How I Run & Operate My Photography Business

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  • Опубликовано: 21 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 454

  • @sergejkurakin
    @sergejkurakin 2 года назад +9

    CEO: Thomas Heaton
    COO: Thomas Heaton
    CTO: Thomas Heaton
    CFO: Thomas Heaton
    From your video it looks very smooth and simple, but I can't imagine how hard it's in reality. Great job and good luck!

  • @Brock_in_the_North
    @Brock_in_the_North 2 года назад +145

    This helps people understand that there is more to an artists business than just the art itself. So when the average person is asking to purchase an image, book or calender but then doesn't understand where the price comes from, this gives you some idea of the time spent in the field, the costs involved to produce the end product and the overall time spent producing and getting the end product to the customer. The art being created is just the first step and many people don't realise this. If it was just as simple as taking a photo we would all be in business.

    • @Matwiej19
      @Matwiej19 2 года назад +6

      Exactly. Camera gear included lenses, fuel, or plain tickets, accommodation, outfit. I mean for those top pics the financial backboan of getting there to take the pics can be astronomical. It doesn't have to but 99% it is. Then printing, cost of the printer, paper, superb quality ink and so on

    • @Waxwingeco
      @Waxwingeco 2 года назад +7

      @@Matwiej19 Not to mention the tens of thousands of hours spent learning how to photograph!

    • @Matwiej19
      @Matwiej19 2 года назад +4

      @@Waxwingeco yep. And then you get someone saying " how much, I can buy for £35 on amazon " hahah so go and buy it. It took me probably a year to get used to my panasonic g9. Still I love my pics and love printing them out. The satisfaction and memories are beyond imagination.

  • @MikeT808
    @MikeT808 2 года назад +10

    This video inspired me to order both the calendar and the book as a gift for my wife. I had excellent communication with Thomas and he answered all my questions. He even managed to send this overseas I’m a timely fashion. Today both arrived, well packaged and unharmed after its 6,000kms epic journey. As somebody who spent a little period of his life in the printing industry I can say the whole product is absolutely top notch. And the QR code attached to each photo taking you to a video of how each photo was made is just brilliant. Bravo Thomas. Products you should be truly proud of. Thank you so much 🙏

  • @SubiTrekker
    @SubiTrekker 2 года назад +66

    Watching this really made me appreciate the fact that I am retired and no longer dealing with all the aspects of doing wedding photography. I also want to thank you again for for being so kind and quick to answer the couple of emails I sent you in the past. I watch a dozen or so photography RUclipsr's on a regular basis, but I look forward to Wednesdays at noon (my time) when your video airs the most. Surely, I am one of many who appreciate all your hard work.

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  2 года назад +8

      Thanks a lot for your comment. It's a miracle that I replied to your email, i'm so bad most of the time.

    • @conchscooter
      @conchscooter 2 года назад +1

      Being retired is glorious. Photography for fun. Travel for fun. This is living.

    • @conchscooter
      @conchscooter 2 года назад

      @Phillip Banes hehe. Living in a van driving Latin America. Never felt better. I love my retirement!

  • @IanSmithFotografi
    @IanSmithFotografi 2 года назад

    Forget the subject, it’s your filmmaking that’s so much better than most.

  • @gruagach1
    @gruagach1 2 года назад +2

    Very insightful thank you. The packing reminded me of when I was a kid making up tomato boxes one every five seconds... and paper cuts.

  • @boris-bikepack
    @boris-bikepack 2 года назад +1

    Who would've thunked, the man's a hero?!

  • @duncanwallace7760
    @duncanwallace7760 2 года назад +3

    When I was younger I used to cut up old landscape calendars by Peter Dombrovskis (a Tasmanian photographer) and stick them on my bedroom walls. It was a cheap way of getting nice prints. If you do end up with excess calendars, they still may be valuable as cheaper print packs.

  • @jamesburke9568
    @jamesburke9568 2 года назад +4

    I had no idea. I thank you for your hard work

  • @WoldsEndPhotography
    @WoldsEndPhotography 2 года назад +1

    My calendar arrived today, thank you. I now appreciate the amount of work you put into it. I love the print (the one with the lighthouse).

  • @gosho2248
    @gosho2248 2 года назад +50

    How can you not go crazy with that amount of work and responsibility??? It's interesting that your business methods are very similar to the photographic methods: very precise and well planned. Keep up your hard work Thomas, you're one of the most interesting and entertaining photographer on RUclips and I think your numbers prove it! You managed to make all this business-related tedious work entertaining to watch

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  2 года назад +18

      for the first year or 2, i was crazy with stress and anxiety, but over time, it gets easier and I have a few systems that really help.

