Beyond the Image Podcast

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 creatives can begin the process of defining and carving out their unique style to help them stand out from their competition in the marketplace.

Connect with James https://jamespatrick.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto

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 JamesPatrick.com or IG @JPatrickPhoto

"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 ultimately win more work?

In this episode I talk about specific questions you should consider asking your prospective clients before you send over a price.

Connect with me at https://jamespatrick.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto 

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 https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto https://www.instagram.com/jamespatrickphotos/ https://jamespatrick.com/

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 on Instagram @JPatrickPhoto or my website www.JamesPatrick.com

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 ideas and having a visual representation on set. 

• Starting safe instead of ending safe. 

• Making micro adjustments. 

• Paying attention to body language. 

• Knowing when to stop. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com

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 actually does. 

• The power of saving all your communication. 

• Why you should listen to your intuition and be okay saying no. 

• Should you collect a deposit?

• Facts over feelings. 

• The last resort that will work. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com

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 better clients so they can scale their business and I knew I needed to have him on the podcast so I can pick his brain. 

In his career he has been the Director of Photography at Sports Illustrated, a Senior Photo Editor for the New York Times, and the Associate Director of Photography for the White House. Currently, he is the VP of Photography for the WWE and I could not think of anyone better to bring back as a guest for the 600th episode of this show. 

Welcome, Brad Smith, back to the show. 

“The key thing to remember is, it’s a marathon,  not a sprint.”

IN THIS EPISODE

• A review of Brad Smith's professional career trajecetory.

• What inspired Brad to take on the role of a leader and teacher in the photography industry. 

• The most important realization you can have as a photographer. 

• What will keep getting you jobs over and over again. 

• The power of connecting with your clients. 

• Why you need word of mouth in your business 

• How deliverables have changed over time. 

• What Brad and the WWE is looking for when looking at a photographer’s social media and portfolio. 

• Being willing to evolve and adapt. 

• The one character trait that will lead to better photographs. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Connect with Brad

Website: https://www.wwe.com

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com

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 with ways to develop new business for their companies. 

Let’s talk about it. 

“Having a specialty, never stopper me from working in any industry or any genre.” 

IN THIS EPISODE

• What most of us are relying on for our business. 

• How James was able to scale his business and what strategies he was implementing. 

• 8 different things that James did in his business. 

• The power of having a speciality. 

• A strong way to stand out. 

• Effective outbound marketing. 

• Being seen by your ideal client. 

• Why you need proactive marketing strategies. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com

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 James had that changed everything. 

• What it actually means when you get haters. 

• A reminder of why you do the work you do and who you do it for. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com