BTI #274: Are You a Hustler, a Seeker or Both? with Tommy Baker
Release Date: 08/18/2021
I Got Hired With ZERO Experience
Beyond the Image Podcast
I've been hired to do a handful of gigs over the last three decades with zero experience. Everything from selling wedding rings to modeling for an off campus student housing complex. But what is even more intense is the fact that I built a photography career over 20 decades having no prior experience. That I built a podcast from the ground up never having spoken into a microphone before. That I created not one, but two, best selling books having never published a book prior. This is not to say that mistakes were not made or that I did not often fail (I did, a lot). But I never allowed a lack...
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Independent Publishers Taking a Dump
Beyond the Image Podcast
As traditional print media scrambles to find firm ground despite crumbling atrophy - the thing I was still so excited about and hopeful for as a creative was the rapid emergence of unique, fresh, bold and innovative independent publishers. Sure, independent publishers have smaller budgets (if any) and the audiences are certainly a bit more finite. But also, there is far less overhead, the audiences are hyper focused and there is more bandwidth for creative exploration. Unfortunately… the same greed, which has been eradicating traditional publishers is now infecting...
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Photoshop Controversies
Beyond the Image Podcast
In more than 20 years as a photographer, I've had a few photoshop controversies. There have been times my work was accused of being over-edited (it wasn't) and there were times I even got fired because I refused to edit work beyond what I was comfortable with. The reality is that it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is art. The abundance of photo editing apps, filters and AI-enhanced manipulations has only added to the confusion of authenticity. The result is to simply label everything as fake, inauthentic and misleading. But let's unpack the nuance...
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Learning to Use Gels in Photography
Beyond the Image Podcast
I honestly thought that just by owning a pack of color gels that my photography career would immediately be transformed and I would instantly be more creative, professional and respected. Spoiler alert - all I learned at first was that I didn't know squat about how to use gels effectively. In this episode I talk about the steps I personally took to actually learn how to use gels from lighting backgrounds to creating atmosphere to accenting a subject to actually working as the key light and beyond. Next week I am going to be hosting a live workshop at The Hive Studios showing you how to...
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When the Client Sucks… and When They're Actually Right
Beyond the Image Podcast
As a creative, dealing with difficult clients is inevitable. From unrealistic Photoshop demands to impossible shoot conditions, I've seen it all. But sometimes, the problem isn't the client—it’s us. In this episode, I dive into real-life client horror stories, unpack when the client truly does suck, and discuss the critical times when they have every right to be frustrated. Whether you're a creative professional or a business owner hiring creatives, this episode will change the way you handle client conflicts—on both sides of the transaction. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client...
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Photographing for Phoenix Magazine with Mirelle Inglefield
Beyond the Image Podcast
I am delighted to be joined by the Art Director of Phoenix Magazine, Mirelle Inglefield who I had on the podcast back when we first launched the show. In this new conversation - we dive into a behind the scenes look at the entire production of the latest issue of the magazine, The Top 100 Dishes of Arizona, which I was grateful enough to photograph the cover. From the initial conception of the massive editorial feature, to how the magazine hired out various creatives to write and photograph the pieces, to what led to the cover selection for the magazine. This episode gives valuable insights on...
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I won't sign a contract unless this is included
Beyond the Image Podcast
I've been looking over my contracts that I send out to clients prior to a commercial campaign and have honed in on two specfic areas that are non-negotiables for me as a professional photographer. In 20+ years of business, these two sections are vital to reduce client confusion, add clarity to project deliverables and eliminate lost revenue of work we would have done without additional pay. https://jamespatrick.com/
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Best Photo Lighting Equipment for Location Shoots
Beyond the Image Podcast
I get asked (a lot) about my recommendations for lighting equipment. For most of my career, my answer has always been "just buy whatever you can afford." And more than two decades into my career, my stance on that has not changed. Get what you can afford and you will find ways to make it work. Also, gear does not make the photographer nor improve the shot if not used correctly. That being said - I recently have found myself only using a few pieces of gear every single time I shoot on location. In fact, I am using these pieces so often and enjoying them so much that I've actually started to...
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Top 10 Predictions for the Photography Industry in 2025: Trends, Teach and Opportunities
Beyond the Image Podcast
The photography industry is evolving rapidly, and 2025 promises groundbreaking changes! In this episode of the Beyond the Image Podcast, host James Patrick breaks down his top 10 predictions, highlighting key trends shaping the future of photography. Discover how AI-enhanced portraits, vintage aesthetics, and mixed-media film are transforming creative expression. Learn why commercial campaigns with bold contrasts and vibrant colors are rising, while paid editorials are on the decline. Explore how 360-degree immersive content, VR integration, and video add-ons are reshaping client expectations,...
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Rejected or Accepted? Results of 100 Publisher Pitches
Beyond the Image Podcast
I had, what I believed to be, a good idea for a new book. Unlike my first three books which I self published and self produced (two of which became best sellers), for this book concept I wanted to go the traditional publisher route. So I crafted a full length proposal and sample manuscript that detailed out the focus of the book, why it was unique and relevant in the marketplace as well as a multi-faceted marketing plan for the launch of the book to ensure its success. I then took that proposal and I sent it out more than 100 times. I sent it off to book publishers as well as to a bevy of...
info_outlineIn today's episode, we’re going to chat about what you may think are two very conflicting ideologies or methodologies on how you’re approaching your life and your business.
One is that of the “hustler” and go go go, and falling into that modality where you are constantly pushing to achieve one goal after the next.
The other is that of the “seeker” who turns inward to find a deeper meaning for who they are and what they do.
“Although you may think those are two completely opposite ways of life and business, what if I told you, you can actually achieve both at the same time?”
My guest today is the author of the upcoming book, Hustler or Seeker, and my good friend, Tommy Baker.
IN THIS EPISODE
- What led to James’s burnout and the belief fueling his actions.
- Why entrepreneurs have a hard time clocking out and how it can impact your health.
- Tommy’s story, how he has operated as both a hustler and a seeker, and how he has come to master them together.
- The Law of Diminishing Hustling and The Law of Diminishing Seeking
- How both the hustler and seeker use avoidance mechanisms in their life and business.
- Being preventative in how we tackle our health.
- How lack of structure can play a role in harming your health.
- Selective identity.
- Making an inventory list to create awareness that enables you to make small daily changes.
- Intuition versus noise and how to know the difference.
- Limiting your inputs and practical ways to do so.
- How to know if you are making changes towards the right direction and if the changes you have made are working.
“At any given moment, at any given week, month, or season, you’re able to adopt either the prevailing identity of the hustler or seeker; I always believe we need both.”
Connect with Tommy Baker
Instagram - @tommy_resistanceaverage
Website: www.hustlersandseekers.com
***Tommy is giving away $600 of bonuses, coaching, free courses, etc! Go check out the website ASAP.
The book will be available in October.
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
For more, visit jamespatrick.com