Social media was never particularly easy - but it sure was a lot simpler. The way to achieve engagement has completely shifted (and we've lost count how many times that has happened).

In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast - we dive into what needs to happen on your social channels now based upon how audiences are consuming content.

https://jamespatrick.com/

If all you are sending a prospective client is an estimate sheet - then you are drastically under-selling yourself as a creative.

In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast - I dive into my strategy for crafting and desgining well curated proposals that I send to clients when bidding.

https://jamespatrick.com/

In today's episode we answer the question "should photographers niche?" YUP!

Yup they absolutely should! In this episode of Beyond the Image, host James Patrick dives into why photographers should carve out their specialty and unique selling proposition as well as unpacking the biggest fear they have when it comes to niching down.

If I niche down, then I won't get hired for other work again!

The reality is - that simply is not true!

https://jamespatrick.com/

In this episode we answer the question; should photographers also provide video services to clients?

Overwhelmingly yes! Without question.

Either they need to learn how to construct and deliver video files - or it is important for them to form a partnership with a videographer to offer their services to clients.

Client demand for video assets has only been increasing exponentially.

In order for a creative professional to stay competitive - they have to find ways to meet client demands and expectations in today's marketplace.

https://jamespatrick.com/

I've been hired to do a handful of gigs over the last three decades with zero experience. Everything from selling wedding rings to modeling for an off campus student housing complex.

But what is even more intense is the fact that I built a photography career over 20 decades having no prior experience. That I built a podcast from the ground up never having spoken into a microphone before. That I created not one, but two, best selling books having never published a book prior.

This is not to say that mistakes were not made or that I did not often fail (I did, a lot).

But I never allowed a lack of experience prevent me from trying something. And neither should you.

https://jamespatrick.com/

As traditional print media scrambles to find firm ground despite crumbling atrophy - the thing I was still so excited about and hopeful for as a creative was the rapid emergence of unique, fresh, bold and innovative independent publishers. 

Sure, independent publishers have smaller budgets (if any) and the audiences are certainly a bit more finite. But also, there is far less overhead, the audiences are hyper focused and there is more bandwidth for creative exploration.

Unfortunately… the same greed, which has been eradicating traditional publishers is now infecting independent publishers.

• Zero quality control
• Abysmal editorial standards (if any)
• and offensively bad design

Yet these publishers are charging premium sponsored rates for features on the cover and inside their magazines. 

If sponsored content is your business model, and I’m not going to argue in favor or against that, you absolutely need to do better for your advertisers, editorial contributors, as well as potential readers. 

https://jamespatrick.com/

In more than 20 years as a photographer, I've had a few photoshop controversies. There have been times my work was accused of being over-edited (it wasn't) and there were times I even got fired because I refused to edit work beyond what I was comfortable with.

The reality is that it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is art. The abundance of photo editing apps, filters and AI-enhanced manipulations has only added to the confusion of authenticity.

The result is to simply label everything as fake, inauthentic and misleading.

But let's unpack the nuance of photo editing and what can constitute as acceptable manipulation versus what goes too far.

https://jamespatrick.com/

I honestly thought that just by owning a pack of color gels that my photography career would immediately be transformed and I would instantly be more creative, professional and respected.

Spoiler alert - all I learned at first was that I didn't know squat about how to use gels effectively.

In this episode I talk about the steps I personally took to actually learn how to use gels from lighting backgrounds to creating atmosphere to accenting a subject to actually working as the key light and beyond.

Next week I am going to be hosting a live workshop at The Hive Studios showing you how to leverage gels in your creative portraits.

RSVP at https://www.hivestudiosaz.com/workshops/p/workshop-gels-2025

https://jamespatrick.com/

As a creative, dealing with difficult clients is inevitable. From unrealistic Photoshop demands to impossible shoot conditions, I've seen it all.

But sometimes, the problem isn't the client—it’s us.

In this episode, I dive into real-life client horror stories, unpack when the client truly does suck, and discuss the critical times when they have every right to be frustrated.

Whether you're a creative professional or a business owner hiring creatives, this episode will change the way you handle client conflicts—on both sides of the transaction.

Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client situations, own your mistakes, and build a business that stands the test of time.

https://jamespatrick.com/

I am delighted to be joined by the Art Director of Phoenix Magazine, Mirelle Inglefield who I had on the podcast back when we first launched the show.

In this new conversation - we dive into a behind the scenes look at the entire production of the latest issue of the magazine, The Top 100 Dishes of Arizona, which I was grateful enough to photograph the cover.

From the initial conception of the massive editorial feature, to how the magazine hired out various creatives to write and photograph the pieces, to what led to the cover selection for the magazine.

This episode gives valuable insights on how creatives can best position and market themselves to publications for work opportunities.

Check out the latest issue at https://www.phoenixmag.com/

Connect with Mirelle Inglefield directly at https://www.instagram.com/minglefield_v2/

And as always you can find me at https://jamespatrick.com/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto