Profitable Photographer Podcast

This episode is a “BUFFET” of ideas and quotes about the power of attraction, the importance of visualizing, and why positivity is one of our most important tools for success in business. I can’t possibly cover everything about any one of these tools in 25 minutes, so I decided to share a handful of teachers and quotes that have helped me in my life and career. As a professional photographer for o...

Okay, let’s face it. Creatives have special challenges when it comes to being organized and keeping track of our stuff. The reasons can vary. There might be issues with all the things we use that “norm-ies” don’t need, like a list of things needed as a photographer, including cords, lenses, batteries, cameras, chargers, props, and so on. Or the reason can be that we have many different projects go...

Welcome to a super informative episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas! This week, I’m joined by longtime friends, industry icons, and master photographers Bert and Cindy Behnke — and oh, what a fun and insightful conversation we had! Bert and Cindy ran a 68-year-old, three-generation portrait business in the Chicago suburbs until they passed the torch in 2024. Specializing in fine...

This week I get to hang out with Jeff Rojas—a mellow, super talented commercial photographer and former Adobe rep who’s been in the photography game for 14 years. His story started with something really personal…photographing a classic car with his grandfather…and it grew into a career that’s full of lessons for all of us. Jeff and I cover a lot of ground in this episode, including the business of...

This week on The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, it’s just me, spilling some of my favorite secrets for running a thriving photography business. Think of it as coffee with a friend who’s been at this for decades—and is ready to save you a few headaches. Here’s a taste of what I share:       •     Why three bank accounts might just be your new best friends       •     The rookie mistake mo...

It was fun to chat with another California photographer, Jeff Galinovsky, all about the business side of photography. He has been at it since 1988 (yep, with a Minolta Maxxum 7000!) and now runs a thriving business in high-volume sports, senior and family portraits, corporate branding, and events. He’s a CPP, Master of Photography, President of the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley,...

This week on The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I’m so excited to bring you a conversation that’s both fun and super practical—especially if you’ve been curious (or intimidated!) about using video to grow your photography business. My guest is Shayna Lloyd—photographer, videographer, storyteller, and an all-around inspiring human. Shayna shared how she accidentally built a business by si...

This week on The Profitable Photographer, I’m joined by the talented and super-fun Jenny Gegg—classically trained photographer, Certified Professional Photographer, Craftsman, and wedding specialist with over 26 years of experience. Jenny LOVES photographing weddings (her words: “It’s literally the best day of their life, and I get to witness it!”), and she’s built her business around creating an...

Are you tired of the old myth that being an artist means being broke? In this solo episode, I take on the “starving artist” mindset that holds so many talented photographers back—and gives you fresh ways to flip the script. Whether you’re struggling to charge what you’re worth, feel crushed by rejection, or stuck believing you need to be “perfect” to make money, this episode is for you.   Question...

I am so excited to share my conversation with the dynamic duo—Gregory and Lesa Daniel—about the beauty and strategy behind commissioned mixed-media portraits, working as a couple, and building a business with heart, intention, and excellence. Gregory and Lesa are internationally celebrated for their artistry and business success. Gregory is one of the most awarded photographers in the U.S., holdin...

Did you ever think about what it might take to have a highly successful, multi-million-dollar portrait studio? My amazing guest this week, Andrew Hiorth, has done just that—and in this episode, he shares his team-building strategies, plus the joys and challenges of creating a highly profitable boudoir photography business. I was surprised to learn that not only is it easier than I thought, but tha...

Ooohhh…this is a good one! On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had a real and honest conversation with the wise and lovely, Cate Scaglione—fine art photographer and branding expert—about how to create a boudoir/personal portrait session, designed to help our clients not only have great photographs but potentially have a life changing experience.  In this discussion, I share my own in...

I saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top. Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry. It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can...

This week, I had a powerful and heart-centered discussion with Johl Dunn, a talented Australian photographer turned mindset and business coach. We had such a great conversation a few years ago that I knew I would love another chance to connect. Johl spent over 20 years running successful wedding and portrait studios, earning titles like Creative Asia Wedding Photographer of the Year along the way....

This week on The Profitable Photographer, I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Angela Lawson, an international award-winning pet photographer with 28 years of experience. For the past 15 years, she’s focused exclusively on animals of all shapes and sizes—from dogs and cats to reptiles and pocket pets. She has also earned her Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from the International S...

Okay…solo time. This episode might seem short but if you take the challenge and write out the answers to my suggestions, it might just change everything for you. You could find that your photography business hits new levels of success and fulfillment? In this solo episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m walking you through a step-by-step process to get crystal clear on your dreams and goals. A...

This week’s episode is a soulful one, friends. I’m joined by the amazing Jessica McKnight — an award-winning luxury photographer in St Petersburg, FLA, for over 25 years, mindfulness coach, and founder of Brilliance Key.  She has a big heart for helping others to create their success using the power of their thoughts as well as a photographer with a ton of business wisdom.   Jessica and I have a b...

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 st...

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,” an...

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 gr...

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 Communicatio...

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...

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 busines...

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...

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… oka...