We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deseri Rice. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deseri below.
Alright, Deseri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
At Au Courag Studio + Gallery, our mission is to provide a transformative, luxury portrait experience that allows individuals to see themselves in a new, elevated light. But at its core, this mission is deeply personal.
Growing up, I didn’t always see people like me represented in ways that felt beautiful, powerful, or worthy of being celebrated. Photography was often transactional—about capturing a moment, not necessarily honoring the person in it. I started Au Courag to change that. I wanted to create a space where people—especially women—could reconnect with themselves, step into their power, and leave with tangible proof of their beauty and resilience.
This mission became even more meaningful as I watched clients transform in front of my lens—not just in how they looked but in how they carried themselves after the session. I realized my work wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about helping people reclaim confidence, document their legacy, and experience a level of care they rarely prioritize for themselves.
That’s why everything I do, from curating a luxury experience to ensuring every client leaves with a keepsake that feels like art, is rooted in the belief that we all deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered in our best light. Photography is my medium, but empowerment is the mission.
Deseri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
About Au Courag Studio + Gallery and My Journey
I’m Des, the creative force behind Au Courag Studio + Gallery, a luxury portrait studio where photography meets transformation. My work isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about creating an experience where people see themselves in a new, empowered light.
How I Got Started
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for art. I went to art school and studied graphic design, but it never truly felt like my medium. It wasn’t until I took an intro to photography class that something clicked. Photography allowed me to connect with people in a way that felt natural—without the awkwardness or shyness I sometimes felt in everyday interactions. It became my language, my way of capturing the beauty I’ve always seen in people.
Growing up, I was mesmerized by fashion magazine ads—the way light, styling, and composition could elevate a moment into something iconic. Photo retouching was second nature to me, and over time, I realized that my passion wasn’t just about creating beautiful images—it was about giving people a space to see themselves in a new, elevated way.
That’s what led me to create Au Courag—a studio where luxury meets storytelling, where every portrait session is an immersive experience of self-care, confidence, and artistry.
What I Offer
At Au Courag, I provide:
• Luxury Portrait Sessions – A fully curated, high-end experience where every detail is designed to make you feel like a star.
• Seasonal Campaigns – Special themed portrait experiences like:
• L’Héritage Portrait Collection – A generational portrait experience celebrating family and legacy.
• Girls’ Night Out – A glamorous and fun session designed for best friends who want to celebrate their bond.
• 30 Over 30 (coming soon) – A campaign highlighting the beauty, confidence, and power of women over 30.
• Fine Art & Editorial Branding Photography – For individuals and beauty brands seeking artistic, high-end imagery.
• Luxury Keepsakes – Heirloom-quality prints, legacy boxes, and coffee table books to preserve your story in the most elegant way possible.
Each session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s an experience designed to leave you feeling transformed, empowered, and celebrated.
What Sets Me Apart
1. Photography as a Self-Care Experience
Many people think of photography as just capturing a moment, but I believe in creating a moment. Every session is carefully curated, from in-house hair and makeup to wardrobe guidance and a seamless, pampering experience.
2. A Personal Connection Through Art
As someone who once felt shy about connecting with people, photography became my way of seeing and celebrating others. I approach every session with intention, ensuring each client feels seen, valued, and beautifully represented.
3. Luxury Meets Meaning
My work is rooted in fine art portraiture, with an editorial touch that makes every client feel like they belong on the pages of a magazine. But beyond aesthetics, what I create is meant to last a lifetime—something you’ll cherish and pass down.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the moments when clients see themselves differently—when they walk in feeling unsure but leave feeling radiant. When someone tells me, “I’ve never seen myself like this before,” I know I’ve done my job.
I’m also proud of my growing seasonal campaigns, like the L’Héritage Collection, which allows families to document their legacy in an artistic and meaningful way. These campaigns aren’t just one-offs; they’re part of a larger vision—a curated experience of portraiture that evolves with my clients’ lives.
What I Want People to Know
• This experience is for you. Whether you’re used to being in front of the camera or not, I create a comfortable, luxury experience that makes you feel your best.
• Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how you feel. My sessions are designed to be an indulgence, a moment of self-care, and a memory you’ll cherish forever.
• Your story deserves to be captured. Life moves fast. Whether it’s for yourself, your brand, or your family, your portrait session is an investment in your legacy.
At the end of the day, Au Courag is about more than photography—it’s about creating a moment of confidence, connection, and timeless beauty. And I’m honored to be a part of that journey for every client I work with.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The Lesson I Had to Unlearn: Charging My Worth
One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn in my journey as a photographer was the idea that lowering my prices would make me more respected or in demand. In the beginning, I believed the myth that being “affordable” would make clients value me more—that they’d appreciate the deal, recognize the effort I was putting in, and return the favor with loyalty and respect. That couldn’t have been further from the truth.
