Lately I've considered opening a shop on Etsy, the online marketplace for every imaginable handmade item. Not only to I believe in the business model, Etsy seems like a lot of fun and has the potential to get more of my images out into the world.

Since many photographers (myself included) would not immediately think of selling photos on what is essentially an indie craft site, I spent some time digging up success stories to share.

Alicia Bock's photos have made cameo appearances on Grey's Anatomy and the set of the Sex and the City movie. An entirely self-taught photographer, Alicia operates a shop on Etsy, where she has sold over 3,000 pieces.

I caught up with Alicia recently to ask her a few questions, and here's what she had to say:

W+I: When did you first start making photographs?

AB: I can't remember not having a camera with me. Even early in elementary school I was always taking too many pictures of my friends. But I started selling my photographs 5 years ago.

W+I: Your prints are beautiful.  Would you mind telling us a little bit your process for making the photos and final prints?

AB: There is no good answer for this. I am a wanderer, and easily bored, so I have to work quick before my next idea takes me away. I like to use as many different cameras as I can get my hands on. I use photoshop for my processing. I rarely ever have a plan of how I want a photograph to turn out. ... usually there is a bit of chaos around me, as I also stay home with my 2 children and they are always running through my studio. My kids help me limit my time at the computer and keep the camera in my hands. For my finished product, I either make prints myself on my Epson Pro printers. Or, I have them professionally printed by a pro lab. It depends on the picture/subject. I test each photo on several papers to see how I like it best. I don't think there is one best paper for all photographs. (Or if there is, I haven't found it yet.)

W+I: You've gotten a lot of good exposure for your work: Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City, a few well-known magazines.  How did you go about making these connections and what advice would you give to other self-taught photographers looking to get their work out there?

AB: I have been really lucky and in all cases the set directors and/or writers have all approached me or just bought from my website. I think the most important thing is to keep yourself visible and your websites updated with new material. You never know who is browsing your sites or reading your blog.

W+I: Along those lines, what's the biggest mistake you feel you've made (and hence learned from)?

AB: I bought a lot of expensive equipment right away that I really don't use much. (Especially my art show set up). I quickly learned that shows are really hard on my little family. I've cut back a lot, and we are much happier. But I still feel awful when I see my display sitting here. I am now a big fan of renting and borrowing before I buy anything for my business.

W+I: What inspired you to open an Etsy shop for your photos?

AB: I always think "why not?" I am up for trying pretty much anything, and believe in selling in as many different venues as I can maintain. So, I never questioned setting up the shop. It was inexpensive and easy. And, I am happy how it has grown over the years.

W+I: What have you learned during the time you've had your shop, and what advice do you have for folks who are thinking of starting to sell prints on Etsy?

AB: Etsy has changed a lot since I started 3 years ago. There were very few photographers back then. Now it is much more competitive in all areas. So, I think it is very important to spend as much time promoting your shop as you do creating. I work harder now than I ever did at my 9-5 office jobs, but I love every minute of it.

For more about Alicia, visit her Etsy shop, website, or blog.

All images in this post copyright Alicia Bock.