Beyond the Image Podcast

Here are proejcts I was convinced would make (or break) my career as a photographer. The truth is - they didn't do either. This is about the culmination of our efforts. https://jamespatrick.com/

I've been looking over my contracts that I send out to clients prior to a commercial campaign and have honed in on two specfic areas that are non-negotiables for me as a professional photographer. In 20+ years of business, these two sections are vital to reduce client confusion, add clarity to project deliverables and eliminate lost revenue of work we would have done without additional pay. https://jamespatrick.com/

The last planner you will ever need! Plan out your year, months, weeks and days with The Legacy Planner to get more done, stay on track and chart out your most successful year ever! Why do some individuals seem to possess the capacity to consistently achieve great things in their lives, while others tend to struggle? Perhaps you have wondered the same thing and questioned what specifically separates the two groups. If we are to believe musings from the infinite parade of social media memes, then each of us are already abundant with endless potential. Yet despite that potential, for some unknown reason, only a small percentage of the population seems to have the right key to unlock it. To add to the confusion, that “key” is often defined as simply being the result of hard work, grit, hustle, persistence, determination, perseverance, or a multitude of other buzzwords that sound really great and empowering—but don’t actually provide a concrete answer. What is it that actually separates the individual who is able to achieve his or her health goals from someone who battles with their health year after year? What distinguishes the efforts of the person who stimulates and grows their mental acuity from someone who regularly suffers from stress and atrophy? What is different about those who foster enriching relationships from others who remain lonely? And what distinguishes someone who achieves their business goals from those who do not? For the past decade, these questions have been central in author James Patrick’s obsession behind deconstructing and comprehending how humans are able to cultivate change, and thereby achieve success within their lives. His goal was to decipher the exact methodology of achievement, systemize it, and make that approach accessible so others could put it into action. Through his editorial research, the writing of his best-selling book Fit Business Guide: The Workout Plan for Your Brand, and the hundreds of interviews he conducted for the podcast Beyond the Image, James discovered the elements that are responsible for crafting change, and devised how to reserve engineer them so they can be applied to anything we wish to achieve. After all, success leaves clues. What those clues have shown is that creating the change you seek and turning the impossible to possible comes down to three essential pillars: Vision. Purpose. Legacy. The Legacy Planner is how you can apply all three to your own life to ignite the change, growth, and success you’ve always imagined. GET A FREE PDF COPY AT https://jamespatrick.com/legacy/ OR GET PRINT COPIES ON AMAZON AT https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJ4R45NV 

If I could go back to day one of my photography career—knowing everything I know now—I wouldn’t follow the same path. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 7 biggest things I’d do differently to build momentum faster, price with confidence, and create long-term opportunities without years of trial and error. From niching down earlier to not letting gatekeepers define my ceiling, these are the lessons I wish someone had handed me when I started. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to reset your trajectory, this episode will give you a roadmap to build smarter, not harder. https://jamespatrick.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Joel Pilger, former agency founder and now global advisor to creative studios, to uncover the root causes that hold many photographers and creative agencies back from sustainable growth. Joel brings real-world lessons from his two-decade journey running Impossible Pictures, through its rise, sale, and his transition into consulting for hundreds of studios. We dig into: Common growth traps creative agencies fall into (feast-or-famine cycles, underpriced services, lack of systems) How creative companies can evolve from “order-taker” to strategic, high-impact partners Business development & positioning strategies that differentiate your brand Pricing, operations, and mindset shifts needed to scale How to future-proof your agency with long-term value and resilience If you’re building or leading a creative agency, this episode is a masterclass in combining artistry and business discipline. Connect with Joel Pilger at https://www.joelpilger.com/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelpilger/  Connect with James Patrick at https://jamespatrick.com/ 

Every photographer has heard them — the promises of “more work coming soon,” the classic “we’ll pay you in exposure,” or the dreaded “this will only take an hour.” In this episode of the Beyond the Image Podcast, host James Patrick pulls back the curtain on the most common (and most annoying) lies clients tell photographers — and why they can derail your business if you’re not prepared. From fake promises of future gigs to sneaky discount tactics, James shares real-world examples, hilarious truths, and strategies to protect your time, talent, and bottom line. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, boundaries, or managing client expectations, this episode will help you take back control of your creative business. https://jamespatrick.com/

