You might think that being an amazing photographer is enough to get hired by high-end clients.

It’s not.

In this episode, I’m chatting with my nephew, Ross DeCesare—who’s just completed the arduous and eye-opening task of hiring an interior photographer for DeCesare Design Group (my sister’s interior design firm). 

The photographers that Ross considered for the job were all creative, talented photographers with stellar portfolios of work. 

But that is where the similarities ended.

Ross breaks down exactly what made certain photographers stand out—and how others eliminated themselves from consideration and NONE of it had to do with the QUALITY OF THEIR WORK. 

Although this discussion centers around interior photography, the applications apply to ALL photographers. 

If you make your living with a camera, this episode is an inside look at how potential clients may view your business, your communication, and your professionalism.

And let’s just say… it’s not always pretty.

• What clients actually need from a photographer, and why it’s more than just “pretty pictures.” Think editorial features, social media content, scouting shots, and a polished portfolio.
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• The “Nice But High-Maintenance” Photographer: Why low prices aren’t always appealing and how being too flexible—or oversharing—can backfire.
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• The “Talk to My Agent” Experience: When high-end becomes high-barrier. A look at how poor transparency (even with good intentions) can kill trust and lose the job.
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• The Photographer Who Got the Job: Clear, fast, prepared, and aligned. Why transparency, confidence, and clarity beat charisma and cost every time.
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• Why a solid process inspires client confidence and attracts great clients and why red flags in communication can repel the very clients you’re trying to book.
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This conversation is like sitting behind the scenes in a client’s brain—and it’s equal parts cringey and enlightening. 

If you’ve ever wondered why a potential client ghosted you, why a “perfect” consultation didn’t convert into a real job, or why price wasn’t the actual problem… this one’s for you.

Learn what to do (and definitely what NOT to do) to stand out as a professional and make it easy for a potential client to say YES.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What top-tier clients actually look for when hiring a photographer (hint: it’s not just talent).
• The red flags that turn dream prospects into cancellations—and how to avoid them.
• Why having a clear, client-centered process is more valuable than being the cheapest.
• How transparency, professionalism, and confidence in your pricing and what that price covers can build long-term trust (and bookings).

Timestamps:

[2:55] Meet Ross DeCesare—Allison’s nephew and newest member of the DeCesare Design Group—returning after two years in Santiago, Chile.

[4:28] Why designers photograph their work: documenting legacy projects, creating social media content, and preparing for potential magazine submissions.

[6:14] How the landscape has shifted: from magazines flying in their own photographers to design firms shouldering the cost (and the content creation).

[8:32] The value of clear image usage rights and why today’s firms need more than just ten good shots.

[10:05] The “Nice But High-Maintenance” Photographer: Low pricing doesn’t make up for hard-to-schedule behavior and poor boundaries.

[12:40] TMI alert: Why overexplaining your pricing or travel costs can make clients uncomfortable (and why proactive communication wins).

[15:50] Misalignment in process: Saying “I’ll work however you want” but then reverting to your own preferences creates confusion and frustration.

[19:20] Be clear: Clients like Ross want photographers who align with their process—not someone who improvises on shoot day.

[22:05] Red flags: Wanting to be “besties” with the principal designer rather than collaborating professionally with the full team.

[24:48] Why being upfront about your workflow and limits is better than being overly flexible (and then dropping the ball).

[26:32] The “Talk to My Agent” Experience: Impressive on the surface, but high-touch turned into high-friction.

[28:18] A-list rep, impressive bid packet, and polished communication—but still lacked transparency about back-end magazine deals.

[30:24] How misaligned expectations (especially around guaranteed publication) can sink trust—even with a premium brand.

[33:06] Lesson: Fancy packaging can’t cover unclear usage rights or hidden policies.

[34:44] The photographer who got the job: Fast responses, clear process, and full alignment with how DeCesare Design Group works.

[36:10] Proactive professionalism: Offering lighting solutions, respecting the timeline, and anticipating questions before they’re asked.

[37:30] Clarity ≠ rigidity: This photographer presented how he typically works and left room to adjust for client needs.

[38:56] Why saying “My clients have found this helpful…” positions your process as client-centered rather than self-serving.

[41:02] The hidden client fear: If you’re too cheap, they wonder what’s wrong with you.

[42:38] Value your work: How confidence, preparation, and pricing all signal quality to clients.

[44:50] Ross’s biggest takeaway: Clients want photographers who know their worth and show up like pros—confident, not needy.

[47:20] You can’t attract top-tier clients with bargain-bin behavior. Alignment, process, and professionalism are the keys.

Click here to listen!

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Ross Tyler DeCesare

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