Archive FM

Beyond the Image Podcast

WWE VP of Photography Brad Smith

Broadcast on:
14 Aug 2024

Welcome to the relaunch of the Beyond the Image Podcast! A show for creatives, made by a creative.

If you’ve listened to this show over the last few years, you’ll realize it’s rare I bring a guest back on a second time. This is a mistake I want to rectify. I went back to our episode from March 5, 2019 with one of the first guests I had on. 

I heard this individual speaking on a webinar series on how creative professionals can navigate their career and try to procure work from bigger and better clients so they can scale their business and I knew I needed to have him on the podcast so I can pick his brain. 

In his career he has been the Director of Photography at Sports Illustrated, a Senior Photo Editor for the New York Times, and the Associate Director of Photography for the White House. Currently, he is the VP of Photography for the WWE and I could not think of anyone better to bring back as a guest for the 600th episode of this show. 

Welcome, Brad Smith, back to the show. 

“The key thing to remember is, it’s a marathon,  not a sprint.”

IN THIS EPISODE

  • A review of Brad Smith's professional career trajecetory.

  • What inspired Brad to take on the role of a leader and teacher in the photography industry. 

  • The most important realization you can have as a photographer. 

  • What will keep getting you jobs over and over again. 

  • The power of connecting with your clients. 

  • Why you need word of mouth in your business 

  • How deliverables have changed over time. 

  • What Brad and the WWE is looking for when looking at a photographer’s social media and portfolio. 

  • Being willing to evolve and adapt. 

  • The one character trait that will lead to better photographs. 

Connect with James

Website: jamespatrick.com

Instagram: @jpatrickphoto

Connect with Brad

Website: https://www.wwe.com

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For more, visit jamespatrick.com