Profitable Photographer Podcast

Well, it is the fourth episode after three incredible interviews with brilliant and fun photographers. So it is time to go solo and dive into one of my absolute favorite topics… COLOR!

Color isn’t just pretty—it’s powerful. It tells stories, creates mood, attracts clients, and makes your photography truly stand out.

In this episode, I share some basic color science you probably learned in first grade. I touch on the emotional impact color gives us, and also how to use color intentionally in your work, whether you're shooting portraits, building your brand, or just want your images to have more oomph and emotional impact.

Here’s what I’m covering in this fun, colorful conversation:

• Why color is one of the most important tools in your creative toolbox
• How color combos and tones affect how people feel when they look at your photos, OR your branding
• How artists (and photographers) use color to create signature styles
• Tips for using color in your client work—from wardrobe to wall portraits
• Easy color challenges to inspire your creativity and find your personal vibe

I hope that after listening or watching the video, you never quite see the world, and your art in the same way!

You are awesome, by the way! Luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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• Email: [email protected]
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Get ready for a lovely and super practical episode!

This week, I’m hanging out with the amazing Brenda Pottinger—photographer, educator, and marketing genius. She also has a heart for giving back and before we chat about her easy marketing strategies, she shares her love for helping others using the power of photography.

Who is Brenda? Well, with degrees in Art-Graphic Design and Mass Communications from Emory & Henry College, she jumped into the world of weddings and portraits in Cincinnati. Over the next 20 years, she built a thriving business, picked up a few well-earned photography degrees (like Master of Wedding Photography, Master of Photography, and Certified Professional Photographer), and even served on the PPA Council.

Oh—and no big deal—she was nominated for Top Ten Wedding Album at the International Photographic Competition and named Photographer of the Year twice by Professional Photographers of Southwest Ohio!

Inside this episode, we chat about:

• How a Girl Scout camera sparked her lifelong love of photography

• Her 7-step “Marketing Made Easy” method

• Why it’s all about relationships, not just ads and posts

• Knowing exactly who you want to photograph (and how to find them)

Brenda is also teaching a PPA Super One Day Workshop called Marketing Made Easy on May 14—don't miss it! Just log on to the PPA website to sign up for her class.

Trust me, you’re going to come away from this episode smiling and ready to tackle your marketing with way less stress.

Want to learn more about Brenda?

Visit: www.pottingerphoto.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Oh friends, you're going to love this episode! I have been a fan of Karen McCall and her art, and met her in person at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year. I am thrilled that she agreed to be my guest today because a true artist and Photoshop wizard. 

Karen’s been rocking the photography world for 35+ years and has all the accolades—Team USA, Diamond Photographer of the Year, ASP State Elite Award for 7 years running—but what really impressed me is her down-to-earth heart for creativity and teaching.

We dive deep into her passion for digital art—especially Photoshop painting and compositing—and how it’s become not only her creative outlet, but also a profitable part of her photography business. and how art has been her business booster and her therapy.

Some gems you’ll hear:

• The step-by-step of her creative painting process

• How she approaches a new piece from scratch (hint: start with something you love!)

• Why AI has a small role in her work—and why that’s intentional

• Tips for photographers who want to dip their toes into digital art

• How art, joy, and profit can all go hand-in-hand

FYI…She has an amazing workshop “Photoshop Painting from Drab to Fab”, where students learn how to turn simple images into masterpieces.

And she’s sharing a free gift! Check out her site for downloadable goodies: education.karenmccall.com

Let’s show Karen some love!

[email protected]

www.karenmccall.com

Join her Facebook Group: Photoshop Painting From Drab to Fab

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

I am a huge fan of my guest for this week, Andrew Hellmich. A photographer with 25 years of success and the host of a top-rated photography business podcast, he has done so much to support photographers and photographic educators (like me) with his 612 episodes of Photo Biz Xposed (PhotoBizX), which features industry experts sharing powerful insights on marketing, pricing, advertising, and business growth.

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, We have a rich conversation about how building powerful relationships, becoming known in your community, and smart networking can take your photography business to the next level. 

Here is a taste of what you will hear…

• Wedding photography pricing over the years and how to stay competitive in a saturated market

• A genius upsell trick Andrew learned at an AIPP conference that boosted album sales

• Why networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about giving value and building real connections

• My experience with gift certificate partnerships, and Andrew’s success teaming up with a local vet

• A brilliant SEO strategy: Andrew interviews vendors and turns it into blog content that ranks on Google and deepens community ties

He is such a warm and generous soul, and is always full of new actionable tips and inspiring ideas. Let me know your takeaways.

Andrew is gifting my audience a  

6-week free trial to his premium 

https://photobizx.com/luci

[email protected]

https://photobizx.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
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• YouTube

Hey there, friends! It’s just me, Luci, flying solo on this episode of The Profitable Photographer.

