08/06/2025

 

We all talk about red flags in romantic relationships, how to spot a guy we should avoid. But what about other relationships? Professional ones.

 

As a woman who owns a business in a male-dominated industry, I feel it’s so important to talk about this. It’s something we all discuss behind the scenes but rarely say publicly. I hope this info helps people who are trying to break into the business, because unfortunately, everything I’m about to share comes from my own experience.

A lot of new clients come to us with requests to work together. We’re constantly jumping on Zoom calls and launching projects, which gives me plenty of chances to compare communication styles and how they affect results.

 

Lack of Trust in Your Expertise

It’s so important for a brand to trust you. They come to you for your vision, but then micromanage every little step until nothing of your style is left. In that case, why even come to you at all?

True success comes from trust between the agency and the client. My best projects, the ones people praise most, are always the ones where I had complete creative freedom. And fortunately, we have so many amazing clients who trust our vision, and we never disappoint them.

 

Lovebombing at the Start

Lovebombing in the early stages (before you’ve even worked together) is a huge no-no for me. It’s a tactic narcissists use to manipulate you, putting you on a pedestal only to bring you down later. The best clients stay neutral and professional: “Let’s start and see how it works out.”

 

Unrealistic Expectations with Low Budgets

This is probably the biggest issue in creative industries. If I had a dollar every time a client came with a reference from a multi-million-dollar campaign with a 50+ person crew and said: “We want this, but we’re a new brand with a very limited budget, can you do it please?”

Of course, vision is everything, and sometimes the best shoots happen with almost no budget. But clients also need to be realistic. Budget limitations exist, and we’re not magicians. Everything costs money. Those huge campaigns spend hundreds of thousands for a reason. Either trust us to create something unique within your budget or increase your budget.

 

Manipulation and Empty Promises

Some clients use emotional manipulation to pressure you, saying things like “I had so much hope, I told all my friends about you…”. Others try to hook you with empty promises: “I’ll be your regular client,” “We’ll shoot every month,” “We don’t have budget now but will in the future,” or “I’ll bring you lots of work and friends.”

Both are traps. Emotional guilt-tripping makes you feel responsible for their expectations, while fake promises trick you into underpaid or free labor. A truly professional client doesn’t play games. If they’re not satisfied, they’ll simply say, “Thank you for your work, but we’ve decided to go in a different direction.” And a truly loyal client proves their support through years of consistent collaboration, not empty words.

 

Emotional Outbursts / Crossing Boundaries

When a client raises their voice, gets emotional, or treats you like their employee instead of a partner, it’s toxic. Instead of professional communication, you feel like you’re being scolded by a toxic parent. That’s unacceptable.

 

Very Low Budgets

We all try to save money, but there’s a difference between a reasonable budget and exploitation. In my experience, the lowest-budget projects are usually the most demanding and problematic. Just trust me on this one. 

 

Talking Badly About Previous Collaborators

We all know it’s a huge red flag when someone talks badly about their ex. The same applies to clients. If they trash their previous photographers or agencies on the first call, it’s a warning sign.

 

Disrespecting Your Time

Nonstop calls and texts at 11 pm? Boundaries are essential. Just because you don’t work a strict 9–5 doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7.

 

Asking for Discounts While Flaunting Wealth

Nothing gives me the “ick” more than someone showing off their 15th Birkin or Bentley while asking for a discount. Small businesses like mine can’t afford discounts like that. It’s pure disrespect and boundary testing. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.

 

Making You Prove Your Worth

The moment you feel you need to prove you’re worthy of the project, you’ve already placed yourself beneath the client. You should never have to constantly prove yourself. It’s their choice to hire you based on the portfolio and experience you’ve already built. Don’t beg.

 

Final Thoughts

Of course, it’s easier said than done. Even with 17 years of experience, I sometimes ignore these red flags, hoping it’ll be okay. But it never is. This post is as much a reminder to myself as it is for anyone else: don’t agree to work in a toxic environment.

 

There’s no such thing as a perfect agency, photographer, or client. Issues and challenges will happen, that’s just part of work. What matters is how you choose to solve them. Just like in personal relationships, some people can turn small problems into disasters, while with others, even big issues feel manageable.

 

At the end of the day, we’re working with real people. If I owned a brand, I’d make sure to treat my collaborators with respect and create an environment where they feel inspired. Most of us are still in this business for the art, the creativity, and the joy of making something beautiful, not just the money.

 

Remember, you have free will. Not every opportunity is right for you. You don’t have to say yes to everything just because you “need the money.” Trust me, you don’t. The universe will keep sending you these tests until you learn to be selective.

 

Work with people who value and respect you, it’s the best gift for your soul. There are plenty of them out there.

Let’s support each other and spread love.

 

Should I do green flags in the next post? :)