Profitable Photographer Podcast

Welcome to a super informative episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas!This week, I’m joined by longtime friends, industry icons, and master photographers Bert and Cindy Behnke — and oh, what a fun and insightful conversation we had!Bert and Cindy ran a 68-year-old, three-generation portrait business in the Chicago suburbs until they passed the torch in 2024. Specializing in fine portraiture and corporate work (with a big love for photographing families and women!), they’ve impacted countless lives — not just through their lens, but through their warmth, wisdom, and connection.Now they’re jet-setting across the globe, leading international photo workshops in dreamy destinations like Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, and Croatia. And you can join them!In this episode, we dive into:The power of connection and relationship-building in portrait photographyWhy making clients feel seen, heard, and truly cared for is at the core of a thriving businessHow asking the right questions unlocks emotional impact and deeper client engagementA reminder that craftsmanship matters — solid skills + solid relationships = magicAnd so much more!There is so much value in listening to photographers with decades of success. And this episode is a big, beautiful reminder that our greatest success comes when people know, like, and trust us. I know you are going to feel this way about Bert and CindyMore about Bert & Cindy BehnkeWebsite: behnkephoto.comThanks for tuning in, beautiful humans! Your support means the world to me. Until next time, sending you a big heart full of love — and as always, keep doing what you love, loving what you do, and making this world a better place one portrait at a time.With gratitude,Luci DumasConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

What a fun conversation I had with my friend Rachel Sorbet! Rachel specializes in branding and executive portraits for businesswomen, and she shared so many gems about creating a successful photography business that feels authentic and rewarding.I have watched her go from “imposter syndrome” to a super-successful Boss Babe (aka a very successful photographer) in just 8 years.We chatted about the power of positive thinking and believing that if you have a dream, you really can build it. Rachel shares how she attracts clients, revealing that most of her bookings come from Google Ads, combined with consistently showing up through networking and social media.We also dive into one of my favorite topics—building relationships. Rachel explains her strategy for creating "channel partners," businesses that actively support and refer one another. She shares how simple connections, clear expectations, and genuine relationships over coffee can grow into a steady stream of ideal clients.In this episode, you'll hear about:The power of mindset and believing in your dreams.How Rachel gets 90% of her branding clients through Google Ads.The difference between referral partners and channel partners.How to recognize the super-networkers who can help grow your business.Why authentic relationships are still one of the best marketing strategies.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Thanks so much for listening and for sharing The Profitable Photographer with your photography friends!Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

This episode is such an encouraging conversation about photography, money, and building a life that actually feels good. I sat down with photographer and business coach Mycah Bain to talk about financial freedom, mindset shifts, creating wealth without guilt, and why getting support in your business can completely change your life.Mycah shares how she grew her photography business into a multi-six-figure studio with a team of 10 women, all while creating more freedom, more peace, and more opportunity for herself and others. We also dive into money blocks, gratitude, investing, retirement, generosity, and the importance of women feeling empowered to build real wealth.This conversation felt equal parts practical, inspiring, and deeply honest.In This EpisodeWhy women deserve to build wealth and financial freedomThe mindset shifts that helped Mycah grow her businessHow hiring help creates more peace, energy, and profitMoney blocks photographers often struggle withGratitude practices that can change your relationship with moneySimple ways to start planning for long-term financial freedomWhy generosity and wealth can beautifully coexistFree GiftMycah created a free money mindset resource for photographers: mycahbain.com/money She’s also offering complimentary one-on-one chats for a limited number of listeners. Email her and mention Luci. [email protected] Memorable Takeaway“One moment of gratitude can completely shift your relationship with money.”This episode is a beautiful reminder that money doesn’t have to feel scary, selfish, or overwhelming. It can be a tool for freedom, generosity, creativity, and building the life you truly want.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had such a delightful conversation with Karen Wood about the art and business of newborn photography….and the business of photography for any specialty.Karen Wood is an award-winning newborn photographer, educator, and speaker based in Dallas. She has photographed everything from sports and weddings to family portraits, but her passion today is newborn and maternity photography. Karen is also an associate with the Professional Newborn Photographers International and loves helping photographers improve their technical skills, safety practices, and client experience.What I especially appreciated was Karen’s calm, thoughtful approach. She has such a deep understanding of both the technical side of photography and the emotional side of serving families. Her wisdom around creating custom sessions and learning to truly “see” light was incredibly inspiring.In This Episode • How to safely soothe and pose newborns during sessions • Why custom, personalized experiences lead to higher sales • Common lighting mistakes photographers make (and how to fix them) • Why continuing education can dramatically improve your photography businessConnect with Karenhttps://www.karen-laine.com/for-photographersKaren’s Free GiftKaren generously offered a complimentary 15-minute image critique/coaching session for a limited number of photographers. Just reach out to her through her websiteMemorable TakeawayKaren reminded us that success in photography often comes from slowing down, mastering the fundamentals, and creating a personalized experience that clients truly value. Whether you photograph newborns or any kind of portrait, learning to connect with people and refine your craft is what helps you stand out.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

