BTI #254: Becoming Your Own Publisher with Cynthia Sassi
Release Date: 06/30/2021
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...
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Bezos AI Wedding Photos & the Death of Visual Truth
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Image, I dive headfirst into the AI-manipulated Bezos wedding photos — not just as a viral moment, but as a symbol of something much deeper: the collapse of trust in visual media. From AI-generated fantasies to influencers selling fake lifestyles, we are now in an era where we genuinely can’t tell what’s real anymore. I share my take on how this disaster is unfolding without a clear end goal, and what it means for journalism, editorial integrity, and even commercial photography. We explore: The Bezos AI wedding image: what it says about where we are and...
info_outlineToday, we are talking about all things content and content marketing. I know you’ve heard the phrasing and seen the memes about how content is king. It’s true, content is king. But you might be wondering how you go about building that content platform and how to leverage and implement that content into your marketing strategy.
I’m so excited to have Cynthia Sassi on today. She’s the founder of Fabulous Media Group and we are diving into this topic. Tune in and get ready to take notes!
IN THIS EPISODE
- What drew Cynthia to the digital marketing industry.
- How digital advertising has leveled the marketing playing field.
“With digital, we can change things up by the minute. If something’s not working, we can try something else.”
- The difference between digital and physical marketing materials.
- How consumer demand and advertising money effects how things are marketed.
- Different factors that Cynthia analyzes in order to create effective content.
- Why consistency is so important.
- Having an ideal client you are marketing to.
“When you try to market to everyone, you’re going to market to no one.”
- The importance of being flexible in your approach.
- How to stand out in your digital marketing.
- Taking a step back and asking yourself what YOU would want to see in order to add value to your marketing.
Connect with Cynthia:
Website: Fabulous Media Group -
Instagram: @cynthiasassi
@fabulousarizona @fabulouswisconsin @fabulousiowa @fabulouswashington @fabulouscalifornia
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: WE HAVE OPENED EARLY BIRD PASSES FOR THIS YEAR’S FITPOSIUM!
Details: September 16-18th, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ. Both virtual and in-person passes will be available. Early bird pricing will be available for 2 weeks. 100% all about how to get published.
All details are live HERE: https://fitposium.com/
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
For more, visit jamespatrick.com
ALSO...
We have re-opened the Get Amped Mastermind.
A little about the Mastermind:
- Brings together entrepreneurs to connect and support each other.
- Dozens of entrepreneurs have 4x, 6x, 10x their income since being a part of the mastermind.
- It’s a brand new and revamped mastermind.
- A deep dive, strategy session with me followed by 6 months of focused and efficient work with monthly meetings to do work
- A photoshoot with me so I can help you build marketing materials for your brand and business development.
- Real work to focus on reaching results.
Apply at getampedmastermind.com or text me at 408-605-3254 and book a free discovery call with me so we can chat about your goals and see how I can support you.
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
For more, visit jamespatrick.com