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WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith

Beyond the Image Podcast

Release Date: 08/14/2024

Best & Worst Photo Gear show art Best & Worst Photo Gear

Beyond the Image Podcast

In over two decades as a professional photographer, I've spent more than I will ever admit on photo gear. From cameras to lenses, from modifiers to lights, from tripods to c-stands and from computers to editing softwares. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I spill the tea on all my favorite pieces of gear I've ever purchased as well as all of the items I wish I could get my money back on. Have you bought and loved or purchased and regretted any of these items? Connect with James Patrick  

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Are Magazines Screwed? show art Are Magazines Screwed?

Beyond the Image Podcast

Short answer: VERY I've spent over 20 years working in print media and even own two magazines. So you can say I have a vested interest in this topic and this industry. I want to deep dive into how magazines got themselves into the hole they have with subscribers and with advertisers. Also I will explore what, if anything, magazine publisher's can do to help salvage (or even save) the industry. You can listen to the Beyond the Image podcast wherever you get your episodes. Connect with me on Instagram @JPatrickPhoto or my website www.JamesPatrick.com

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How to Take Good Photos of Bad Subjects show art How to Take Good Photos of Bad Subjects

Beyond the Image Podcast

Today, we’re talking about how to get good photos of bad subjects. When I say bad subjects, I don’t mean they’re bad people. What I mean is, they’re just not great on camera.  “Regardless of how bad someone thinks they are on camera, it’s our job as photographers to make something great. And if not great, to make something usable.” IN THIS EPISODE   Are most subjects good on camera? Why you should communicate and give direction to your subjects.  The power of preset ideas and having a visual representation on set.  Starting safe instead of ending...

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Protect Your Photo Business show art Protect Your Photo Business

Beyond the Image Podcast

Today, we’re talking about bad actors or bad faith clients. These are clients who could potentially be trying to rip off your business, steal from you and try to take advantage of you as a small business owner.  “This can be, not only financially detrimental, it can be emotionally taxing.” IN THIS EPISODE   Certain situations James has had in his businesses with bad actors.  Things you can do as a photographer to protect yourself and your business.  What a contract actually does.  The power of saving all your communication.  Why you should...

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WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith show art WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith

Beyond the Image Podcast

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...

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How I Radically Increased My Photography Income show art How I Radically Increased My Photography Income

Beyond the Image Podcast

Here at the studio last week, we had our 4th annual get together where we had different creatives (whether photographers, videographers, producers, designers, etc.) to talk about the state of where the industry is at right now and the challenges we are facing as creatives within our businesses and to start to share best practices on how we can navigate these things.    The thing that kept coming up over the course of this 3 hour conversation is that so many creatives are still struggling with ways to develop new business for their companies.    Let’s talk about it.  ...

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Dealing with Haters Online show art Dealing with Haters Online

Beyond the Image Podcast

In today’s episode, I want to talk about haters. Also known as, online trolls. In 20 years of running different businesses, I’ve had to navigate my fair share of trolling hate online. When you’re just starting in a new industry, this crap could be devastating. So, let’s talk about it.  “If you’re not upsetting anyone, then you are simply not doing enough to be noticed.” IN THIS EPISODE What happened to James early in his career when he experienced online trolling.  The realization James had that changed everything.  What it actually means when you get...

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Launching a Photography Business show art Launching a Photography Business

Beyond the Image Podcast

Before I really launched into my career as a professional photographer, I had a lot of hesitations and reservations. I had a lot of thoughts and questions about if I could make it. Had I allowed those thoughts to take root, I never would’ve picked up a camera. Let’s talk about what it takes to be successful.  “What is actually stopping you from getting started?” IN THIS EPISODE Initial thoughts I had when starting my photography business. The real reason why I’ve had over 20 years of success and awards in my business.  How to have success in any industry. How to...

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BTI # 596: Photographing SI Swimwear’s In Her Words with Taylor Ballantyne show art BTI # 596: Photographing SI Swimwear’s In Her Words with Taylor Ballantyne

Beyond the Image Podcast

Photographing SI Swimwear’s In Her Words with Taylor Ballantyne Hosted by: James Patrick We have a brand new approach for an episode today. I get to speak to a creative and we are going to unpack their catalog, work, and experiences and get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring some of these projects to fruition.    My guest today who I’m chatting with it Taylor Ballantyne, a photographer and director.  “It’s our responsibility to learn how people are digesting information, first and foremost.” IN THIS EPISODE   How Taylor got her start into...

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BTI # 595: Things I USED To Think Mattered as a Photographer show art BTI # 595: Things I USED To Think Mattered as a Photographer

Beyond the Image Podcast

Things I USED To Think Mattered as a Photographer  Hosted by: James Patrick There’s a handful of things I thought really used to matter as my career as a photographer. At some point in the 20 years, I’ve realized that these are things that don’t matter at all. Let’s talk about those things in this episode.  “There is no right and no wrong in your stance as a creative professional in any of these things.” IN THIS EPISODE   8 things I used to think really mattered as a photographer.  What prevented me from outsourcing to editors.  Should you set...

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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