By default we only want to share our wins and successes. The fear is that if we are open and honest about projects that don't go well or client experiences that are not stellar that it will somehow reflect negatively upon us. The truth is, when we only share the positives about our careers, it gives a false aspiration of what a creative career truly looks like. Throughout our careers we will lose more work than we will ever win. That is the simple math of it. And once we acknowledge that...

When I am in the mood to torture myself, I hop over to Photography Facebook Groups and read the comment sections whenever a photographer asked for help, support or advice. The inevitable result is a barrage of awful keyboard critics giving the worst advice pretending they are being altruistic and supportive - but in reality just trying to keep others out of the industry they believe they are at the center of. In this episode I discuss what happened when a photographer made the mistake of...

I selected 13 (of course) of the most terrifying photo experiences I've had in my 20+ year career. Everything from having people physically assault me to say I'm too young to be a photographer. Enjoy my awful memories while I go into an anxiety attack reliving these horrific experiences. https://jamespatrick.com/

Okay don't get too mad at me for this episode! It is not that I am encouraging photographers that they have to work for free. But I wanted to dissect how someone could professionally and respectfully ask a photographer to collaborate or provide services at low-to-no cost. https://jamespatrick.com/

How do we best compete as photographers in a way that supports the community and industry as a whole? And what happens when photographers go against that supportive environment and try to harm other's businesses? In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick discusses both sides of competition from healthy to unhealthy. Connect with James Patrick at https://jamespatrick.com/

When should photographers work for free? If you've followed me for anything length of time, you've seen the numerous videos and posts I've done about cheap clients trying to take advantage of photographers. You would, no doubt, asssume I would be diligent about saying that no photographer or creative should ever work for free. But that is not what I feel at all. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, I chat about the times when photographers and creatives should consider taking out...

When we think about creating our style as a photographer (or any creative professional) what we intially think is that we have to niche down who our core market is and the type of work we will be focusing on. And we are not wrong to think that. But surprisingly, there is actually a tremendous amount more we can do to define our style as a creative. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick discusses a myriad of ways that photographers, videographers and fellow...

In this episode of The Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick reviews his recomended camera settings for a variety of various situational photo shoots. From in studio portraits to on location action photos to window lit natural light photos. James reviews each scenario and gives his recommended settings for ISO, f-stop and shutter speed. In addition, James reviews recommended camera settings to help work more efficiently when doing your photo shoots. Connect with James at...

"What do you charge" is a quesiton that can immediately generate a lot of panic for any photorapher. The fear is that the client is immediately trying to frame your pricing so they can find a potentially cheaper service provider. And likely, you may not be wrong. But what about those times when a genuine client approaches you with a real project? How do you help ensure you are best equipped with all of the right information to help you make an accurate price proposal and bid so you...

In over two decades as a professional photographer, I've spent more than I will ever admit on photo gear. From cameras to lenses, from modifiers to lights, from tripods to c-stands and from computers to editing softwares. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I spill the tea on all my favorite pieces of gear I've ever purchased as well as all of the items I wish I could get my money back on. Have you bought and loved or purchased and regretted any of these items? Connect with James Patrick ...

Short answer: VERY I've spent over 20 years working in print media and even own two magazines. So you can say I have a vested interest in this topic and this industry. I want to deep dive into how magazines got themselves into the hole they have with subscribers and with advertisers. Also I will explore what, if anything, magazine publisher's can do to help salvage (or even save) the industry. You can listen to the Beyond the Image podcast wherever you get your episodes. Connect with me...

Today, we’re talking about how to get good photos of bad subjects. When I say bad subjects, I don’t mean they’re bad people. What I mean is, they’re just not great on camera.  “Regardless of how bad someone thinks they are on camera, it’s our job as photographers to make something great. And if not great, to make something usable.” IN THIS EPISODE   Are most subjects good on camera? Why you should communicate and give direction to your subjects.  The power of preset...

Today, we’re talking about bad actors or bad faith clients. These are clients who could potentially be trying to rip off your business, steal from you and try to take advantage of you as a small business owner.  “This can be, not only financially detrimental, it can be emotionally taxing.” IN THIS EPISODE   Certain situations James has had in his businesses with bad actors.  Things you can do as a photographer to protect yourself and your business.  What a contract...

