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I was really excited for this conversation with Jamar Jones—and it did not disappoint. He’s the real deal when it comes to branding, mindset, and building a business that actually grows. He was a featured speaker at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year and got rave reviews. Author of the book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life AND host of The Foureva Podcast. In this rich conversation, Jamar shares how he went from music to photography and videography, and then into business advisory. This journey included opening for TI, Snoop Dogg, and Keyshia Cole as a hip-hop artist. Then created a thriving photography business. and a company called Foureva Media, where he is a branding/business advisor for clients such as Marcus Lemonis and Red Bull. We talk a lot about something I know so many of us struggle with—how to grow when we feel stuck. His answer? Change your circle. Not by abandoning people, but by expanding into spaces where you’re challenged, supported, and inspired. By networking is ways that work with people who can support you and that you support in return. We also get into the balance of Mindset and Action (he says it’s 50/50), how to introduce yourself in a way that makes people lean in, and why soft skills might matter even more than your technical skills. A few things we cover: • A better way to network (and actually connect) • Why mindset + action both matter • Building referral relationships that last And I love this question he shared for networking: “What exciting things are you working on right now?” So much better than “What do you do?” If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re doing all the things but not getting where you want to go, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. You can find Jamar at Forever Media and check out his book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life. He has a gift for you too…a Wiki Audit https://forms.gle/u38m7S6RXmkWCAdX8 And as always, I would love for you to subscribe, comment, and check out my lucidumascoaching.com website Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 was so jazzed to have a conversation with Ashley Lowder, a boutique newborn and maternity photographer and educator in Huntsville, Alabama. It was fantastic! She shares how she built a highly profitable business by focusing on exceptional client experience, not just taking pictures. Ashley walks us through her concierge-style approach—from the first phone call to visiting clients in their homes, helping with wardrobe, and even installing artwork on their walls. It’s all about creating something meaningful and stress-free for her clients. We also talk about newborn photography—lighting, wrapping, and the importance of safety—as well as staying calm and confident during sessions. In this episode, we cover: • Creating a high-touch, boutique photography experience • Why in-home consultations build connection and sales • Simple lighting tips for newborns • Wrapping basics and newborn safety • Separating your work from your worth One of my favorite reminders: just because a session feels challenging doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. You can connect with Ashley here: AshleyLowderPhotography.com Instagram: @alphuntsville/ I hope you know that I’m always cheering you on as you build a photography business that is both profitable and meaningful! Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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.

Chris Wooley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, F-PPW—also known as The Photo Professor—is one of those people who makes you think differently in the best way. He’s a photographer, educator, and President-Elect of the American Society of Photographers, and he’s built his career around helping photographers make smarter, more intentional decisions. And honestly… that’s what this whole conversation is about. We talked about how every part of our work—lighting, lens choice, pricing, sales—is really just a series of decisions. And when we make better ones (with purpose instead of guessing), everything improves: our photos, our client experience, and yes… our income. I especially loved how Chris simplifies the sales process. Instead of reinventing the wheel every time, he encourages creating a system that builds trust and guides clients naturally. No pressure, no awkwardness—just clarity and confidence. We also dive into pricing in a way that actually makes sense (what do you need, and how do you align that with your clients?). And if you’ve ever struggled with selling wall art—this part alone is worth the listen. The way we present our work matters more than we think. In This Episode:            •          Why better decisions (not more effort) are the key to better photos and a stronger business            •          How to simplify your sales process so it feels natural, not pushy            •          A smarter approach to pricing that supports both you and your clients            •          Why presentation—especially with wall art—can completely change your sales This one is such a good reminder: you don’t need to do more… you just need to decide better. And he has a $50 discount on his amazing new sales In Person Sales program IPS Viewer Lite at www.cwooley.com/profitable  Use the code Profit50 Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 solo episode, I explore the heart of photography—light. Inspired by the idea that “lighting is the love language of photography,” I delved into my passion and knowledge of light and lighting…and shared how light has the power to transform ordinary moments into something emotional, artistic, and