Episode 17

full
Published on:

7th Oct 2025

The Truth About What’s Holding Photographers Back (and How to Build Trust in an AI World)

In today’s episode of The Pet Photographers’ Journal, I’m joined by Mark Rossetto, a double Master Photographer and one of Australia’s leading photography business coaches.

Mark has spent almost 20 years in the industry, photographing over 500 families a year before becoming a full-time coach and founding the Professional Photography Business Network (PPBN) — a thriving global community for photographers.

We dive deep into what photographers are really struggling with right now, from the rise of AI to the reality that many simply aren’t doing the work.

This conversation cuts through the noise and gets practical about what it actually takes to build a sustainable, profitable photography business in 2025 and beyond.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

  • Why business feels harder now than it did pre-COVID, and what to do about it
  • How to create urgency when clients don’t have to book (especially for pet photographers)
  • Why transparency matters more than ever and why “bait and switch” is killing trust
  • How to adapt your business model to fit your lifestyle and personality
  • The key role of human connection in a world increasingly driven by AI
  • How to use automation and AI without losing your authenticity
  • Simple, high-impact marketing systems to stay booked all year
  • Why building trust fast is the single biggest predictor of bookings

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready to simplify your marketing, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take confident action and grow your business.

📌 Resources & Links

Connect with Mark Rossetto

Website: markrossetto.com

Instagram: @markrossetto

Learn more about the Professional Photography Business Network (PPBN): ppbnonline.com

Use MONTHFREEFRIEND coupon code to get 30 Days FREE Membership upon joining.

Join the Free Pet Photographers' Marketing Reset Webinar this October

Ready to start booking your dream clients without discounting or social media burnout?

⁠⁠⁠Register here

Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply here


📲 Connect with Ina

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo

Email: ina@inajphotography.com

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠⁠Learn More

Mentioned in this episode:

Register for the Pet Photography Marketing Reset Webinar

🎓 Join the Free Pet Photographers’ Marketing Reset Webinar Ready to start booking your dream clients without discounting or social media burnout? https://www.inajphotography.com.au/petphotography-marketing-webinar-register

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Pet Photographers' Journal

About the Podcast

The Pet Photographers' Journal
Building Confidence and Consistency in Your Pet Photography Business.
Welcome to The Pet Photographers' Journal, a practical and unfiltered podcast for talented pet photographers ready to build a business with more purpose, passion, and profitability.

I’m Ina J, a pet photographer who turned my side hustle into my full-time career. In this podcast, I share exactly what I’ve learned and actually applied in my own business. We talk about pricing, mindset, marketing, client experience, and sales, without feeling pushy.

Some lessons I picked up from others but I always tweak things to work for me and I’ll tell you how you can too. I overshare sometimes but in the best way possible because I believe in learning from real-life experiences not just theory.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling to five-figure sales this show is your behind-the-scenes guide to pet photography business success.

About your host