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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 by relying on static price lists. I also walk through a smarter approach using pricing tiers, containers, and custom quoting so you can maintain flexibility while still giving prospects clarity. If you've ever wondered whether your pricing strategy is helping or hurting your growth, this is an episode you'll want to hear. https://jamespatrickphotography.substack.com/ https://jamespatrick.com/ 

Introducing Start with Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life with Emma Grede and Oprah from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Emma Grede has become one of the most influential voices in modern business. She is best known as a founding partner of SKIMS, co-founder and CEO of the clothing brand Good American, her podcast Aspire with Emma Grede and as the first Black female investor on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. She is helping redefine what success looks like for a new generation of women. In this conversation with Oprah, Emma dives into her first book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work and Life sharing the mindset behind her rise from a young girl in East London to a global business leader. Drawing on the lessons in her book, Emma opens up about radical self-accountability, the power of discipline and why success starts from within. She also shares her bold perspectives on work-life balance, motherhood without guilt and why women must get comfortable putting money and ambition at the forefront. Plus, we hear from twin sisters who turned a simple idea into a hundred-million-dollar business after making a deal with Emma on Shark Tank. BUY THE BOOK! Emma Grede "Start with Yourself" https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Start-With-Yourself/Emma-Grede/9781668085486 00:00:00 - Welcome Emma Grede author of “Start with Yourself” 00:04:18 - Emma knew she needed to change 00:06:10 - Realizing what you don’t want 00:08:35 - How Emma changed her life 00:13:45 - Radical ownership and real barriers 00:15:10 - We need more women in power 00:19:00 - Career and motherhood 00:20:20 - We put too much pressure on moms 00:22:50 - Truth vs. emotions in business 00:24:22 - Mistakes Emma made 00:27:00 - Emma and Skims 00:27:50 - Building from purpose vs. ego 00:31:00 - Emma funded this on Shark Tank 00:36:00 - Importance of mentorship 00:38:20 - When to scale a small business 00:39:30 - The most important question 00:42:20 - What does self-care look like? 00:43:30 - Meditation practice 00:46:00 - Emma on life being magic 00:49:30 - Overcoming comparison 00:51:00 - Why she wrote the book 00:52:40 - Dyslexia is a superpower 00:54:30 - Is every woman meant for business? 00:56:30 - A well-lived life Cakes Body https://cakesbody.com/ Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

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 leverage, intent, and clarity. I dig into: The difference between collaboration, test shoots, and paid work Why assumptions kill opportunities before they even start How ego shows up in creative negotiations The real question you should be asking before any shoot is agreed to When free work is strategic and when it is just being taken advantage of If you have ever felt frustrated by being asked to work for free or confused about how to price your value, this episode will challenge how you think about the exchange entirely. This is not about picking sides. It is about understanding the game so you can play it better. https://jamespatrick.com/

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, and growth The clear difference between how professionals and amateurs engage This isn't about avoiding critique—it's about raising the standard of how we give it. Because professionals build. Amateurs attack. If you're a photographer, creative, or anyone sharing work publicly, this episode will challenge how you think about feedback—and how you show up in the industry. https://jamespatrick.com/

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 true rate. Not reverse-engineering someone else's bid. If a client is playing creatives against each other like that, it's usually a sign they're shopping for the cheapest option, not the right partner. https://jamespatrick.com/

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 and actually building a profitable business are two very different things. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're doing all the "right" things but not seeing results… this episode is for you. Connect with me: Website: https://jamespatrick.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/jpatrickphoto 

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 to position yourself so copycats don't matter Referencing insights from Austin Kleon and Steal Like an Artist, this episode reframes how creatives should think about originality, influence, and building a sustainable career. If you've ever been frustrated by someone "ripping off" your work, this is the perspective shift you need. https://jamespatrick.com/

