Competition in Photography
Beyond the Image Podcast
How do we best compete as photographers in a way that supports the community and industry as a whole? And what happens when photographers go against that supportive environment and try to harm other's businesses? In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick discusses both sides of competition from healthy to unhealthy. Connect with James Patrick at https://jamespatrick.com/
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When Should Photographers Work for Free
Beyond the Image Podcast
When should photographers work for free? If you've followed me for anything length of time, you've seen the numerous videos and posts I've done about cheap clients trying to take advantage of photographers. You would, no doubt, asssume I would be diligent about saying that no photographer or creative should ever work for free. But that is not what I feel at all. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, I chat about the times when photographers and creatives should consider taking out the camera without being paid. What do you think? Connect with me on my website or Instagram
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Creating Your Style as a Photographer
Beyond the Image Podcast
When we think about creating our style as a photographer (or any creative professional) what we intially think is that we have to niche down who our core market is and the type of work we will be focusing on. And we are not wrong to think that. But surprisingly, there is actually a tremendous amount more we can do to define our style as a creative. In this episode of the Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick discusses a myriad of ways that photographers, videographers and fellow creatives can begin the process of defining and carving out their unique style to help them stand out from...
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Camera Settings for Various Situations
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of The Beyond the Image podcast, host James Patrick reviews his recomended camera settings for a variety of various situational photo shoots. From in studio portraits to on location action photos to window lit natural light photos. James reviews each scenario and gives his recommended settings for ISO, f-stop and shutter speed. In addition, James reviews recommended camera settings to help work more efficiently when doing your photo shoots. Connect with James at JamesPatrick.com or IG @JPatrickPhoto
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Questions to Ask Before Pricing Your Photography Services
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 all of the right information to help you make an accurate price proposal and bid so you ultimately win more work? In this episode I talk about specific questions you should consider asking your...
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Best & Worst Photo Gear
Beyond the Image Podcast
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 you bought and loved or purchased and regretted any of these items? Connect with James Patrick
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Are Magazines Screwed?
Beyond the Image Podcast
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 can listen to the Beyond the Image podcast wherever you get your episodes. Connect with me on Instagram @JPatrickPhoto or my website www.JamesPatrick.com
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How to Take Good Photos of Bad Subjects
Beyond the Image Podcast
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 communicate and give direction to your subjects. The power of preset ideas and having a visual representation on set. Starting safe instead of ending...
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Protect Your Photo Business
Beyond the Image Podcast
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 photographer to protect yourself and your business. What a contract actually does. The power of saving all your communication. Why you should...
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WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith
Beyond the Image Podcast
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 how creative professionals can navigate their career and try to procure work from bigger and better clients so they can scale their business and I knew I needed to have him on the podcast so...
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