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

• 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

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.

• Free Magazine Cover Posing Guide for Photographers
  👉 https://jamespatrick.com/posing/

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.

Are your photography rates leaving you busy, booked, and broke? In this episode of Beyond the Image, James Patrick breaks down exactly how photographers can calculate sustainable rates that cover their cost of doing business, desired income, and all the hidden hours spent editing, marketing, and running their business.

Learn step-by-step formulas to figure out your true hourly rate, price your shoots correctly, and turn every session into profit through usage, upsells, and add-on services. Whether you're a portrait, commercial, editorial, or lifestyle photographer, this episode gives you practical tools to stop undercharging, attract the right clients, and grow a profitable photography business.

Stop guessing your rates—start calculating them the right way.

Connect with James Patrick at JamesPatrick.com