Profitable Photographer Podcast

Sooooo….I have often called The Baby Whisperer OR Every Kids’ Aunt Luci. I happen to be and an award-winning Master Craftsman photographer, but my favorite award (or reward) is capturing the delight a child brings in a photograph and sharing with my clientsAfter 10 years photographing weddings, I pivoted to my first love, children. For the next 20 plus years I photographed newborns, toddlers, children and families. People would comment about how patient I am and yes, it is true. But I also have learned and invented many many ways to make photographing them easy and fun. Ways to bring out natural expressions and poses. Ways to plan a session for the most success.And I am sharing not just 10 tips and tricks, but the different stages of childhood and the 8 basic needs and how to address them to get the most out of our time with the wee ones.In this episode, I share:My 10 hot tips for photographing children with more ease and confidenceHow to adapt your approach for newborns, toddlers, preschoolers, and teensCreative ways to connect with little ones (without relying on bribery)The importance of reading the room — and meeting children where they areWhy your own energy, preparation, and mindset are just as important as your camera settingsWhether you’re brand new to photographing children or have been doing it for years, this episode is packed with practical advice, mindset shifts, and tried-and-true techniques to help you create portraits families will treasure forever.Thanks for listening, and if you found this helpful, I’d love for you to subscribe and share it with your photography friends.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

My conversation with family photographer and business coach Jill C. Smith is a deep dive into pricing, marketing, client experience, and building a photography business that fits your life.If you know me at all, you know how I am always on my soapbox about selling printed wall art and albums. So you might be surprised by our conversation about why Jill is a huge fan of selling digital files only. She opened my eyes to the reality that this can be highly profitable when done correctly. And she helped me understand why it is perfect for some people as long as it is financially rewarding and fits their lifestyle.About My GuestJill went from teaching English to refugees to creating a successful photography business in New York's Catskills 12 years ago. Her style is a blend of lifestyle and documentary - focusing on all things warm, honest, and connected. Jill is also a coach and mentor to other photographers, with her main areas of focus being on pricing, marketing, and client experienceAnd she hosts The Business Focused Photographer podcast. Be sure to listen for the episode where I am her guest.In This Episode, we exploreThe difference between lifestyle and documentary photographyWhy pricing is often a mindset challengeCreative ways to market your photography businessHow to identify and attract your ideal clientsFree GiftGet Jill's profitability worksheet at: TheBusinessFocusedPhotographer.com/profitableThanks for subscribing and sharing my podcast and YouTube channel with your photo friends!Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