We recently had a workshop at The Hive Studios on career growth and it got me thinking about how I've personally grown my photography business and built a portfolio of clients. Over the last 20 years I've gone through two major phases of business development growth; when I first started and right now. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast I share the exact startegy I have used for the entirety of my career to not only onboard new clients but to earn repeat business from current clients. I also discuss ways you as a creative can differentiate yourself, beyond just segmenting or having a niche audience. From there we discuss the client relationship journey and the process of earning repeat business from your happy clients. You can see my website at https://jamespatrick.com/ My studio is over at https://www.hivestudiosaz.com/ And my Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto 

I just lost a proposal for a video project. The client contacted me and had a pretty lengthly list of requirements and specs for the assignment, all of which we were able to accomodate and a very competitive price. However, the client responded to say we were about three hundred percent over their budget. To be fair - their budget was pretty ridiculous and way under even the most conservative of market value for the work they were requesting. We were able to counter with a revised approach that brough our estimate within $200 of their budget and we still did not win the job. So. what happened and why was our approach still the right approach? https://jamespatrick.com/

Bookings for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals are dropping—and it’s not just you feeling the pinch. From shrinking marketing budgets to rising inflation, tighter interest rates, and oversaturation in the market, the data shows a clear pullback in spending on creative services worldwide. In this episode, I break down the latest research on why client demand is slowing, what economic forces are driving the trend, and, most importantly, how you can adapt your business to thrive despite the downturn. If you’ve noticed shorter booking windows, more price resistance, or a tougher time standing out, this episode gives you the clarity—and the strategies—you need to move forward. www.jamespatrick.com Follow on Instagram @JPatrickPhoto

Photography is supposed to be a passion — but too often, it turns into exhaustion, resentment, and the dreaded creative rut.    In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick unpacks why so many photographers hit burnout, the hidden pressures that drain inspiration, and the proven ways to reignite your creative spark.    Whether you’re drowning in client work, stuck in comparison mode, or just feeling uninspired, this episode will give you the tools to protect your energy, find joy in your craft again, and build a sustainable creative career.   Connect with James Patrick at https://jamespatrick.com/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto

Sometimes the most powerful portraits come from the simplest setups. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my favorite one-light techniques—a beauty dish in a butterfly formation—that blends the softness of beauty lighting with the drama of sculpted shadows. I’ll share how to position your light, plus a few easy variations using a diffusion sock, grid, and v-flats to control the look. Whether you’re shooting editorial or personal branding, this setup will give you striking, professional portraits with just one light. Grab your FREE copy of my book One Light, Many Looks at jamespatrick.com/oneligh

What happens when you stand your ground as a creative… and it costs you the job? In this episode, I share the wild story of a fashion campaign that went completely sideways — complete with last-minute cancellations, out-of-town models left stranded, and a “blue sky” demand that changed everything. I’ll break down what really happened behind the scenes, why I refused to back down, and the lessons every photographer, creative, and freelancer needs to hear about boundaries, respect, and protecting your time. https://jamespatrick.com/

You saw a magazine cover. Gorgeous. Flawless. Totally fake. A magazine recently published what looked like a professional photo — until AI detection software flagged it as entirely AI-generated. No credit, no disclosure… just quietly passed off as real. And this isn’t an isolated case. From GUESS running AI models in Vogue to massive brands using synthetic beauty to set impossible standards — it's time to ask: Should magazines be forced to tell us when it’s fake? In this episode, I’m breaking down: The poll I ran (93% of you said AI should be disclosed) How photojournalism and ethics are being tested Will the FCC step in? What this means for perception, beauty, and trust Is this the future of media — or the death of authenticity? https://jamespatrick.com/ 

Too many photographers fall into the trap of thinking better images come from buying more gear. A new modifier, another light, the latest lens. But the truth? Mastery doesn’t come from what you have—it comes from how you use it. In this episode, I break down why more equipment won’t make you a better photographer—and how learning to control just one light can completely transform your work. I’ll share the hard truths I learned from shooting over 800 magazine covers, the biggest mistakes photographers make with lighting, and how to unlock a full range of looks using a single strobe. If you’ve ever thought, “I just need one more piece of gear to level up,” this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: Why gear is often a distraction from true growth How to create pro-level results with one light The key principles of lighting control The mindset shift that will elevate your work—without spending a dollar Download my free guide: One Light. Many Looks. https://jamespatrick.com/onelight/

