilience during tough times, and it was heartwarming to see how this message resonated with so many.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
Yes, I do sell my photography on both Etsy and my personal website. Each platform has its own unique benefits and challenges, and I’ve found that using both helps me reach a wider audience.
Etsy
Pros:
Established Marketplace: Etsy is a well-known platform with a large customer base specifically looking for unique, handmade, and artistic items. This makes it a great place for my fine art photography.
Ease of Use: Setting up a shop on Etsy is straightforward, and the platform handles many aspects of the sales process, such as payment processing and customer service tools.
SEO and Marketing: Etsy has its own internal search engine and marketing tools, which help in driving traffic to my listings.
Cons:
Fees: Etsy charges listing fees and takes a percentage of each sale, which can add up over time.
Limited Customization: While Etsy shops can be personalized to some extent, they don’t offer the same level of customization and branding opportunities as a personal website.
Competition: There are many talented artists on Etsy, which means there’s a lot of competition. Standing out requires continuous effort in marketing and optimizing listings.
Personal Website
Pros:
Full Control: On my personal website, I have complete control over the design, branding, and customer experience. This allows me to create a unique and cohesive brand identity.
No Additional Fees: While there are costs associated with maintaining a website, I don’t have to pay per-transaction fees to a third-party platform.
Direct Customer Relationships: Selling through my website allows me to build direct relationships with my customers, which can lead to repeat business and stronger brand loyalty.
Cons:
Marketing Efforts: Driving traffic to my personal website requires more effort and investment in marketing, such as SEO, social media, and online advertising.
Technical Management: Managing a website involves handling technical aspects like hosting, security, and site maintenance, which can be time-consuming.
My Choice
Using both Etsy and my personal website provides a balanced approach. Etsy allows me to tap into an established marketplace and reach customers who might not find me otherwise. My personal website, on the other hand, gives me the freedom to create a unique shopping experience and build a stronger brand identity.
By leveraging both platforms, I can maximize my reach and provide a seamless shopping experience for my customers, no matter where they prefer to shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chrisfabregasfineartprints.com
- Instagram: @ChrisFabregas
- Facebook: @ChrisFabregas
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfabregas/
- Twitter: @ChrisFabregas
Image Credits
Chris Fabregas