How I Run & Operate My Photography Business

In this video, we go behind the scenes and look at how I operate my photography business, including youtube videos, editing, selling products, distribution and sponsors. This is my busiest week of the year and I have wanted to document this for many years. I hope you enjoy this, slightly different, video. For 10% off your first purchase visit www.squarespace.com/heaton
My Landscape Photography Book: thomasheaton.co.uk/product/my...
Binge Watch My Entire 'On Location' Catalogue: • Binge Watch EVERYTHING...
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My Website: www.thomasheaton.co.uk
My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
My Facebook: / thomasheatonphotography
The Gear I use & Used to Make These Videos. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.
Main Video Camera: geni.us/for-video
Tripod: geni.us/ELJmb3x
My Full Kit List: bit.ly/tomsgear
The Music in These Videos from Artlist & Epidemic: 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬
artlist.io/?artlist_aid=thoma...
share.epidemicsound.com/t2V7R
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - The Obvious Path to Making a Living on KZbin
01:35 - How I Make a Living from my Photography
02:37 - Turning my Images in to Products
05:46 - Why Books Make Perfect Business Sense
07:31 - Selling Calendars is a Risk
08:53 - How I Sell Calendars Risk Free
10:24 - Logistics of Selling Thousands of Calendars
14:07 - How I Process Thousands of Online Orders
15:23 - Paying EU VAT
16:01 - Ready for Shipping
16:21 - Why I Work Alone
17:50 - Sponsored Message
#LandscapePhotography #business

[@sergejkurakin]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@Matwiej19]

@@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]

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 🙏

[@gosho2248]

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 KZbin and I think your numbers prove it! You managed to make all this business-related tedious work entertaining to watch

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

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.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I am considering a book, or at least a zine. The problem with calendars is that they literally become dated. I say this having bought two of yours, neither of which is any longer on my wall. (I still have them, of course.) At least with a book or zine, one can pick it up any time. Of course I've not even sold a print. One time a guy said on Facebook that he'd love to have a certain print on his wall. I DM'd him, gave him my email and said to get in touch. He never did. So I'll likely put together a book or zine (I already have a theme in mind) and give them to family as gifts. Maybe someone will see one and want their own. Or I'll mention them in a video. Thank God I don't rely on photography for income.

[@garypearson9756]

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 KZbinr'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]

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]

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

[@conchscooter]

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

[@valerievaleriem1769]

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.

[@gruagach1]

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.

[@duncanwallace7760]

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.

[@WoldsEndPhotography]

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).

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

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

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I'm drunk for the remaining 51 weeks.

[@MrDaveB123]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto hahah

[@jamesburke9568]

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

[@insoleandlaces]

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.

[@IanSmithFotografi]

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

[@boris-bikepack]

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

[@STEVEMUNCY]

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.

[@brackalack1]

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

[@sittingstill3578]

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

[@sethpotterphoto]

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

[@marcel9568]

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.

[@wyldcanuck]

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]

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]

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

[@SebastianOakley]

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!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's great to hear. I wish you every success.

[@shaunmadill8866]

I got tired just watching this. You deserve every penny you make.

[@huexley]

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

[@digitalsolutionsZA]

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!

[@OracleFP]

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

[@iNerdier]

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.

[@visualflorida]

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

[@trevorsneath4665]

That was eye opening!

[@simon_dentremont]

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!).

[@gervaischouinard9809]

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!

[@MattWazza]

Fascinating insight, thanks Thomas!

[@martinwerge9245]

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

[@lousmaczylo7281]

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

[@alanplatt888]

Mind Blowing !!!! Wow !!

[@connor56347]

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

[@NeilMendham]

Thanks Thomas - very illuminating

[@gerardopaez937]

Thanks for this video Tom! 🙏

[@davidaylsworth8964]

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!

[@parasinthephilippines]

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.

[@banjobear1666]

Fascinating video Thomas.

[@IanBarrowPhotography]

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

[@tsvetomilsemkov2527]

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

[@Tagomac]

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

[@alexu.2740]

Excellent insights. Thank you.

[@gladysperrier4270]

This is quite the eye opener. Thanks for sharing.

[@warrenlloyd7532]

Another excellent video mate! Keep 'em coming!

