Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are providing a new way for artists and photographers to sell their work online. NFT photos and NFT pictures (digital art) can sell for millions of dollars – and there are a growing number of platforms that allow you to buy and sell these items.
Take the case of photographer Kevin Abosch’s NFT photograph of a dirt-covered potato, which sold for $1.5 million at a dinner party in 2016. While this may be an extreme example, it shows the potential value of NFTs for photographers and visual artists.
With the right approach, NFT photography and NFT pictures can be a great way to make money from your creations. If you’re interested in getting involved in the world of NFTs, then this guide is for you. We’ll explain what NFTs are, how they work, and how you can get started buying and selling them.
What is an NFT?
NFTs are blockchain-based digital assets, much like other cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, however, each NFT is unique and can’t be replaced by another token. This makes them ideal for storing digital artwork, photos, and other creative works.
The word “fungible” means interchangeable, which goes to say that they can be replaced by an identical item. Let’s take the case of a $1 bill, in the US context. If you have a $1 bill in your hand, it doesn’t matter which one it is – it can be replaced by any other $1 bill. This is because they are of similar value and can be used interchangeably.
NFTs, on the other hand, are non-fungible. This means that each NFT is unique and can’t be replaced by another token. So, if you own an NFT of digital artwork, it can never be replaced by another copy of that artwork. This makes them more like physical artwork or collectibles-and they can be sold for a lot of money.
NFTs are often compared to traditional collectibles like baseball cards or coins. Just like these physical items, each NFT is unique and can be bought and sold on secondary markets. The difference is that NFTs are digital, which makes them more accessible to a wider audience of buyers and sellers.
How do NFTs work?
NFTs are stored on a blockchain, which is a decentralized network of computers that keep track of all transactions. This makes them secure and transparent.
NFTs are compatible with all Ethereum-based projects, making them easy to use and trade. For the uninitiated, Ethereum is a decentralized network (or a blockchain) that supports smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing lines of code.
Once certain conditions are met, the contract will carry out the agreement as intended. For example, you could create a smart contract that says, “if someone buys my NFT, then they will automatically receive the digital file.”
This makes it easy to sell NFTs because you don’t have to worry about getting paid or delivering the file yourself. Everything is securely stored on the blockchain and the transaction will happen automatically.
Technically, NFTs are units of data stored on the blockchain. So if you have a photo to sell, the NFT serves as a certification that your photograph is original and that you own the copyright. In short, it’s like a title deed for a piece of digital property.
What is NFT art?
NFT art refers to a digital asset that can be collected and traded in the online space. In the same way that a traditional painting can’t be replicated, a digital piece of art is protected from replication through the use of blockchain technology.
While any piece of digital art can be recorded, photographed, or redrawn, NFTs hold a record that the specific artwork is original (and the only one of its kind), making them more valuable and collectible.
NFT art can take any form, including photographs, 2D images, 3D models, audio files, or even video footage. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity, and that’s one of the things that makes NFTs so in demand.
Can a photo be an NFT?
Yes, definitely! As already stated, any type of digital art can be turned into an NFT. So, if you have a photo that you think is worth selling, you can create an NFT for it.
NFTs can be purchased the same way as photographic prints in the traditional market. As such, photographers of all levels can use NFTs to promote and sell their work. The main difference is that all elements – from transactions to ownership – are done online through the blockchain.
To put it simply, selling digital prints is comparable to selling physical prints. Just like you would include a Certificate of Authenticity with limited edition prints, NFTs work similarly by validating and certifying your digital artwork as original and one-of-a-kind.
Are NFTs photos protected by copyright? How do I protect my NFT image?
The buyer of an NFT does not own the copyright to the digital asset; only the photographer does. The buyer can resell your photo at any time, but this doesn’t transfer the copyright to them. Take the example of a traditional photograph; it doesn’t come with the negative or the copyright. NFT also works on a similar principle.
As the creator of an NFT, you can also put whatever terms and conditions you want on the sale of your digital asset. For example, you could specify that the buyer can’t use your photo for commercial purposes without your permission. You, as the copyright owner, can still use the image after it’s been sold as an NFT, whether for printing, licensing, or commercial use.
At Pixsy, we provide a range of low cost services to photographers to help them protect their image copyright. We offer an all-in-one tool that can help you as a NFT creator fight copyright infringement.
If you want to get started today and see if your photos have been stole or used without your permission online, where your the first 500 images are free to monitor.
Bonus: Because NFT is stored on the blockchain, infringers
How does one get started in NFT photography?
Here’s a quick guide on how you can begin your NFT photography journey:
How to create NFT photos
You may use any of your photos as an NFT. However, you usually won’t be able to sell all of your photos for the same price, as some will be more popular than others. If you have a collection of photos, you can use them as is or convert them into fine art images and turn them into an NFT.
