Profitable Photographer Podcast

Luci Dumas
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 17 hrs ago

    376: Maternity Portraits: Pick a Lane & Prosper with Ethan Herrold

    I loved this conversation with Ethan Harold because he is such a great example of what can happen when you finally stop trying to photograph everything and decide to become known for one thing. Ethan founded Colorado Maternity Photography in 2019 after years of photographing landscapes, commercial work, and editorial images. Today, he specializes in fine art maternity photography in Denver—and has built a premium business around it. In our conversation, we talk about: Why niching down can actually mean more opportunities—and more moneyHow Ethan uses the built-in urgency of pregnancy to sell premium photographyWhy your ideal clients need to fall in love with your work before they worry about priceHow he handles being a male photographer in a mostly female industryThe simple change to his inquiry form that increased his booking conversion by 20% I especially loved talking about the idea that choosing a niche doesn't mean giving up everything else you love. Sometimes it's simply about deciding what you want to be known for. If you've been trying to figure out your specialty—or wondering if specializing could help you build a more profitable photography business—I think Ethan's story will give you a lot to think about. More info here: https://coloradomaternity.com/ Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  2. Aug 19

    375: Let Others Send You Ideal Photography Clients with Luci Dumas

    This solo podcast episode is about partnering with other businesses and non-profits to draw amazing photography clients to us, by creating alliances. I share a photography "thank you gift" program that benefits the other business that has a similar perfect client base, and brings them right to your door. Woo hoo! The number one question I hear over and over, from new photographers and those in the business for many years, is how to attract ideal clients... people that will love what we do, be wonderful to work with, and "show us the M O N E Y"...ie...happily invest well in what we offer. Where the heck are these people? Well, they are shopping, enjoying services like spa treatments, dining at gourmet restaurants, buying homes, traveling, having their pets groomed, planning events, and such.  I go over the steps in this photography marketing strategy to determine  -what businesses might share your ideal client base -what to offer the business as a thank you gift to their best patrons -the importance of presentation -and details to help this be a big win for everyone So many of my super smart guests have talked about the power of Direct Response Marketing and this is one example of how to create this type of program that really works. Don't miss it! Wishing you continued success,  Luci Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  3. Aug 12

    374: Selling Wall Art With Confidence: Systems, Mindset, And Design with Courtney Ranck-Copher

    In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I reconnect with master photographer and educator Courtney Ranck-Copher to explore why so many photographers resist selling wall art and how to move through that fear.   Courtney shares her journey from acting and the military into photography and education, and how stepping into teaching has pushed her outside her comfort zone. Together, we unpack the biggest roadblocks to wall art sales—intimidation, not knowing what products to offer, confusion around pricing, lack of a sales system, and deep-seated self-doubt—and contrast them with the emotional, financial, and marketing benefits of having printed artwork in clients’ homes.   Courtney also introduces her Art of AI Fusion concept, where AI-generated interiors are built around real product photos to help clients visualize wall art in their own spaces, and we talk about how understanding a bit of interior design can give photographers more confidence and authority when designing and selling custom wall portraits. Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  4. Aug 5

    373: Three Step Photography Sales System with William Laurence Bell

    One of my favorite things about hosting this podcast is meeting photographers who remind me why I fell in love with portrait photography in the first place. My conversation with William Laurence Bell did exactly that. William has such a heart for serving people through his art, and I know you'll be inspired by the way he creates portraits that help people see themselves with greater confidence, purpose, and dignity.   About My Guest William Laurence Bell is a portrait artist, educator, and speaker based in Memphis. He creates museum-quality commissioned portraits that blend fine art with identity and storytelling, helping people see themselves in a whole new light. William is a member of the Camera Craftsmen of America (which is a big big deal!) and the creator of the Mirror Method, where he teaches photographers how to create deeper client connections while building a more profitable business.   In This Episode We Talk About: Why serving people first creates both meaningful portraits and a thriving business.How building deeper relationships with clients leads to more profitable photography.The power of helping people see themselves with greater confidence and purpose.Finding the deeper “why” behind your photography and bringing more heart into your work.   One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that the more we truly connect with the people we photograph, the more meaningful our work becomes—and, interestingly enough, the more successful our businesses often become. Whether you photograph families, seniors, weddings, business owners, or even fine art, I hope this episode encourages you to dig a little deeper into why you do what you do and to let that purpose shine through every client experience. Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your photographer friends. Download the PDF mentioned in the episode! https://williamlaurence.co/5principles Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  5. Jul 29

