I am so excited to share my conversation with the dynamic duo—Gregory and Lesa Daniel—about the beauty and strategy behind commissioned mixed-media portraits, working as a couple, and building a business with heart, intention, and excellence.

Gregory and Lesa are internationally celebrated for their artistry and business success. Gregory is one of the most awarded photographers in the U.S., holding the titles of Master of Photography and ASP Fellow, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Cameracraftsmen of America. He’s also a founding member of ISPA and a Past President of Professional Photographers of America.

Lesa is the brilliance behind the business, managing the operations of their two portrait galleries in Florida, and playing an essential role in their continued success as both a leader and visionary. There is something so powerful about a couple that runs a successful photography business together, and they share how they manage to make this work so well.

Here are just a few golden nuggets we touched on:

• The importance of being product-focused over selling just an experience
• How specializing in what you love can elevate your brand and profitability
• Why "context is everything" when it comes to the final art and how it's used

One of my favorite parts? Their take on intentional branding and creating a sustainable business around only the products they love—and that truly serve their clients. Yes, please.

I’m so inspired by their teamwork, artistry, and wisdom. I hope you are too.

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Connect with Gregory and Lesa at https://www.gregorydanielportraits.com/

Visit me at www.lucidumascoaching.com for coaching, encouragement, and creative business growth.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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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.

Did you ever think about what it might take to have a highly successful, multi-million-dollar portrait studio?

My amazing guest this week, Andrew Hiorth, has done just that—and in this episode, he shares his team-building strategies, plus the joys and challenges of creating a highly profitable boudoir photography business.

I was surprised to learn that not only is it easier than I thought, but that building a business where others are doing most of the work can actually give the owner time to be wildly creative with personal photography. Free from the daily grind of creating sellable images, Andrew now has space to stretch his imagination and create stunning, award-winning art.

He also shares about the deep satisfaction that comes from leading a team of photographers and support staff, and watching them thrive. I love doing this as a coach, so now I see that I would actually enjoy being the boss of a group of amazing humans, all working hard toward the same goals!

A little about Andrew:

Andrew Hiorth is a business leader and creative visionary who built FABLE Studios into a multi-seven-figure photography brand with a team of over 20 professionals specializing in boudoir. His personal work has earned global recognition, including a PPA Diamond Award, multiple “Photographer of the Year” titles, and the honor of representing Team Canada at the World Photographic Cup. He’s also a sought-after speaker, sales strategist, and business coach helping photographers scale with purpose and profit.

One of my favorite moments? When he asked the powerful question:

“When does the freedom start?”

We also dig into:

• Why you should start with your why
• How to reverse-engineer your dream income
• The importance of pacing yourself and learning along the way
• Why profit management might just be your new best friend

And he leaves us with this gem:

“Decide what you want, how you’ll get it… and ask yourself if it will make you happy.”

Yes, please.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a business that gives you both financial and time freedom, this episode is for you.

Connect with Andrew:

www.fablestudios.ca

[email protected]

Need help mapping out your dream business?

Let’s talk! www.lucidumascoaching.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.

Ooohhh…this is a good one! On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had a real and honest conversation with the wise and lovely, Cate Scaglione—fine art photographer and branding expert—about how to create a boudoir/personal portrait session, designed to help our clients not only have great photographs but potentially have a life changing experience. 

In this discussion, I share my own insecurities and how a few photography sessions boosted my confidence and created visual reminders of who I really am during times of self-doubt. 

Now, a big part of Cate’s business that creates this transformation is her version of a luxury experience.

She shares how today's clients are investing in how the experience makes them feel, in addition to the gorgeous portraits she creates. From thoughtful details to sensory elements, she shows us how to create sessions that are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.

We talk about:

• Designing a client experience that feels elevated and intentional
• Using all five senses to build connection and comfort
• How environment, energy, and branding shape client perception
• Why this kind of experience can be transformational for women

Whether you photograph boudoir or any other genre, this episode will inspire you to think beyond the lens and create something truly special.

Download her free gift of the boudoir pre-session checklist here:

• https://lifeasfineart.com/educate
• https://lifeasfineart.com/

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
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• 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 saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top.

Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry.

It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can completely change the way you run your business: the Blue Ocean Strategy.

The concept comes from sailboat racing, where most boats fight for space in the same crowded, chaotic waters. But the winners? They sail into calm, open water... the blue ocean. That’s where they move faster and with less resistance.