truly unforgettable. This isn’t just about technique—it’s about learning to see light, shape it, and use it with intention. Luci also breaks down how light and shadow work together to create depth, dimension, and mystery—because without shadow, everything feels flat. When you begin to understand both, your images become more expressive, more meaningful, and more impactful. She also connects this to business: when your work feels more emotional and intentional, clients stop comparing prices—and start choosing you for your vision. In This Episode: Why light and shadow are essential for creating depth, mood, and storytellingHow mastering light elevates your work creatively—and helps you become more profitableThe power of light direction (front, side, back) and how it shapes every portraitEasy, practical exercises to train your eye—using windows, your hand, or simple tools at home This episode is both inspiring and practical—a reminder to slow down, observe, and play with light. Because when you truly understand it, your photography becomes something people don’t just see… they feel. By the way, there is a free ebook available on my website www.lucidumascoaching.com and a video of this podcast episode on WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@PROFITABLEPHOTOGRAPHER Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 episode of The Profitable Photographer with Suzanne Luttig, and I have to say—this conversation completely shifted the way I think about real estate photography. It was so popular in 2023, I decided to give it a “reboot.” What I love most about Suzanne’s journey is how intentional she was from the very beginning. When she decided to become a photographer, she didn’t just “wing it.” She went all in—education, mentorship, learning both the craft and the business side. It’s such a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident… it happens when we commit to learning, practicing, and showing up again and again. We also talk about why real estate photography can be an incredible niche—especially for photographers who are a little further along in life and looking for something sustainable, creative, and profitable. Suzanne shares how this path opened doors for her in a way that felt aligned and energizing. And honestly? She made it sound like so much more fun than most of us imagine. From chasing beautiful light to composing interiors with intention, there’s a level of artistry here that might surprise you. She would love for you to friend her on Facebook, look up her website, and ask her more questions about Real Estate Photography at timelessnebraska.com or https://www.facebook.com/TimelessNebraskaMedia/ Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 episode felt like such a full-circle moment for me. I’m talking with my former photography mentee, Cortnie Davis, who has grown from an 18-year-old wedding photographer into a thoughtful consultant helping creative entrepreneurs build calmer, more sustainable businesses. Cortnie began her career behind the camera and later added floristry to her creative life. Today she works at the intersection of creativity, systems, and sales, helping wedding professionals and other service-based creatives turn all that invisible behind-the-scenes work into intentional systems that actually support their businesses. With a background in hospitality and years of client-facing experience, Cortnie believes strong processes should feel human and supportive — not rigid or overwhelming. She’s equal parts people-obsessed and spreadsheet-loving, and her work focuses on helping creatives build workflows that allow their artistry to thrive. In our conversation, we also reminisce about her early photography days and the moment at a conference when a little encouragement helped her keep going. Hearing how that stayed with her all these years truly touched my heart. We also talk about the powerful mindset shift from scarcity to service, and why documenting your workflows and using tools like HoneyBook and ShootProof can make running a photography business so much easier. In this episode • The moment of encouragement that helped Cortnie stay in photography • Why a service mindset can calm anxiety and make selling feel natural • How documenting your workflows can completely change your business • The importance of personal touches in client communication • Systems and tools that free creatives to focus on what they love A thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, burnout, service, and building a photography business that feels calmer, clearer, and more profitable — without losing the human touch. To connect with Cortnie [email protected] cortniedee.com Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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.

You will love this wonderful conversation with my Canadian friend Cristina Sacco — a photographer who has built a thriving career for more than 20 years by staying curious, saying yes to opportunities, and bringing heart into everything she photographs. Cristina is the founder of Boy Girl Photography, where she photographs newborns and families, and Stetati Media, where she works with corporate and medical clients on larger commercial projects. We talk about how her journey evolved from photographing babies to producing commercial shoots, and how being open to new opportunities helped her grow her skills and confidence. Her career has unfolded in surprising ways by just saying yes to requests for jobs outside of her main focus. This led her to create a brand new aspect to her business as a commercial photographer while still having her portrait photography specialty. