Every creative career begins with an invisible handshake.

Before the photographs exist, before the campaign launches, before the work is delivered, someone decides to trust you.

In this episode, Patrick explores what happens when that trust is broken, beginning with North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s May 2026 press conference announcing the state’s lawsuit against Holly Christina Photography, a wedding photography company accused of defrauding more than 200 couples out of nearly $1 million through overbooking, undelivered work, and broken promises. Audio clips from that press conference are used throughout the episode.

From there, the conversation becomes much more personal.

Patrick shares the story of an early freelance assignment he never should have accepted, and how one difficult phone call in a 7-Eleven parking lot changed the way he thinks about professionalism forever.

Because professionalism isn’t about never making mistakes.

It’s about telling the truth before someone has to chase you for it.

Key idea: Good faith isn’t believing nothing will go wrong. It’s the promise that when it does, you’ll remain reachable.

Resources

APA (Advertising Photographers of America) Find your local chapter at apanational.org

The Book

Lessons From a Terrible Photographer

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terriblephotographer.com/support

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Podcast written, produced, and hosted by Patrick Fore.
Music licensed through Epidemic Sound and Blue Dot Sessions.
Recorded from my garage in San Diego, California.