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 photography
• Why making clients feel seen, heard, and truly cared for is at the core of a thriving business
• How asking the right questions unlocks emotional impact and deeper client engagement
• A reminder that craftsmanship matters — solid skills + solid relationships = magic
• And 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 Cindy

More about Bert & Cindy Behnke

Website: behnkephoto.com

Thanks 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 Dumas

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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.

Hey, it's Luci Dumas, and today’s solo episode is a little different because I am sort of “journaling” about my experiences around the topic and looking for my own answers as I explore a topic that’s been on my mind lately: motivation. Specifically, how we can find it, sustain it, and even question whether we always need it. Is it okay to just be sometimes? To live a simpler life without constantly striving for the next big thing? It's a big question, and one that I’ve been pondering deeply.

As I thought about motivation, I kept coming back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. You might remember it from a psychology class—it’s that pyramid of five human needs. It got me wondering: can understanding these levels help us reignite our drive when it feels like the spark is fading?

In this episode, I break down each level of Maslow’s pyramid:

• The basics like food and shelter.
• Our need for safety and security.
• The desire for connection and belonging.
• Building self-esteem and feeling accomplished.
• And finally, the quest for self-actualization—living our best, most fulfilling life.

I’ll share some thoughts on how these needs might be influencing your motivation—or lack of it. Plus, we’ll tackle that ever-present voice saying, “I should be doing more,” and decide if it’s always true. Spoiler: sometimes it’s okay to give yourself grace.

Some of the ideas on how to become or stay motivated I explore are suggestions to

• Identify the Blockages: 
• Set Goals Aligned with Your Needs: 
• Reflect and Reassess: 
• Leverage Higher Levels for Inspiration

Tune in for a mix of self-reflection, practical tips, and maybe even a spark to get you motivated—or at least, to help you feel okay with where you are right now.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 conversation with Ethan Herrold because he is such a great example of what can happen when you finally stop trying to photograph everything and decide to become known for one thing.

Ethan founded Colorado Maternity Photography in 2019 after years of photographing landscapes, commercial work, and editorial images. Today, he specializes in fine art maternity photography in Denver—and has built a premium business around it.

In our conversation, we talk about:

• Why niching down can actually mean more opportunities—and more money
• How Ethan uses the built-in urgency of pregnancy to sell premium photography
• Why your ideal clients need to fall in love with your work before they worry about price
• How he handles being a male photographer in a mostly female industry
• The simple change to his inquiry form that increased his booking conversion by 20%

I especially loved talking about the idea that choosing a niche doesn't mean giving up everything else you love. Sometimes it's simply about deciding what you want to be known for.

If you've been trying to figure out your specialty—or wondering if specializing could help you build a more profitable photography business—I think Ethan's story will give you a lot to think about.

More info here: https://coloradomaternity.com/

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 solo podcast episode is about partnering with other businesses and non-profits to draw amazing photography clients to us, by creating alliances. I share a photography "thank you gift" program that benefits the other business that has a similar perfect client base, and brings them right to your door. Woo hoo!

The number one question I hear over and over, from new photographers and those in the business for many years, is how to attract ideal clients... people that will love what we do, be wonderful to work with, and "show us the M O N E Y"...ie...happily invest well in what we offer. Where the heck are these people? Well, they are shopping, enjoying services like spa treatments, dining at gourmet restaurants, buying homes, traveling, having their pets groomed, planning events, and such. 

I go over the steps in this photography marketing strategy to determine 

-what businesses might share your ideal client base

-what to offer the business as a thank you gift to their best patrons

-the importance of presentation

-and details to help this be a big win for everyone

So many of my super smart guests have talked about the power of Direct Response Marketing and this is one example of how to create this type of program that really works. Don't miss it!

Wishing you continued success, 

Luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 reconnect with master photographer and educator Courtney Ranck-Copher to explore why so many photographers resist selling wall art and how to move through that fear.

Courtney shares her journey from acting and the military into photography and education, and how stepping into teaching has pushed her outside her comfort zone. Together, we unpack the biggest roadblocks to wall art sales—intimidation, not knowing what products to offer, confusion around pricing, lack of a sales system, and deep-seated self-doubt—and contrast them with the emotional, financial, and marketing benefits of having printed artwork in clients’ homes.

Courtney also introduces her Art of AI Fusion concept, where AI-generated interiors are built around real product photos to help clients visualize wall art in their own spaces, and we talk about how understanding a bit of interior design can give photographers more confidence and authority when designing and selling custom wall portraits.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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.

One of my favorite things about hosting this podcast is meeting photographers who remind me why I fell in love with portrait photography in the first place. My conversation with William Laurence Bell did exactly that. William has such a heart for serving people through his art, and I know you'll be inspired by the way he creates portraits that help people see themselves with greater confidence, purpose, and dignity.

About My Guest

William Laurence Bell is a portrait artist, educator, and speaker based in Memphis. He creates museum-quality commissioned portraits that blend fine art with identity and storytelling, helping people see themselves in a whole new light. William is a member of the Camera Craftsmen of America (which is a big big deal!) and the creator of the Mirror Method, where he teaches photographers how to create deeper client connections while building a more profitable business.

In This Episode We Talk About:

• Why serving people first creates both meaningful portraits and a thriving business.
• How building deeper relationships with clients leads to more profitable photography.
• The power of helping people see themselves with greater confidence and purpose.
• Finding the deeper “why” behind your photography and bringing more heart into your work.

