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!
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.
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 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.
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 🙏
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!! 🥰
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 ✅
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Thomas, your process and quality control remind me of _Florian Gatsby’s_ workflow and philosophy. Thank you for sharing your process, it’s heartwarming.
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.
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.
Really interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes in running your own photography business, have a whole new appreciation for the work that goes on!
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.
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.
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.
Literally finished watching the video and jumped online to buy the book simply from how moved I was by your process and passion. I admire the work you put in and your dedication to the outcome. Praying your motivation continues to propel you into the advanced stages of your career.
Excellent work Thomas! I hope the following helps someone. I worked in the print industry in Tasmania and helped many of the state's top photographers monetise their photography through my lateral thinking and print production knowledge, For the tourist market we produced everything from postcards, DL 24 page landscape booklets, A5 16/24 page landscape booklets, posters and calendars through to soft cover and hard cover coffee table books - sold and distributed through tourist outlets accross Tasmania. It was so fulfilling helping these photographers preserve the story of the unique wilderness for posterity. Amongst others you will find Denis Harding and Rob Blakers two very kindred spirits, and their websites showcase some stunning works. Now in Western Australia the brilliant work of Christian Fletcher is monetised quite uniquely. Based in Dunsborough (the holiday focus of our rich and famous!) his stunning works are presented as postcard packs, calendars and books BUT it is the spell binding presentation of his works in his gallery that sees his oversized prints sold for very good dollars as feature pieces for the walls of the well to do - THAT is where the money is. In retirement I am now (in a small way) presenting my photography similarly, but offering silicon edged graphic prints on fabric mounted on a range of LED light boxes which really give the image life. I buy them from Anders Display here in Perth. A bit long folks but really value how you have put yourself out there for our benefit and hope this is of some value.🙂
I recently watched a RUclips video on the subject of how the creator of the video made his money. He shared several charts and tables that described his various revenue streams for the last five or so years. The thing that I found shocking was that he said that only a few percent of his total revenue was by actually selling his photographs (or anything tangible like books or calendars). My reaction was that he shouldn't be calling himself a photographer. I found his whole message to be very disheartening and discouraging especially given that I am struggling to find customers myself. "Those that can, do. Those that can't, monetize RUclips videos, sell preset packages, run workshops, find sponsors, and avoid actually producing and selling photographs." As an aside, I think your book is an incredible value and I am looking forward to buying the next one too.
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.
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!
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.
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
@@Matwiej19 Not to mention the tens of thousands of hours spent learning how to photograph!
@@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.
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 🙏
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.
Thanks a lot for your comment. It's a miracle that I replied to your email, i'm so bad most of the time.
Being retired is glorious. Photography for fun. Travel for fun. This is living.
@Phillip Banes hehe. Living in a van driving Latin America. Never felt better. I love my retirement!
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
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.
Forget the subject, it’s your filmmaking that’s so much better than most.
I had no idea. I thank you for your hard work
Thankyou for this video showing the not so glamorous side of a photography business .
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
I'm drunk for the remaining 51 weeks.
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto hahah
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.
Who would've thunked, the man's a hero?!
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.
Not a number, you are a free man, freedom is hard work. But so rewarding 👏
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.
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.
This video should be pinned on every YT search concerning Photography Business. Thanks for the trip in your work !
Great video.
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).
Great. Idea. Thanks fo sharing that it’s not all cups of tea in a cozy camper.
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.
Thank you for the walkthrough!
In a word...RESPECT!
'One man band' is an expression you were looking for :) Thank you for sharing your process.
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!
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.
OMG I really didn’t think about that side of your business, tones of respect.
One of my favorite channels. First stop when I need some inspiration/motivation. Thanks for your work!
Huh, you're "fussy"! What a surprise 😄. Seriously though, that was a very informative video. Thank you, Thomas.
Thank you for the hard work you do on that. Your Calenders are always awesome.
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!
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.
You could always make longer videos, I'm always sad when they finish.
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!! 🥰
Dear me, I had no idea! I will appreciate my calendar even more when it arrives🥰
Fascinating video Thomas.
That was very interesting. Thank you for posting
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!
Wow, hardworking ‘Heaton’! Now that’s commitment to your art. Well done sir.
you are a living pioneer... awesome Thomas. I forllowe you from beginning. Respekt and Humility
Thanks Thomas - very illuminating
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.
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!
I can really appreciate how much work you put in. It's extremely admirable. It's more than just photography and making videos.
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!
That's great to hear. I wish you every success.