  • @IanBarrowPhotography
    @IanBarrowPhotography 2 года назад

    Thankyou for this video showing the not so glamorous side of a photography business .

  • @brackalack1
    @brackalack1 2 года назад +1

    Watching this makes me thankful I no longer work in a stockroom! My back is hurting for you........

  • @martinwerge9245
    @martinwerge9245 2 года назад

    Not a number, you are a free man, freedom is hard work. But so rewarding 👏

  • @jimwlouavl
    @jimwlouavl 2 года назад

    Great. Idea. Thanks fo sharing that it’s not all cups of tea in a cozy camper.

  • @huexley
    @huexley 2 года назад

    This video should be pinned on every YT search concerning Photography Business. Thanks for the trip in your work !

  • @valerievaleriem1769
    @valerievaleriem1769 2 года назад +10

    I always love opening up your calendar when I receive it through the post, but knowing what extra special care had gone into the packaging of it will make it extra special.

  • @INSOLESandLACES
    @INSOLESandLACES 2 года назад +1

    Very interesting we only ever see you out taking photos like a swan gliding across a pond, not the back office work or the furious paddling.

  • @Realletsplaygrey
    @Realletsplaygrey 2 года назад

    I've always respected you Thomas, but this video made me respect you so much more. You're a hard working man, like extremely so.

  • @msingrey14
    @msingrey14 2 года назад +1

    Huh, you're "fussy"! What a surprise 😄. Seriously though, that was a very informative video. Thank you, Thomas.

  • @STEVEMUNCY
    @STEVEMUNCY 2 года назад

    I watch all of your videos but almost skipped this one thinking it would probably be boring. Glad I watched it because it was a great insight into what many people don’t know about the photography business.

  • @JamesParkerPhotography
    @JamesParkerPhotography 2 года назад +2

    I can so relate to wanting to handle the bits yourself - quality control!

  • @warrengh5647
    @warrengh5647 2 года назад

    OMG I really didn’t think about that side of your business, tones of respect.

  • @Yizzlesquasm
    @Yizzlesquasm 2 года назад

    Photography aside, it was also a really interesting insight into running a business from home. I didn't even know Royal Mail would come and collect them all once you were done.

  • @gervaischouinard9809
    @gervaischouinard9809 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Thomas showing us the backstage of being a photographer. Next time I will order your calendar, I'm addicted to it, I will know all those steps you will have to do!

  • @sittingstill3578
    @sittingstill3578 Год назад

    Thomas, your process and quality control remind me of _Florian Gatsby’s_ workflow and philosophy. Thank you for sharing your process, it’s heartwarming.

  • @calvinwon5113
    @calvinwon5113 2 года назад

    The autograph definitely got ME to preorder my calendar! It's cool to think that one of those in the stacks is mine😁

  • @Firstmanphotography
    @Firstmanphotography 2 года назад

    Great video.

  • @sethpotterphoto
    @sethpotterphoto 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for making this video. It’s not all fun photography and cameras and such.

  • @johnoconnell6667
    @johnoconnell6667 2 года назад +16

    I am watching this video while sitting in my basement undertaking my first real effort to sell physical photographs besides some direct to customer orders. I perfectly understand your friction! Mounting, signing, bagging, pricing each photo. Then signing, bagging, mailing each calendar. It sure is busy but I couldn't be happier to see so much of my art in physical form.
    Great video as always. I really appreciate your efforts!

  • @markjarrett9400
    @markjarrett9400 2 года назад +1

    That was very interesting. Thank you for posting

  • @thenicholasvincent
    @thenicholasvincent 2 года назад

    It's the dumbest thing but watching this video and then getting the shipping notice for the calendar I ordered felt like a strangely human connection through the internet. Parasocial weirdness aside; it has me pleased as punch during an otherwise crummy week. Cheers!

  • @peterwolf3001
    @peterwolf3001 2 года назад +2

    i am seriously impressed by well your organised approach I had no idea how much other work you are doing in the background. I really loved seeing that

  • @paultaylorphotography9499
    @paultaylorphotography9499 2 года назад

    Awesome and sobering insight video. I ran a small wedding and portrait business back in the 80s and 90s. Loved the actual shooting but the business side killed me I hated the entire admin side of things. All I wanted to do was shoot pictures. For the last 20 years I've shot for a newspaper, I do the the photography they pay me and I have no admin to sort out. I have tried to sell a book, it did ok paid its way but no real profit, again my admin let me down. I'd love to put a calendar together but after seeing your efforts I know Its absolutely not my thing. The book however is something more leisurely less time critical and I think I would enjoy the process if for nothing else other than for myself. Cheers for this and hats off to you for having the energy and enthusiasm to spend three days doing that.

