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: luci@lucidumas.com
• 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.

What if your creativity isn’t something you have to chase… but something you can invite in, every single day?

This week, I’m joined by the wonderfully unique and inspiring Elizabeth Toller — a Certified Professional Photographer, fine artist, intuitive life coach, Reiki healer, tarot reader, and speaker on creativity as a lifestyle. She calls herself your “quirky guide to a more creative life,” and trust me, this conversation is exactly the kind of spark your creative heart has been waiting for.

In this episode, we dig into big ideas and practical tools, including:

1. The power of personal projects — why they’re more than just “side” work and how they can elevate your business, art, and life
2. How to turn everyday habits into intentional rituals that actually support your creative flow
3. The surprising role of creative daydreaming — and how it can make you more productive, not less
4. Why decluttering your mind is just as important as decluttering your space
5. Small steps to overcome doubt and start listening to the voice that lifts you up, not the one that holds you back
6. How to build a support system that fuels your momentum and keeps you inspired

Whether you’re deep in your photography business or just trying to find your creative rhythm again, Beth brings a fresh perspective that will help you simplify, focus, and reconnect with your artistic purpose.

This one’s all about possibility, purpose, and practical magic.

Connect with Beth:

www.elizabethtoller.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• 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.

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:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

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: luci@lucidumas.com
• 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!

kmccallphoto@comcast.net

www.karenmccall.com

Join her Facebook Group: Photoshop Painting From Drab to Fab

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• 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

andrew@photobizx.com

https://photobizx.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• 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: luci@lucidumas.com
• 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: Lauren@LADPhotography.com

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: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube