EPISODE #147

Guest: Nicole Gates

Owner | Nicole Gates Photography
McAllen, Texas
nicolegatesphotography.com

DATE: April 3, 2025

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.

Because, 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!

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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

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Nicole Gates
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