  • @OracleFP
    @OracleFP 2 года назад

    Dear me, I had no idea! I will appreciate my calendar even more when it arrives🥰

  • @VahanenTomFunke
    @VahanenTomFunke 2 года назад +1

    you are a living pioneer... awesome Thomas. I forllowe you from beginning. Respekt and Humility

  • @thebikerphotographer3774
    @thebikerphotographer3774 2 года назад

    Thank you for the hard work you do on that. Your Calenders are always awesome.

  • @digitalsolutionsZA
    @digitalsolutionsZA 2 года назад

    I used to do low levels of t-shirts and caps for my photography forum (like no more than 100 at a time). That was enough to put me off this physical product stuff for life! You must have a lot of passion to be able to do this for days!

  • @lousmaczylo7281
    @lousmaczylo7281 2 года назад +1

    Love the doors in your house! Ha . Well done for your success. It was only hours and hours of hard work worry failure and doubt with a bit of fun thrown in. Best wishes

  • @imageofoz3586
    @imageofoz3586 2 года назад

    Thomas looking forward to receiving my personally signed calendar and image. You give me and thousands more many free hours of entertainment each year, the least I could do is purchase one of your great products every year. Cheers mate.

  • @simon_dentremont
    @simon_dentremont 2 года назад

    Wonderful overview Thomas. You’re very brave to include signature and a free print…I tried the same thing, and it added sooooo much time to my workflow I gave up on it. (I had the same problem with signing calendars after they had been wrapped!).

  • @connor56347
    @connor56347 2 года назад

    As someone who works in shipping and receiving I fully sympathize with needing to pack and label all those boxes!

  • @Ramage7070
    @Ramage7070 2 года назад

    I order the Calendar every year and am guilty of forgetting to put it up or changing the month on time. I am fully aware I am an odd duck but I just like supporting the channel.

  • @marcel9568
    @marcel9568 2 года назад +2

    Thomas have you considered Yellowkorner? They have galleries in shopping centres and online. People can order massive prints, behind matte or glossy glass and borders around the picture. You, the artist, decide how many prints can be made.

  • @anthonykent8139
    @anthonykent8139 2 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed this. Was fascinated by your camper van project too. I always like behind the scenes videos.

  • @colblimp
    @colblimp 2 года назад +2

    Watching this makes me realise how lucky I am to be a press photographer - no product to send out! Fair play to you for the hard work. 👍

  • @Wklambert
    @Wklambert 2 года назад +1

    You're an inspiration, sir. Seriously. I need to order some stuff from you. All the way over here in the hot and steamy US, soggy FL to be specific.

  • @stevejacksonphotography
    @stevejacksonphotography 2 года назад +2

    Great watch very insightful thanks for sharing

  • @davidaylsworth8964
    @davidaylsworth8964 2 года назад +1

    Great video Thomas! You convinced me that I don’t want to take thing to the “next” level. I enjoy taking astrophotographs and will continue printing my best work but I think I’ll just print them for myself and some family and friends. Cheers!

  • @franktherabbit42
    @franktherabbit42 Год назад

    I can really appreciate how much work you put in. It's extremely admirable. It's more than just photography and making videos.

  • @chrispaulgoodrich
    @chrispaulgoodrich 2 года назад +1

    Very interesting about the business side

  • @andrewdavies6273
    @andrewdavies6273 2 года назад

    Thomas this video shows how hard you work. Very impressive.

  • @eileenconragan1064
    @eileenconragan1064 2 года назад +1

    I am just exhausted watching you! Well, you really have a system down that works for you and that’s fantastic. In my daydreaming, which I hope will be a reality someday in making some passive income. I have been reading about POD (print on demand) services connected to a website but I don’t like the fact I cannot sign a photo and the quality control is really an issue for me too and probably others. I print at home and am particular in the outcome. For those of us who work a non-photography job the time and effort just seems daunting. Thanks for sharing -interesting to know this side and all the hard work it entails.

  • @conchscooter
    @conchscooter 2 года назад

    This is a revelation. Good luck with it.

