The ReWork with Allison Tyler Jones

147 - Less but Better with Nicole Gates


Listen Later

As kind, accommodating portrait photographers, we seem wired to constantly ask ourselves, “How can I add more?”

More services. More products. More options. More experience to my experience!

Doesn’t adding MORE make it MORE VALUABLE to my client?

What if adding more is actually costing you in ways you might not have considered?

This week on The ReWork, I’m joined by Nicole Gates—former FBI agent turned full-time portrait photographer (yes, really)—who learned (the hard way) that more often leads to less

Less clarity. 

Less client connection. 

Which in turn leads to…More confusion. 

And yes—way more exhaustion and, finally back to LESS money in the bank. 

Nicole shares her journey from offering six hour portrait sessions with hair, makeup, multiple clothing changes to streamlining her process, simplifying her service, and creating more powerful, connected work.

But we go deeper than that. Nicole also opens up about:

  • Transitioning from a career where people avoided her (hello, FBI badge) to one where clients now seek her out.

  • How her time in a male-dominated career fuels her mission to help women feel confident and strong in front of the camera—minus the cringe factor.

  • The truth about imposter syndrome—and why being a bada** FBI agent didn’t stop her from feeling like a total fraud behind the lens.

  • And how she finally stopped overcompensating in her sessions and started trusting her instincts.

You'll laugh. You'll nod. You might even rethink everything you’re offering right now.

Becaus, if you do it right?

Less really can be more.

We talk about:

  • Why offering too much can overwhelm and confuse your clients making them reluctant to return
  • How simplifying your process can lead to better photos and stronger client connections
  • The real reason we pile on “extras” (hint: it’s not confidence)
  • What it means to build lasting relationships by going deeper, not wider


If you have ever felt like you’re throwing too much at the wall (in business or life) and wondering why it’s not sticking—this one is definitely for you.


Timestamps:

[3:26] At 55, Nicole started her business after retiring from the FBI, balancing multiple roles in McAllen, Texas.

[6:02] Initially pursuing newborn photography, Nicole shifted to glamour portraits to empower women through confidence.

[8:47] Nicole's FBI experience in trust-building and listening helps her create meaningful portraits.

[10:27] Nicole guides women to embrace their strength and confidence, fostering a safe, empowering photoshoot experience.

[13:13] Although she was initially against boudoir photography, Nicole now balances it with family shoots.

[16:06] Nicole reflects on having overcome imposter syndrome, now trusting her photography skills without overcompensating.

[19:03] Nicole's FBI career led her to inspiring local women.

[21:49] Hear how Nicole learned to simplify, focus on relationships, and create lasting client experiences.

[24:19] Nicole now shoots with intention, prioritizing quality over quantity.

[27:44] Nicole came to embrace the idea that "less is more.”

[30:33] Nicole sees her age as a badge of honor and embraces her style,

[33:52] Striving for balance, Nicole is learning to work smarter while prioritizing family and personal growth.

[36:57] Although she loves books, Nicole rarely finds time to read and favors watching Spanish dramas while editing.


Click here to listen!


WE WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU’D: Rate, Review, & Follow Us on Apple Podcasts

“I love ATJ & The ReWork!.” <– If that sounds like you, please take a minute and rate and review the show! This helps us support more portrait photographers — just like you — move toward building the PROFITABLE, sustainable businesses that they really want. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let ME know what you loved most about the episode (and any topics you are dying to learn about). 

Also, if you haven’t already, FOLLOW the podcast. We’ll be adding some bonus episodes to the feed this season, and if you’re not following, you’ll miss out. Follow now!

You can also email me directly with your suggestions at: [email protected] - OR DM me directly on Instagram @atjphoto or @do.the.rework 

We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas! 


Links and Resources:

Download a Transcript

Ultimate Client Consultation Form

Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)

Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool

Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses

Jack Mitchell - Hug Your Customers


Do The ReWork

Website | Instagram | Facebook


Allison Tyler Jones

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn


Nicole Gates

Website | Instagram 1 | Instagram 2 | Instagram 3 | Facebook | Pinterest

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The ReWork with Allison Tyler JonesBy Allison Tyler Jones

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

58 ratings


More shows like The ReWork with Allison Tyler Jones

View all
The Amy Porterfield Show by Amy Porterfield

The Amy Porterfield Show

4,569 Listeners

The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

The School of Greatness

21,272 Listeners

Earn Your Happy by Lori Harder | YAP Media

Earn Your Happy

2,788 Listeners

Why That Worked  – Presented by StoryBrand.ai by StoryBrand.ai

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai

1,924 Listeners

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

12,054 Listeners

The Game with Alex Hormozi by Alex Hormozi

The Game with Alex Hormozi

4,348 Listeners

Get Your Shoot Together Photography Podcast by Kira Derryberry and Mary Fisk-Taylor

Get Your Shoot Together Photography Podcast

45 Listeners

The Jasmine Star Show by Jasmine Star

The Jasmine Star Show

2,573 Listeners

The Art of Being Well by Dear Media, Will Cole

The Art of Being Well

1,422 Listeners

Marketing Made Simple by Powered by StoryBrand

Marketing Made Simple

292 Listeners

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer by Nathan Chanski - Photography Business Coach

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer

527 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,416 Listeners

Build with Leila Hormozi by Leila Hormozi

Build with Leila Hormozi

881 Listeners

The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast by The Difference Maker Revolution

The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast

60 Listeners

Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie by Shannon McKinstrie

Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

116 Listeners