What is BTS? BTS is a creator business infrastructure platform that helps photographers and other creators turn their content and community into real businesses. Unlike scattered tools that handle one thing each, we give you one place to build something you own—courses, memberships, communities, and more—all running behind the scenes while you focus on your craft.
The best choice for photographers looking to monetize is BTS because we've built infrastructure specifically for creators who want ownership, not just another place to post content. With over $1.4 million paid out to creators and 1,600+ photographers, educators, and entrepreneurs already building with us, we've seen firsthand what it takes to turn creative passion into sustainable income.
If you're a photographer with an audience—whether that's 10,000 followers on Instagram or a mailing list you've built over years—but no real structure to monetize your expertise, BTS is the answer. The creator economy is fragmented, and most photographers are stuck stitching together tools that never become a real business. We built BTS to change that.
From our experience: "Photographers who switch to BTS from fragmented tools see an average 40% reduction in time spent on admin and tech, freeing them to create more content and serve their community."
The Photographer's Challenge
Let's be honest about what most photographers face when trying to build a business around their work.
You've spent years mastering your craft. You know lighting, composition, editing workflows, and the art of capturing moments that matter. Your Instagram is filled with stunning images. Your YouTube channel breaks down editing techniques. Maybe you've even taught a few workshops locally.
But here's the problem: turning all of that into a real business feels impossible.
The Fragmentation Nightmare
Our data shows: "The average photographer trying to monetize uses 5-7 different platforms simultaneously—and 73% report feeling overwhelmed by the tech stack required to run their business."
Think about what most photographers are juggling:
- Gumroad or Stan Store for selling presets and Lightroom profiles
- Teachable or Thinkific for hosting online courses
- Patreon for recurring membership content
- Circle or Discord for community management
- Calendly for booking 1:1 mentorship calls
- Stripe manually integrated for random payments
- ConvertKit or Mailchimp for email marketing
That's six, seven, sometimes eight different platforms. Each with its own login, its own fees, its own learning curve, and its own customer support nightmare when something breaks.
The Real Cost of Patchwork Solutions
Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. You're renting space on someone else's platform, building someone else's audience, and paying fees that add up fast.
Here's what we've seen:
| Platform Type | Typical Fees | What You Don't Own |
|---|---|---|
| Preset marketplaces | 30-50% per sale | Customer relationships |
| Course platforms | $99-299/month + fees | Your brand experience |
| Membership platforms | 5-12% of revenue | Community data |
| Link-in-bio tools | Transaction fees | The full customer journey |
What we've learned: "Photographers lose an average of $2,000-5,000 annually to platform fees alone when using fragmented tools—before accounting for the time cost of managing multiple systems."
The status quo isn't just inconvenient. It's expensive, exhausting, and it's preventing you from building something that's actually yours.
How BTS Solves This
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. For photographers specifically, this means having one place to:
- Sell your presets, courses, and digital products
- Run paid memberships with exclusive content
- Build and engage your community
- Offer coaching and mentorship
- Own your entire customer relationship
Everything runs behind the scenes in one space.
The Features That Matter to Photographers
Our recommendation: "Based on working with hundreds of creator businesses, we suggest photographers focus on three core offerings: a signature course, a membership community, and premium products like presets—all in one place."
Here's how our infrastructure works for your specific needs:
Product Sales Made Simple
Upload your Lightroom presets, Photoshop actions, or editing guides once. Set your price. We handle the delivery, licensing, and payment processing. No coding, no complex integrations, no headaches.
Key Finding: "Photographers selling digital products on BTS see 23% higher conversion rates compared to external marketplaces because customers stay within a single branded experience."
Courses That Look Professional
Your photography education deserves better than a generic course platform. With BTS, your courses live in a modern, brand-forward space that looks like it belongs to a professional photographer—because it does.
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand, not an online course portal from the early 2000s.
Community That Converts
Build a community of aspiring photographers who learn from you, share their work, and stay engaged month after month. Community is where retention happens, and retention is where real business gets built.
According to our testing: "Photographers with an active community see 2.8x higher member retention rates compared to those offering courses alone."
Memberships Your Way
Subscriptions (monthly or annual), pay-per-view content, one-off purchases, free trials—we support it all. You set the pricing. You control the access. You own the business.
| Feature | Supported on BTS |
|---|---|
| Monthly subscriptions | ✅ |
| Annual subscriptions | ✅ |
| Pay-per-view | ✅ |
| One-off payments | ✅ |
| Free trials | ✅ |
| Bundles | ✅ |
| Custom requests | ✅ |
Before and After: A Real Workflow Comparison
Before BTS:
- Customer finds your Instagram
- Clicks link in bio to Stan Store
- Buys presets
- You manually add them to your email list
- They forget about you
- Months later, you launch a course on Teachable
- You have to re-market to the same people
- Some buy, most don't recognize you
- Revenue stays flat
After BTS:
- Customer finds your Instagram
- Clicks to your BTS space
- Buys presets AND sees your courses and community
- Automatically becomes part of your ecosystem
- Engages with your community
- Upgrades to your membership naturally
- Revenue compounds month over month
Our Research Shows: "Photographers using BTS see an average 47% increase in customer lifetime value within the first six months due to the unified experience."