Have you ever donated a photo session to a charity event… and wondered if it was actually worth it?If you want to know how to get booked solid without competing in the online world, you will want to listen and take notes. Today, I’m sharing how I used charity auctions and giveaways to attract ideal clients who invest well and helped my photography business thrive—without discounting my value or feeling salesy. All while supporting causes I truly care about. Back during the 2009–2010 recession, this approach helped me stay visible, attract ideal clients, and generate thousands of dollars in business. I’m breaking down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how to make charity marketing feel intentional instead of exhausting.This episode is full of practical ideas, mindset shifts, and little details that can make a huge difference if you want charity events to actually support your business instead of draining it.In This Episode • How I used charity events to attract ideal portrait clients • Why the right event matters more than doing lots of events • My strategy for gift certificates, refundable deposits, and pre-qualifying clients • Simple display ideas that make your booth or auction table look high-end • Why every charity client deserves the same amazing experience as a full-paying clientA Few Big Takeaways • Charity marketing works best when your ideal clients are already attending the event • A beautiful presentation and strong branding matter more than giving away “more stuff” • Sometimes one great charity partnership is worth more than ten random events • The goal isn’t just exposure — it’s connection, trust, and creating future clients Memorable ReminderSupporting a cause and building a profitable business do not have to be opposites. When done thoughtfully, charity events can create genuine relationships, beautiful experiences, and real income for your business at the same time.If this episode sparks ideas for you, I’d love to hear about it.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 had such a great conversation with Marcin Rafalowicz in this episode of The Profitable Photographer. He’s incredibly smart, thoughtful, and inspiring, and we talked about so much more than photography.We dove into mindset shifts, perfectionism, confidence, AI, automation, networking, and what it really takes to build a profitable business without trying to do everything alone.One of my favorite takeaways:“Perfectionism keeps photographers stuck. Progress and consistency are what actually build businesses.”In This Episode:• Letting go of perfectionism• Using AI and automation to save time• Why mindset matters in business growth• The power of networking and relationships• Learning through failure instead of fearing itAbout Marcin RafalowiczMarcin is a photographer, branding specialist, and business coach with 17 years of experience in weddings, portraits, fashion, and corporate photography. His work has appeared in publications including Vogue and Cosmopolitan through collaborative editorial projects. Today, he helps photographers build profitable businesses through mindset coaching, branding, marketing, automation, and AI systems.Connect with Marcin• ProImageAcademy.com/start Special Free GiftMarcin is offering listeners a free business scoreboard assessment at ProImageAcademy.com/start to help photographers identify their strengths, biggest bottlenecks, and areas for growth.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 solo episode, I’m talking about something so many photographers and creatives struggle with: learning to separate our work from our worth.It’s easy to believe that if clients love our images, we are lovable… and if they don’t book, buy, or question our pricing, somehow we’re not enough.The truth is: your value is inherent.It is not determined by sales, praise, bookings, or outside validation.In this episode, I share personal stories—from selling bouquets made from my neighbors’ flowers as a kid (oops!) to my journey as a recovering perfectionist—and how those experiences shaped my need for approval.We cover:• Why photographers confuse their product with their identity• The 4 kinds of potential clients—and why “no” isn’t personal• How fear of criticism holds us back• How to learn from mistakes without spiraling• Why growth matters more than perfectionThis episode is a reminder that you are worthy and valuable—whether someone books you or not.As always, I’m cheering you on.Connect with me at LuciDumasCoaching.com or book a free 20-minute chat if this speaks to your heart.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 so jazzed to have a conversation with Ashley Lowder, a boutique newborn and maternity photographer and educator in Huntsville, Alabama. It was fantastic! She shares how she built a highly profitable business by focusing on exceptional client experience, not just taking pictures.Ashley walks us through her concierge-style approach—from the first phone call to visiting clients in their homes, helping with wardrobe, and even installing artwork on their walls. It’s all about creating something meaningful and stress-free for her clients.We also talk about newborn photography—lighting, wrapping, and the importance of safety—as well as staying calm and confident during sessions.In this episode, we cover:• Creating a high-touch, boutique photography experience• Why in-home consultations build connection and sales• Simple lighting tips for newborns• Wrapping basics and newborn safety• Separating your work from your worthOne of my favorite reminders: just because a session feels challenging doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.You can connect with Ashley here:AshleyLowderPhotography.comInstagram: @alphuntsville/I hope you know that I’m always cheering you on as you build a photography business that is both profitable and meaningful!Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 solo episode, I explore the heart of photography—light. Inspired by the idea that “lighting is the love language of photography,” I delved into my passion and knowledge of light and lighting…and shared how light has the power to transform ordinary moments into something emotional, artistic, and truly unforgettable. This isn’t just about technique—it’s about learning to see light, shape it, and use it with intention.Luci also breaks down how light and shadow work together to create depth, dimension, and mystery—because without shadow, everything feels flat. When you begin to understand both, your images become more expressive, more meaningful, and more impactful.She also connects this to business: when your work feels more emotional and intentional, clients stop comparing prices—and start choosing you for your vision.In This Episode:Why light and shadow are essential for creating depth, mood, and storytellingHow mastering light elevates your work creatively—and helps you become more profitableThe power of light direction (front, side, back) and how it shapes every portraitEasy, practical exercises to train your eye—using windows, your hand, or simple tools at homeThis episode is both inspiring and practical—a reminder to slow down, observe, and play with light. Because when you truly understand it, your photography becomes something people don’t just see… they feel.By the way, there is a free ebook available on my website www.lucidumascoaching.comand a video of this podcast episode on WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@PROFITABLEPHOTOGRAPHERConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 felt like such a full-circle moment for me. I’m talking with my former photography mentee, Cortnie Davis, who has grown from an 18-year-old wedding photographer into a thoughtful consultant helping creative entrepreneurs build calmer, more sustainable businesses.Cortnie began her career behind the camera and later added floristry to her creative life. Today she works at the intersection of creativity, systems, and sales, helping wedding professionals and other service-based creatives turn all that invisible behind-the-scenes work into intentional systems that actually support their businesses.With a background in hospitality and years of client-facing experience, Cortnie believes strong processes should feel human and supportive — not rigid or overwhelming. She’s equal parts people-obsessed and spreadsheet-loving, and her work focuses on helping creatives build workflows that allow their artistry to thrive.In our conversation, we also reminisce about her early photography days and the moment at a conference when a little encouragement helped her keep going. Hearing how that stayed with her all these years truly touched my heart.We also talk about the powerful mindset shift from scarcity to service, and why documenting your workflows and using tools like HoneyBook and ShootProof can make running a photography business so much easier.In this episode• The moment of encouragement that helped Cortnie stay in photography• Why a service mindset can calm anxiety and make selling feel natural• How documenting your workflows can completely change your business• The importance of personal touches in client communication• Systems and tools that free creatives to focus on what they loveA thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, burnout, service, and building a photography business that feels calmer, clearer, and more profitable — without losing the human touch.To connect with Cortnie hello@cortniedee.comcortniedee.comConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 had the absolute joy of talking with my friend, Valerie Tabor Smith — one of the most published children’s photographers in the world and a pro at art licensing.Valerie’s career is fascinating. She began in wedding photography, discovered her love for babies and children, and eventually built an international licensing business with her images appearing on greeting cards, calendars, and products around the globe. Her work has even been displayed at EPCOT, and she received the prestigious Steuben Trophy from Kodak.But what I love most about this conversation isn’t just the accolades — it’s Valerie’s honesty about reinvention, rejection, persistence, and staying true to your creative heart.We talk about how she moved from black and white hand-tinted portraits into color work, how a calendar company first “discovered” her images, and what photographers today can learn about breaking into commercial and licensing markets.Valerie shared so much, including • How she broke into art licensing (and handled rejection) • The evolving world of greeting cards, calendars, and product design • Why following your passion is still the smartest business strategy We also talk about balancing creativity with family life, how the industry has shifted for women photographers, and the incredible opportunities that still exist in commercial photography for those willing to pursue them.This episode is part inspiration, part history lesson, and part encouragement to trust your artistic voice.And as always, I’m cheering you on as you build a business that is not only profitable… but deeply aligned with who you are.To connect with her valeriesviews1@gmail.comhttps://www.valerietaborsmith.com/ Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