On The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I’m joined by the wonderful Kimberly Olker for a conversation about pivoting, community, creativity, and building a photography business that can evolve with you over time.Kimberly has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, specializing in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and portraiture. She’s also a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, educator, and recent winner of the top landscape image award at Imaging USA’s International Photographic Competition.We talk about:• What photographers need to know about photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs• Why community and referrals are everything in this niche• How Kimberly pivoted during the pandemic to continue serving families• Transitioning into fine art and landscape photography later in your career• Financial wisdom for photographers planning long-term success• Why creativity and adaptability matter so much as entrepreneursKimberly also shares beautiful insights about mentorship, service, and creating a business that supports both your life and your joy.One of my favorite takeaways from this episode:“Look for something beautiful… and even better, create it.”If you’ve ever wondered about photographing Bar Mitzvahs, transitioning into a new genre, or creating a business that gives you more freedom over time, this episode is full of wisdom and heart.You can find Kimberly at Olker Photography and learn more about her teaching, mentoring, and photography work there.And as always, I’d love for you to subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and connect with me at Luci Dumas Coaching.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

I was really excited for this conversation with Jamar Jones—and it did not disappoint. He’s the real deal when it comes to branding, mindset, and building a business that actually grows.He was a featured speaker at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year and got rave reviews. Author of the book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life AND host of The Foureva Podcast.In this rich conversation, Jamar shares how he went from music to photography and videography, and then into business advisory. This journey included opening for TI, Snoop Dogg, and Keyshia Cole as a hip-hop artist. Then created a thriving photography business. and a company called Foureva Media, where he is a branding/business advisor for clients such as Marcus Lemonis and Red Bull.We talk a lot about something I know so many of us struggle with—how to grow when we feel stuck. His answer? Change your circle. Not by abandoning people, but by expanding into spaces where you’re challenged, supported, and inspired. By networking is ways that work with people who can support you and that you support in return.We also get into the balance of Mindset and Action (he says it’s 50/50), how to introduce yourself in a way that makes people lean in, and why soft skills might matter even more than your technical skills.A few things we cover:• A better way to network (and actually connect)• Why mindset + action both matter• Building referral relationships that lastAnd I love this question he shared for networking: “What exciting things are you working on right now?”So much better than “What do you do?”If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re doing all the things but not getting where you want to go, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.You can find Jamar at Forever Media and check out his book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life.He has a gift for you too…a Wiki Audit https://forms.gle/u38m7S6RXmkWCAdX8And as always, I would love for you to subscribe, comment, and check out my lucidumascoaching.com websiteConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

Chris Wooley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, F-PPW—also known as The Photo Professor—is one of those people who makes you think differently in the best way. He’s a photographer, educator, and President-Elect of the American Society of Photographers, and he’s built his career around helping photographers make smarter, more intentional decisions.And honestly… that’s what this whole conversation is about.We talked about how every part of our work—lighting, lens choice, pricing, sales—is really just a series of decisions. And when we make better ones (with purpose instead of guessing), everything improves: our photos, our client experience, and yes… our income.I especially loved how Chris simplifies the sales process. Instead of reinventing the wheel every time, he encourages creating a system that builds trust and guides clients naturally. No pressure, no awkwardness—just clarity and confidence. We also dive into pricing in a way that actually makes sense (what do you need, and how do you align that with your clients?).And if you’ve ever struggled with selling wall art—this part alone is worth the listen. The way we present our work matters more than we think.In This Episode: • Why better decisions (not more effort) are the key to better photos and a stronger business • How to simplify your sales process so it feels natural, not pushy • A smarter approach to pricing that supports both you and your clients • Why presentation—especially with wall art—can completely change your salesThis one is such a good reminder: you don’t need to do more… you just need to decide better.And he has a $50 discount on his amazing new sales In Person Sales program IPS Viewer Lite at www.cwooley.com/profitable Use the code Profit50Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.

I LOVED this episode of The Profitable Photographer with Suzanne Luttig, and I have to say—this conversation completely shifted the way I think about real estate photography.It was so popular in 2023, I decided to give it a “reboot.”What I love most about Suzanne’s journey is how intentional she was from the very beginning. When she decided to become a photographer, she didn’t just “wing it.” She went all in—education, mentorship, learning both the craft and the business side. It’s such a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident… it happens when we commit to learning, practicing, and showing up again and again.We also talk about why real estate photography can be an incredible niche—especially for photographers who are a little further along in life and looking for something sustainable, creative, and profitable. Suzanne shares how this path opened doors for her in a way that felt aligned and energizing.And honestly? She made it sound like so much more fun than most of us imagine. From chasing beautiful light to composing interiors with intention, there’s a level of artistry here that might surprise you.She would love for you to friend her on Facebook, look up her website, and ask her more questions about Real Estate Photography at timelessnebraska.com or https://www.facebook.com/TimelessNebraskaMedia/Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTubeNew episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.