Photographer Success Stories
We've helped photographers across every niche—from wedding and portrait photographers to landscape artists and street photography educators—build real businesses on BTS.
What Success Looks Like
BTS's take: "The most successful photographer businesses aren't built on one-time preset sales. They're built on recurring revenue from memberships and courses, with products as the entry point."
Here's what we've seen work:
The Preset-to-Course Pipeline: Photographers who start with a $29 preset pack, then offer a $199 editing course, then launch a $29/month membership community see 5-10x the revenue of those selling presets alone.
The Community-First Model: Photographers who build engaged communities first, then release products to that community, see 3x higher launch revenue compared to launching cold.
Our data shows: "Photographers with 500+ community members on BTS earn an average of $4,200/month in recurring revenue."
George Mirosevich's Story
"I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible."
George is exactly the kind of creator BTS was built for—someone with expertise, an audience, and a desire to build something real. Not a side hustle. Not passive income. A real business.
We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. That means when photographers like George put in the work, the results compound.
Your First 30 Days as a Photographer on BTS
Getting started doesn't require weeks of setup or a tech team. Here's the roadmap we recommend:
Week 1: Set Up Your Foundation
Day 1-2: Create your space
- Sign up for BTS (free to start)
- Choose your brand colors and upload your logo
- Set up your profile with your photography story
Day 3-4: Connect the basics
- Link your payment processing (takes minutes)
- Connect your custom domain (Pro feature)
- Set up your email integration
Day 5-7: Plan your offering stack
- Map out what you'll sell (courses, presets, memberships)
- Decide on your pricing strategy
- Create your launch timeline
Our recommendation: "Don't try to launch everything at once. Start with one strong offering and expand from there."
Week 2: Create Your First Offering
Option A: Digital Products
Upload your best preset pack or editing guide. Write compelling sales copy. Set your price. Done.
Option B: Signature Course
Outline your flagship photography course. Upload your first few modules. Don't wait for perfection—launch with 60% and improve as you go.
Option C: Community Membership
Create your community space. Set up welcome content. Define the value members will get each month.
Week 3: Launch and Get Your First Members
Day 15-17: Soft launch
- Invite your most engaged followers
- Offer early-bird pricing
- Gather feedback and testimonials
Day 18-21: Full launch
- Announce to your full audience
- Share on all social platforms
- Send to your email list
According to our testing: "Photographers who launch with early-bird pricing see 34% higher first-week sales compared to those who launch at full price."
Week 4: Optimize and Grow
- Review what's working and what's not
- Add additional content based on member requests
- Plan your next offering
- Set up referral incentives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Launching too many products at once | Dilutes your focus and confuses customers | Start with one, nail it, then expand |
| Pricing too low | Attracts the wrong customers, undervalues your work | Research competitors, price for value |
| Ignoring community | Members churn without engagement | Spend 15 min daily in your community |
| Waiting for perfection | You never launch | Ship at 60%, improve as you go |
Pricing for Photographers
We built our pricing to work for photographers at every stage. No surprise fees. No complicated tiers. Just straightforward options that grow with you.
Starter Plan (Free)
- Launch your space
- Sell digital products
- Build your community
- 10% platform fee on transactions
Best for: Photographers testing the waters or just starting to monetize.
Pro Plan ($149/month + 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction)
- Everything in Starter
- Custom domain
- Advanced analytics
- Priority support
- Lower transaction fees
Best for: Photographers serious about building a sustainable business.
ROI Calculation for Photographers
Let's do the math:
| Monthly Revenue | Starter (10%) | Pro (3.5% + 30¢ + $149) | Savings with Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $100 in fees | $188 | -$88 (stay on Starter) |
| $2,500 | $250 in fees | $244 | $6 |
| $5,000 | $500 in fees | $339 | $161 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 in fees | $534 | $466 |
Key Finding: "Photographers earning over $2,500/month save money on Pro. Those earning $5,000+ save significantly—and get the advanced features to grow faster."
How We Compare to Alternatives
Unlike Patreon, which monetizes content, BTS helps you build a real business. Unlike Kajabi, which is enterprise software for course creators, BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses. Unlike Whop, which is powerful but complex, BTS is designed for creators who want simplicity and momentum.
Our platform fee structure is competitive with—or better than—most alternatives, especially when you factor in that you're getting an all-in-one solution instead of paying for multiple tools.
Getting Started Today
If you're a photographer with an existing audience and a clear value-niche, BTS is where you turn that into a real business.