In business, this means stopping the hustle to compete and instead, creating something unique that sets you apart. It could be a specialty few photographers are photographing, OR a new way of running your business. 

You don’t have to fight over price or copy what others are doing. You can stand out by being you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a blue ocean is—and why it’s better than competing in a crowded market
• How to shift your mindset and stop comparing yourself to others
• Real examples of photographers who created their own space and thrived
• A simple journaling exercise to help you start building your own blue ocean

This episode is your invitation to stop chasing and start creating. There’s plenty of room at the top!

Want to know more about me and my coaching program, or just say hi? Check out www.lucidumascoaching.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 week, I had a powerful and heart-centered discussion with Johl Dunn, a talented Australian photographer turned mindset and business coach. We had such a great conversation a few years ago that I knew I would love another chance to connect.

Johl spent over 20 years running successful wedding and portrait studios, earning titles like Creative Asia Wedding Photographer of the Year along the way. Now, he helps photographers build profitable businesses by combining strategy with mindset, self-awareness, and a little science-based spirituality.

We talked about:

• Why slowing down can actually make you more productive
• How to avoid burnout and self-sabotage
• His morning routine to start the day with intention
• The connection between gratitude, balance, and success
• How to shift limiting beliefs that hold photographers back

Johl’s approach is holistic, honest, and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to grow a business and a life they love.

He’s also offering 3 free 1-on-1 strategy sessions to listeners!

Connect with Johl:

• www.johldunn.com
• Instagram: @johldunn
• Email: [email protected]

Want support with your business goals? Let’s chat at www.lucidumascoaching.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 week on The Profitable Photographer, I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Angela Lawson, an international award-winning pet photographer with 28 years of experience. For the past 15 years, she’s focused exclusively on animals of all shapes and sizes—from dogs and cats to reptiles and pocket pets.

She has also earned her Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from the International Society of Animal Photographers and has taken the PPA judges' training 

Angela shares how understanding animal behavior and breed traits has been essential to her success, and how she brings compassion and purpose to every session.

One of her most meaningful offerings is her Legacy Sessions, created for senior or terminally ill pets. These sessions capture the deep bond between pets and their people and result in lasting keepsakes like albums and wall portraits.

Her sadness that she doesn’t have nice portraits of a beloved pet that passed over the rainbow bridge motivated her to start, and teach, this specialty.

She breaks down some of the things to know before one of these special sessions.

• How to gently navigate emotional sessions and support grieving clients
• Why it’s important to research each animal before photographing them
• How Angela uses local groups and The Tilly Project to market Legacy Sessions
• Tips for intentional business building and meaningful client relationships

Whether you're already photographing pets or thinking about it, Angela's insights will help you connect more deeply with clients and create work that truly matters.

To get in touch with Angela:

• [email protected] 
• www.aglphotography.net 
• www.facebook.com/aglphoto

Want support with your business goals? Let’s chat at www.lucidumascoaching.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 week on The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my repeat guest, Larry Hershberger — an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist often called a modern-day Norman Rockwell. For over 35 years, Larry has been creating magical, theatrical, emotion-filled art, with clients in more than 50 countries. You’ve probably seen his Santa and Christmas artwork — those nostalgic, wonder-filled images that take you right back to being a kid.

But this episode isn’t about Santa… it’s about superheroes.

Larry and his wife Ela have a daughter with Down Syndrome, Anna Rose, and she’s the heart behind his most meaningful project yet — the Don’t Fear Me campaign. Through stunning portraits of children with Down Syndrome, Larry is changing the world’s perception — one photograph at a time.

And yes, we talk about the business side too. Because as magical as his portraits are, Larry is also practical. He shares how he’s making this passion project sustainable without burning out or going broke — a lesson all of us creative hearts can learn from!

We talk about:

• How Larry blends advocacy and art to make a lasting impact

• Why it’s totally okay to sell artwork and still do good in the world

• His journey as a father and artist, and how it’s shaped his mission AND saved lives!

This episode is full of heart, hope, and truth — and might just inspire you to look at your own photography in a whole new way.

Larry would love to connect with you!

https://www.masterpieceartwork.com/

https://www.downsyndrome.art/

https://www.facebook.com/MasterpieceArtworkportraits

Want support with your business goals? Let’s chat at www.lucidumascoaching.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.

Okay…solo time. This episode might seem short but if you take the challenge and write out the answers to my suggestions, it might just change everything for you. You could find that your photography business hits new levels of success and fulfillment?