Another choice is to make the photograph more dynamic. You may choose to use simple animation applications such as Plotagraph or PhotoMirag, to animate your photos or create an HDR version of your current image.
Instead of just choosing random photos, think about creating collections based on themes. This will make your photos more cohesive and purposeful. Here are some popular NFT photography collections that became a hit among buyers:
- Twin Flames by Justin Aversano: A collection of photographs featuring twins
- Beautiful Cities of the World by Trey Ratcliff: 50 images of travel photographs taken in Lisbon, Budapest, Delhi, Guilin, Istanbul, and more
- Where My Vans Go by Issac Wright aka Driftershoots: A collection of 119 photographs taken over three years and across the United States.
As you can see, there’s really no specific “type” or “formula” for what sells as an NFT. You can sell anything from traditional photographs to more creative, digital assets. On the quirky side of things, even something as random as this guy’s collection of expressionless selfies, which he minted as a joke – sold for millions.
So, there’s really no telling what will or won’t sell – it all depends on the buyer.
Once you’ve decided which photos you want to sell as NFTs, you’ll need to convert them into the right file format. The most common file format for NFTs is .JPEG, but you can also use .PNG, or .GIF.
Once your photos are in the right file format, you’ll need to upload them to an NFT marketplace. Some of the most popular NFT marketplaces include OpenSea, Rarible, SuperRare, and Foundation.
When uploading your photos, you’ll need to set a price (in cryptocurrency) and write a description. You can also specify any terms and conditions that you want buyers to agree to.
Once your photos are live on the marketplace, anyone can purchase them with cryptocurrency. When someone buys your photo, you’ll receive a notification and the payment will be deposited into your account. And that’s it – you’ve now officially sold your first NFT photograph!
How to sell NFT photography
Let’s take a more detailed look at how you can sell your NFT photos:
Step 1: Buy some Ethereum on a crypto exchange
The first thing you need to do is buy some Ethereum (ETH), which is the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain. You can do this on a cryptocurrency exchange like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. You will need the ETH to pay transaction fees when you sign up for a marketplace, where you’ll list your NFTs.
How much you’ll initially purchase is up to you. If you’re just getting started selling NFTs, you may want to start with a smaller amount. Something around $150 to $300 worth of ETH should be enough to get you started.
Step 2: Set up a digital wallet
The next thing you need to do is set up a digital wallet. This is where you’ll store your ETH and any other cryptocurrency that you purchase. Crypto you’ve earned from sales will also be stored here. There are many different wallets to choose from, but one of the most popular choices is MetaMask.
Your crypto wallet will also be used to log into most NFT marketplaces, so make sure to select a wallet that’s compatible with the marketplaces you plan to use. Choose a reputable one as well, as all your crypto will come and go through this wallet.
Step 3: Choose an NFT marketplace
Now it’s time to choose which NFT marketplace you want to sell your photos on. There are many platforms and marketplaces you can explore, and each one has different features, art styles, and smart contracts. Among the most well-known marketplaces for NFTs are:
- Opensea: Dubbed the “eBay of NFTs,” Opensea is the most popular NFT marketplace and supports a wide range of digital assets. Its lazy-minting feature allows beginners to save time and money when creating their NFTs
- Rarible: Rarible is one of the newer marketplaces but has quickly become popular for its user-friendly interface and wide range of features, such as the self-listing feature, which allows users to create their own NFT marketplace
- Foundation: A bit more exclusive, Foundation used to be invitation-only and has a more curated selection of NFTs. However, it has since opened up its platform to creators who want to create their own NFTs
- SuperRare: SuperRare is also one of the most popular NFT marketplaces for digital art, but it’s also very exclusive and will require an invite from the platform. SuperRare maintains that it hopes to remain curated while it prepares to open up its platform to more creators
The bottomline: selling NFT photos
One of the most common arguments against NFTs is that photos can be downloaded, screenshot, or printed – so what’s to stop someone from just copying the file?
The answer is that nothing can stop someone from taking a copy of a digital file. But, like any physical artwork, the value lies in the original. In the same way that anyone can take photos of Van Gogh’s paintings, the value still lies in the originals. With an NFT, you own the original file and no one can take that away from you.
Another great thing about selling photos as NFTs is that you can reach a global audience of buyers. There’s no need to worry about shipping or delivery. Everything is done online, which makes it easy and convenient for both buyers and sellers.
Finally, one more interesting thing about NFTs is that, unlike selling physical images, with NFT’s you get royalties on future sales! This means, you will keep earning from the same NFT, each time it resells.
So if you’re a photographer, selling your photos as NFTs is definitely a great way to monetize your work and reach a wider audience. It’s also a fun and unique way to showcase your work. So, if you’re thinking about selling your photos as NFTs, go for it!
