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Content provided by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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Do Celebrity Shoots Actually Help Your Portfolio?

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Manage episode 491079093 series 2426942
Content provided by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

On the surface, shooting celebrities or high-profile athletes seems like a golden ticket to a stronger portfolio. But here’s the truth: it’s not the name—it’s the image. In this episode, I break down the myth that photographing celebrities or athletes will instantly elevate your brand.

I share stories from my own career—including a high-caliber shoot with first-round NFL draft pick Beanie Wells, and a less-than-stellar session with actors Eric Bana and Joel McHale—and explain why editors don’t care who is in your photo if the quality isn’t there.

You’ll also learn what photo editors have told me directly during portfolio reviews, and the one situation where working with athletes does give you an edge.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why name recognition alone won’t help your photography career

  • The real reasons some celebrity shots don’t make the cut

  • How to evaluate whether an image actually belongs in your portfolio

  • What working with athletes can teach you about professionalism and production under pressure

  • Why you must separate experience from presentation when curating your book

Key Takeaways:

  • A weak image of a celebrity is still a weak image.

  • Your portfolio is judged by quality, not notoriety.

  • Shooting athletes builds credibility behind the scenes—not necessarily in your visuals.

  • Every photo in your book needs to serve a purpose and reflect your highest standard.

Resources & Mentions:

  • Story: NFL athlete Beanie Wells photo shoot

  • Story: Behind-the-scenes from a difficult Joel McHale shoot

  • Portfolio feedback sessions with top magazine editors

Connect with Me:

  continue reading

643 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 491079093 series 2426942
Content provided by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Patrick and James Patrick: Photographer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

On the surface, shooting celebrities or high-profile athletes seems like a golden ticket to a stronger portfolio. But here’s the truth: it’s not the name—it’s the image. In this episode, I break down the myth that photographing celebrities or athletes will instantly elevate your brand.

I share stories from my own career—including a high-caliber shoot with first-round NFL draft pick Beanie Wells, and a less-than-stellar session with actors Eric Bana and Joel McHale—and explain why editors don’t care who is in your photo if the quality isn’t there.

You’ll also learn what photo editors have told me directly during portfolio reviews, and the one situation where working with athletes does give you an edge.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why name recognition alone won’t help your photography career

  • The real reasons some celebrity shots don’t make the cut

  • How to evaluate whether an image actually belongs in your portfolio

  • What working with athletes can teach you about professionalism and production under pressure

  • Why you must separate experience from presentation when curating your book

Key Takeaways:

  • A weak image of a celebrity is still a weak image.

  • Your portfolio is judged by quality, not notoriety.

  • Shooting athletes builds credibility behind the scenes—not necessarily in your visuals.

  • Every photo in your book needs to serve a purpose and reflect your highest standard.

Resources & Mentions:

  • Story: NFL athlete Beanie Wells photo shoot

  • Story: Behind-the-scenes from a difficult Joel McHale shoot

  • Portfolio feedback sessions with top magazine editors

Connect with Me:

  continue reading

643 episodes

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