The autograph definitely got ME to preorder my calendar! It's cool to think that one of those in the stacks is mine😁
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
Great video Thomas 📸🏞
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.
I can so relate to wanting to handle the bits yourself - quality control!
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!
I pre-ordered and got it in the mail last week 🙌🏼 I haven’t felt that excited in quite some time about a purchase. Thank you Thomas!!!❤
Amazing video, thank you.
This is a revelation. Good luck with it.
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.
Watching this makes me thankful I no longer work in a stockroom! My back is hurting for you........
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 ✅
Thanks for this video Tom! 🙏
Thomas this video shows how hard you work. Very impressive.
Great watch very insightful thanks for sharing
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
great advice, thank you.
Oooo I've been waiting for this one
Really enjoyed this. Was fascinated by your camper van project too. I always like behind the scenes videos.
Great video. Thanks. That's a hell of a lot of work.
Thanks for sharing
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
Very interesting about the business side
Keep those kind of videos coming, Thomas ! It's a pleasure watching them
Great video Thomas.
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. 👍
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.
Total admiration letting us see the hard work that goes on behind the camera. Brilliant 👍
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.
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.
As a nature- and landscape photographer starting up my business (tomorrow), this was really insightful! 🙏
Huge respect for you mate. It kills me sending off a few eBay sales here and there!
Thomas, your process and quality control remind me of _Florian Gatsby’s_ workflow and philosophy. Thank you for sharing your process, it’s heartwarming.
Great Video Thomas thanks for sharing
Enlightening video, Tom.
Good grief, that is hard work indeed! I value your work even more now
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.
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.
Really interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes in running your own photography business, have a whole new appreciation for the work that goes on!
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.
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.
Well Tom , i take my hat off to you, this film really opened my eyes to what you do.
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.
Hats off to you Thomas. Great in-site into the cost of production. Thank you.
You are a good RUclipsr who takes good photos. I don't see any issues.
Literally finished watching the video and jumped online to buy the book simply from how moved I was by your process and passion. I admire the work you put in and your dedication to the outcome. Praying your motivation continues to propel you into the advanced stages of your career.
Royal Mail will happily ship over 2kg parcels, they just are classified as a 'medium parcel' and cost a fair bit more to do so.
As someone who works in shipping and receiving I fully sympathize with needing to pack and label all those boxes!
Working hard Thomas, nothing comes easy but with persistent and good business partners, success always come, you deserve it mate
Excellent work Thomas! I hope the following helps someone. I worked in the print industry in Tasmania and helped many of the state's top photographers monetise their photography through my lateral thinking and print production knowledge, For the tourist market we produced everything from postcards, DL 24 page landscape booklets, A5 16/24 page landscape booklets, posters and calendars through to soft cover and hard cover coffee table books - sold and distributed through tourist outlets accross Tasmania. It was so fulfilling helping these photographers preserve the story of the unique wilderness for posterity. Amongst others you will find Denis Harding and Rob Blakers two very kindred spirits, and their websites showcase some stunning works. Now in Western Australia the brilliant work of Christian Fletcher is monetised quite uniquely. Based in Dunsborough (the holiday focus of our rich and famous!) his stunning works are presented as postcard packs, calendars and books BUT it is the spell binding presentation of his works in his gallery that sees his oversized prints sold for very good dollars as feature pieces for the walls of the well to do - THAT is where the money is. In retirement I am now (in a small way) presenting my photography similarly, but offering silicon edged graphic prints on fabric mounted on a range of LED light boxes which really give the image life. I buy them from Anders Display here in Perth.
A bit long folks but really value how you have put yourself out there for our benefit and hope this is of some value.🙂
My God that’s a daunting amount of work!
That was quite interesting to see!
Been buying your calendar for every year for years and love them. Watching your process just adds value to them.
Well done for all the effort you put into this beautiful work
I recently watched a RUclips video on the subject of how the creator of the video made his money. He shared several charts and tables that described his various revenue streams for the last five or so years. The thing that I found shocking was that he said that only a few percent of his total revenue was by actually selling his photographs (or anything tangible like books or calendars). My reaction was that he shouldn't be calling himself a photographer. I found his whole message to be very disheartening and discouraging especially given that I am struggling to find customers myself. "Those that can, do. Those that can't, monetize RUclips videos, sell preset packages, run workshops, find sponsors, and avoid actually producing and selling photographs." As an aside, I think your book is an incredible value and I am looking forward to buying the next one too.
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.
Thomas, I found this video very informative. Thanks for doing it.
Excellent insights. Thank you.