Land Your NEXT Client
Beyond the Image Podcast
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...
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I Lost A Job (But Did Everything Right)
Beyond the Image Podcast
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...
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Are Photo Bookings Down?
Beyond the Image Podcast
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...
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Burnout Behind the Lens: Why Photographers Lose Their Spark (and How to Get It Back)
Beyond the Image Podcast
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...
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Mastering the One-Light Beauty Dish Setup
Beyond the Image Podcast
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
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The Fashion Shoot That Got Me Fired — and Why I Don’t Regret It
Beyond the Image Podcast
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/
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The Magazine Covers Are Fake — Should We Care?
Beyond the Image Podcast
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...
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How to Master Light Without Buying More Stuff
Beyond the Image Podcast
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....
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Best and Worst Portfolio Reviews
Beyond the Image Podcast
The best and the worst portfolio reviews I've ever had in my career were actually both with the same exact client - just three years apart from one another. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I unpack what made each of these portfolio reviews so memorable, one for how awfully it went and the other for how serendipidously fantastic is went. From there I dive into the main avenue photogarphers need to be exploring when it comes to their marketing and business development. https://jamespatrick.com/
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Image Stolen by Another Photographer
Beyond the Image Podcast
I just had my work stolen by another photographer who tried to pass it off and claim it was their own work. It all started when I received a DM from one of his past clients letting me know that this individual had my work posted on his Instagram profile and was claiming it as his own work. Sure enough, there was my work on some other photographer's account as this person was trying to pass it off as their own. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, I unpack not only the immediate steps I took to get my work taken down - but how you can protect your work should any infringement...
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