Okay, I need to strongly suggest going to my guest’s website thewaysofthedog.com to see her amazing photography. Jen Hillenga is creating some of the most beautiful, soulful pet photography in New York City, and I’m completely obsessed with her work. And she shares how she has created both wonderful images and a highly profitable business.Jen is a world-renowned portrait photographer, designer, and photography educator with over 25 years of experience. She’s a PPA Master Craftsman and longtime WPPI print judge who reinvented her career into a wildly successful pet photography business built around joy, simplicity, and dogs.In this episode, we talk about pivoting your career, building a profitable business model, and designing a photography life that actually feels good.We cover:How Jen built a pet photography brand in NYCReinventing yourself at any stage of your careerPricing, value, and knowing your numbersPhotographing dogs in a way that captures feeling Part inspiration, part business strategy, and a whole lot of dog love. Perfect if you’re craving a fresh direction in your photography.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 all about Color…the science, emotional responses, and even how to use it in our art and in branding.I had the most interesting chat with J. Nichole Smith — or Nic — about why color affects how people feel about your work, why it matters more than you think, and how leaning into joy and self-expression can make your brand stronger.Nic knows her stuff. As a marketing insider, color psychology expert, and former photographer who’s spent over 20 years helping creative entrepreneurs understand how color shapes emotion, connection, and the way people experience their brands. She’s brilliant, grounded, and brings so much heart to everything she teaches. You are going to learn about…How color psychology influences trust and buying decisionsWhy photographers shouldn’t play it safe with their brandFinding a visual style that feels like youThoughts about Pantone’s color of the year and why is controversial and a disappointment Nic is also the host of the Joy First Podcast, where she shares conversations about purpose, creativity, and building a life and business that actually feel good. Connect with Nic:Website & community: Joyfirstworld.comPodcast: Joy FirstColor personality quiz: go.jnicholesmith.com/quizConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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 is such an important question I get all the time….When do I tell people my pricing — and how much should I say?If you’ve ever felt awkward, pressured, or unsure when someone asks, “How much do you charge?”, you’re not alone. So I decided to share a lot of my thoughts and strategies with you in this solo episode.I talk about why leading with price too soon can cost you wonderful clients, how your business model should guide your pricing strategy, and how to talk about money with more confidence and ease.I walk through how I personally handle pricing on the phone and by email, why I don’t list my prices publicly, and how I invite clients into an experience instead of a simple transaction. I also share a simple way to think about pricing based on your income goals and the kind of clients you want to serve.Along the way, I share a favorite analogy, a mindset shift around value, and why stretching a client’s budget — when done thoughtfully and with integrity — can actually help them love what they purchase even more. Listen for:Why answering pricing questions too early can lose great clientsWhen it does (and doesn’t) make sense to put pricing on your websiteA simple script for confident, comfortable pricing conversationsHow to think about pricing based on your goals and business model If pricing feels confusing or uncomfortable, I hope this episode helps you see there’s no single “right” answer — just the right strategy for your business.And remember: people don’t just buy photography. They buy the experience, the relationship, and how it makes them feel.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

Do you want to sell your travel or scenic photography?You are not alone. So many have this desire, and so few are actually successful and profitable in selling their personal work.My guest is an incredible PPA Master Photographer, an ASP Fellow, and a highly profitable photographer, both with his studio work and his gorgeous, award-winning travel and nature photography. And he shares lots of tips for selling prints and creating books that you can use!Dennis has been a professional photographer for over 50 years, and he’s one of those people who has grown and evolved with the industry — from film to digital, from studio and boudoir work into fine art landscapes and teaching around the world.In this episode, we talk about:Dennis’s self-published book “The Art of Yellowstone” — a black and white winter collection with artist statements — and how he approached creating itHis simple framework for making a photography book: start with a clear desire, strong imagery with a story, get support for layout and production, and use good resources and referralsHow he uses the book as a business and branding tool — not just for income, but for credibility, connection, and print salesPractical tips for selling scenic work, including pricing with confidence, offering finished framed art, and reminding viewers that prints are available for purchaseThis is a fun and informative conversation. So....if you’re thinking about creating a book, selling personal work, or building a photography career that has both heart and longevity.PS...he hosts trips to wonderful places, and you can find out more on his website or just email him at dennishammonphotography@gmail.com or https://hammon.photographyConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.