Episodes

  • In this episode, I have an awesome chat with the super-talented Pete Coco, a successful headshot and portrait photographer. We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting your photography business, and yeah, it can be overwhelming. But Pete’s advice? Don’t worry—just start!

    Pete specializes in headshots and portraits and is based in Garden City, New York, providing high-quality photography services to individuals from various industries, including business professionals, realtors, lawyers, doctors, actors, and models.

    He also is a mentor and has a YouTube channel with 30,000 subscribers, where he talks about photography, gear reviews, and all sorts of things.

    Pete shares so much valuable wisdom, including:

    • The importance of finding a mentor who truly understands your vision.

    • Staying passionate about the type of photography you want to do every day and creating work you love and want to be paid for.

    • Embracing failure as a learning tool, instead of fearing it.

    Pete also introduced us to his "CoCo Trio"—the perfect blend of work, business, and mindset. Mastering all three is essential for success. Plus, he drops some book recommendations like The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and the Tao Te Ching for extra inspiration.

    His final gem? It’s never too late to start, and your photography doesn’t have to be the best in the world—it just needs to get started. You can catch Pete live at the Imaging Expo in Texas through Professional Photographers of America.

    Bonus: Download any of Pete's free videos, and he’ll share five of his all-time favorite portrait tips!

    PeteCocoPhoto.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Rqq6EdYUWTd2QDSQ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petecocophoto/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/petecocophotography

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hey lovely listeners! I am delighted to share my conversation with the fabulous Tanya Goodall Smith.

    She has been on the show two other times and this time, she has a wonderful new book we are going to chat about, “The Introvert's Guide To Personal Branding: How To Put Yourself Out There Without Changing Who You Are”. It is a great read and wow, did it open my eyes to the power of introverts in the photography world!

    It also goes deep into the topic of personal branding, which is a great tool to be seen and known without having to do what the extroverts do to get positive attention.

    You can trust her guidance as the founder of WorkStory Creative, an agency that helps introverts who are evolving their business create an elevated brand vision and bring it to life. She has 20 years of experience at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, designing for with international brands like HP, Disney and GUESS. And is a Brand Builder’s Group Certified Personal Branding Strategist.

    Key takeaways from our conversation:

    • Introverts as Superstars: How introverted tendencies can be turned into advantages for success.

    • Famous Introverts: Even some well-known performers and photographers are introverts who've learned to thrive.

    • Overcoming Fear: The fear of being on camera or criticized can be tamed by focusing on the value you're bringing.

    • Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway: Tanya's mantra for introverts looking to step out of their comfort zones.

    • Power of Personal Branding: How a strong brand can communicate for you when you’re not keen on the spotlight.

    As always, thanks for subscribing, commenting, and sharing your thoughts.

    Want to chat? Reach out to me at https://lucidumascoaching.com/. Catch you later, friends!

    To Download the first chapter of her book for free

    https://www.workstorycreative.com/freechapter

    And get in touch with her at www.Workstorycreative.com

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
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  • Hey everyone, it’s me again, Luci Dumas, and in this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had the pleasure of chatting with architectural photographer Jack Zigon. We dug into the fascinating world of architectural photography and the business side of things that makes it all work. Let me tell you, it was such an insightful conversation, it almost made me want to start a new career/ specialty.

    He is a photographer based in Philadelphia who specializes in photographing architecture. One of his loves is capturing the built environment, and also has a passion for landscape and nature photography, and loves to use light and composition to create beautiful photos with that “wow” factor that makes your clients want to stop and stare.

    He has had an “illustrious career” working in sales, online marketing and photography for 30 years,In a previous life, as VP of Internet Marketing, he grew Comcast Business’ online marketing division from $76 million/year to $1.6 billion annually, In other words…he is very smart and has had a lot of success before starting this new business.

    Here’s what else we covered:

    • Real Estate vs. Portfolio Photography: While real estate photography can bring in a steady but moderate income, Jack explained how portfolio photography for architects is where the real long-term value is.

    • Marketing Strategies: Jack gave us a peek into how he markets his business using tools like LinkedIn, email newsletters, and even printed portfolios sent to hot prospects.

    • How Jack Approaches a Job: It all starts with learning the story behind the building from the architect.

    • Starting in Architectural Photography: Thinking about diving in? We chat about where to start and skills needed to get going successfully.

