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 flatter, and why some of the most important photographs in history are uncomfortable to look at. The episode also examines what this moment says about AI, creative intent, and the ethical decisions that still separate human-made work from generated imagery.

This is not political commentary. It's photographic commentary.

https://jamespatrick.com/

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 clients who hire you.

If you've ever dealt with trolls, drive-by comments, or industry shade, this episode is your reminder that community beats competition, ego doesn't pay the bills, and not everyone is supposed to like your work.

https://jamespatrick.com/

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 "dollars per photo" is the wrong way to price your work

• How usage, reach, and client impact determine true value

• How experience, overhead, and production level shape sustainable pricing

• Why shaming photographers for their rates is the real unethical behavior

• A clear framework for building a profitable, sustainable photography business

• How commercial photography pricing differs from family, portrait, and lifestyle work

• How understanding licensing transforms your earning potential

Perfect for:
Photographers, creative entrepreneurs, commercial shooters, brand photographers, content creators, and anyone looking to strengthen their business, pricing strategy, and professional mindset.

If you've ever struggled with what to charge—or felt pressure from internet strangers telling you your rates are wrong—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you've been missing.

https://jamespatrick.com/

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 deliverables list
• How to enforce boundaries without being rude
• Why "no" is often the most professional answer
• How to navigate change orders, unreasonable requests, and toxic behavior
• And how to move on without letting difficult clients drain your creativity

If you've ever had a shoot derailed, a client push past limits, or a project go off the rails — this episode gives you the tools to stay in control, stay confident, and stay creative.

Most breakdowns come from vague agreements, not personality clashes.
How tightening your contract eliminates 90% of conflict before it ever starts.

The exact items that belong in a scope of work — deliverables, looks, locations, edits, usage terms, fees, timelines, and change orders.

How "please refer to the terms and conditions" resets expectations with professionalism and clarity.

Why "no" is not rude — it's a boundary.
How to decline requests, deny scope creep, and keep the project on track.

Red flags, communication breakdowns, and when to walk away.

You can't be a creative and a punching bag at the same time.
Client satisfaction matters — but so does your wellbeing.

https://jamespatrick.com/

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.

https://jamespatrick.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto/

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 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

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.

https://jamespatrick.com/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/jpatrickphoto

https://jamespatrick.com/