Blog
Staying competitive means continuously improving your skills and business strategies. Here you’ll find exclusive insights for photographers, creative directors, and all types of creatives who want to sharpen their craft and grow their business.
Whether you’re looking to improve your photography techniques, boost your brand visibility, or stay on top of industry trends, this practical, actionable advice is based on years of experience working with leading brands and publications.
From expert business strategies and marketing tips to creative inspiration and photography skills, this blog gives you the tools you need to succeed in the competitive photography and creative industries.
You Will Not Succeed If…
This is a guaranteed, fool-proof method on how not to succeed... try to replicate a competitor's story or brand. We see this trend often when a modeling talent will have a unique background, story or approach. They brand it, market it and succeed from it. Then a...
What Models Should Know About Applying to Casting Calls
Seven years of my life I spent in the marketing world and my primary job was to chase work on behalf of the company I worked for. I would have to constantly monitor our current and prospective client's to track what work they presently had and what work they would...
Interview with Magazine Editor Erica Willick from Gorgo Magazine
Excite to share with you my recent interview with Erica Willick, the co-founder of Gorgo Magazine about the formation of the magazine, their unique approach to publishing and what they look for in modeling talents. James Patrick: What was your background prior to the...
I’ve Been Lying To You
When you saw me give a presentation in front of an audience, I was lying to you. When you met me at a networking event, I was lying to you then. When you came to a party I hosted, I was also lying to you. When you sat on a board of directors with me, I was even lying...
What Goes Into A Commercial Photo Shoot
As we presently prep for two large commercial photo shoots – talents occasionally ask what happens behind the scenes to arrange these types of productions. Models will show up on set the day of a commercial photo shoot, have their hair and makeup done, do the shoot,...
How I Did In 2014: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
This is the fourth year in a row I’ve done this post which in full transparency and disclosure recaps how things went over the last 12 months of both my career with James Patrick Photographer as well as in my own life. Those who have been subscribed awhile are aware...
Just Once I’d Like to be Wrong
I woke up Wednesday morning and the internet at my house was running atrociously slow. I called my internet service provider twice to talk to two somewhat condescending tech supporters who at the end simply blamed it on my old modem, which although worked perfectly 8...
The Cheap Guy
I was recently asked if I would sell a photo I did of a model to a supplement company so they could use it on the product label as well as associated advertising and marketing materials for the company. I submitted an estimate which was consistent with what similar...
The Greatest Reward
During a panel presentation a few years ago, myself and the other presenters were asked a unique question. If we could have any superpower, what would it be? The other panelists gave answers you might expect; the ability to control time, to fly and to be invisible...