Meet Dan McClanahan, a photographer based in Ames, Iowa, who’s making waves in the world of photography. With honors like representing Team USA and being a Top 10 finalist in the World Photographic Cup, Dan knows his stuff. AND he’s a featured speaker at SYNC and Imaging USA too!

Oh and…he is a super nice guy

In this episode, we dive into:

• How Dan uses light to tell stories and connect with his clients.

• His career shift from a bustling studio to a solo business that fits his life and family.

• How Rolling Stone Magazine was his big inspiration 

• Dan’s process for creating portraits that reveal his clients’ true beauty and worth.

• The difference between commercial and personal photography and how he balances both.

Dan’s approach is as inspiring as it is relatable. Whether he’s collaborating on commercial shoots or designing personal portraits that actually change people’s lives, he’s all about authenticity and creativity. Dan’s advice for photographers? Keep pushing yourself and your craft—and remember, what you do is important!

Connect with Dan at 

• [email protected]
• instagram.com/danmcclan/
• mcclanahanstudio.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Hello and Happy New Year! This has been one of the MOST popular episodes so I thought it would be a great one to start out 2025. Here we go….Magic is real. Thoughts have power.

In this repeat episode I am going FULL Woo Woo and talk about the power we have to become a magnet for success, attracting what we want in life, both big and small. The secret powers we have to manifest things like great photography clients, relationships, abundance, even a pair of the perfect sunglasses. (Listen for the tale of lost the sunglasses).

I often touch on this subject in my other podcasts and decided to go for it and claim my truth…that this stuff works (TSW) and that I use it all the time.

If the woo woo, or calling it the power of the Universe or God or a spiritual teacher is not your thing, you can call it awareness or accessing our own genius. Whatever you call it, my experience is that it is real, that actions combined with these manifesting principles go hand in hand to create the life we desire.

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer I share my perspective and experiences through:

• fun stories about my small miracles
• reference books and teachers on the topic
• tools like affirmations and visualizations
• the principles of the laws of attraction
• where this teaching came from historically
• the importance of positive energy/vibration and how to raise it

And how there is a loving and creative force always listening to our desires and ready to bring us what we want and that the more clear we are, the faster these things can come our way.

I am visualizing this episode being the perfect one for you right now, whether you have been on team “Law of Attraction” or this is new for you. Because you deserve to have all good things in your life!!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

This special episode of The Profitable Photographer is a little gift just for you! It’s a sneak peek of my guest appearance on Andrew Helmich’s PhotobizX podcast. I was honored to join nine other amazing coaches to share some top tips for thriving in 2025. And because I didn’t want you to miss a second of my part, I’m sharing it here—with an extra bonus tip just for my listeners!

I’m keeping it short and sweet because I know this season is packed with celebrations. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into my three big recommendations for kicking off 2025 on the right foot:

1. Use IPS with a Projector: Build trust, connect deeply with your clients, and watch your profits soar. This strategy not only boosts sales but also gives you a confidence boost as your clients laugh, cry, and hug you during their sessions!
2. Embrace Accountability: It’s easy to blame external challenges, but real growth starts from within. Use slower seasons to sharpen your skills, refine your branding, and tackle those marketing updates you’ve been putting off.

And here’s your bonus tip: Build a rock-solid email and snail mail list. From postcards to newsletters, staying in touch with your clients and leads is the secret sauce to long-term success.

Tune in for inspiration, actionable tips, and a sprinkle of fun to kickstart your best year yet! Don’t forget to visit www.lucidumascoaching.com to snag your free strategy session.

Let’s make 2025 your most profitable—and joyful—year ever!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

On this episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I chat with Scott Wyden Kivowitz, a talented photographer, educator, and storyteller who has mastered the art of surprise proposal photography. As the Community Manager and podcast host at Imagen (an AI editing program), Scott balances his roles as a father of two, husband, photographer, and host of the “Workflows Photography Podcast”.

Scott’s journey into proposal photography began during the pandemic and has since become a passion, blending his love for storytelling with his commitment to delivering unforgettable client experiences.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Scott’s secrets to capturing those high-stakes moments in proposal photography.

• Why preparation and having the right gear—like dual cameras—are crucial for success.

• How Scott balances photography with his role at Imagen, offering tools like personalized photo editing, culling, and cloud backup.

• Why he encourages photographers to embrace In-Person Sales (IPS) for higher profits and better client service.

• The importance of using a CRM for organizing workflows and staying efficient.

And since his passion is helping people master their workflow, we also discuss ways to create more time in our lives for both the business and our personal lives.

Scott’s ability to teach in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way shines throughout the episode, and he even shares tips on using Imagine, with an exclusive link for 1,500 free edits. Whether you're curious about proposal photography or looking to streamline your business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

• Check his goodies out at https://imagen-ai.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagenai
• https://www.instagram.com/imagen.ai/
• https://www.instagram.com/scottwyden

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Where in the world would you love to photograph clients and get paid really well for your photography including all your expenses? Paris? Costa Rica? New Zealand?

I loved my conversation with Denise Watrous who has built a wonderful business that includes traveling to amazing locations. She reveals so much about how you can do the same.