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is how giving back through nonprofit work opened unexpected doors in her career. Cristina has volunteered her photography for several charities, including projects supporting breast cancer survivors and the organization Cameras for Girls, where she now serves on the board. She also shares why photographers should stop comparing themselves to others and instead focus on creating meaningful work and a genuine connection with their clients. In this episode, we discuss: • How she built two photography businesses • Why volunteering with your photography can open unexpected doors • The power of connection when photographing people • How saying yes to opportunities can expand your career Cristina’s story is a beautiful reminder that when we follow our passions and stay open to new experiences, our photography careers can grow in ways we never expected. Connect with Her: Boy Girl Photography – https://boygirlphotography.com Stetati Media – https://stetatimedia.com/ If you'd like support building a photography business that truly works for you, you can schedule a complimentary 20-minute chat at: lucidumascoaching.com Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 the absolute joy of talking with my friend, Valerie Tabor Smith — one of the most published children’s photographers in the world and a pro at art licensing. Valerie’s career is fascinating. She began in wedding photography, discovered her love for babies and children, and eventually built an international licensing business with her images appearing on greeting cards, calendars, and products around the globe. Her work has even been displayed at EPCOT, and she received the prestigious Steuben Trophy from Kodak. But what I love most about this conversation isn’t just the accolades — it’s Valerie’s honesty about reinvention, rejection, persistence, and staying true to your creative heart. We talk about how she moved from black and white hand-tinted portraits into color work, how a calendar company first “discovered” her images, and what photographers today can learn about breaking into commercial and licensing markets. Valerie shared so much, including         •       How she broke into art licensing (and handled rejection)         •       The evolving world of greeting cards, calendars, and product design         •       Why following your passion is still the smartest business strategy   We also talk about balancing creativity with family life, how the industry has shifted for women photographers, and the incredible opportunities that still exist in commercial photography for those willing to pursue them. This episode is part inspiration, part history lesson, and part encouragement to trust your artistic voice. And as always, I’m cheering you on as you build a business that is not only profitable… but deeply aligned with who you are. To connect with her [email protected] https://www.valerietaborsmith.com/  Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 can hardly believe this is episode 350. What a gift this podcast has been — listened to in over 110 countries — and I’m so grateful you’re here. In this solo episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: posing people in a way that captures not just how they look… but who they are. Because for me, portrait photography has never been about perfection. It’s about revealing that inner light. The story. The soul. And yes — we can absolutely use technique to help that happen. I share practical, real-world posing tips you can use immediately, whether you’re photographing one person, a couple, or a full family. In this episode, I cover: •               Why I love using a tripod (hint: connection improves instantly) •               How authentic expressions come from the eyes — and why “cheese” doesn’t work •               My go-to lens choices and why 100mm is magic for portraits •               Simple posing foundations like C-curves, S-curves, and the “Hollywood Walk” for families We talk about flattering body positioning, soft language that guides instead of commands, and how to analyze faces so you can pose people intentionally instead of guessing. If you’ve ever felt unsure directing clients, this episode will give you a simple structure and more confidence behind the camera. And if you’d like more support, I’d love to connect. Subscribe on YouTube for more tips, or reach out for a complimentary 20-minute chat. I’m here to help you thrive — not just creatively, but profitably too. Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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, I need to strongly suggest going to my guest’s website thewaysofthedog.com to see her amazing photography.  Jen Hillenga is creating some of the most beautiful, soulful pet photography in New York City, and I’m completely obsessed with her work. And she shares how she has created both wonderful images and a highly profitable business. Jen is a world-renowned portrait photographer, designer, and photography educator with over 25 years of experience. She’s a PPA Master Craftsman and longtime WPPI print judge who reinvented her career into a wildly successful pet photography business built around joy, simplicity, and dogs. In this episode, we talk about pivoting your career, building a profitable business model, and designing a photography life that actually feels good. We cover: How Jen built a pet photography brand in NYCReinventing yourself at any stage of your careerPricing, value, and knowing your numbersPhotographing dogs in a way that captures feeling  Part inspiration, part business strategy, and a whole lot of dog love. Perfect if you’re craving a fresh direction in your photography. Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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.

