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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.
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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
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