How much money did I make printing a photo zine?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
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Now that my first photography zine is printed and shipped, I can share with you how much money the zine earned, how much it cost to make, what my additional expenses were, and how much profit (if anything) I made from doing this.
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📕 CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:33 Designing
4:35 Printing
6:44 Selling
8:41 Revenue and expenses
12:24 Money matters
16:55 Outro
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Congratulations on the project. I like to think you spent $68 for a lifetime experience and memory forever immortalized.
As someone who's been in graphic design and printing for 28 years, this is a good brief for layout and self-publishing. The result is a really good-looking book, and I'm glad the project was able to fund itself.
It looks similar to what I've been able to do in LRC, except that they only have one format (portrait) for zines, unfortunately.
Hat's off to you Toby - really, congratulations. Sure, you didn't set out to make a quadrillion dollars on this Zine, but I look at the real ways you "won" from the venture -- First, you created a permanent record of some of your work that you can hold in your hand; next, you attracted a ton of people who scrambled to get themselves their very own copy. And finally, I look at it this way - you got to travel away, have fun taking photographs, got your creativity flowing by laying out a book, experienced the thrill of producing and receiving a beautiful book - and all it really cost you in dollars was $68'ish. That's worth celebrating indeed! 👏🏻👏🏻
Todd I am fortunate it appears to have gotten my order in early. I received notification that the Zine is on the way. What initially caught my attention was your story on Keeler which I visited for about 90 minutes on my way to the Alabama Hills from Death Valley. I am also working on creating Zines myself to get my images off the hard drive to share with others. I was fortunate to run into your channel and have you walk us through the creation of the Zine and also for today’s video on who you used and the finances of the project. You gained a new subscriber in the process and I appreciate you showing us the entire process. I look forward to gaining additional motivation from your Zine.
Hey Todd, Jose from Puerto Rico. You said something almost at the end that stood out to me: You're doing what you love, and it keeps you sane. I did something similar to what you showed here.
I shot my brother-in-law's wedding and made a book out of it as a wedding gift for him and his wife. Likewise, I made no money, but the satisfaction of seeing the results and their reaction was priceless. I'm not a professional photographer, but I do love Photography, and I have landscapes here galore. Seascapes, to be more precise. This was a very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing.
Really great video about zines and the business of photography... something that I personally have been struggling with and recently discussed with my accountant. The point you gave regarding doing something you love makes all the struggles worth while. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the project! A couple things……. Other than not getting paid for your time, it’s pretty cool you travelled, shot, created and sold your zine and it only cost you $68.00!! I’d sign up for that every day 😊
A very good point at the end, print your work. I’ve printed a few books for myself and it’s amazing to see the images not on a monitor.
As a Landscape photographer from Bangladesh, struggling to manage a full time job and keep doing dedicated landscape, I live in a state of constant dilemma of job passion and money. you sir have addressed every single question of mine without even asking! thank you, love your work, love your straight and simple presentation. keep doing the good work
where might we see your work?
My Zine arrived in the UK yesterday. It’s fantastic, thank you.
I got my copy of the zine. I haven't read the verbaige yet, I want to take my time and appreciate the content. Just for the heck it I compared the photographs to those found in the Encyclopedia Britannica. The quality is the same. You can be proud of your work. Those who did not order missed out on a beautiful piece of work. I really mean it. Also, you can enjoy my tongue and cheek comments found also in these comments. My suggestion is to take one copy and have it preserved for your decendants. They would appreciate what Great, Great, Great Grandfather or Uncle or Cousin created.
Thank you for breaking down the costs associated. I’d love to make a short run photobook, but it seems the costs would out pace the gains. Maybe I’ll have to make it a digital book!
I really appreciate you recapping this project, and how personal creative projects often times aren't financially viable - but rewarding personally. You cant discount the personal growth and the stories you gain from things like this!
Dear Todd, I was so happy to see you do this. For some reason I wasnt able to get international shipping and aquire one of the copies. That aside. My work is commercial photografy and as the world has gone digital I keep on making cines, and it’s the most efficient way to book a meeting with a client; «hey, I’ve printed this thing with your photo in it. Care to meet up an I’ll give you a copy?» - they always say yes and give you more business. You’ve got to spend to gain. Good on you and keep it up! Best Regards from Norway
A really interesting video, so thank you. I was away for a few weeks so didn’t have a chance to order a copy. Next time. Mixam have a UK arm, which is excellent to know. For bigger book-length projects I know of several photographers who have done well using Kickstarter (or similar). But once into more ambitious big money projects it seems that a heck of a lot of work (daily marketing, basically) is required to bring them home, so it’s no cake walk. Another Place Press in the UK do lovely zines for landscapers of all kinds.