  • @whitefootimages
    @whitefootimages 2 года назад

    Lucky for you that so many people want your calendar! Most of us have to produce to shop requirements. Thank your lucky stars you have so may RUclips viewers

  • @philyoung4804
    @philyoung4804 2 года назад +1

    Wow, hardworking ‘Heaton’! Now that’s commitment to your art. Well done sir.

  • @zigatretjak75
    @zigatretjak75 2 года назад

    Good grief, that is hard work indeed! I value your work even more now

  • @alanpreece5940
    @alanpreece5940 2 года назад

    Thank you for one of the most engaging videos I have seen on RUclips. Many people want to go into business themselves, not just artists, photographers etc.. This video shows the reality of the business as is and not the romance of breath taking landscapes.

  • @wyldcanuck
    @wyldcanuck 2 года назад +14

    Awesome that you make videos like this! Helps people who want to get into the industry learn how to have a go at it. Thank you, Tom!

    • @ThomasHeatonPhoto
      @ThomasHeatonPhoto  2 года назад +6

      This was my hardest ever video. It could have easily been 2hrs long and i felt bad as I left out so many good pieces of information, but hopefully it will help a few people who want to start selling their stuff from home.

    • @clarerynhart3855
      @clarerynhart3855 2 года назад

      You could always make longer videos, I'm always sad when they finish.

  • @SebastianOakley
    @SebastianOakley 2 года назад +16

    What a truly fantastic video, Thomas you have outdone yourself on this one. Many photographers keep their system secret and it's wonderfully refreshing it see you open up and talk about your way of doing things. I myself want to sell more print and thought about books etc. This had given me the motivation to do it, thank you!

  • @garethbartlett
    @garethbartlett 2 года назад

    Huge respect for you mate. It kills me sending off a few eBay sales here and there!

  • @TobbeLXXII
    @TobbeLXXII 2 года назад +1

    Nice crash pad man! I also use my climbing gear for all sorts of other uses than climbing when applicable... and thanks for a very informative video as well 👍🏼

  • @LoudSilences
    @LoudSilences 2 года назад +1

    Great video. Thanks. That's a hell of a lot of work.

  • @Tagomac
    @Tagomac 2 года назад +1

    Interesting insight into the business side of your work, and boy do you out in the effort.

  • @robinschaeffer6252
    @robinschaeffer6252 2 года назад

    Since you are sending a signed print you might consider sending an unsigned calendar unless requested by the buyer. That might save a bit of work but still add the personal touch.

  • @NeilMendham
    @NeilMendham 2 года назад

    Thanks Thomas - very illuminating

  • @AlexMakuch
    @AlexMakuch 2 года назад

    Oooof, the "pizza" boxes...I had a job where I had to make those all day. Flashbacks!

  • @drivinghorizons
    @drivinghorizons 2 года назад

    Fascinating insight. Thanks for sharing, and for me, as a different type of photographer (among other things) it goes to show how much work goes into the business as a whole, and it is not only about creating images.

  • @christianbreinbjergfotokunst
    @christianbreinbjergfotokunst 2 года назад

    As a nature- and landscape photographer starting up my business (tomorrow), this was really insightful! 🙏

  • @jamesss1953
    @jamesss1953 Год назад

    As a photographer & now a RUclips'r I've thought of going down this road of 'selling in bulk' ~ man what a LOT of work (and this is just your calendars !
    I sell a few prints locally so I'm happy with that¿
    I enjoy all of your videos and good to see behind the scenes ✅

  • @BobEstremera
    @BobEstremera 2 года назад

    Would love to hear more about your process of creating, compiling, and printing your books.

  • @tommoors9165
    @tommoors9165 2 года назад

    Thanks for sharing, I plan to do a book and now I know I'll NEVER do a calendar ;)

  • @henrahmagix
    @henrahmagix 2 года назад

    I love that you say you're not a youtuber, whilst you create the most beautiful, interesting, and informative videos on this platform - not to mention the amount of effort you put into the b-roll!! 🥰

  • @BrasicOne
    @BrasicOne 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for this video. For a long time I have been wondering to ask you if you would make such a video. Great 👍

  • @christophergrove4876
    @christophergrove4876 2 года назад

    🇨🇦/🇺🇸... Seeing as I've purchased your book, I can attest to the perceived quality. Here's the thing. I have a pretty low income for purchases and not a lot of wall space in my small apartment. Your "coffee-table" book was a terrific way of having someone else's art besides my own, to peruse when the urge hits.

