Why “Good Work” Is Making You Invisible (And What Actually Gets You Hired)
Beyond the Image Podcast
Every May, a new wave of talented creatives enters the market—and here’s the reality: their work is good. Really good. Which means “doing great work” is no longer a differentiator… it’s the baseline. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick breaks down what he’s seeing firsthand from reviewing hundreds of student portfolios—and why it should be a wake-up call for working professionals. If your strategy for growth is built on your portfolio alone, you’re already falling behind. This episode dives into the real drivers of business growth in the creative industry,...
info_outline
Stop Answer "What Do You Charge?" Like an Amateur
Beyond the Image Podcast
“What are your rates?” It sounds simple, but most photographers fumble this moment and cost themselves money in the process. In this episode, we break down why answering too quickly puts you at a disadvantage and how to take control of the conversation instead. You’ll learn the key questions to ask before giving a number, how to position yourself as a professional instead of a commodity, and why pricing without context is just guessing. If you want to stop underpricing and start leading your client conversations, this episode is for you. Visit: Instagram: Substack:
info_outline
Should You Put Your Rates on Your Website?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Should your pricing be public… or is that quietly limiting your business? In this episode, I break down the real impact of listing your rates online. Not just from a convenience standpoint, but from a positioning and revenue perspective. Because while publishing pricing can filter inquiries, it can also create a ceiling on what you earn, reduce your ability to upsell, and shift how clients perceive your value before you ever have a conversation. We dig into when “starting at” pricing can work, where it falls short, and how most creatives unintentionally turn themselves into commodities...
info_outline
Who Pays Who? Models or Photographers?
Beyond the Image Podcast
This episode is a direct response to the conversations, debates, and hot takes sparked by two recent reels that hit a nerve. The question seems simple on the surface: who should pay who, the model or the photographer? But once you peel it back, it exposes a much bigger issue around value, expectations, and how people position themselves in the industry. In this episode, I break down the different scenarios where a model should be paid, where a photographer should be paid, and where neither should be reaching for their wallet. Because the truth is, this is not about rigid rules, it is about...
info_outline
Ego vs. Critique: What’s Really Hurting the Photography Industry
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode, we’re breaking down a problem that’s quietly holding the photography industry back—ego. After watching a photographer get flooded with hateful comments on their work, it became clear that much of what gets labeled as “critique” isn’t actually constructive feedback at all. It’s insecurity, comparison, and ego showing up as opinion. We dive into: The difference between real critique and ego-driven criticism Why “it’s public, expect feedback” misses the point The truth behind “I’m just being honest” How toxic feedback impacts creativity, collaboration,...
info_outline
The Truth About Underbidding in Creative Work (And Why It Hurts Everyone)
Beyond the Image Podcast
When a client takes one creative’s bid and shops it around to get someone else to undercut it, they’re not evaluating based on value, vision, or fit, they’re turning it into a race to the bottom. That devalues the work across the board. And on the flip side, a photographer who’s willing to drop their rate just because they saw someone else’s numbers isn’t really pricing based on what the project is worth, they’re just reacting to pressure. That’s not sustainable, and it hurts the industry long term. Healthy competition is presenting your best work, your best concept, and your...
info_outline
Stop Wasting Money: What Doesn’t Grow Your Photography Business
Beyond the Image Podcast
Most photographers don’t have a revenue problem… they have a focus problem. In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest money traps in the photography industry. The things we’re told will grow our business… but don’t. From expensive websites and paid ads to studio spaces, rebrands, presets, and productivity tools, I’m sharing what I personally invested in that didn’t move the needle and why. More importantly, I’m unpacking what actually does drive growth so you can stop wasting time, stop wasting money, and start building real momentum. Because looking like a professional...
info_outline
Stop Worrying About Copycats: The Truth About “Stolen Ideas” in Photography
Beyond the Image Podcast
What should you do when another photographer copies your work? Nothing. In this episode, I break down why the fear of “stolen ideas” is one of the biggest things holding creatives back. After a recent post sparked debate, I dive into the difference between inspiration and theft, what copyright actually protects, and why most photographers are focused on the wrong problem. We’re talking about: Why ideas aren’t the asset, execution is The truth about “first usage rights” and copyright How a scarcity mindset slows your growth Why competition is actually a good thing And how...
