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_outlineOne of the topics that comes up so often is trying to get entrepreneurs to take things off of their to-do lists.
“When we start outsourcing and getting those things off our to-do lists, we shift ourselves from working in our business to working on our business.”
In today’s episode, I talk with Sam Kabert; he’s an entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and he more than doubled his business when he decided to invest in hiring a VA.
In this episode we dive into the importance of having a team of people to help do things in your business in order to scale it.
IN THIS EPISODE
- The key to managing having many different things going on within your business.
- How virtual assistants can lead to doubling your business revenue while doing less work.
- Setting an effective plan to bringing on the right people in your team.
- Subjective vs. Objective Tasks
- Managing your employees and the tasks you outsource efficiently.
- Setting expectations with new hires.
- Staying organized and tracking tasks to completion with your team members.
- Hiring your first VA; Use Sam’s Skills & Thrills Matrix
- Taking a real look at the hours you are working and how it equates financially.
- How to give good feedback to your team members to help them grow with your business.
“If you’re super intentional about anything you do, success will come if you’re dedicated to your craft.”
This episode is packed with tips and advice on how to keep your business running smoothly as you outsource tasks and bring on employees. If you’re feeling like you’re doing everything, it’s time for you to take things off your to-do list confidently!
CONNECT WITH SAM
Online: samkabert.com / cloneyourselfuniversity.com
Instagram: @swagsamcreates
Books: SwagWorx, The Written Goal, Working with Virtual Assistants to Grow Your Business
YouTube: EatUp Silicon Valley
Podcast: Soul Seeker / CLONE YOURSELF
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
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