Profitable Photographer Podcast

Hosted by Luci Dumas

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300

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Do you LOVE photography but feel totally overwhelmed trying to turn it into a real, money-making business? You're not alone — most photographers aren’t natural-born business pros. The creative part? Easy. But the business part...that’s where it gets tough. That is exactly why I created The Profitable Photographer. Every week, I bring you fun and heart centered conversations with top photographers and industry experts who share their best ACTIONABLE marketing and photography sales strategies, “inner game” shift tools that clear our roadblocks to success, and all the business wisdom they've learned along the way. Plus, I hop on the mic solo to share the ups, downs, and lessons from my own 40 years behind the camera (and behind the business). Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your already-successful photography business, (and have lot more fun) you’ll find honest talk, practical tips, and loads of inspiration to help you thrive — not just survive — as a professional photographer. So let’s dive in, get inspired, and build the photography career of your dreams!

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 36532 min

365: Build a Photography Business That Fits Your Life with Jill C. Smith

My conversation with family photographer and business coach Jill C. Smith is a deep dive into pricing, marketing, client experience, and building a photography business that fits your life.If you know me at all, you know how I am always on my soapbox about selling printed wall art and albums. So you might be surprised by our conversation about why Jill is a huge fan of selling digital files only. She opened my eyes to the reality that this can be highly profitable when done correctly. And she helped me understand why it is perfect for some people as long as it is financially rewarding and fits their lifestyle.About My GuestJill went from teaching English to refugees to creating a successful photography business in New York's Catskills 12 years ago. Her style is a blend of lifestyle and documentary - focusing on all things warm, honest, and connected. Jill is also a coach and mentor to other photographers, with her main areas of focus being on pricing, marketing, and client experienceAnd she hosts The Business Focused Photographer podcast. Be sure to listen for the episode where I am her guest.In This Episode, we exploreThe difference between lifestyle and documentary photographyWhy pricing is often a mindset challengeCreative ways to market your photography businessHow to identify and attract your ideal clientsFree GiftGet Jill's profitability worksheet at: TheBusinessFocusedPhotographer.com/profitableThanks for subscribing and sharing my podcast and YouTube channel with your photo friends!Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

June 3, 2026Episode 36420 min

364: Building Wealth as a Photographer with Mycah Bain

This episode is such an encouraging conversation about photography, money, and building a life that actually feels good. I sat down with photographer and business coach Mycah Bain to talk about financial freedom, mindset shifts, creating wealth without guilt, and why getting support in your business can completely change your life.Mycah shares how she grew her photography business into a multi-six-figure studio with a team of 10 women, all while creating more freedom, more peace, and more opportunity for herself and others. We also dive into money blocks, gratitude, investing, retirement, generosity, and the importance of women feeling empowered to build real wealth.This conversation felt equal parts practical, inspiring, and deeply honest.In This EpisodeWhy women deserve to build wealth and financial freedomThe mindset shifts that helped Mycah grow her businessHow hiring help creates more peace, energy, and profitMoney blocks photographers often struggle withGratitude practices that can change your relationship with moneySimple ways to start planning for long-term financial freedomWhy generosity and wealth can beautifully coexistFree GiftMycah created a free money mindset resource for photographers: mycahbain.com/money She’s also offering complimentary one-on-one chats for a limited number of listeners. Email her and mention Luci. hello@mycahbain.comMemorable Takeaway“One moment of gratitude can completely shift your relationship with money.”This episode is a beautiful reminder that money doesn’t have to feel scary, selfish, or overwhelming. It can be a tool for freedom, generosity, creativity, and building the life you truly want.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

May 27, 2026Episode 36317 min

363: Turn Charity Events Into High Paying Photography Clients

Have you ever donated a photo session to a charity event… and wondered if it was actually worth it?If you want to know how to get booked solid without competing in the online world, you will want to listen and take notes. Today, I’m sharing how I used charity auctions and giveaways to attract ideal clients who invest well and helped my photography business thrive—without discounting my value or feeling salesy. All while supporting causes I truly care about. Back during the 2009–2010 recession, this approach helped me stay visible, attract ideal clients, and generate thousands of dollars in business. I’m breaking down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how to make charity marketing feel intentional instead of exhausting.This episode is full of practical ideas, mindset shifts, and little details that can make a huge difference if you want charity events to actually support your business instead of draining it.In This Episode • How I used charity events to attract ideal portrait clients • Why the right event matters more than doing lots of events • My strategy for gift certificates, refundable deposits, and pre-qualifying clients • Simple display ideas that make your booth or auction table look high-end • Why every charity client deserves the same amazing experience as a full-paying clientA Few Big Takeaways • Charity marketing works best when your ideal clients are already attending the event • A beautiful presentation and strong branding matter more than giving away “more stuff” • Sometimes one great charity partnership is worth more than ten random events • The goal isn’t just exposure — it’s connection, trust, and creating future clients Memorable ReminderSupporting a cause and building a profitable business do not have to be opposites. When done thoughtfully, charity events can create genuine relationships, beautiful experiences, and real income for your business at the same time.If this episode sparks ideas for you, I’d love to hear about it.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

