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/