From Photographer to Creative Partner: Why My Work Is Evolving (And What That Means for You)
For years, I’ve made my living as a commercial photographer — working with brands, founders, and teams to create visuals that tell a story and drive their business forward.
That part of my work isn’t changing.
I’m still a photographer. Always have been. Always will be. I absolutely love this craft and I’m dedicated to it. I’ll continue to shoot campaigns, portraits, and branded content that helps people connect with what you do.
But lately, I’ve felt something shifting.
The Work I Love Most Was Never Just About the Camera
When I think about the most rewarding, high-impact projects I’ve done — the ones I couldn’t stop talking about — they all had one thing in common:
I wasn’t just hired to take photos.
I was brought in to think. To help shape ideas. To solve creative problems from the ground up.
Whether it was developing messaging for a founder’s rebrand, directing a video shoot for a campaign, or working with a team to clarify a concept — that’s when I felt most in flow. That’s when I knew:
I’m not just a photographer. I’m a creative partner.
Writing. Consulting. Coaching. And Why It Matters.
That realization has opened the door to a bigger shift. I’m stepping more intentionally into roles I’ve always played behind the scenes:
Creative consulting — helping brands refine their message and strategy
Coaching — working with creatives and founders on clarity and creative execution
Writing — shaping ideas, giving voice to stories, and sharing what I’ve learned
I’m publishing my first book, Lessons from a Terrible Photographer, and launching The Terrible Photographer Podcast to go even deeper into the creative process — not just the craft, but the mindset.
And no, this isn’t about ego. I don’t want to be “the voice” — I want to use my voice to help other people win.
Because that’s what I love.
That’s what lights me up.
Stepping Into Creative Direction (and Why It Works for You)
Over the past few years, I’ve been doing more creative direction — mostly informally. I would be hired to be just the photographer, but before to long, I would be doing other things, contributing ideas and speaking to strategy that was well beyond my pay grade.
And since I’ve gone full time freelance as a commercial photographer, I have curiously always finding my self hired as a photographer, but doing other things as well.
Things like:
Helping brands develop campaign concepts
Providing creative direction for product launches.
Messaging consulting for tech startups to local political candidates.
Directing video shoots
Building collaborative teams that get the job done
Now I’m embracing that role fully. Not to abandon photography — but to give it more reach, more impact, and more integration into the bigger creative picture.
If You’re a Brand or Founder, Here’s What This Means
You can still hire me for photography. Always.
But you can also bring me in earlier — to shape your message, concept your story, or guide the entire creative process.
I’ll still deliver high-quality visuals. But now, you’ll get so much more behind them.
Because sometimes, you don’t just need a photographer.
You need someone who sees the bigger picture.
I’m a Creative Misfit — And I’m Finally Owning That
I’ve worked in creative teams since I was 21 — first as a junior level graphic designer, then set designer, then senior designer, then art director, then commercial photographer. I’ve never fit cleanly in one lane, and I used to think that was a liability. Having to choose one thing at a time.
Now I know it’s my superpower.
I don’t just capture what’s in front of the camera.
I help shape what gets in front of it.
And that’s what I want to do more of — with people and brands I believe in.
So if you’re building something bold — or if you’re feeling stuck and need clarity — I’d love to help. Whether through a session, a shoot, or a full campaign.
Let’s build it together.
— Patrick