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Bruce Vincentiis of
www.bdv.photography brought something refreshingly different to this interview — and it’s one I was excited to dig into.
Bruce is a long-time listener of the podcast, which had me scratching my head at first… because he’s a luxury hotel photographer based in Southeast Asia, not a wedding, portrait, headshot or branding photographer like most listeners.
He started out shooting landscapes, drifted into urban exploration, and eventually found his way into a high-end niche photographing some of the world’s most recognised hotel brands, including Marriott, Accor, and Hyatt.
What makes his story even better is how he learned the craft — entirely self-taught through YouTube, picking up techniques in internet cafés across Asia and honing everything through trial and error.
Take one look at his portfolio and you’ll spot it instantly: jaw-dropping interiors, a beautiful balance of ambient and artificial light, and the kind of imagery you’re used to seeing in luxury travel campaigns, glossy brochures, and high-end resort advertising.
Alongside still photography, Bruce now offers aerial drone work and video — with food photography next on his list as his brand continues to evolve.
In this interview, Bruce shares how he has gone from YouTube photography tutorials to a luxury hotel photography business. This is a great story with many business lessons for any photographer to implement.
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
The bold move that took Bruce from self-taught traveller to in-demand luxury hotel photographer — and why relentless experimentation still wins over formal training in niche markets.
How offering smart, low-pressure “portfolio builder” shoots opened doors to high-end hotels and helped Bruce land credibility with brands like Marriott, Accor, and Hyatt faster than you’d expect.
The relationship-first networking strategy Bruce uses to stay top-of-mind with hotel decision-makers — and why it keeps repeat clients coming in across Southeast Asia.
Why mastering the dance between ambient light and flash is the foundation of magazine-worthy hotel interiors that clients gladly invest heavily in.
The behind-the-scenes staging process Bruce uses with housekeeping teams to make every room look pristine — saving hours in post-production and dramatically improving client satisfaction.
How a consistent Capture One + Photoshop workflow protects your style, speeds up delivery, and positions you as a true professional in the commercial space.
The simple, project-based proposal structure that works across branded hotels, architects, and independent properties — without encouraging price shopping or undercutting your value.
Why adding drone imagery and video has become a competitive advantage for Bruce — and how diversifying your deliverables can set you apart in a crowded hotel photography market.
The weather-proof mindset Bruce brings to every assignment — including how he still walks away with hero images when conditions are far from ideal.
How clear communication, expectation-setting, and a calm workflow turn demanding hotel clients into long-term partners who trust you with their brand identity.
The long-game strategy behind growing a hotel photography business: refine your portfolio, nurture key relationships, invest in the right gear, and commit to continual improvement.
Bruce’s biggest success driver: staying curious, experimenting constantly,