Wow, this looks like a wonderful booklet! I wish I’d found out about it sooner. Your channel popped up in my recommendations (likely because I subscribe to Nigel, from whom I’ve bought three wonderful books and a large print), and then I started watching some of your content. I don’t use LightRoom (Capture 1 with my Fuji cameras) and I’m pretty set with gear. It your “ In the Field” videos are wonderful, and why I just subscribed.
If you find a spare copy stuck in a corner, let me know.
Todd: This was my first look at your content. I'm very impressed by its excellent, efficiently engaging informative production design. Although I am not an enthusiastic fan of scenic landscape photography I was also impressed by your website design and content. Your claimed professional design background comes through loudly. +1 subscriber here!
I made a zine with Mixam in the fall, printed 20 copies and gave them all away. Totally worth it.
Then last month I printed a book of 50 pages, just 1 copy for myself. Also totally worth it.
I just saw the email saying that my copy has been shipped. I’m SO excited to get it! 😊
That said, I’m kinda bummed, but not that surprised that you didn’t break even with this zine. Personally I felt the price was completely fair, and I love your Keeler work, so buying a copy was a no brainer for me. I would have wished you some actual financial success with it, but on the bright side it’s so fulfilling to consciously make art just for the sake of it. That’s how I’ve always approached it (and successfully avoided making any significant amounts of money with what I do 😀).
You mentioned all the positive aspects of the project except for one, and that is that one of the things that you hopefully learned is that there was a demand for your work (I had wanted to purchase, but found it sold out shortly after learning about it and I'm sure that there were many others in the same boat). That means not only are you able to do something that you enjoy, but there is a potential to even be profitable at it. Keep up the great work!
Interesting and so good that you've included costs/expenses. Effectively the zine paid for the trip, or if you count food/fuel, the trip was a few hundred dollars. I think that's pretty good and I might have a go at doing something similar myself. I've no shortage of images and as I photograph wildlife and landscapes I have a great variety of subjects... Food for thought, thanks Todd.
A very informative video, Todd. Thanks for sharing the costs. One thing you didn't mention, which I believe is huge, is the fact that you can write off all your expenses including depreciation of equipment on your taxes. When you factor in the tax savings you made a handsome profit even before you include your TH-cam income.
Great video and congratulations on producing your first zine. You mentioned converting all of your photographs to CMYK for printing. To save time you can just leave your images as RGB as the export PDF process that Mixam requires converts all images into CMYK upon export, saving a lot of time in the setup process. You can always soft proof your layout to show the CMYK colourspace Mixam uses to get gauge of how the colours will come out in final print.
Very giving and professional your presentation…thank you
Thank you for sharing your experience throughout this project. We learn and grow by meeting challenges and undertaking projects outside our comfort zone. It's your first zine and that is a substantial accomplishment. What you've learned and shared with us is much appreciated.
Yep! What you said!
Thanks for the behind the scenes look! I always like the business-y side of things and appreciate videos like this. I make calendars for my local area every year, I'm at the stage where the profit is minimal and sort of chalk it up to a marketing expense.
Defraying that trip cost across some of the other sources of revenue is also important to consider. As you mentioned, you were able to generate YT content from that trip as well, which would also go to the positive side of things, probably helping your zine show some profit - since the expense could be split. Either way, for a landscape photographer, multiple streams of revenue is key to build anything sustainable.
Thanks again!
Great video Todd!
As always great video. I bought a copy as soon as you posted the first video about Keeler and that you were going to sell a Zine. About a week after that someone from a Facebook group I am in posted about a ghost town in my area from a coal mining town. Turns out they offer paid tours and photo excursions and it's just 40 minute drive. I do not have an audience to sell copies to anyone but it sure would make great gifts for Christmas to my family and close friends. Something I will think about.
Todd, A great video and project!
Congratulations, Todd. Very inspiring!
You got your photography vacation paid for…sounds like a win to me. Great work
Nicely done and you have me a great idea on how to share my love of composition with others in a hard copy and then add QR Codes inside the book so they can order larger prints.
This is awesome🙏🏿
Very cool video of the process.
Great info and video! Your points and observations are right on. Thank you!
Thanks for all the info,this is something that I am trying to put together myself,and knowing all that you went through just made it a little easier!
Thank you for being transparent on the cost of making a zine. You inspired me to do the same at a smaller scale.
Thank you Todd! Keep on inspiring. Looking forward to your Zine. Cheers!
Thanks Todd! Saw my mail notification to Australia the other day. I appreciate it!
Thanks for being transparent. This is great info
I only discovered your channel a month ago and was absolutely bummed that I missed signing up to buy a copy of your wonderful photo book. If you create a second run, I am on! But thank you for the wonderful channel and inspiration.
