Let’s make something beautiful together.
Revenue Sharing Models? Let’s Talk About It.
For the past year, this idea has been stuck in my head. I want to create bigger shoots regularly, the zine was my first taste of it.
I’ve been shooting for over a decade, spending tens of thousands on film, traveling, and putting everything into my work. But the reality is—I’m kinda broke. And I want to do more. Bigger shoots, more creative freedom, more travel, and projects that actually pay the people I work with.
Then, in February year, a model with over a million followers asked me to shoot her for her magazine. The pay? $500. Meanwhile, the magazine had 45,000 followers, and the subscription fee was $15 per month. Even at the lowest estimates, it’s pulling in $10,000+ monthly. She earned that audience, she should be rewarded for it—but where does that leave photographers like me, who bring the vision to life?
It got me thinking: what if my biggest client was my audience?
I’ve resisted paywalling my work because, honestly, a lot of it feels exploitative. I have zero interest in creating NSFW content to be consumed by men. I want to make art, collaborate, grow and make beautiful things. NSFW is not what I want to do, and it’s never going to be. But last week, I caught up with another photographer who’s built a direct-to-audience model, and they’re revenue-sharing with the people they work with. It’s not a one-way transaction—it’s a collaboration.
And that’s what I want to do.
Looking at What Works (And What Doesn’t)
Photographers like BadBoi have built insane revenue models, selling magazines for $800 an issue, flying models across the world, and even donating to charities. P Magazine, which I personally own, charged $500 an issue—but they worked with top-tier talent and had massive production costs. They’ve since retired the project.
Meanwhile, I’ve put out two zines that cost me $10,000 to produce and didn’t break even. I didn’t do it for the money, but if I want to keep creating, I need a model that works.
So Here’s What I’m Looking at Building on Patreon
If you sign up as a Founder ($5/month), you’ll get:
• Access to my shoot briefs, planning, and process
• Field surveys + discussions on photographic work (I won’t be asking for input on talent or what I shoot, though)
• A discount on every zine release—normally $35 on my website, but $25 here
Once Founder spots fill up, Patreon will be $10/month, with the same benefits and a $10 discount on all zines.
If that’s not for you? That’s fine! You can still buy zines and prints through my website. This is just a way to go deeper, support my work, and be part of the process.
A Higher Tier (But With Ethics in Mind)
I’m considering a limited tier for four photographers—where I’ll teach them about shoot production, lining things up, and building a sustainable photography career. But I’ll be selective, because photography is rife with exploitation, and I refuse to teach anyone who isn’t here to create with respect.
What’s Next? More Travel, More Print, More Collaboration
I’m 100% committed to continuing the printed zines and producing physical work—not just digital. Prints, books, and zines will always be a huge part of what I do.
If this gets enough traction, I’d love to fund more ambitious shoots in more exotic locations. Maybe even Perth in March if the interest is there.
One Final Promise
I will never reuse or sell old work. Not just because it’s unethical—it’s literally contractually prohibited. Every model I work with signs an agreement protecting them from exploitation. It’s fundamental to the ethos of Of Oliver.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. If this sounds like something you’d want to be part of, join me on Patreon and let’s make something sustainable, ethical, and creative—together.
PS. If you are interested in being photographed and working with me, I’ve created a form here.
