Why “Good Work” Is Making You Invisible (And What Actually Gets You Hired)
Beyond the Image Podcast
Every May, a new wave of talented creatives enters the market—and here’s the reality: their work is good. Really good. Which means “doing great work” is no longer a differentiator… it’s the baseline. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick breaks down what he’s seeing firsthand from reviewing hundreds of student portfolios—and why it should be a wake-up call for working professionals. If your strategy for growth is built on your portfolio alone, you’re already falling behind. This episode dives into the real drivers of business growth in the creative industry,...
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Stop Answer "What Do You Charge?" Like an Amateur
Beyond the Image Podcast
“What are your rates?” It sounds simple, but most photographers fumble this moment and cost themselves money in the process. In this episode, we break down why answering too quickly puts you at a disadvantage and how to take control of the conversation instead. You’ll learn the key questions to ask before giving a number, how to position yourself as a professional instead of a commodity, and why pricing without context is just guessing. If you want to stop underpricing and start leading your client conversations, this episode is for you. Visit: Instagram: Substack:
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Should You Put Your Rates on Your Website?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Should your pricing be public… or is that quietly limiting your business? In this episode, I break down the real impact of listing your rates online. Not just from a convenience standpoint, but from a positioning and revenue perspective. Because while publishing pricing can filter inquiries, it can also create a ceiling on what you earn, reduce your ability to upsell, and shift how clients perceive your value before you ever have a conversation. We dig into when “starting at” pricing can work, where it falls short, and how most creatives unintentionally turn themselves into commodities...
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Who Pays Who? Models or Photographers?
Beyond the Image Podcast
This episode is a direct response to the conversations, debates, and hot takes sparked by two recent reels that hit a nerve. The question seems simple on the surface: who should pay who, the model or the photographer? But once you peel it back, it exposes a much bigger issue around value, expectations, and how people position themselves in the industry. In this episode, I break down the different scenarios where a model should be paid, where a photographer should be paid, and where neither should be reaching for their wallet. Because the truth is, this is not about rigid rules, it is about...
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Ego vs. Critique: What’s Really Hurting the Photography Industry
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode, we’re breaking down a problem that’s quietly holding the photography industry back—ego. After watching a photographer get flooded with hateful comments on their work, it became clear that much of what gets labeled as “critique” isn’t actually constructive feedback at all. It’s insecurity, comparison, and ego showing up as opinion. We dive into: The difference between real critique and ego-driven criticism Why “it’s public, expect feedback” misses the point The truth behind “I’m just being honest” How toxic feedback impacts creativity, collaboration,...
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The Truth About Underbidding in Creative Work (And Why It Hurts Everyone)
Beyond the Image Podcast
When a client takes one creative’s bid and shops it around to get someone else to undercut it, they’re not evaluating based on value, vision, or fit, they’re turning it into a race to the bottom. That devalues the work across the board. And on the flip side, a photographer who’s willing to drop their rate just because they saw someone else’s numbers isn’t really pricing based on what the project is worth, they’re just reacting to pressure. That’s not sustainable, and it hurts the industry long term. Healthy competition is presenting your best work, your best concept, and your...
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Stop Wasting Money: What Doesn’t Grow Your Photography Business
Beyond the Image Podcast
Most photographers don’t have a revenue problem… they have a focus problem. In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest money traps in the photography industry. The things we’re told will grow our business… but don’t. From expensive websites and paid ads to studio spaces, rebrands, presets, and productivity tools, I’m sharing what I personally invested in that didn’t move the needle and why. More importantly, I’m unpacking what actually does drive growth so you can stop wasting time, stop wasting money, and start building real momentum. Because looking like a professional...
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Stop Worrying About Copycats: The Truth About “Stolen Ideas” in Photography
Beyond the Image Podcast
What should you do when another photographer copies your work? Nothing. In this episode, I break down why the fear of “stolen ideas” is one of the biggest things holding creatives back. After a recent post sparked debate, I dive into the difference between inspiration and theft, what copyright actually protects, and why most photographers are focused on the wrong problem. We’re talking about: Why ideas aren’t the asset, execution is The truth about “first usage rights” and copyright How a scarcity mindset slows your growth Why competition is actually a good thing And how...
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Are Photographers Actually Ruining the Industry?
Beyond the Image Podcast
Are photographers actually ruining the photography industry by charging too little? It is a complaint that has echoed through the photography community for decades. Photographers often blame other photographers for lowering prices, devaluing photography, and training clients to expect cheap or free work. But what if that belief is based on a misunderstanding of how markets actually work? In this episode of the Beyond the Image Podcast, photographer and creative entrepreneur James Patrick breaks down a recent debate with another photographer who argued that clients simply do not value...
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How I Became a CreativeLive Instructor — And What It Really Took
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Image, commercial photographer James Patrick shares the story behind being invited to teach as a CreativeLive instructor photographer — and what it really takes to earn opportunities at that level. CreativeLive has featured some of the most respected photography instructors and creative entrepreneurs in the industry. Being selected as a CreativeLive photography instructor is not about virality or follower count. It is about depth of expertise, consistent production quality, and long-term credibility. In this episode, James breaks down: How major creative...
info_outlineFor today’s episode, we are dipping back into our archives. In fact, this is an interview I did back in 2017 with Katelyn Swallow. If that name rings a bell, it’s because she’s been attending FITposium and on our panels for years now; every year since 2017. She is currently the editor of Strong Fitness Magazine in Australia. But, at the time of this interview, she was the editor of Women’s Health and Fitness Magazine.
So much of what we talk about is so important for entrepreneurs to know about leveraging media outlets to grow their brand awareness, visibility, credibility and generate more leads.
PSA! We are doing a cover search right now for the cover of Portfolio Magazine, but only for those who register for FITposium 2021. Register HERE.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Katelyn’s background and how she got to where she is.
“Knowledge applied is power.”
- The importance of working hard and continuing to learn.
- Doing what it takes to get where you want to be.
- Why genuine content makes a difference.
- Aligning with the values of the magazine you are looking to work with.
- The truth behind photos in magazines.
- Why the quality and relevance of your images in proposals need to be up to par and align with the values of the magazine.
- You need 3-4 sentences that can explain your brand clearly.
- Don’t be afraid to do a lot of things for free at the beginning of your journey.
“Find your niche, differentiate yourself, earn the attention.”
Connect with Katelyn
Instagram: @katelynswallow_
Share this podcast with a friend and remember to leave a 5-star review!
For more, visit jamespatrick.com