One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that the more we truly connect with the people we photograph, the more meaningful our work becomes—and, interestingly enough, the more successful our businesses often become. Whether you photograph families, seniors, weddings, business owners, or even fine art, I hope this episode encourages you to dig a little deeper into why you do what you do and to let that purpose shine through every client experience.

Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your photographer friends.

Download the PDF mentioned in the episode! https://williamlaurence.co/5principles

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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.

Welcome back to another fun and informative episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast! 

We are so excited to have fellow Photography Business Coach Heather Chesky here to spread her biz wisdom! Heather has some incredibly practical, tangible, and INSPIRING advice for you and your photography business, so now’s the time to listen up! 

For Heather, it all started over 20 years ago in her high school photography class. While she has always kept photography close to her heart as a hobby, she was skeptical that it could be a “real job.” As a result, she spent far too long at a horrible “real job” (tale as old as time!), until one day, about 10 years ago, she was unexpectedly laid off. Luckily for her (and for us!), this catapulted her into her own successful photography business! 

Inspired by the need to support her family and new 8-month-old baby, Heather not only replaced her income, but DOUBLED IT within her first year! Yahoo!! (Hey, her program is called “The Booked Photographer” for a reason!)

Now Heather’s business is still thriving, and she loves passing her knowledge on to other Photography Business Owners just like you! We are thrilled to have her here today to expand our business toolbelts with tips on attracting ideal clients with model calls and social media.

One of Heather’s top marketing tools? Model calls! 

She shares how putting out a call for volunteer models can lead to long and bountiful client relationships.

When putting out a call always, always, always:

• BE SPECIFIC about the ideal client you are trying to attract
• Be authentic
• Have them fill out a questionnaire 
• Get their credit card on file! 

Want to know why? LISTEN TO THE EPISODE, SILLY! 

Seriously, you don’t want to miss it. 

Connect with Heather at:

• [email protected]
• https://www.thebookedphotographer.com/

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 love meeting people who are super successful in a field I have not tried myself. In this case, the specialty is high end Real Estate Photography and my guest, Jonathan Lee, is a professional photographer, educator, and retired Navy instructor based in Northeast Florida.

He's a Certified Professional Photographer, PPA Master Craftsman, PPA Councilor, and a three-time Imaging USA speaker. Through JW Lee Media, Jonathan has built a thriving real estate and commercial photography business while helping photographers create businesses that are just as strong as their photography.

I had so much fun talking with Jonathan. He has this wonderful way of making complicated things feel simple and practical. We covered everything from building a successful real estate photography business to using AI wisely, creating systems that save time, and why professionalism can be one of the biggest keys to long-term success. If you've ever wondered how some photographers seem to have clients who keep coming back, Jonathan shares exactly what makes the difference.

In This Episode

• Why being easy to work with is a huge business advantage.
• The secrets behind a successful real estate photography business.
• Simple ways AI can help you work smarter—not replace your creativity.
• How great systems lead to happier clients and more referrals.

Connect with Jonathan

• Website: https://jwleemedia.com/
• Email: [email protected]

Special Offer: Use code JWLEE at Giraffe360 for 10% off your first 3 months.



I hope this conversation inspires you to think beyond just making great images. When you combine talent with professionalism, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning, you're building more than a photography business—you're building a career that lasts.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 so much fun talking with Javon Longieliere. From the moment we started, it felt like I was chatting with an old friend. We laughed, shared stories from our careers, and explored something I'm passionate about—creating photography experiences that are just as meaningful as the finished portraits. Javon reminded me that our greatest gift as photographers isn't just taking beautiful pictures; it's helping people feel seen, comfortable, and connected. Those are the moments that become family legacies. We also talked about how building genuine relationships with our clients not only changes their experience but also creates a more rewarding and profitable business.

In This Episode

• Creating unforgettable client experiences
• Building trust through connection
• Capturing genuine emotion
• Why in-person reveals matter
• Creating photographs that become family legacies

About My Guest

Javon Longieliere is an award-winning portrait photographer from Valdosta, Georgia, and a Master Photographer, Master Wedding Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). He is known for creating meaningful client experiences that result in authentic, story-filled portraits and lasting relationships.

Connect with Javon

Website: https://www.longieliere.com

Free Gift: Getting Started with the Santa Experience

https://www.longieliere.com/luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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 conversation with Zoe Martin touched my heart in such a deep way. Zoe is the founder of Moments by Zoe Martin, where she creates luxury legacy storytelling experiences that preserve not just faces, but voices, stories, and emotional inheritance for generations to come.

After losing her sister to breast cancer, Zoe was inspired to turn her grief into something meaningful—helping families capture the people and stories they never want to lose. This episode is a beautiful reminder that legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind… It’s about what we share right now.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Zoe combines family portraits, video storytelling, and oral histories to create lasting family treasures
• Why recording voices, stories, and everyday moments can be even more powerful than photographs alone
• The importance of multi-generational portraits and preserving emotional inheritance before it’s too late
• How Zoe has built a meaningful business through nonprofit partnerships, senior communities, and legacy experiences

This one really made me think about my own family memories—the voices, the laughter, the stories I’m so grateful I still have. It’s such a good reminder that documenting our lives isn’t something to put off for “someday.”

Because someday has a way of showing up faster than we think.

Zoe is offering a special gift to my listeners…The Emotional Inheritance Starter Kit

https://www.thezoemartin.com/starter-kit-emotional-inheritance

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

New 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.