These artists aren't starving

Eric Law

After working 30 years in finance at Ford Motor Co., Eric Law took a retirement package from an executive position at the end of 2006 and began a second career as a photographer. Today he supports his fine art photography with a growing digital photography business catering to fine artists.

Five years ago, Law, 54, began photographing the artwork of his wife Candace Law, 55, who specializes in drawing and also does encaustic painting, printmaking and photography. Soon he also was photographing her friends’ artwork, and he realized there was a market his niche.

When artists enter juried art gallery shows or juried art festivals, they must submit images of their artwork.

“Having first-rate images makes the difference in getting into shows,” Law said.

His client list now sits at more than 100 Michigan artists, including 30 regulars. Last year, he had about $12,000 in sales. This year, he projects $15,000 to $20,000. Expenses for materials amount to about a third of sales. His goal is to triple the size of the business, www.shootmyart.com. With his Ford pension, he can support his photography and his wife’s fine art. They share a Berkley studio.

Law also photographs old buildings and weathered machinery, coming in close or taking an unusual perspective to focus on shapes, patterns, colors and textures. About a year ago, he began entering juried group art shows in Michigan art galleries and has been pleased with his success. His work has shown in 16 exhibitions and a piece, “Red Metal,” will appear in the Ann Arbor Art Center’s “Annual: All Media Exhibition,” from Aug. 15 to Sept. 28. He and his wife will have a two-person show, “Pas de Deux” from Sept. 3 to Oct. 12 at The Scarab Club in Detroit.