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 photography anymore and that the entire industry should raise prices together. The problem with that argument is simple. There is no single universal photography market. Different clients operate at different value levels. Some buyers look for budget options while others seek premium or luxury services. When photographers assume every client should pay the same price, they ignore the reality that markets naturally segment. James explores why cheap photographers are not actually destroying the industry, why raising prices across the board could shrink the market instead of strengthening it, and why positioning is the real key to commanding higher rates. If you have ever felt frustrated about photography pricing, difficult clients, or the perception that the market does not value your work, this episode will challenge the assumptions many photographers hold about the business of photography. Instead of asking why photographers are ruining the market, the better question may be this: What market are you actually building? In This Episode • Why photographers believe others are ruining the photography market • The myth of a universal photography industry • Why different photography markets exist at different price points • What actually happens if photographers collectively raise prices • Why cheap photographers are not stealing high paying clients • The difference between a pricing problem and a positioning problem • Why photographers resist market segmentation • How to think differently about attracting higher value clients Subscribe for More The Beyond the Image Podcast shares insights on photography, branding, marketing, and building a creative business. Subscribe for new episodes. https://jamespatrick.com/ 

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 opportunities actually happen Why platforms like CreativeLive recognize authority rather than create it The compounding effect of consistency in a photography career What attracts education platforms to professional photographers The real difference between visibility and credibility James also shares details about his upcoming CreativeLive seminar, Lighting Athletic Form, where he teaches commercial photography lighting strategies used in real-world brand campaigns. This seminar focuses on: Lighting athletes with intention and structure Using key light and negative fill to shape strength and definition Rim lighting for muscle separation and authority Strategic lighting for commercial brand perception If you are a photographer looking to build authority, refine your lighting systems, and position yourself for larger opportunities — this episode offers a practical roadmap. Because the invitation is not the achievement. The years of work are. About James Patrick James Patrick is a commercial photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. He specializes in brand campaigns, athletic performance imagery, and editorial photography. With over two decades of experience in commercial production, James also mentors photographers through workshops, education, and industry speaking engagements. Connect + Learn More CreativeLive Seminar: Lighting Athletic Form with James Patrick https://www.creativelive.com/tech/seminars/lighting-athletic-form-james-patrick Learn more about James Patrick and his work with CreativeLive: https://jamespatrick.com/creativelive-instructor-photographer-james-patrick/  Explore more episodes of Beyond the Image for insights on photography business strategy, brand positioning, and creative entrepreneurship.

Imagine if every single person thought the name of your company was something different. Not just a slight mispronounciation, but a fundamentally different word altogether. They would not know what to call your business, they would not know how to find it, how to search for it online and thus, they would be unable to ever actually hire and work with you. This is the situation a small business found themselves in. A low investment into a brand logo that was designed esthetically but not legibly led the company to waste tens of thousands of dollars on wasted marketing materials, product packaging and merchandise. In this episode of Beyond the Image, host James Patrick discusses the role of branding and what all creatives (including photographers) should be mindful of when working on creative for their clients. Connect with james at https://jamespatrick.com/

Most photographers get copyright wrong—and it's costing them more than they realize. In this episode of Beyond the Image, I break down the critical difference between copyright and usage rights, explain why payment or delivering RAW files does not transfer ownership, and show how photographers can protect their work while confidently licensing images to clients. We'll cover why the photographer automatically owns copyright in almost every independent contractor situation, how clients are only buying permission to use your work, and what a proper work-for-hire or copyright assignment agreement actually looks like. I also unpack common misconceptions around RAW files, digital negatives, and the old-school negatives from film photography. If you're a professional photographer, understanding these distinctions is essential for building a sustainable business, negotiating contracts, and ensuring you're properly compensated for your intellectual property. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what you own, what you license, and how to avoid giving away rights you don't need to. Whether you shoot commercial campaigns, editorial spreads, or personal projects, this episode will help you protect your images, your brand, and your business. https://jamespatrick.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick calls out one of the most damaging behaviors in the photography industry right now. Photographers mocking others for asking questions, shaming so-called "basic" knowledge, and treating curiosity as proof someone doesn't belong. James breaks down how gatekeeping disguised as expertise harms education, kills curiosity, and drives people out of the industry. He explains why assuming everyone has the same access to information is a form of privilege, not professionalism, and why the loudest gatekeepers are often the ones who could benefit most from continued learning. This episode is a reminder that real confidence doesn't fear questions, real educators don't shame curiosity, and there are no dumb questions. Only people too insecure to ask them. If you care about growth, education, and building a better photography community, this conversation matters. Upcoming Workshops: https://www.hivestudiosaz.com/workshops James Patrick's Work: https://jamespatrick.com/ 

