Should Photographers Niche?
Beyond the Image Podcast
In today's episode we answer the question "should photographers niche?" YUP! Yup they absolutely should! In this episode of Beyond the Image, host James Patrick dives into why photographers should carve out their specialty and unique selling proposition as well as unpacking the biggest fear they have when it comes to niching down. If I niche down, then I won't get hired for other work again! The reality is - that simply is not true! https://jamespatrick.com/
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Should Photographers Also Do Video?
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode we answer the question; should photographers also provide video services to clients? Overwhelmingly yes! Without question. Either they need to learn how to construct and deliver video files - or it is important for them to form a partnership with a videographer to offer their services to clients. Client demand for video assets has only been increasing exponentially. In order for a creative professional to stay competitive - they have to find ways to meet client demands and expectations in today's marketplace. https://jamespatrick.com/
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode, I was sitting in my office by myself on Monday morning when Instagram and Facebook had been down all day. It’s only when things like this happen that I actually notice how often I subconsciously will go on my phone to open the app.
I was looking online, doing what people do, when Instagram or Facebook go down; starting looking on Twitter and Google. I went online to Down Detector and was reading about how his was their biggest outage in 13 years.
My first thought is, “Well, crap. I just wrote out and planned my week’s worth of Instagram content. I just dropped a new podcast that I think is important, if only I could post about this. Oh wait, I CAN!”
“You need to get the connections you have with your audience off of social media.”
IN THIS EPISODE
- How important it is to not have to rely on Instagram or Facebook to reach your audience.
- Why lists of your audience that you own matter.
- Focusing on building your own lists.
- Creating incentives that have value to get your audience to sign up to your lists.
- The importance of specificity in your offers.
- Factors that play a role in having a great lead magnet.
- Using this time wisely.
If you’re still not on my text thread, text me at 408-605-3254. This is a great way to connect with me and ask me any questions you have!
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
For more, visit jamespatrick.com