As always thx for the info! I enjoy your level headed no hype information. It is always entertaining and informational.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this project. I had begun (tentatively) thinking about doing something along similar lines, and your presentation nudges me further in that direction... Cheers
would still want to buy one if you ever consider another edition of this Keeler zine. Maybe you create some waiting list.
I got my tracking yesterday and am very excited to receive the zine. Much love from Ontario!
I very much enjoyed your video. I have been collecting images for a personal project of making a zine. It’s only for myself, a few family members and friends. This was informative and motivating thank you.
Great breakdown of this project Todd.... I really enjoyed your stance that even though this maybe is a "loss" when it comes to financial analysis, it still is a win in the professional development column. I look forward to see what you publish next...
Well done. I found the channel recently with the Keeler video. I’m not a photographer, but appreciate your narration style and you have a great eye for subject matter. Will definitely buy whatever the next printing may be.
As an amateur photographer, an all expenses paid trip looks like a good deal.
You only sold 150 copies because that's all you printed. What if you printed 200, 300? Can you do a reprint?
In due course, you are likely to have 200k subscribers, and your market will be larger.
This video will continue to point prospects to your online store into the future. Your newslett is pretty much done, unil you have another book.
Great overview. Some good ideas for book design that I appreciate. I have taken to completing a book for each travel trip. I think the process of layout, design and publication bring together the trip and provide a long lasting physical memento that is more compelling than pictures on a computer screen. InDesign looks more flexible than the Book module in Lightroom, so something else to learn! FWIW - quality looks great so I suspect you could charge a bit more and still sell out, just don’t add the cost of labour! Have subscribed to your YT channel for a while, always nice when a new video comes out. Keep it up.
Thank you for this experience (of yours) and the educational value. I'd love to get something done like that, but ..... that's a request of my family since I don't have a following. Anyway, nicely done for you!
Thanks for sharing Todd. Been thinking of doing a zine this year and this vid is really insightful. Well done on your publication, it looks beautiful. As a matter of interest what is the population of Keeler and did you sell many zines there?
This is so cool and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Volume would be your goal. If you doubled your sales, you could have made ~$1600 or so. Your static expenses stay the same, your book-making cost will go up for more volume, but the ratio begins to shift. Problem will be then the cost to advertise will then start to eat into your margin as you try to grow your market reach. Self publishing is a labor of love for the craft of photography. I've done it as well. Partnering with a publisher is a better money maker, but then you're "working for the man" at that point. I was acquainted with a very famous painter who has since passed on. He made a ton of money with his art because he was partnered with a publishing company. Some felt he compromised himself, but reality was he loved painting and just wanted to make a living at it. He did. Unfortunatly, he died at a rather young age. Makes me wonder if all that is even worth it. You can't take it with you and you family will fight over it.
Keep pressing the shutter release. That's where the real thrill is. I know it is for me. Make a book fro yourself, is great advice. Thanks again.
Congrats! What a great project and thanks for all of the details about how you did it. Out of curiosity, isn't this taxable income - and aren't the directly related costs (e.g. travel) potential business expenses for tax purposes? I am also assuming that any income from your TH-cam channel is also taxable and since you have used both the zine and the photo trip for subject matter in your TH-cam channel, perhaps you could write off both as business expenses for your TH-cam income ;) Creative accounting and creative photography!
Thanks for sharing this, Todd. I loved this shoot, and very much look forward to receiving my zine. 👍🦘
What a fun project!! You didn’t account for depreciation of camera, computer, and other equipment, your office, etc….
Got it on the cost, but I believe you omitted that part of that cost was actually shared cost with the cost associated with the TH-cam video you released. So actually, doing a zine based upon a TH-cam planned event was a wise test to see if you can use this as a method to reduce the impact of your travel cost. The other part that was missing from your cost breakdown is the labor to process the photos and layout the zine, plus the revenue generated from releasing this video. However, I think the real point of this video was to give your viewing audience an idea of what it would cost to make and distribute a zine and you did that well.
I'm betting your wife told you to print 300 copies next time hahahhahaha. This was an interesting video and the general theme "do it just to enjoy it" is how I feel about making TH-cam videos. Cheers.
interesting, thank you
I wanted to get one but they were sold out. Maybe a second printing? I really love the style and the photos and would like to do something similar someday. I especially loved the pool photo, it was just beautiful! I was surprised to see it actually made money, it seems when I want to print something it's too expensive. For example, to print a calendar, it costs about $64 to print one calendar from Saal. I only did it because I had a discount, but I don't think I could make money off of that. I know bulk order makes a big difference, but it's an investment. (And then, how does the revenue work with taxes, too?) I wanted to ask about how you up the blacks to print, do you do that for every photo you might print? I've been having trouble printing through local camera stores, with the photos often being too dark, I've tried lowering the brightness on my laptop screen.
