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WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith

Beyond the Image Podcast

Release Date: 08/14/2024

Photographing for Phoenix Magazine with Mirelle Inglefield show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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...

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No BS Approach to Business Development with Vanessa Joy show art No BS Approach to Business Development with Vanessa Joy

Beyond the Image Podcast

Business development is likely the most stressful element of a photographer's career. Having to market and sell while navigating the relentless fear of rejection is what separates those who are able to successful grow their careers from those who continue to struggle. Well, let's fix that, shall we? My guest today on the Beyond the Image podcast is Vanessa Joy. She has worked with thousands of photographers not only in mastering their craft, but to actually build a sustainable business. Vanessa is a Canon Explorer of Light and has generated a multi-million dollar photography business working...

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[FREE GUIDE] Legacy Planner Annual Goal Strategy Guide show art [FREE GUIDE] Legacy Planner Annual Goal Strategy Guide

Beyond the Image Podcast

The last planner you will ever need! Plan out your year, months, weeks and days with The Legacy Planner to get more done, stay on track and chart out your most successful year ever! Why do some individuals seem to possess the capacity to consistently achieve great things in their lives, while others tend to struggle? Perhaps you have wondered the same thing and questioned what specifically separates the two groups. If we are to believe musings from the infinite parade of social media memes, then each of us are already abundant with endless potential. Yet despite that potential, for some...

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I Got Scammed show art I Got Scammed

Beyond the Image Podcast

Early in my career I got scammed by a client who hired me to photograph an event for his company, and then never paid me. His company eventually disappeared and two decades passed until I came across him again. He had relocated, launched a new company and was on the cover of a pay to be featured magazine.  What happened next with the magazine was really interesting. [NEWS] The Legacy Planner is newly updated for 2025! Get your copy now at  

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Your Watermarks Suck show art Your Watermarks Suck

Beyond the Image Podcast

The last time I dared talk about photographers using watermarks, I got a few (okay, a lot) of angry messages. But I hope this time you hear me out on why watermarking your photos is a futile effort that only satiates ego and does nothing to actually help your brand or business. https://jamespatrick.com/

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Getting Fired by Clients show art Getting Fired by Clients

Beyond the Image Podcast

By default we only want to share our wins and successes. The fear is that if we are open and honest about projects that don't go well or client experiences that are not stellar that it will somehow reflect negatively upon us. The truth is, when we only share the positives about our careers, it gives a false aspiration of what a creative career truly looks like. Throughout our careers we will lose more work than we will ever win. That is the simple math of it. And once we acknowledge that reality - we can begin to look at losses as not failures but as opportunities to learn and improve our...

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More Episodes

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 I can pick his brain. 

In his career he has been the Director of Photography at Sports Illustrated, a Senior Photo Editor for the New York Times, and the Associate Director of Photography for the White House. Currently, he is the VP of Photography for the WWE and I could not think of anyone better to bring back as a guest for the 600th episode of this show. 

Welcome, Brad Smith, back to the show. 

“The key thing to remember is, it’s a marathon,  not a sprint.”

IN THIS EPISODE

  • A review of Brad Smith's professional career trajecetory.

  • What inspired Brad to take on the role of a leader and teacher in the photography industry. 

  • The most important realization you can have as a photographer. 

  • What will keep getting you jobs over and over again. 

  • The power of connecting with your clients. 

  • Why you need word of mouth in your business 

  • How deliverables have changed over time. 

  • What Brad and the WWE is looking for when looking at a photographer’s social media and portfolio. 

  • Being willing to evolve and adapt. 

  • The one character trait that will lead to better photographs. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Connect with Brad

Website: https://www.wwe.com

Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review! 

For more, visit jamespatrick.com