In my 40+ years as a portrait and wedding photographer, I’ve learned just how important it is to prepare both myself and my clients before a session—and to have a clear plan in place once we start shooting. Sure, there’s always room for spontaneity and creative surprises, but I always carry a mental blueprint to guide the flow of each session.

In other words, I’ve developed a specific, intentional process that helps me create beautiful images and keep everyone happy and relaxed… even the toddlers!

Here’s a peek at what I share in this episode:

• My pre-planning checklist (including the 8 key things I always go over)
• How to keep kids (and parents!) calm and cooperative
• The best time of day to schedule sessions
• Why it’s essential to know your locations and the light
• My must-have gear 
• The importance of flexibility, breaks, and having backup supplies

Whether you’re brand new to photographing families or just want to fine-tune your process, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you show up confident, prepared, and ready to create magic.

P.S. One big bonus? You’ll walk in with way more confidence—and walk out with more beautiful, sellable images.

Thanks for connecting with me at www.lucidumascoaching.com!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Get ready to be inspired! This episode features Lauren DelVecchio, a lighting wizard and award-winning photographer. Based in Maine, Lauren is a PPA Master Craftsman, and Master of Wedding Photography. 

 She’s a five-time Maine Wedding Photographer of the Year, a two-time Team USA rep in the World Photographic Cup, and even placed 6th in the world for one of her fine art portraits—no big deal… okay, actually, huge deal!

As a MagMod Elite Ambassador, Lauren knows how to light up any scene—literally. Whether she’s shooting weddings, seniors, fine art, or boudoir, her off-camera lighting techniques set her apart and bring creativity and control to every shot.

In this amazing conversation, we talk about…

• How she got started in photography
• The magic of off-camera lighting and how it makes her work stand out
• Juggling multiple photography specialties
• Why she enters competitions and how it benefits her business

Lauren is offering 5% off all MagMod products with code LADPHOTOGRAPHY. Don’t miss out!

Connect with Lauren: [email protected] 

LADPhotography.com

Let’s thank Lauren for such an insightful discussion! And please subscribe so you can listen to

all the other brilliant guests! Luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Running a profitable photography business is tough, but my guest in this episode proves that it can also be wildly profitable—if you take full responsibility for how you run it.

Meet Allison Tyler Jones, CPP, Master Craftsman, educator, photographer, author of four books, and host of the REWork Podcast. 

I have to say that how she shares her vast knowledge and the foundations of a successful business, in a clear and super fun way, makes this a “must listen more than once” way. 

According to Allison, is not your average photographer. She does not sell printable digital files, but she does run one of the most profitable portrait studios in the country. Instead of quick-turnaround sessions, she creates large-format wall art, family galleries, and custom albums designed specifically for her clients’ homes. Her signature style? A mix of lifestyle, commercial, and a little bit of chaos—what she calls "Art That Happens to Be Your Family."

In this episode, we’re getting real about what it takes to build a thriving photography business, including:

• How shifting to a value-based model attracts better clients and bigger sales
• The importance of taking full responsibility for every aspect of your business
• How setting clear client expectations leads to long-term success
• Why staying in touch with your clients every year is the smartest way to have a solid business

Allison’s advice is direct, practical, and refreshingly honest. She’s here to challenge the way photographers think about pricing, client relationships, and profitability—because at the end of the day, success comes down to one thing: Owning it.

Bonus! Allison is giving away her Time-Blocking Tool—because let’s be honest, we could all use a little more time and a lot more structure. Grab it at www.dotherework.com/timeblocking

Connect with Allison:

• [email protected]
• www.dotherework.com
• www.atjphoto.com
• www.dotherework.com/bootcamp

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

Ever felt the urge to create just for yourself? This week, I’m chatting with Anjana Olson, an award-winning photographer, educator, and lighting guru, about her self-portrait journey and how it’s transformed her art AND her business.

Master photographer, Anj (Anjana) Olson is the portrait photographer of Anj Portrait Studio, serving Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding areas. After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Nutritional Science degree from Iowa State University, she chose to follow the path of photography and specializes in tangible fine art for her clients. Her work is influenced by her experiences as a Mama to 3 amazing sons, Wes Anderson movies, and her voracious appetite for books.

 We made it to Episode 300! I am beyond grateful for every listener who has joined me on this journey. With 70 solo episodes, 220 guest interviews, and listeners from over 100 countries, this podcast has grown into an incredible community of passionate photographers. Thank you for your support, engagement, and commitment to growing your photography businesses with me!

In this milestone episode, I reflect on my 42 year journey—from my background in wedding and family photography to coaching and producing this podcast. I highlight some of my most popular of 70 solo episodes with insights on in-person sales, overcoming fears, setting boundaries, and the power of positive thinking. Plus, I touch on key marketing strategies like networking and targeted promotions to help you grow your business.

Here are the episodes I invite you to revisit. Scroll to the bottom for my entire list of topics I shared over the last almost 6 years.