May 20, 2026Episode 36220 min

362: More Than Cute Babies: Newborn Photography That Sells with Karen Wood

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had such a delightful conversation with Karen Wood about the art and business of newborn photography….and the business of photography for any specialty.Karen Wood is an award-winning newborn photographer, educator, and speaker based in Dallas. She has photographed everything from sports and weddings to family portraits, but her passion today is newborn and maternity photography. Karen is also an associate with the Professional Newborn Photographers International and loves helping photographers improve their technical skills, safety practices, and client experience.What I especially appreciated was Karen’s calm, thoughtful approach. She has such a deep understanding of both the technical side of photography and the emotional side of serving families. Her wisdom around creating custom sessions and learning to truly “see” light was incredibly inspiring.In This Episode • How to safely soothe and pose newborns during sessions • Why custom, personalized experiences lead to higher sales • Common lighting mistakes photographers make (and how to fix them) • Why continuing education can dramatically improve your photography businessConnect with Karenhttps://www.karen-laine.com/for-photographersKaren’s Free GiftKaren generously offered a complimentary 15-minute image critique/coaching session for a limited number of photographers. Just reach out to her through her websiteMemorable TakeawayKaren reminded us that success in photography often comes from slowing down, mastering the fundamentals, and creating a personalized experience that clients truly value. Whether you photograph newborns or any kind of portrait, learning to connect with people and refine your craft is what helps you stand out.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

May 13, 2026Episode 36124 min

361: The REAL Key to Photography Business Success with Marcin Rafalowicz

I had such a great conversation with Marcin Rafalowicz in this episode of The Profitable Photographer. He’s incredibly smart, thoughtful, and inspiring, and we talked about so much more than photography.We dove into mindset shifts, perfectionism, confidence, AI, automation, networking, and what it really takes to build a profitable business without trying to do everything alone.One of my favorite takeaways:“Perfectionism keeps photographers stuck. Progress and consistency are what actually build businesses.”In This Episode:• Letting go of perfectionism• Using AI and automation to save time• Why mindset matters in business growth• The power of networking and relationships• Learning through failure instead of fearing itAbout Marcin RafalowiczMarcin is a photographer, branding specialist, and business coach with 17 years of experience in weddings, portraits, fashion, and corporate photography. His work has appeared in publications including Vogue and Cosmopolitan through collaborative editorial projects. Today, he helps photographers build profitable businesses through mindset coaching, branding, marketing, automation, and AI systems.Connect with Marcin• ProImageAcademy.com/startSpecial Free GiftMarcin is offering listeners a free business scoreboard assessment at ProImageAcademy.com/start to help photographers identify their strengths, biggest bottlenecks, and areas for growth.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

May 6, 2026Episode 36027 min

360: Bar Mitzvah Photography: Community, Connection & Consistent Referrals - Kimberly Olker

On The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I’m joined by the wonderful Kimberly Olker for a conversation about pivoting, community, creativity, and building a photography business that can evolve with you over time.Kimberly has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, specializing in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and portraiture. She’s also a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, educator, and recent winner of the top landscape image award at Imaging USA’s International Photographic Competition.We talk about:• What photographers need to know about photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs• Why community and referrals are everything in this niche• How Kimberly pivoted during the pandemic to continue serving families• Transitioning into fine art and landscape photography later in your career• Financial wisdom for photographers planning long-term success• Why creativity and adaptability matter so much as entrepreneursKimberly also shares beautiful insights about mentorship, service, and creating a business that supports both your life and your joy.One of my favorite takeaways from this episode:“Look for something beautiful… and even better, create it.”If you’ve ever wondered about photographing Bar Mitzvahs, transitioning into a new genre, or creating a business that gives you more freedom over time, this episode is full of wisdom and heart.You can find Kimberly at Olker Photography and learn more about her teaching, mentoring, and photography work there.And as always, I’d love for you to subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and connect with me at Luci Dumas Coaching.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

April 29, 2026Episode 35911 min

359: Luci on Separating Your WORK from Your WORTH as a Photographer

In this solo episode, I’m talking about something so many photographers and creatives struggle with: learning to separate our work from our worth.It’s easy to believe that if clients love our images, we are lovable… and if they don’t book, buy, or question our pricing, somehow we’re not enough.The truth is: your value is inherent.It is not determined by sales, praise, bookings, or outside validation.In this episode, I share personal stories—from selling bouquets made from my neighbors’ flowers as a kid (oops!) to my journey as a recovering perfectionist—and how those experiences shaped my need for approval.We cover:• Why photographers confuse their product with their identity• The 4 kinds of potential clients—and why “no” isn’t personal• How fear of criticism holds us back• How to learn from mistakes without spiraling• Why growth matters more than perfectionThis episode is a reminder that you are worthy and valuable—whether someone books you or not.As always, I’m cheering you on.Connect with me at LuciDumasCoaching.com or book a free 20-minute chat if this speaks to your heart.Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

April 22, 2026Episode 35824 min

358: Change Your Circle, Change Your Life - Jamar Jones

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 lastAnd 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/u38m7S6RXmkWCAdX8And as always, I would love for you to subscribe, comment, and check out my lucidumascoaching.com websiteConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

April 15, 2026Episode 35726 min

357: Newborn Photography Success with Ashley Lowder

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 worthOne 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.comInstagram: @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: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.

April 8, 2026Episode 35623 min

356: Better Decisions = Better Photos, More Success with Chris Wooley

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 salesThis 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 Profit50Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram FacebookYouTubeNew 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.