info_outline
Are Photographers Actually Ruining the Industry?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Are photographers actually ruining the photography industry by charging too little? It is a complaint that has echoed through the photography community for decades. Photographers often blame other photographers for lowering prices, devaluing photography, and training clients to expect cheap or free work. But what if that belief is based on a misunderstanding of how markets actually work? In this episode of the Beyond the Image Podcast, photographer and creative entrepreneur James Patrick breaks down a recent debate with another photographer who argued that clients simply do not value...
info_outline
How I Became a CreativeLive Instructor — And What It Really Took
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Image, commercial photographer James Patrick shares the story behind being invited to teach as a CreativeLive instructor photographer — and what it really takes to earn opportunities at that level. CreativeLive has featured some of the most respected photography instructors and creative entrepreneurs in the industry. Being selected as a CreativeLive photography instructor is not about virality or follower count. It is about depth of expertise, consistent production quality, and long-term credibility. In this episode, James breaks down: How major creative...
info_outlineWe’re going to be diving into something that I guarantee makes every single one of you a little bit uncomfortable. We’re going to be talking all things sales. I get to chat with a dear friend of mine, Steve Valentine.
WHO IS STEVE VALENTINE?
Steve Valentine is an investment specialist, a real estate strategist, and a sales master. When he was 20 years old, he transitioned from the automotive field into the real estate world. Him and his dad became a powerful real estate duo, but also suffered some major financial blows around 2007. Him and his wife decided to go in a different direction in real estate away from his parents where they found success in their own space.
Steve believes in relationship selling and accredits his success to utilizing relationship capital in all he does.
BEING A GUIDE NOT A HERO
Steve believes it’s important to let his clients know he is here to guide them through the process. To help people, he provides insight on things he’s learned and leads people to a decision they already are wanting to make.
“Before you ever sell anything, the relationship has to be created.”
Steve makes it a point to add value to each relationship for free before ever starting the selling process. This creates trust which leads to the sale.
BUILDING TRUST
Asking questions is a great first step to learning about your client and what they genuinely want and helps to begin creating that relationship. Steve always asks his clients questions so he can dig deeper and uncover all the variables that are playing into their decision.
FINDING THE VARIABLES
In sales, we have to ask the right questions. The variables are the things that change from person to person.
For example, in Steve’s business he asks:
- How are your finances?
- Can you still afford this if you suffer a job loss?
By finding the variables, it allows you to find their why and gives that client clarity on their decisions. As a salesperson, this helps you serve your client in the best way possible.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SELL?
Steve emphasizes the importance of genuinely wanting to help someone, even if that means not getting the sale right away. At the end of the day, it shouldn’t be all about money. It should be about truly helping someone and building that relationship. Oftentimes, it will lead to a bigger sale later if you continue to build that relationship correctly.
CONNECTING TO PEOPLE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
Steve has found great success on social media, namely on his stories. After deciding to go all in on creating content for his stories, he shares behind the scenes footage and peaks into his daily life regarding family, investments, and real estate. He has found that people love seeing what he does in all areas of his life and it makes them feel very connected to him. He believes it’s even more important to stay authentic in how you show up in social media. He wants people to know what they’re getting ahead of time.
“Show up on social media as you do in person.”
KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND KNOW WHO YOU AREN’T
When you start, figure out who you are. This is who you should want to be in everything you do rather than comparing yourself to others and changing who you are.
“Be who you are and do the things that you do good, so that you can shine as only you can shine.”
It’s all about finding your own platform and what differentiates you from others. A consumer is looking for you to help solve their problem. Your job is to find out what the consumer wants to accomplish and stand out from others to help them accomplish it.
“The bigger the problem you solve, the more money you’re going to make solving it.”
MORE FROM STEVE VALENTINE
Tune into the episode to hear Steve share in detail about how he’s been successful in sales and strategies that will up your sales game. Steve shares great advice and things that have worked for his clients time and time again.
Follow Steve on Instagram @stevedvalentine to learn more and follow along!
CONNECT WITH HOST JAMES PATRICK
https://www.jamespatrick.com/coaching - To apply for 1-on-1 business coaching
https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto - Follow in IG
Text James at (480) 605-3254
This episode is brought to you by www.FITposiumPLUS.com where you get monthly live coaching and education modules to support you in your business development goals!
Audio drops courtesy of ZapSplat.com