• Episodes 294 & 296: In-Person Sales – My #1 topic! Learn how to sell wall art and albums while serving your clients at the highest level.
• Episode 7: Selling Psychology – Key sales tips from my days selling makeup—use the right words, sell results, and get the sale in the moment.
• Episode 117: Are You Good Enough? – Taming those inner critiques 
• Episode 137: Making the Phone Your Best Friend – How to book clients with confidence and talk about pricing the right way.
• Episode 179: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – Why fear holds us back and how to push through it.
• Episodes 105, 109 & 212: The Four Agreements in Business – Game-changing mindset shifts for business success.
• Episode 273: Setting Boundaries – Teaching clients how to treat us and knowing when to walk away.
• Episode 290: Abracadabra-Using the power of attraction and focus in business
• Marketing tips on how to move away from social media and get out into the community

That’s a wrap on Episode 300! I’m so grateful for all of you who listen, share your feedback, and support this podcast. As long as I keep getting great guests and amazing responses, I’ll keep this going—it’s my way of giving back to our industry and helping you thrive.

If you want to make the most of these episodes, check out the transcripts (on Apple Podcasts, you can even copy and highlight key insights!). And of course, be sure to explore my solo episodes and guest interviews for more valuable lessons.

Thanks again for being part of this journey. Episode 301 is coming next week, and it’s a good one! Wishing you an amazing spring—or whatever season it is when you’re listening. See you next time! 

Your pal, Luci 

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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

PS…Here is a list of my solo episode topics:

• 290 Abracadabra…positive thinking
• 285 Psychology of Motivation
• 282 transforming limiting beliefs into success
• 278…resistance…
• 277 purse shopping and luxury
• 273…setting boundaries
• 269 handling objections
• 261 263 265…10 big marketing ideas
• 257…communicating values…6 ps
• 256 doing your best
• 252…getting natural expressions from kids
• 246 the power of specializing
• 243 taming your fears and unfolding more joy
• 241 posing strategies and planning portrait sessions
• 236…wedding day success
• 230…money tips and strategies
• 228…hot leads from business partners
• 214 216 218 220 222 224 7 steps to attract ideal clients
• 212 the 4 agreements in business
• 210 starting your business!
• 207…honoring the history and importance of portraiture
• 204 no more starving artist
• 199 speaking live to grow your business 
• 194…magic to manifest ideal clients
• 190 best year yet success plan
• 179…feel the fear and do it anyway 
• 174…luci tells her success story
• 170 go, wait or stop…when to make changes
• 162…photo business success secret at events
• 156 5 love languages in business
• 152…secrets to selling wall portraits
• 148…gathering economic storms
• 0. affiliate marketing
• 137…making the telephone our best friend
• 133…marketing from the inside out…success starts from inside
• 127 framing tips
• 122…starting your business…
• 117…are you good enough?
• 113…getting organized
• 105 109 four agreements
• 97… Luxury
• 93 …natural light
• 80…money mistakes gopher hole
• 76 personal grown and business 
• 73 website tips
• 69 no more starving artist
• 63 value of contests and competitions
• 59 challenges all new photography business face
• 54 getting stuff done
• 48 self motivation and self discipline
• 44 serving and thriving…
• 12/31/2019…branding
• 12/3/19…resistance (replay above)
• 10/15/19…10 ways to ruin a great sale
• 17 IP
• 8/6/19…seven dollar donut
• 7/2/19 12 tips from selling makeup
• 6/11/19 your to-do list

I’m thrilled to welcome back Jeffrey Shaw—one of my most popular guests! This is his third time on the show, and for good reason. I first heard him speak at PPA’s Imaging USA, and he completely blew me away. Now, five years later, he is just releasing “Sell To The Rich”, and he shares so many great insights from this book. He also has 2 other amazing books in case you want more Jeffrey.

From humble beginnings, Jeffrey became one of the top portrait photographers in the U.S., with work featured on Oprah, CBS News, People Magazine, and displayed at Harvard University. He’s a speaker, author, business coach, TEDx presenter, and founder of The Self-Employed Business Institute.

So guess what? Luxury sales is not just about raising prices, having a fancy website, or advertising to wealthy people.

Jeffrey breaks down why selling to the rich is more about mindset than money. He shares why luxury is a way of being, how personal growth plays a role in sales, and why success starts with your own belief in value.

Listen for these key takeaways:

• Luxury isn’t just a price point—it’s an experience.
• Your real competition isn’t other photographers.
• Judgment will cost you sales.
• “Clean energy” is essential. Confidence, clarity, and authenticity are what attract high-end clients.
• You need to embody luxury yourself. To sell the experience, you have to understand what it feels like.

His book is now available for presale early March 2025! Go to his website to be one of the first to get your hands on it jeffreyshaw.com

And thanks for subscribing to my YouTube channel and your favorite podcast platform.

Hugs, Luci

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

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