Profitable Photographer Podcast

Luci Dumas
  • 4.9 (60)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    348: The Power of Being Authentic and Tips on Google Reviews, with Marisa Balletti-Lavoie

    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 marisa@sassymouth.net Sassy Mouth on Facebook @sassymouthphoto on Instagram 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.

    25 min

  2. FEB 4

    347: Psychology of Color and How To Use It As Photographers with J. Nichole Smith

    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: 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.

    29 min

  3. JAN 28

    346: Wedding Photographers Self Care Guide with Alicia Parks

    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 Info@aliciaparksphotography.com 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: 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.

    21 min

  4. JAN 21

    345: When (and How) to Share Your Photography Pricing - with Luci Dumas

    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: 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.

    13 min

  5. JAN 14

    344: Break Into Event and Headshot Photography with Chip Dizard

    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: 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.

    22 min

  6. JAN 7

    343: Sell Your Scenic/Travel Photos As WALL ART and BOOKS with Dennis Hammon

    Do you want to sell your travel or scenic photography? You are not alone. So many have this desire, and so few are actually successful and profitable in selling their personal work. My guest is an incredible PPA Master Photographer, an ASP Fellow, and a highly profitable photographer, both with his studio work and his gorgeous, award-winning travel and nature photography. And he shares lots of tips for selling prints and creating books that you can use! Dennis has been a professional photographer for over 50 years, and he’s one of those people who has grown and evolved with the industry — from film to digital, from studio and boudoir work into fine art landscapes and teaching around the world. In this episode, we talk about: Dennis’s self-published book “The Art of Yellowstone” — a black and white winter collection with artist statements — and how he approached creating itHis simple framework for making a photography book: start with a clear desire, strong imagery with a story, get support for layout and production, and use good resources and referralsHow he uses the book as a business and branding tool — not just for income, but for credibility, connection, and print salesPractical tips for selling scenic work, including pricing with confidence, offering finished framed art, and reminding viewers that prints are available for purchase This is a fun and informative conversation. So....if you’re thinking about creating a book, selling personal work, or building a photography career that has both heart and longevity. PS...he hosts trips to wonderful places, and you can find out more on his website or just email him at dennishammonphotography@gmail.com or https://hammon.photography 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.

    22 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    342: Cameras for Girls Program and the Joy of Volunteering with photographer Amina Mohamed

    Is it time for you to give back? Is your heart calling you to use your talents to help others? My guest, Amina Mohamed, is here to talk about her non-profit called “Cameras for Girls” and her efforts to bring the art of photography and photojournalism to young women across Africa who likely would not otherwise have had the opportunity to explore it.  In 2018, she started an initiative with a mission to teach photography and business skills to marginalized females across Africa who endeavor to become journalists. She gives each of them a camera and and has taught  129 in Uganda and has 50 enrolled for 2026, 25 in Tanzania with 10 enrolled, and 80% of our students have paid work within 6 months of completing our program!! And Cameras for Girls is launching in Kenya in 2026. Truly amazing. In addition to her volunteer efforts, Amina has spent fifteen years exploring her passion for photography while working in film and television as a producer and production manager on numerous movies and documentaries.  Amina share tips onabout how to proceed when you are called to give back, and want to make the world a better place using your photography.  Here are some of her tips for getting started:  Figure out what you are talented atAnd which segment of society you want to helpDon’t worry about registering for any “official” programsLook for places to volunteer (but be careful about “voluntourism”)Listen now to hear Amina’s amazing story and find out more about tapping into your inner volunteer! And connect with Amina at: @CamerasForGirlsamina@camerasforgirls.orgwww.camerasforgirls.org 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.

    27 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    341: A Few Holiday Memories From Photographer, Luci Dumas

    Hey friend. Thought I would do something different since this is dropping on Christmas Eve day. I’m sharing a few of my own holiday memories, just to share more about me personally. In thinking of stories to tell you, I realized how many memories are in my mental vault because there are photographs that anchored them to my experiences and emotions around them. Some things I do remember clearly… and some things I only remember because there’s a photo that proves it happened. I share about my family and our holiday traditions, old photos, and why images matter more this time of year. Not in a big, dramatic way—just in the real-life way that sneaks up on you. And what life as a wedding and portrait photographer (for 40 years) has been like during the busiest time of year…at least for me. It was so stressful, and yet a joy to be gifting people their memories. I also share a few practical thoughts for photographers during the holidays—how to handle the season with clients, set expectations, and still enjoy your own life while you’re running a business. That’s it. Just some thoughts and memories and a hope it makes you smile, maybe remember something you’d forgotten, and feel a little more grounded going into the holidays. 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.

    14 min
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4.9
out of 5
60 Ratings

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
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Profitable Photographer Podcast