Should You Photograph for Magazines?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Once considered the pinnacle of photographic achievement, shooting for magazines has drastically changed. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I’m pulling back the curtain on what the editorial landscape really looks like today—shrinking budgets, sponsored content replacing original stories, and the loss of creative control that once made editorial work so fulfilling. So the big question: Is it still worth it? I’ll unpack my own experiences, what’s changed over the past decade, and the real reasons I still occasionally say yes to a magazine job—along with why you might want to think...
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Do Celebrity Shoots Actually Help Your Portfolio?
Beyond the Image Podcast
On the surface, shooting celebrities or high-profile athletes seems like a golden ticket to a stronger portfolio. But here’s the truth: it’s not the name—it’s the image. In this episode, I break down the myth that photographing celebrities or athletes will instantly elevate your brand. I share stories from my own career—including a high-caliber shoot with first-round NFL draft pick Beanie Wells, and a less-than-stellar session with actors Eric Bana and Joel McHale—and explain why editors don’t care who is in your photo if the quality isn’t there. You’ll also learn what...
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What’s in My Camera Bag for On-Location Shoots
Beyond the Image Podcast
After photographing over 800 magazine covers and producing countless brand campaigns, James Patrick knows the one thing that separates pros from pretenders: being prepared. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James opens up his on-location camera bag and breaks down the exact gear he brings to every shoot—and why it earns a spot. From the two camera bodies that serve distinct roles to the lenses, lighting, and accessories that keep shoots running smoothly, you’ll learn what’s mission-critical, what’s overrated, and how to build a lean, effective kit that performs under pressure....
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Projects I Thought Would Make Or Break My Career
Beyond the Image Podcast
Here are proejcts I was convinced would make (or break) my career as a photographer. The truth is - they didn't do either. This is about the culmination of our efforts. https://jamespatrick.com/
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Awful Way to Get New Clients as a Photographer
Beyond the Image Podcast
I recently experienced one of the worst, if not THE WORST, attempts at marketing and busienss develiopment from a photogarpher I think I have ever seen. But what I did about it may shock you even more. This episode is all about client relationships. How to establish them. How to build them. and most importantly - how to maintain them. https://jamespatrick.com/
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5 Ways to Make More Money as a Photographer
Beyond the Image Podcast
Last week we hosted our annual photo marketing roundtable here at The Hive Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. At this event, a handful of creative professionals (photographers and videographers) sat around together to discuss ideas, strategies, complications and breakthroughs in their business as business owners. Through the course of this discussion - there were 5 main areas that were brought up as important means to generate additional and predictable revenue as a creative professional. Connect with me https://jamespatrick.com/
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Is Peerspace Going to Get Too Expensive?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Peerspace is a brokerage site used for short-term rentals for photo shoots, video productions, events, podcasts, meetings and the like. Historically, Peerspace made their revenue by taking a percentage off of every single booking done through their website. However, recently Peerspace has instituted a bidding system which allows location managers to pay to have their spaces ranked higher in the site's search algorithm. What will this do for renters? What will this do for location managers? Short answer; things are likely to get more expensive for everyone. https://jamespatrick.com/
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Biggest Marketing Mistake Photographers Make
Beyond the Image Podcast
There is one mistake that I've seen photographers, videographers and creatives make over the course of my 20+ year career. This mistake is often what separate photographers who build sustainable and thriving businesses versus those who continue to have peaks and valleys and often find themselves struggling to bring in new business. For those in Arizona - we are hosting a photo marketing roundtable on May 22nd at The Hive Studios in Phoeninx, Arizona. RSVP at
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Why Photographers are Toxic
Beyond the Image Podcast
Let's face it - if you expand the timeline long enough - you're going to find there is quite a fair amount of toxicity within the photography community. From jealousy to envy to downright aggressive competition - no one is immune from it. So let's break down the actual sources behind the toxic traits of so many creatives and how we can navigate it better as a community. https://jamespatrick.com/
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Biggest Mistakes Photographers Make in Lighting Subjects
Beyond the Image Podcast
I want to be clear, right off the top, that I have personally made every single one of these mistakes myself in my 20+ year career. The goal is not to shame photograpehrs for making the mistakes that all of us have made - but to shed light (that is a well-placed pun) on these misconcepts, misunderstandings and mistakes so that we can continue to learn and improve on our craft as creative professionals. https://jamespatrick.com/
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