[@Webpromotions]

I started my working career in the printing industry. There used to be machines (even 40 years ago) that could automate the entire process of opening the box, inserting prints, then repackaging everything (you still have to sign though). We used them in a variety of scenarios, ie inserting advertising material into newspapers. Inserting cards into magazines or catalogues. We could do tens of thousands an hour. Not sure if anyone in the UK is offering that service now though.

[@peterwolf3001]

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

[@costelloandsilke7321]

Congratulations Thomas for all your hard work - and for giving us a great insight into it.

[@millymucci]

superduper! admiration and respect! 🌟

[@LoudSilences]

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

[@bjornelenfors2039]

Thank you for the walkthrough!

[@Bigdave_t4]

Amazing to see how much work goes into what you do! Keep it up tom, its awesome

[@thomhayesimaging]

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

[@harrykaravias4823]

Great information Thomas. 👍 Wow what a process 😮

[@markjarrett9400]

That was very interesting. Thank you for posting

[@francescomariani]

Yep my calendar is in there. Thanks for the hard work Thomas.

[@soundscape26]

This was super interesting to watch... much appreciation for your work Thomas.

[@timd4524]

Oh my God. I use to do the quality control for Zebra back in the early 2000's. Me and 1 other guy. They were the reason I got out of Quality control. The printers work fine in normal temperature conditions. Walmart was having a devil of a time with them in Alaska. Of course it's impossible to convince any President or VP that you need to by military spec components to get them to run up there. Oh what a nightmare.

[@VahanenTomFunke]

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

[@Ambolecote]

Been buying your calendar for every year for years and love them. Watching your process just adds value to them.

[@xSoupyTwist]

Really enjoyed seeing your whole process! Thanks for sharing

[@alanpreece5940]

Thank you for one of the most engaging videos I have seen on KZbin. 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.

[@whitefootimages]

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 KZbin viewers

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Thank you & cheers!

[@Rawnature_dk]

Great video Thomas 📸🏞

[@alexanderbarron8987]

Oooo I've been waiting for this one

[@stevejacksonphotography]

Great watch very insightful thanks for sharing

[@aharshephotography]

So much hard work goes into getting all this done. Really appreciate this video.

[@petermoore7619]

Great video Thomas.

[@taxt17]

Inspired, thank you

[@bensmith5707]

Incredible

[@omarhany4119]

loved this video and all the hard work in it 🙌🙌

[@stevebikes995]

This was very enlightening. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@idophotography4611]

Lets go love you Thomas ❤️

[@jimmosca7843]

Very cool Insight. Thanks for sharing!

[@whafrog]

Brilliant video, really appreciate the presentation, the thought and care that goes into the process. Nicely done!

[@markwalkerphotography]

Great insight Thomas 😊

[@philsmith774]

This is a quite brilliant video. There is just so much to do and organise.

[@BriManeely]

Man. I appreciate this video, and all the work you put into your business. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@neildethridge9455]

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

[@thebikerphotographer3774]

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

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Thomas thanks for sharing

[@davemenard5089]

That’s what we want. Your personal touch. Why we watching. Appreciate the efforts Tom ❤

[@MrAlexisSG]

Really interesting to get the chance of looking behind the scenes! Wonderful to see the care you dedicate to each of the products!

[@conchscooter]

This is a revelation. Good luck with it.

[@ProjectCamper]

Total admiration letting us see the hard work that goes on behind the camera. Brilliant 👍

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

Waited all day to sit down and watch this tonight. You are completely right in, there's a sense of fulfillment doing all that all the way through shipping when it is your product. Your creation. Can't wait to see the new calendar and print.

[@stevencurtisphotography]

Love the content - It's nice seeing the "other side" of the business too!

[@Wklambert]

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.

[@x100ed]

Love this video!!!! My God man, that is some dedication, but delighted that you have such passion for it. I never before stopped to think what goes into shipping product, and what you need to do! Really appreciate all you do Tom, and wish you every success with it all!!

[@stevenyoung1141]

This is a great video! Thank you so much for showing the behind the scenes of the business. Amazed you do all this work and still make amazing videos and take amazing shots each week. Thanks!

[@anthonykent8139]

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

[@michellelinafelter6191]

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

[@jimwlouavl]

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

[@TC-pm1ul]

Great bts video hats off to you. Good luck with the sales.

[@AndyBanner]

Enlightening video, Tom.

[@STUARTGREENDRAWS]

Amazing video Sir. Very helpful.

[@Yizzlesquasm]

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.