    372: Double Your Photography Income with Heather Chesky

    Welcome back to another fun and informative episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast!  We are so excited to have fellow Photography Business Coach Heather Chesky here to spread her biz wisdom! Heather has some incredibly practical, tangible, and INSPIRING advice for you and your photography business, so now’s the time to listen up!  For Heather, it all started over 20 years ago in her high school photography class. While she has always kept photography close to her heart as a hobby, she was skeptical that it could be a “real job.” As a result, she spent far too long at a horrible “real job” (tale as old as time!), until one day, about 10 years ago, she was unexpectedly laid off. Luckily for her (and for us!), this catapulted her into her own successful photography business!  Inspired by the need to support her family and new 8-month-old baby, Heather not only replaced her income, but DOUBLED IT within her first year! Yahoo!! (Hey, her program is called “The Booked Photographer” for a reason!) Now Heather’s business is still thriving, and she loves passing her knowledge on to other Photography Business Owners just like you! We are thrilled to have her here today to expand our business toolbelts with tips on attracting ideal clients with model calls and social media. One of Heather’s top marketing tools? Model calls!  She shares how putting out a call for volunteer models can lead to long and bountiful client relationships. When putting out a call always, always, always: BE SPECIFIC about the ideal client you are trying to attractBe authenticHave them fill out a questionnaire Get their credit card on file!  Want to know why? LISTEN TO THE EPISODE, SILLY!  Seriously, you don’t want to miss it.  Connect with Heather at: heather@heatherchesky.comhttps://www.thebookedphotographer.com/ Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  6. Jul 22

    371: Super Successful Real Estate Photography with Jonathan Lee

    I love meeting people who are super successful in a field I have not tried myself. In this case, the specialty is high end Real Estate Photography and my guest, Jonathan Lee, is a professional photographer, educator, and retired Navy instructor based in Northeast Florida. He's a Certified Professional Photographer, PPA Master Craftsman, PPA Councilor, and a three-time Imaging USA speaker. Through JW Lee Media, Jonathan has built a thriving real estate and commercial photography business while helping photographers create businesses that are just as strong as their photography. I had so much fun talking with Jonathan. He has this wonderful way of making complicated things feel simple and practical. We covered everything from building a successful real estate photography business to using AI wisely, creating systems that save time, and why professionalism can be one of the biggest keys to long-term success. If you've ever wondered how some photographers seem to have clients who keep coming back, Jonathan shares exactly what makes the difference. In This Episode Why being easy to work with is a huge business advantage.The secrets behind a successful real estate photography business.Simple ways AI can help you work smarter—not replace your creativity.How great systems lead to happier clients and more referrals.   Connect with Jonathan Website: https://jwleemedia.com/Email: jon@jwleemedia.com Special Offer: Use code JWLEE at Giraffe360 for 10% off your first 3 months.  I hope this conversation inspires you to think beyond just making great images. When you combine talent with professionalism, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning, you're building more than a photography business—you're building a career that lasts. Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  7. Jul 15

    370: The Client Experience That Sells More Portraits with Javon Longieliere

    I had so much fun talking with Javon Longieliere. From the moment we started, it felt like I was chatting with an old friend. We laughed, shared stories from our careers, and explored something I'm passionate about—creating photography experiences that are just as meaningful as the finished portraits. Javon reminded me that our greatest gift as photographers isn't just taking beautiful pictures; it's helping people feel seen, comfortable, and connected. Those are the moments that become family legacies. We also talked about how building genuine relationships with our clients not only changes their experience but also creates a more rewarding and profitable business.   In This Episode Creating unforgettable client experiencesBuilding trust through connectionCapturing genuine emotionWhy in-person reveals matterCreating photographs that become family legacies  About My Guest Javon Longieliere is an award-winning portrait photographer from Valdosta, Georgia, and a Master Photographer, Master Wedding Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). He is known for creating meaningful client experiences that result in authentic, story-filled portraits and lasting relationships. Connect with Javon Website: https://www.longieliere.com Free Gift: Getting Started with the Santa Experience https://www.longieliere.com/luci Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

  8. Jul 8

    369: The Photography Business of Preserving Family Stories with Zoe Martin

    This conversation with Zoe Martin touched my heart in such a deep way. Zoe is the founder of Moments by Zoe Martin, where she creates luxury legacy storytelling experiences that preserve not just faces, but voices, stories, and emotional inheritance for generations to come. After losing her sister to breast cancer, Zoe was inspired to turn her grief into something meaningful—helping families capture the people and stories they never want to lose. This episode is a beautiful reminder that legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind… It’s about what we share right now.   In this episode, we talk about: How Zoe combines family portraits, video storytelling, and oral histories to create lasting family treasuresWhy recording voices, stories, and everyday moments can be even more powerful than photographs aloneThe importance of multi-generational portraits and preserving emotional inheritance before it’s too lateHow Zoe has built a meaningful business through nonprofit partnerships, senior communities, and legacy experiences  This one really made me think about my own family memories—the voices, the laughter, the stories I’m so grateful I still have. It’s such a good reminder that documenting our lives isn’t something to put off for “someday.” Because someday has a way of showing up faster than we think. Zoe is offering a special gift to my listeners…The Emotional Inheritance Starter Kit https://www.thezoemartin.com/starter-kit-emotional-inheritance Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:  Website Email: luci@lucidumas.comInstagram 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.

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5
out of 5
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Luci Dumas
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Profitable Photographer Podcast

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