The best and the worst portfolio reviews I've ever had in my career were actually both with the same exact client - just three years apart from one another. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I unpack what made each of these portfolio reviews so memorable, one for how awfully it went and the other for how serendipidously fantastic is went. From there I dive into the main avenue photogarphers need to be exploring when it comes to their marketing and business development. https://jamespatrick.com/

I just had my work stolen by another photographer who tried to pass it off and claim it was their own work. It all started when I received a DM from one of his past clients letting me know that this individual had my work posted on his Instagram profile and was claiming it as his own work. Sure enough, there was my work on some other photographer's account as this person was trying to pass it off as their own. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, I unpack not only the immediate steps I took to get my work taken down - but how you can protect your work should any infringement happen. https://jamespatrick.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Image, I dive headfirst into the AI-manipulated Bezos wedding photos — not just as a viral moment, but as a symbol of something much deeper: the collapse of trust in visual media. From AI-generated fantasies to influencers selling fake lifestyles, we are now in an era where we genuinely can’t tell what’s real anymore. I share my take on how this disaster is unfolding without a clear end goal, and what it means for journalism, editorial integrity, and even commercial photography. We explore: The Bezos AI wedding image: what it says about where we are and where we’re headed The fallout in legacy media — including Anna Wintour’s exit from Vogue How influencer culture and sponsored content are eroding consumer trust The blurring lines between journalism and commercial photography Why fake books, fake reviews, and fake authority are now business-as-usual What needs to change: accountability, universal watermarks, and ethical labeling When everyone can fake everything — what’s left to believe? https://jamespatrick.com/ 

Once considered the pinnacle of photographic achievement, shooting for magazines has drastically changed. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I’m pulling back the curtain on what the editorial landscape really looks like today—shrinking budgets, sponsored content replacing original stories, and the loss of creative control that once made editorial work so fulfilling. So the big question: Is it still worth it? I’ll unpack my own experiences, what’s changed over the past decade, and the real reasons I still occasionally say yes to a magazine job—along with why you might want to think twice. Whether you're chasing your first tear sheet or reconsidering how to build your brand, this is the honest conversation every photographer needs to hear. https://jamespatrick.com/

On the surface, shooting celebrities or high-profile athletes seems like a golden ticket to a stronger portfolio. But here’s the truth: it’s not the name—it’s the image. In this episode, I break down the myth that photographing celebrities or athletes will instantly elevate your brand. I share stories from my own career—including a high-caliber shoot with first-round NFL draft pick Beanie Wells, and a less-than-stellar session with actors Eric Bana and Joel McHale—and explain why editors don’t care who is in your photo if the quality isn’t there. You’ll also learn what photo editors have told me directly during portfolio reviews, and the one situation where working with athletes does give you an edge. What You’ll Learn: Why name recognition alone won’t help your photography career The real reasons some celebrity shots don’t make the cut How to evaluate whether an image actually belongs in your portfolio What working with athletes can teach you about professionalism and production under pressure Why you must separate experience from presentation when curating your book Key Takeaways: A weak image of a celebrity is still a weak image. Your portfolio is judged by quality, not notoriety. Shooting athletes builds credibility behind the scenes—not necessarily in your visuals. Every photo in your book needs to serve a purpose and reflect your highest standard. Resources & Mentions: Story: NFL athlete Beanie Wells photo shoot Story: Behind-the-scenes from a difficult Joel McHale shoot Portfolio feedback sessions with top magazine editors Connect with Me: Instagram: @jpatrickphoto Website: www.jamespatrick.com

After photographing over 800 magazine covers and producing countless brand campaigns, James Patrick knows the one thing that separates pros from pretenders: being prepared. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James opens up his on-location camera bag and breaks down the exact gear he brings to every shoot—and why it earns a spot. From the two camera bodies that serve distinct roles to the lenses, lighting, and accessories that keep shoots running smoothly, you’ll learn what’s mission-critical, what’s overrated, and how to build a lean, effective kit that performs under pressure. Whether you’re shooting solo or managing a small team, this is the blueprint to staying fast, portable, and always ready. If you’ve ever struggled to pack light without sacrificing quality—or if you’ve faced the nightmare of forgetting something essential—this is the episode for you. Gear strategies Lens selection Forgotten essentials that save the day Plus, James shares a few war stories, his go-to backups, and a free way to get your own checklist version of the gear list. https://jamespatrick.com/