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Patrick Fore of www.terriblephotographer.com and www.patrickfore.com is a San Diego-based commercial photographer and creative director with over 15 years of experience in graphic design and photography.
His work is first-rate! He is seriously, a fantastic photographer.
Beyond his impressive portfolio, Patrick is also the author of Lessons from a Terrible Photographer and hosts the Terrible Photographer Podcast.
It wasn't his photography that first caught my attention, though. It was an email from PhotoBizX Member and photographer, Ben Shakespeare, who wrote…
Hi Andrew,
I've been listening to something and was compelled to email you.
Sometimes you hear something that really strikes you – 99% of the time so far that's come from your podcast, but just before I headed away on holiday (after a really intense 2025 so far) I found the Terrible Photographer's podcast.
As someone who had been at the limit of what was physically possible in my business, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not sure if you'd feel it would be right for Photobizx in terms of business growth, but I've been back and listened to every episode twice, such was the impact it's had on me.
That was enough for me to go searching and I'm rapt to say in this interview, Patrick shares the brutal truth about photography business, boundaries, and burnout.
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
From Grammy winners to hair stylists — how chasing the “dream job” nearly broke Patrick.
The burnout signs too many photographers ignore — and how he pulled himself back.
Walking away from a six-figure salary — and earning more by putting life first.
Boundaries that protect your business, creativity… and your sanity.
The photography industry’s harsh reality — beyond the Instagram gloss.
How smart SEO brought a flood of clients from a standing start.
When free work works — building a portfolio that attracts the right people.
The art–business balancing act: earning well without losing your voice.
Why personal projects aren’t optional — they’re the fuel that keeps you shooting.
Working with art directors without losing creative control.
The emotional toll of unpaid invoices — and how to protect yourself.
How honesty about the hard stuff makes your work (and relationships) stronger.
Keeping momentum during slow seasons with goals, structure, and movement.
Burnout, self-doubt, and therapy — why talking about it makes you a better photographer.
What’s on Offer for Premium Members
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews.
I think in my criticism of a lot of the photography education and content out there is they make it sound awesome, right? They're like, ‘Build your business in four easy steps,' right? And it's like, ‘Oh my gosh.' It's like, if it was only that easy, right? – Patrick Fore
You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all.
When you're constantly feeling like you don't have any power in the relationship between you and the craft, that's when burnout happens… that's when it becomes like, ‘Man, I'm not getting any enjoyment out of this. It's just work. There's no fun in it anymore. I'm not growing.' – Patrick Fore
In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Patrick shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.
No matter what I'm shooting, I'm always looking for ways that I can put my spin on it, and sometimes that just might be, like, shooting outside of scope on purpose. – Patrick Fore
If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Patrick, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.
iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.
I'm a big proponent of therapy, and I strongly suggest that that people take care of their mental health. – Patrick Fore
If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name. Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.
Photography, first and foremost, is an art form. It's a way to express yourself. – Patrick Fore
Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.
The post 629: Patrick Fore – The Brutal Truth About Photography Business, Boundaries, and Burnout appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.