Great video. The work looks fantastic. Was this sponsored by Mixam? If not, why not do print on demand with Ingram, Amazon, Blurb, etc? That would mean no upfront outlay, and potentially no fulfillment hassles. Best of all, you could sell as many as you want.
I set up a small book to print of my work --- did the editing etc then ran through the costs from printing onwards ----- outcome i shelved the idea. It would have cost me £300 if i sold all 500 copies and that was 6 years ago.
How many books did you print, and what price did you set for the book? I didn't catch that in your video.
can you buy individual prints and not the book ?
Let me say first off, if you are on TH-cam, you are demented. I know because I'm on TH-cam, too. TH-camrs know what I mean.
You know if you open it up to another couple of boxes being sold, you could come out enough ahead to order yourself a pizza. It might be worth it. Or, buy yourself a Brownie camera that used 120 film.
I was not where I could order the zine, so I called me wife and she placed an order and confirmation came a couple of days ago that it's coming. I'm not exactly waiting with bated breath, but I am looking forward to seeing your efforts.
An interesting question, what would it have cost if they packaged it so all you had to do is label and postage. That's the way I would do it. Good job. Be safe.
Question: when you personally make this zine that you officially and directly sold to your fans, does that count as being published or to be "published" you must go through a real publisher circuit. Is it called self published or not?
I asked that because sometimes i read the rules of photography competitions (no interest in participating, just curiosity) and some of them mention "the photographer must not have any publication".
Todd, you just need to sell more zines and or increase the price.
Todd! Big fan of your channel. Congrats on a huge success for your zine. Thank you for sharing/documenting the process for us. I’m going to use this for my first flying camera zine. -TED NEMETH
Forgotten to mention the manhour of photographing, processing, and yada yada. But maybe the experience and passion already paid off by itself.
I would say at the very least, you could say that you broke even. I mean the $2k maybe helped pay for your trip out there (either part of it or maybe the whole thing). Of course if you were doing this as a business (maybe you are, I'm not sure) then yes you would want some profit (a reasonable amount) after all said and done (book printing, your time prepping photos and dealing with the printer, etc, and your trip expenses). I think the trip costs are one thing some people don't really factor in (then again, if you're not doing this as a business, like me, then it would be different I guess, and you could say -- like I do -- as long as the income supports the hobby and I break even, then I'm fine with it).
You do comment about the $68.32 loss, and it is a loss on paper, so as a business, that wouldn't be good. But then I think there is the aspect of enjoyment and pleasure it may bring to be out there and photographing, and that's something that's hard to put a value on (if you even can). So while you may have lost money on paper, you likely "profited" from the experience and the memories. This is something that I've sort of come to realize over the years... and I will preface this with saying I don't do photography as a means of income or to make money, but rather just as a hobby and the enjoyment of it. But I used to come back from trips from Death Valley and Yellowstone and would start to obsess about the cost of the trip (in dollars) while not realizing what I had gained from the trip (both photographically and in the sense of the memories and the good times I had while on these trips). And I think sometimes that goes unnoticed at times. People focus on the money too much (which can be important obviously if you are on a budget) but they fail to realize the benefit they are getting out of such trips and adventures which don't (usually/always) come in the form of physical money, but rather experiences and memories and those are priceless (as much as that sounds like a cliche).
Great project, and there's always something about seeing work printed.
When counting up the costs though, you make the classic mistake of not attributing a value to your own 'work'. How much time did you spend processing the images etc.? You could say you would have done that anyway, but if you were to spend all your available time working on eZines it wouldn't make sense.
I made a conscious decision many years ago to forget about selling prints etc. as it didn't improve my photography one bit. Please please don't fall into the trap of taking the kinds of images you think people will buy - your work is too good to have this distraction.
Who's name it is "Peter...", couldn't figure out.
Peter Lick.
@@dalladymon thank you.
And that's not accounting for time!
Zine? never heard that expression.
Well in this case you didn’t cover your cost! The answer is limited edition with much higher prices.
So you need at least 100k TH-cam subscribers to make profit with such a project 😅😉
Sell more of the books and your net profit will be higher
But think of the fun you had doing the trip and the book!
there are several ways to see this... you lost 68 dollars or your supporters just sponsored the time you spent there lol... I think was a success! too bad I just saw this now or else I would buy it
Interesting. You also didn’t put a value on your time. The hours taking the photographs, editing and processing the photos, building the zine in In Design etc, etc.
you really can't expect to make a profit from such a small number of zines....if you keep doing it, creating a big market for it and selling many hundreds or thousands, then you see your numbers.....this was just dipping your toes in the water....