Beyond the Image Podcast

"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 a...

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 y...

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...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 u...

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 happen...

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...

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 photogra...

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 t...

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  ...

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...

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: @jpatrickpho...

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...

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 p...

When to Hire a VA with Kaelyn Marie Fuglaar  Hosted by: James Patrick Today, we're talking all about outsourcing: when to outsource, what tasks you should outsource, and how to get the most ROI when you choose to outsource. I've been outsourcing work for 18 years of the 20 years I've been in business and I can you that I wish I would've outsourced 2 years sooner.    My guest today is Kaelyn, the o...

7 Ways to Get MORE Clients as a Photographer  Hosted by: James Patrick There is a very finite number of things a photographer can do to get work. In this episode, we're diving into the 7 things a photographer can do to get more clients.  "Nothing will work better than manual outbound." IN THIS EPISODE   7 different strategies to get new clients.  How paid ads have changed over the years and how yo...

Why Your Ads Aren't Working with Jason Wojo  Hosted by: James Patrick In this episode, we're talking about how we can best leverage advertising to enhance the awareness of our brand and generate leads for our business. We're also going to dissect what works in advertising and what may be a useless investment.     My guest today is Jason Wojo. He's a 9 figure advertiser and the owner of Wojo Media....

Why We Closed Get Published LIVE Hosted by: James Patrick In this episode, we're sharing about why we're closing the doors on something that we worked on over the last 10 years. "We decided we no longer wanted to be on the sidelines." IN THIS EPISODE   The original event and where the idea came from.  The history of previous events.  The reason behind our rebrand in 2022. Why we're retiring the Ge...

Getting Your Brand Published with Chelsea Clarke Hosted by: James Patrick In this episode, I have Chelsea Clarke with me, the editor of Icon Refined Magazine. We're talking about leveraging the power of earned media to amplify brand awareness and generate leads for your business.   "You have to figure out what you're bringing to the table, where it could best be placed and who's listening to that....

Growth of Independent Magazines with Kaneo Biggs & Chelsea Clarke Hosted by: James Patrick In this episode, I have two amazing guests with me; Chelsea Clarke, the editor of Icon Refined Magazine and the one and only, Kaneo Biggs, Publisher and Editor in Chief of Ellements Magazine.    Today, we're diving into how magazines have changed and evolved over time.  "Magazines still rank number one." IN...

Shooting the Cover of Paradise Valley City Lifestyle with Nadine Bubeck Hosted by: James Patrick In this episode, we are going to be diving into my recent cover shoot for Paradise Valley City Lifestyle magazine.    My guest today is Nadine Bubeck. She's the publisher of Paradise Valley City Lifestyle magazine.  "I believe in timing, I believe in fate. I believe things happen and unfold all at the...

Are Business Coaches Lying to You? Hosted by: James Patrick Are business coaches lying to you? If you've seen this show or listened to any previous episodes, you know the answer is probably going to be yes. So, let's unpack what that looks like.  "You can't actually coach someone in 15 minutes." IN THIS EPISODE A sneak peek behind the scenes of a business coach's program.  Identifying the lie busi...

Let's have a conversation about how you can be pricing your photo services.  "Pricing as a creative is hard." IN THIS EPISODE Determining what you should be charging.  3 pillars that will guide you as you price your services. The questions you need to answer before pricing your services.  Establishing the creative and economic value.  Determining the opportunity value.  Why there is no standard ra...