Welcome to the relaunch of the Beyond the Image Podcast! A show for creatives, made by a creative. If you’ve listened to this show over the last few years, you’ll realize it’s rare I bring a guest back on a second time. This is a mistake I want to rectify. I went back to our episode from March 5, 2019 with one of the first guests I had on.  I heard this individual speaking on a webinar series on how creative professionals can navigate their career and try to procure work from bigger and...

Here at the studio last week, we had our 4th annual get together where we had different creatives (whether photographers, videographers, producers, designers, etc.) to talk about the state of where the industry is at right now and the challenges we are facing as creatives within our businesses and to start to share best practices on how we can navigate these things.    The thing that kept coming up over the course of this 3 hour conversation is that so many creatives are still struggling...

In today’s episode, I want to talk about haters. Also known as, online trolls. In 20 years of running different businesses, I’ve had to navigate my fair share of trolling hate online. When you’re just starting in a new industry, this crap could be devastating. So, let’s talk about it.  “If you’re not upsetting anyone, then you are simply not doing enough to be noticed.” IN THIS EPISODE What happened to James early in his career when he experienced online trolling.  The realization...

Before I really launched into my career as a professional photographer, I had a lot of hesitations and reservations. I had a lot of thoughts and questions about if I could make it. Had I allowed those thoughts to take root, I never would’ve picked up a camera. Let’s talk about what it takes to be successful.  “What is actually stopping you from getting started?” IN THIS EPISODE Initial thoughts I had when starting my photography business. The real reason why I’ve had over 20 years of...

Photographing SI Swimwear’s In Her Words with Taylor Ballantyne Hosted by: James Patrick We have a brand new approach for an episode today. I get to speak to a creative and we are going to unpack their catalog, work, and experiences and get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring some of these projects to fruition.    My guest today who I’m chatting with it Taylor Ballantyne, a photographer and director.  “It’s our responsibility to learn how people are digesting...

Things I USED To Think Mattered as a Photographer  Hosted by: James Patrick There’s a handful of things I thought really used to matter as my career as a photographer. At some point in the 20 years, I’ve realized that these are things that don’t matter at all. Let’s talk about those things in this episode.  “There is no right and no wrong in your stance as a creative professional in any of these things.” IN THIS EPISODE   8 things I used to think really mattered as...

Producing a Fashion Photoshoot  Hosted by: James Patrick We have a pretty large fashion campaign we’re doing in the studio tomorrow. This got me thinking about discussing all of the essential steps required in the pre-production of having a successful fashion campaign. Let’s get into it.  “Once we set the theme, that will help us dictate all the other decisions we have to make.” IN THIS EPISODE   What pre-production looks like in order to ensure the campaign goes...

Today, we’re talking about the power of human connection. It is so easy to get lost in this endless sea of competition and comparison. It’s so simple to put yourself on an island and to contrast yourself against the rest of your industry and community. In this episode, we’re talking about working through that and forming connections.  My guest today is Corey Spiegel, she’s the founder of The Light House.  “People are very accepting when you peel back that layer and get real.”  IN THIS...

Photographers Who Suck Hosted by: James Patrick Some photographers just suck, so in this episode, let’s give them a name.  “The common denominator is them.”  IN THIS EPISODE   A list of photographers who really suck and why.  What these photographers are doing in their free time.  Advice for the photographers who made this list.  Connect with James Website: jamespatrick.com Instagram: @jpatrickphoto   Share this podcast with a friend and remember...

Self-Care for the Modern Entrepreneur with Daniel James Hosted by: James Patrick I still need to be reminded about the importance of prioritizing ourselves so that we can show up better in other places. We’re going to chatting about self-care today and where self-care could potentially be going.    My guest today is the founder and CEO of Vortex, Daniel James.    “When you feel good, you do better.”  IN THIS EPISODE   Daniel’s company and why he felt it was needed in...

Should Photographers Give RAW Files to Clients? Hosted by: James Patrick Today, we’re addressing the question, “Should you as a photographer be giving away your RAW files?” Lets dive into it! “Asking for the RAW file ensures you’re getting the highest quality and highest file size.”  IN THIS EPISODE   Multiple reasons why clients may ask for the RAW files.   Why certain clients may need unedited photos.  Understanding photo rights and usage.  The divisive...