  • @SimonBoothPhotography
    @SimonBoothPhotography 2 года назад

    In a word...RESPECT!

  • @visualflorida
    @visualflorida 2 года назад

    One of my favorite channels. First stop when I need some inspiration/motivation. Thanks for your work!

  • @michellelinafelter6191
    @michellelinafelter6191 2 года назад +4

    Fun video Thomas. This adds a great BTS look at the operational side of your business. Thank you for sharing your approach.

  • @bjornelenfors2039
    @bjornelenfors2039 2 года назад

    Thank you for the walkthrough!

  • @banjobear1666
    @banjobear1666 2 года назад +1

    Fascinating video Thomas.

  • @bradrobertsonimagery9964
    @bradrobertsonimagery9964 2 года назад

    Hats off to you Thomas. Great in-site into the cost of production. Thank you.

  • @odsalve
    @odsalve 2 года назад

    Интересное и полезное видео. Удачи Вам в вашей работе. Новых первоклассных локаций и фотографий.

  • @markbonham
    @markbonham 2 года назад +1

    Wow, rather you than me with the packing & shipping, got the t-shirt and hated the task. Very interesting overview and nicely explained. 👍👏

  • @davidqueenan
    @davidqueenan 2 года назад

    A great insight Tom and a good reminder of why I stopped trying to sell calendars 😂

  • @johnclay7644
    @johnclay7644 2 года назад +1

    useful 20mins of content.

  • @markhyde1970
    @markhyde1970 2 года назад

    Brilliant! It always seems so simple. I imagine none - or at least not many of us - fully understand "what goes on in the background". Until now.
    I already thought you worked hard. This has taken it up another level! Also, forgive my terminology , I love knowing **** like this. Bit of a geek!
    Epic.

  • @ErnieStripling
    @ErnieStripling 2 года назад +1

    What a quaint and honest way to convey your life as a photographer. You have brought everyone into your travels, life, and home. I look forward to seeing your videos every week. Thanks for the passion that you share with the world.

  • @DarrenJSpoonley
    @DarrenJSpoonley 2 года назад +31

    Your hard work at this time of year looks immense but worth it for sure, the other 51 weeks of the year you just sit back drink tea and read books right ? :-) Well done Pal, consistent hard work and one of the best in the business

  • @stumagoo2395
    @stumagoo2395 2 года назад

    I like the fact you haven't gone down the route of becoming an ambassador to a large camera brand like Nigel Danson has with Nikon. You still have the freedom to use whatever camera gear you like and don't have to post favourable reviews every time Nikon release a new lens or camera or stick with one brand only. Keep up the good work.

  • @clintwood1983
    @clintwood1983 2 года назад

    Fair play. That looks like an absolute drainer of a process!

  • @parasinthephilippines
    @parasinthephilippines 2 года назад

    I run my own company in Dubai manufacturing control panels for the oil and gas industry.
    Every day I'm dealing with running the business.
    But! My secret pleasure is actually going and wiring up the panels and my staff are always surprised when I do. It's the simplicity of the work away from meetings with clients accountants and basically everyone wanting a spare minute.

  • @GirdHerd
    @GirdHerd 2 года назад

    Thomas, I found this video very informative. Thanks for doing it.

  • @tsvetomilsemkov2527
    @tsvetomilsemkov2527 2 года назад +1

    Keep those kind of videos coming, Thomas ! It's a pleasure watching them

  • @SourPlanet
    @SourPlanet 2 года назад

    Good stuff! I had a t-shirt business and I was nowhere near as hands on you are here for the printing and shipping side. But I was able to attend events and see people face to face. That part was awesome. I don't know if you have that opportunity, but I think you'd really enjoy it!

  • @Light_Camera_Story
    @Light_Camera_Story 2 года назад

    You are a good RUclipsr who takes good photos. I don't see any issues.

  • @neildethridge9455
    @neildethridge9455 2 года назад +1

    Well done for all the effort you put into this beautiful work

  • @JayDMacG3
    @JayDMacG3 2 года назад

    I just went to my shelf, and your book has not acquired a funny smell, so I guess it's still fresh. I love the shelf life of this product!

  • @thomhayesimaging
    @thomhayesimaging 2 года назад +1

    Some really useful tips in here. Cheers for taking the time!

  • @johntazbaz1121
    @johntazbaz1121 2 года назад

    Interesting video! Its amazing that you get all those calendars out in 3 days!

  • @Rawnature_dk
    @Rawnature_dk 2 года назад +3

    Great video Thomas 📸🏞