In this solo episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m walking you through a step-by-step process to get crystal clear on your dreams and goals. And discover some issues standing in your way of having it all just the way you want your life and business to be. 

Having a clear intention, and knowing what to do to reach this vision is incredibly powerful

Whether you're dreaming of a six- or seven-figure income, more time freedom, or simply getting paid well for doing what you love, this episode will help on your journey.

These specific steps have helped so many of my coaching clients move more powerfully towards their dreams. 

• Your Big Dream – What does success look like for you? Let's get specific!

• Your Deep Why – The personal and powerful reasons behind your goals (because this is what keeps you going when things get hard).

• Your Roadblocks – What’s really getting in the way? This is a chance to uncover the mindset blocks, habits, or fears that might be holding you back.

• What’s next? How do you take this knowledge and move more powerfully towards your goals

Plus, this June I’m offering a free “Create The Business of Your Dreams” strategy session to 5 people who would like help with this process. Whether you're brand new to the industry or a seasoned pro needing a fresh direction, this session is my gift to help you gain clarity and confidence.

Just book a 20-minute chat to start the process at www.lucidumascoaching.com

This episode is perfect if:

• You’ve been winging it in your business and want to create a real plan.

• You’re feeling stuck, scattered, or just not hitting your income goals.

• You’re ready to turn your passion for photography into a thriving, profitable business — with intention.

Grab your journal, tune in, and let’s map out the path to your dream photography life together!

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 week’s episode is a soulful one, friends. I’m joined by the amazing Jessica McKnight — an award-winning luxury photographer in St Petersburg, FLA, for over 25 years, mindfulness coach, and founder of Brilliance Key. 

She has a big heart for helping others to create their success using the power of their thoughts as well as a photographer with a ton of business wisdom.  

Jessica and I have a beautiful conversation about how mindset and mindfulness aren’t just buzzwords — they’re powerful tools that shape how we show up in our photography businesses and our lives. Jessica shares how her own journey, from a tough childhood to building a thriving photography brand, has been guided by a commitment to inner clarity, intention, and self-love.

Together, we explore:

• How to shift your attitude to support your dreams
• What mindfulness looks like in real life (hint: it's about presence, not perfection)
• Her 8 simple practices to start your day grounded and focused — including gratitude, visualization, and creating space for joy
• The power of community, creativity, and trusting in something bigger (yes, the Universe has your back!)
• And how chasing success without balance can leave us burnt out — and what to do instead

Jessica also gives us a peek into her Beyond Brilliant Photography Retreats that include daily yoga, mindset talks, and the kind of connection that fills your soul, plus a chance to apply for a free retreat seat on her website!

This episode is like a soft exhale and a spark of inspiration rolled into one. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just craving a deeper connection to your work and purpose, I know you will be glad you tuned in.

Links and Goodies: Apply for a FREE seat at one of Jessica’s retreats by subscribing to her newsletter at BrillianceKey.com

And feel free to book a 20-minute chat with me if you need a little support.

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 week on the show, I’m chatting with Jeff — a PPA Master Photographer, Craftsman, educator, and author of 2, soon to be 3, books including “The Professional Photography Playbook: Mastering Portrait Photography, Branding and Business Success.”  Jeff is has been one of the most successful portrait photographers in the US for 40 years and counting. His classic style and tried and true business structure has kept his photography studio earning high 6 figures and even 7, while giving him time to golf, teach, write, and enjoy life.

We talk about what happened when he left his government job to chase his dream of becoming a full-time photographer. He turned that leap into a 40+ year career full of awards, sold-out sessions, and major industry influence. 

And with 80 years of experience between us and a passion for helping others, we “commiserate” on what it takes to start and sustain a highly profitable portrait photography business and all the joys it brings.

We’re talking about:

• Why branding, client relationships, and a recognizable style are your best business tools
• The secret sauce behind genuine expressions and timeless portraits
• Why continuous learning (even after 40 years!) is non-negotiable
• And how Jeff’s new book can help you build a stronger, more profitable business

Whether you’re new to the industry or have been behind the camera for decades, this episode is full of aha moments, business gold, and inspiration to keep going — and growing.

Find Jeff’s book, The Professional Photography Playbook, on Amazon

Follow Jeff on YouTube for more tips and stories

Hit play and let’s talk portraits, passion, and making your mark.

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.