She is an award wining, Certified Professional Photographer from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Denise is a master of destination portraits, blending her passion for travel with her talent for creating vibrant, personalized portraits.

We dive into:

• The secrets behind her stunning destination portraits.

• How she tackles the challenges of on-location lighting and logistics.

• What it takes to price and plan travel-based photography sessions.

• Why senior portraits hold a special place in her heart (hint: it started with her kids!).

• The gear she swears by for on-location shoots.

Denise’s love for storytelling through portraiture and her adventurous spirit will inspire you to dream big and explore new horizons. Whether you’re ready to take your work global or just looking to up your on-location game, this episode is for you!

Connect with Denise:

• [email protected]
• @watrousphotography
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/155347079275408

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Hey there, fabulous podcast listeners. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria Arellano, a Fine Art Photographer based in Houston, Texas, who’s been creating magic since 2015. Maria has this incredible gift for helping women see themselves as the stunning, powerful goddesses they are—no matter their size, shape, or story.

In this episode, we’ll chat about:

• Why boudoir photography makes Maria’s heart sing (spoiler: it’s all about confidence and celebration!)

• How she creates a safe, empowering space for plus-size clients to shine

• The art (and hustle) of balancing two specialties like a total pro

• Maria’s genius strategies for building a loyal, raving community—from goddess-themed shoots to her unforgettable client prom nights 

Maria also dishes on why she doesn’t sell herself but chooses her clients—and trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Maria doesn’t just take photos; she crafts experiences. And get this—clients literally fly in from all over to work with her! Plus, she’s a mentor for other photographers, helping them find their own magic and build thriving businesses.

If you’ve ever doubted your beauty or wondered how to truly connect with your clients, this episode is your sign. Let’s go!

Connect with and check out Maria’s stunning work at…

• [email protected]
• Maribellaportraits.com
• GoddessbyMaribella.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

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.

Be sure to check out www.lucidumascoaching.com and feel free to book a 20 minute chat

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m thrilled to catch up with Kelly Warkentin, a lifestyle family photographer in Vancouver, Canada, mom of three, and one of my proudest coaching success stories. Kelly has not only built a thriving photography business but also created a work-life balance that lets her focus on her family and her clients.

When we started working together, Kelly was selling digital files for hundreds of dollars. Through my training program (and her hard work implementing the strategies), she discovered the power of selling heirloom art and albums in person, transforming her sales into thousands. Now, she’s adapted my system to develop her own Virtual IPS approach, helping busy photographers serve their clients with exceptional care while reclaiming their time.

Here’s what we cover:

• How Kelly transitioned from traditional sales to Virtual IPS to avoid burnout.
• Why personalized connection and service are game-changers in luxury photography.
• Outsourcing tips to lighten your load and grow your income.
• Simple yet effective strategies for balancing a successful business with family life.

Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, innovation, and courage. Tune in for actionable insights and plenty of inspiration!

Reach out to and join her private group 

“Virtual IPS for portrait photographers on Facebook”

[email protected]

KellyWarkentin.com/chat 

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

I’m so excited to welcome Linda Carroll to the podcast! Linda is a Certified Professional Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Portrait Artist who has been capturing beautiful moments and inspiring others for decades. Her studio in Kennesaw, Georgia, specializes in family and portrait photography, and her approach to “Capturing Life” has made her a beloved figure in the photography community.

Episode Summary:

 In this conversation, Linda and I explore how she’s kept her passion alive over the years, especially when creativity might need a little spark. She shares practical tips, her favorite resources, and the joy she finds in teaching others.

Episode Highlights:

• Keeping the Spark Alive – Linda recommends reading The Creative Mind and journaling as tools to nurture inspiration and creative energy.
• Photo Safaris & Exploration – Taking spontaneous drives and traveling to new places helps Linda see the world in new ways, fueling her passion for photography.
• The Power of Teaching – Sharing her knowledge with others, especially through her Santa season training and set design workshops, is a major source of joy and inspiration.
• Timeless Wisdom – Linda reminds us: it’s never too late to start something new or reignite our passion.

Closing:

A huge thank you to Linda for sharing her insights, passion, and experience with us! If you’re feeling inspired to connect, please reach out to her for mentorship or just to say hello. And as always, feel free to contact me for coaching, guidance, or any questions about your photography journey!

[email protected]

www.lclifephotos.com 

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

In this episode, I share how to unlock your potential as a photographer by embracing an abundance mindset!

 If you’ve ever thought, "My clients won’t pay that" or "This just won’t work here," this one's for you. Join me as we explore practical ways to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs and create the business you truly want.

Some of my one-way conversation (from me to you) includes:

• Common beliefs that may hold photographers back from charging what they’re worth
• How to identify and connect with clients who value your work
• Strategies for photographers in smaller communities or niche markets
• Inspiring stories of photographers who broke through location or pricing barriers
• Why abundance is about focusing on what you want and staying open to new possibilities

I hope you take the time to explore your own conclusions or excuses and adopt “new

and improved” thoughts that will help you be more resourceful and positive about

how to make your dreams come true!

Luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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