The Backstory
Like many creatives, I started out underpricing myself. I told myself that I needed to “earn” the right to charge higher rates, that I had to build my portfolio first, or that people wouldn’t book me if I priced my services too high. I was afraid that if I charged what I actually needed to sustain my business, clients would walk away.
And you know what? The wrong clients did.
I quickly realized that the people booking me at my lower rates were not booking me because they valued my artistry, expertise, or the experience I was offering. They were booking me because I was the best deal at the moment. And when someone is only booking you for your price, they’ll leave you for a better one.
Not only that, but these lower-paying clients often came with the most demands. They’d want extra retouches, faster turnaround times, discounts, and additional services for free. It became exhausting trying to over-deliver while being underpaid.
The Turning Point: Understanding the Cost of Doing Business
What finally changed my perspective was taking a hard look at my cost of doing business. I realized that my pricing wasn’t just about what I “felt comfortable” charging—it needed to reflect:
• The experience I provide (luxury, pampering, guided sessions)
• The quality of my work (high-end photography, professional retouching)
• My time and expertise (years of experience, ongoing training, creative vision)
• My expenses (studio space, professional equipment, software, team, branding, marketing, etc.)
Once I broke down my actual costs and how much time I was putting into each session, I realized that charging low rates wasn’t just hurting my business—it was unsustainable.
The Lesson: Pricing Isn’t Linear, and Cheap Doesn’t Equal Respect
Another major shift was understanding that pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. My business isn’t like the next photographer’s. My costs, expertise, and experience level are unique—so my prices have to be, too.
I also had to unlearn the false belief that clients respect you more when you’re cheap. The reality?
• The clients who respect you the most are the ones who value your work and are willing to pay for it.
• The ones who only focus on price will never appreciate the level of care, expertise, and transformation you offer.
• Luxury clients don’t want the cheapest—they want the best experience and quality.
The Result: Higher Prices, Better Clients, and a Sustainable Business
When I started charging my worth, everything changed. I began attracting clients who weren’t just looking for the best deal—they were looking for the best experience. They valued the transformation, the details, and the art behind what I do.
Raising my prices didn’t just help my bottom line—it allowed me to give more value to the clients who truly appreciated it. Now, I can invest back into my business, improve my craft, and create an elevated experience for my clients without feeling drained, overworked, or resentful.
The lesson? Your price attracts your people. Set your rates according to the value you bring, not what you think people want to pay. Because the right clients? They’ll see your worth—and they’ll pay for it.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
If I had to sum it up, I’d say my reputation was built on two things: authenticity and keeping my word.
Authenticity: Showing Up as Myself
In an industry where luxury and high-end experiences are often associated with a certain “look” or lifestyle, I used to wonder if I had to be someone I wasn’t to attract the right clients. But I quickly learned that the more I leaned into who I truly am, the more my work resonated with the right people.
I don’t put on a façade or try to be overly polished—I focus on being real, creating a welcoming space, and delivering an experience that feels personal and genuine. My clients appreciate that I’m not just selling them a service; I’m inviting them into an experience that is intentional, thoughtful, and built around their story.
I also don’t try to be the loudest or flashiest in my market—I let my work, my client experience, and my consistency speak for themselves. People can feel when you’re real, and they trust you more when they see that you’re not trying to be something you’re not.
Keeping My Word: Reliability & Trust
One of the biggest things that helped me build my reputation is simply doing what I say I’m going to do. That sounds basic, but in any industry—especially luxury services—trust is everything. Clients want to know that when they book with you, they’re getting exactly what they were promised (or more).
For me, that looks like:
• Delivering on time – If I give a deadline, I meet it. No surprises, no excuses.
• Maintaining quality – No cutting corners. Whether it’s retouching, client communication, or the final product, I make sure my work is consistently high-end.
• Respecting my clients’ investment – When someone books me, they’re trusting me with something personal—whether it’s their self-image, their brand, or their family legacy. I honor that by giving them my best.
• Being transparent – I’m clear about pricing, expectations, and the process from the start. No hidden fees, no last-minute changes, just open communication.
Why It Works
Clients remember how you made them feel, not just the final photos. They remember if you were reliable, if you showed up fully, and if you made the experience stress-free and enjoyable.
I’ve had people refer me not just because they loved their images, but because they felt taken care of throughout the entire process. That’s what keeps clients coming back and spreading the word.
At the end of the day, luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about trust, consistency, and delivering on your promises. That’s what built my reputation, and that’s what continues to set me apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.aucourag.com
- Instagram: @au.courag
Image Credits
Ensie
Bodega Nosh
Morgan
Reese
Witma
Zakiya