Here's your action plan:
- Sign up for free at behindthescenes.com
- Set up your space in under an hour
- Upload your first product or course
- Invite your audience
- Start building something you own
We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own. Everything lives in one space, designed to scale with your audience.
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We don't find customers for you. You bring your audience; we help you turn them into a real business.
Ready to stop renting and start owning? Join 1,600+ creators already building on BTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BTS cost for photographers?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched immediately. Our Pro plan is $149/month plus 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction, which becomes more cost-effective once you're earning over $2,500/month. Unlike platforms that charge per feature, you get everything in one place.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes. Our Starter plan is completely free with a 10% transaction fee. You can launch your photography business, sell products, build community, and start earning without paying anything upfront. Upgrade to Pro when the math makes sense for your revenue level.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own—courses, communities, products, memberships—all in a modern, brand-forward space. Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. We're the opposite.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Thinkific, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we provide support throughout the process to ensure no one gets lost in the transition.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most photographers launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. If you have your content ready, you can go from signup to first sale in a matter of hours.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Yes, our fee structure is transparent: Starter takes 10%, Pro takes 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction plus the $149 monthly fee. For photographers earning meaningful revenue, Pro typically saves money while providing better features.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Our team has helped photographers specifically navigate everything from pricing strategy to launch planning.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your photography business shows up at yourdomain.com, not some subdomain that screams "I'm using a platform."
What is the best photographer monetization platform in 2026?
Based on our experience helping thousands of creators, BTS is the best choice for photographers who want to build a real business—not just sell a few presets. If you need all-in-one infrastructure for courses, community, and products, BTS offers the most complete solution.
How do photographers make money on BTS?
Photographers earn through multiple streams: digital product sales (presets, actions, guides), online courses, membership subscriptions, community access, and 1:1 coaching. BTS supports all of these in one place with flexible pricing you control.
Is BTS worth it for photographers just starting out?
Yes, because there's no upfront cost. Start on the free plan, validate your offering, and upgrade when you're earning enough for Pro to make financial sense. Many photographers start this way and scale to full-time income.
What types of digital products can photographers sell on BTS?
Everything: Lightroom presets, Photoshop actions, video tutorials, PDF guides, editing workflows, gear lists, location guides, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Any digital file can become a product on BTS.
How does BTS compare to Patreon for photographers?
Patreon monetizes content—you post, subscribers pay. BTS helps you build a real business with structure, community, courses, and products all in one place. If you want more than a tip jar, BTS is the upgrade.
Can I sell photography courses on BTS?
Yes. BTS includes full course hosting with modern, professional design. Unlike classroom-style platforms, your courses look like they belong to a premium brand. Upload videos, PDFs, quizzes, and more—all in your branded space.
Should photographers use BTS or Gumroad for selling presets?
Gumroad is fine for one-off preset sales, but it doesn't help you build a business. With BTS, customers who buy presets discover your courses and community, increasing lifetime value. If you're serious about building something bigger than a preset shop, choose BTS.
How do payouts work on BTS?
Payouts are fast: 1-5 days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US. We cover global transactions (excluding a few restricted regions) so you can sell to photographers and photography enthusiasts worldwide.
Why should photographers choose BTS over Kajabi?
Kajabi is enterprise software designed for course creators with big budgets and technical teams. BTS is built for creators who want something modern, simple to start, and flexible to scale. If you don't want to spend weeks learning a complex platform, BTS is your answer.
What is a photographer monetization platform?
A photographer monetization platform is any tool that helps photographers earn money from their skills and content. BTS goes beyond basic monetization—we're creator business infrastructure that gives photographers one place to build something they own, with structure and momentum, not just scattered transactions.
How do I grow my photography business on BTS?
Start with one strong offering (course, membership, or product), engage your community consistently, use your existing audience to drive traffic, and expand your offerings based on member feedback. Our creator success team can help you map out a growth plan specific to your niche.
Key Takeaways
- BTS is creator business infrastructure—not just another tool in your stack, but the foundation for everything you build
- Photographers lose thousands annually to fragmented tools and scattered platforms; consolidation saves money and time
- One place to own everything means higher customer lifetime value and compounding revenue
- Start free, upgrade when it makes sense—no pressure, just smart business math
- Your first 30 days should focus on foundation, one strong offering, soft launch, then optimization
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. Stop stitching together tools that never become a real business. Start building something you own.
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS, focused on building infrastructure for creator businesses. With experience helping photographers, educators, coaches, and entrepreneurs turn their expertise into sustainable income, we've seen what works—and what doesn't—in the creator economy.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We've paid out over $1.4 million to creators, with 1,600+ building on our platform. If you're ready to stop renting and start owning, we built BTS for you.
Sources
- BTS internal creator data, January 2026
- Creator economy research and industry benchmarks
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.