You are going to LOVE “The Queen of Sassy”, Marisa Balletti-Lavoie — A PPA Master Photographer, branding coach, and evangelist for finding your own voice and style. We have a really fun and honest conversation about confidence, and how to show up as your unique self in business. Marisa shares her journey from retail and retouching to photography and coaching, and how she learned to stop playing small and start leaning into her real personality. We talk about what it actually means to be “sassy” (hint: it’s confidence, not attitude), why women are often told to tone it down, and how that mindset shows up in our branding. It’s a mix of laughs, real talk, and practical ideas you can use right away.   In this episode, we cover: How to uncover your true brand words (and ditch the generic ones)Using vision boards and identity mapping to clarify your messageWhy Google reviews might be your most powerful marketing tool  If you’ve ever felt like you needed to shrink, soften, or filter yourself to fit in, this episode is your reminder that your personality is the brand — and that’s exactly what the right clients are looking for. Get in touch with her at [email protected] Sassy Mouth on Facebook @sassymouthphoto on Instagram Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 episode is all about Color…the science, emotional responses, and even how to use it in our art and in branding. I had the most interesting chat with J. Nichole Smith — or Nic — about why color affects how people feel about your work, why it matters more than you think, and how leaning into joy and self-expression can make your brand stronger. Nic knows her stuff. As a marketing insider, color psychology expert, and former photographer who’s spent over 20 years helping creative entrepreneurs understand how color shapes emotion, connection, and the way people experience their brands. She’s brilliant, grounded, and brings so much heart to everything she teaches.   You are going to learn about… How color psychology influences trust and buying decisionsWhy photographers shouldn’t play it safe with their brandFinding a visual style that feels like youThoughts about Pantone’s color of the year and why is controversial and a disappointment  Nic is also the host of the Joy First Podcast, where she shares conversations about purpose, creativity, and building a life and business that actually feel good.   Connect with Nic: Website & community: Joyfirstworld.comPodcast: Joy FirstColor personality quiz: go.jnicholesmith.com/quiz Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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’m so excited to share an episode with you I wish I could have listened to her during my 12 year wedding business. I sat down with the incredibly talented Alicia Parks to talk about something we don’t discuss nearly enough in photography: how to stay calm, energized, and grounded on high-pressure wedding days. Alicia made the leap from corporate America into photography, and she’s built an amazing career by pairing beautiful work with a strong mindset and wellness practices. She is one of those people who brings a calm, steady energy into every room — and every wedding day. Alicia is a California-based wedding photographer whose work has been featured in California Wedding Day and Vogue. She was also named Northern California’s Best Wedding Photographer by California Wedding Day Magazine, and she just landed her very first magazine cover, which hits Barnes & Noble this spring (and yes, she still blushes when she says it out loud). She’s also a certified yoga instructor, which shows up in the way she approaches both life and photography. She shares a six simple habits she swears by on the wedding day to show up relaxed and ready, including showing up early — give yourself time to decompress, hydrating all day, and a stretching routine after the event. In this episode, we go deep into: • How Alicia stays calm and focused during long, intense wedding days • Why mindset and body care matter just as much as gear and technique • How yoga and mindfulness have changed the way she shows up for clients • Simple ways to help your couples feel relaxed and supported If you shoot weddings or portraits or any other type of photography that takes energy and focus, I.E. want a career that feels good as well as successful, I think you’re going to love this conversation. Connect with Alicia at [email protected] www.aliciaparksphotography.com and snag her free gift here…a wellness program for wedding professionals. https://wispy-fire-22181.myflodesk.com/m1huiqb3jt Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 is such an important question I get all the time….When do I tell people my pricing — and how much should I say? If you’ve ever felt awkward, pressured, or unsure when someone asks, “How much do you charge?”, you’re not alone. So I decided to share a lot of my thoughts and strategies with you in this solo episode. I talk about why leading with price too soon can cost you wonderful clients, how your business model should guide your pricing strategy, and how to talk about money with more confidence and ease. I walk through how I personally handle pricing on the phone and by email, why I don’t list my prices publicly, and how I invite clients into an experience instead of a simple transaction. I also share a simple way to think about pricing based on your income goals and the kind of clients you want to serve. Along the way, I share a favorite analogy, a mindset shift around value, and why stretching a client’s budget — when done thoughtfully and with integrity — can actually help them love what they purchase even more.   Listen for: Why answering pricing questions too early can lose great clientsWhen it does (and doesn’t) make sense to put pricing on your websiteA simple script for confident, comfortable pricing conversationsHow to think about pricing based on your goals and business model  If pricing feels confusing or uncomfortable, I hope this episode helps you see there’s no single “right” answer — just the right strategy for your business. And remember: people don’t just buy photography. They buy the experience, the relationship, and how it makes them feel. Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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 photographers — if you love people, love creating, and would also really like to make good money doing it, this one’s for you. This is a new interview with the amazing Chip Dizard. We had such a great conversation a few years ago that I reposted it, and everyone loved it so much I knew I had to have him back. Chip is a photographer and entrepreneur who’s amazing at helping creatives build and market event and headshot photography businesses in ways that actually feel good — not salesy, not icky, and not overwhelming. He’s fun, high-energy, super generous with what he knows, and really good at showing you how to turn relationships into a steady, sustainable business. We talk about: How to build and market events and headshot photography without burning outHow to make more money while still being a good humanSimple ways to stay connected with past clients so they keep coming backHow to work with planners and partners without feeling awkwardIf you’ve ever thought, “I just want a business that works and still feels like me,” you’re going to love this one. FREE GIFT https://content.chipdizard.com/free-event-planner-course-photographers www.chipdizard.com to check out all his goodness Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube 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.