Two photographs. Seconds apart. And a much bigger story about photography, accountability, and the right to document power. In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick examines the events surrounding photographers John Abernathy and Pierre Lavie, whose images captured the moment documentation itself became a threat. As Abernathy was taken down by ICE agents while photographing in public, he instinctively threw his camera to Lavie, preserving evidence that could have been confiscated or destroyed. The conversation expands to the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, an incident captured on video by multiple bystanders who had every legal right to observe and record. Those videos now sit at the center of public scrutiny and legal debate. This episode is not about politics. It is about the First Amendment, press freedom, and why the right to document public officials in public spaces matters more than ever. Because once the cameras go dark, so does the truth. https://jamespatrick.com/

Fifteen years ago, I walked away from a full-time career in marketing—complete with a steady paycheck, benefits, and a 401K—to pursue photography. There were no guarantees it would work, only a willingness to accept uncertainty and learn along the way. In this episode, I reflect on the lessons that have kept James Patrick Photography in business for 15 years. From starting out in Tucson to building a focused career in sports, fitness, and editorial photography, to relocating to Phoenix and opening The Hive Studios, this episode breaks down what actually creates sustainability in a creative business. I share what I learned about proactive versus reactive marketing, why guiding clients is a critical part of the work, and how consistency and preparation matter more than talent alone. We also talk about the growth that came from launching FITposium, writing two best-selling books, and earning ADDY Awards—always with gratitude for the clients, collaborators, and community that made it possible. If you're a photographer, creative, or entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts, this episode offers practical insight, perspective, and encouragement drawn from real experience. Resources mentioned: Read the full 15-year anniversary blog Learn more about The Hive Studios Connect with James Patrick Photography

Posing doesn't have to feel awkward, forced, or inconsistent. In this episode, James Patrick breaks down 8 practical posing tips he's used across more than 800 magazine covers to help photographers confidently direct real clients, not professional models. You'll learn how to create structure at the start of a shoot, guide clients into flattering body angles, fix posture and hands, use props intentionally, and capture natural expressions that feel authentic and powerful. These are real, on-set cues and micro-adjustments you can start using immediately to improve your client experience and elevate your images. If you've ever struggled with posing direction or felt unsure leading people in front of the camera, this episode gives you a clear, repeatable system that works across branding, headshots, lifestyle, and editorial photography. 👉 Download the free Magazine Cover Posing Guide at jamespatrick.com/posing In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why posing is a photographer skill, not a client problem How structure at the start of a shoot builds confidence The most reliable foundational pose for any client Simple cues that instantly improve posture and presence How to eliminate awkward hands without overthinking When and how to use props to improve posing Techniques to capture natural, authentic expressions Why confident direction improves both images and referrals The 8 Posing Tips Covered 1. Start With Structure Why leading early removes uncertainty and sets the tone for the shoot. 2. The 3/4 Power Stance A universally flattering pose that creates shape, confidence, and dimension. 3. Chin Forward and Slightly Down The single micro-adjustment that sharpens the jawline and energizes the eyes. 4. Shift the Weight How weight placement creates either softness or strength in a pose. 5. Relaxed Shoulders, Tall Posture Cues that improve posture without adding tension. 6. Give the Hands a Job Simple fixes to eliminate stiff, awkward hands. 7. Use Props With Purpose How light prop interaction improves comfort and flow. 8. Break the Expression Capturing the in-between moments that feel natural and human. Resources Mentioned Free Magazine Cover Posing Guide for Photographers 👉 https://jamespatrick.com/posing/ About the Host James Patrick is a professional photographer, creative director, and educator with more than two decades of experience behind the lens. He has photographed over 800 magazine covers and helps photographers build both their craft and their careers through education, mentorship, and real-world insight.