Biggest Portfolio Mistakes Photographers Make (and Why Your Portfolio Isn’t Enough)
Release Date: 11/20/2025
Why the Vanity Fair Portraits Made People Uncomfortable — and Why That Matters
Beyond the Image Podcast
The recent Vanity Fair portraits by Christopher Anderson sparked an unprecedented reaction across the creative world. Some called them powerful. Others called them “bad photos.” In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick breaks down why that criticism reveals more about viewer expectations than photographic quality. From extreme close-ups and intentional lighting choices to the role of honesty, narrative, and authorship, this conversation explores what actually defines a successful photograph. We unpack why photography is a form of storytelling, why not every image is meant to...
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When Photographers Turn on Photographers
Beyond the Image Podcast
Photographers… this may shock you — but not everyone is going to like your work. And sometimes, the loudest critics are other photographers. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick breaks down why criticism from other creatives often has nothing to do with your talent and everything to do with ego, insecurity, and misplaced comparison. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between constructive feedback and noise, why other photographers don’t get to decide your value, and how to stay focused on what actually matters — creating work you’re proud of and serving the...
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Why Photographers Are Getting Pricing Wrong
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick takes a direct, professional look at one of the most polarizing conversations in the photography world: ethical pricing. After a viral post claimed that “$2,000 for 100 photos is unethical,” the industry erupted into yet another round of pricing debates, judgment, and misinformation. James breaks down why these arguments happen—and more importantly, why they’re built on a limited, inaccurate understanding of how photography pricing, usage, licensing, and value-based business models actually work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why...
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When the Client Is the Problem: How Photographers Protect Themselves
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick dives into one of the biggest questions photographers asked after his viral video: “What do you do when the client is the difficult one?” After more than 20 years, hundreds of shoots, and more personalities than he can count, James breaks down the real root of “bad clients,” why a vague contract is more dangerous than a tough personality, and how to protect your work, your energy, and your business with clear boundaries. You’ll learn: • Why your contract is your #1 line of defense • What MUST be included in every scope and...
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Strategy No One Talks About Which Landed Me A Dream Job
Beyond the Image Podcast
In this episode, I break down exactly how I landed a dream project—not through luck, connections, or waiting to “get discovered,” but by creating the kind of work I wanted to be hired for. I share the full strategy behind building a spec portfolio, crafting content marketing around it, and ultimately generating a wave of viral visibility that positioned me as the go-to creator for that exact style of work. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the “right” clients to find you, this is the blueprint for taking control of your opportunities and building demand around your passion. ...
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Biggest Portfolio Mistakes Photographers Make (and Why Your Portfolio Isn’t Enough)
Beyond the Image Podcast
Fresh off a portfolio review at a local college, I’m breaking down the biggest and most common mistakes photographers make when trying to showcase their work—and why these mistakes might be standing between you and your next client. In this episode, I cover: • Mistake #1: Overloading your portfolio with too many images • Mistake #2: Showcasing work you don’t actually want to shoot • Mistake #3: Not showing enough of the work you do want to be hired for And then we get into the biggest mistake of all: relying solely on your portfolio as your entire marketing strategy. Because in...
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Before You Shoot Video: Essential Guide for Photographers
Beyond the Image Podcast
Stepping into video work as a photographer? Before you hit record, you need to understand the technical fundamentals that make—or break—your footage. In this episode, James Patrick breaks down the 10 essential technical skills photographers must know before transitioning into video, including shutter speed rules, frame rates, ND filters, autofocus behavior, lighting continuity, audio basics, codecs, bitrates, and more. Whether you're adding video to your services or simply exploring motion for the first time, this episode gives you the roadmap to get started the right way.
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Nightmare Productions: 13 Times Everything (Almost) Fell Apart
Beyond the Image Podcast
In the spirit of Halloween, I’m pulling back the curtain on 13 real-life production horror stories — projects that went sideways, off the rails, or barely escaped disaster. From shoots that spiraled out of control to campaigns that almost didn’t see the light of day, these are the lessons learned the hard way from behind the lens and behind the scenes. Whether you’re a creative, a brand, or a business owner, this episode is your survival guide for when everything that can go wrong… does. Tune in, take notes, and maybe keep some sage on standby.
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Being Ghosted: The Real Horror of 2025
Beyond the Image Podcast
It’s 2025 — and ghosting has gone professional. From clients who vanish after getting a proposal, to contractors who disappear mid-project, and collaborators who drop off without a word, we’re all haunted by the same modern nightmare: bad communication. In this episode, James Patrick dives into the spooky, hilarious, and painfully relatable world of ghosting in business. He shares dramatized stories of the vanishing client, the disappearing collaborator, and the contractor who seemed promising — all told with a sharp sense of humor and a dash of Halloween flair. But this isn’t just a...
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5 Biggest Mistakes Creatives Make When Bidding Jobs (and How to Fix Them)
Beyond the Image Podcast
Pricing your work shouldn’t feel like guesswork—but too often, creatives leave money on the table simply by how they bid. In this episode, I break down the 5 most common mistakes photographers and creatives make when quoting projects—from vague pricing and missing line items to failing to set boundaries. You’ll learn how to bid with clarity, confidence, and control, so you protect your value and land better clients without endless back-and-forth negotiations. https://jamespatrick.com/
info_outlineFresh off a portfolio review at a local college, I’m breaking down the biggest and most common mistakes photographers make when trying to showcase their work—and why these mistakes might be standing between you and your next client.
In this episode, I cover:
• Mistake #1: Overloading your portfolio with too many images
• Mistake #2: Showcasing work you don’t actually want to shoot
• Mistake #3: Not showing enough of the work you do want to be hired for
And then we get into the biggest mistake of all: relying solely on your portfolio as your entire marketing strategy. Because in today’s world, having a great portfolio is essential—but it’s not enough on its own. We’ll talk about what you should be doing beyond the portfolio to get in front of the right clients, build authority, and consistently generate work.
Connect with me:
🌐 Website: jamespatrick.com
📸 Instagram: @jamespatrickphoto