    • The Gear Game: Jack also talked about what high-end equipment needed for architectural photography

    • Pricing Your Services: Pricing can be tricky! Jack emphasized how essential it is to price your work correctly. Finding that sweet spot is an art in itself.

    Whether you’re thinking of getting into architectural photography or just curious, this episode is packed with practical tips and advice. I hope it gets you excited to grab your camera, explore the beauty of buildings, and start experimenting.

    Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Profitable Photographer on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. It is the encouragement I need to keep sharing and interviewing amazing guests.

    Here is how to connect with Jack

    [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/jackzigon/

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Welcome to The Profitable Photographer!

    We all have them, right? Clients that are beyond challenging, can not be pleased no matter what, and make us question ourselves. Or create sleepless nights trying to come up with just the right response to a criticism. Did we do something wrong, are we not good enough, should we change our policies?

    In this episode, I explore a crucial topic that every photographer faces: how to set and keep policies that help us effectively deal with difficult clients. Inspired by the wisdom of Anna Taylor, “Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious, and you get to decide how you use them,” we'll delve into how to navigate challenging situations while maintaining your sanity and business integrity.

    The first piece of advice is to evaluate the situation and see if there is something that is our fault and search for remedies. The second is to realize that there is a very small percentage of our clients that are just plain impossible to please...or are purposely being difficult so they can get more from us than what we offer.

    In this episode, we’ll cover:

    Understanding Difficult Clients: Why some clients just aren't the right match and how to recognize the red flags early on. Real-Life Experience: I share a personal story of a challenging client who crossed boundaries, teaching me valuable lessons in protecting my work. While most clients are wonderful, it's the .1% who can cause headaches. Learn how to handle them without losing your cool. Setting Boundaries: How being self-employed taught me to confidently establish and enforce boundaries in both business and personal life. Six important steps that help avoid or resolve misunderstandings.Whether you're just starting out or have been in the business for years, this episode will give you the tools you need to set boundaries that protect your business and your well-being. Tune in and take control of your client relationships!

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • In today’s episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ruth Annan, and we had a rich and thought-provoking conversation about two very different topics: the importance of intentional diversity in our businesses and the pure joy of event photography. Ruth shares her insights on how embracing diversity can lead to richer experiences, deeper connections, and more interesting stories in both our personal and professional lives.

    As a bonus, she shares how, as a business owner and a mother, she is able to rock both roles.

    Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:

    • Intentional Diversity: Ruth and I talk about how being intentional about diversity can transform our photography businesses, teaching methods, and overall approach to life. She encourages us to reach out and include people we might not interact with regularly, making our lives and work more vibrant and fulfilling.

    • The Joy of Event Photography: We explore why corporate events can be both educational and profitable. Ruth’s successful business in corporate events, headshots, and video production showcases the potential of this niche, especially when combined with a diverse team and client base.

    • Balancing Motherhood and Business: I investigate some of the challenges, solutions, and rewards while navigating life as both a businesswoman and a mother. She emphasizes that it’s okay to seek help and that integrating business responsibilities with family life can benefit everyone involved.

    This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to build a more inclusive and profitable photography business. I am honored to have had this frank conversation with a very inspiring and brilliant person.

    Here is how you can get in touch with Ruth

    [email protected]

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m joined by Marcel, a wedding photographer in Australia with over 16 years of experience who is all about creating a remarkable client experience. He loves the connective and passionate memories that he creates for couples. And he's also generous with his time by mentoring photographers entering the market, he loves to assist other photography studios as needed, and also helping our wider wedding planning community.

    One of my main takeaways I totally agree with from this conversation are..1. Be nice/likable. 2. Be caring. 3. Build relationships. Make connections with our clients but also with vendors, guests and bridal parties.

    Listen for these topics and how and how you can use this info to thrive in the very competitive wedding photography world.

    • Deliver Memorable Client Experiences: how his passion for connecting with clients leads to unforgettable wedding photography that truly captures the essence of the couple's special day.

    • The Power of Networking: why strategic networking with other wedding vendors and photographers has been the cornerstone of his business success, providing him with a steady stream of referrals.

    • Maximizing Visibility: his technique of sharing galleries with vendors post-wedding, which not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies his brand’s reach.

    • Sales as a Service: the importance of being personable and listening to clients during the sales process. He shares his approach to asking the right questions to uncover what clients really want.

    • Smaller Weddings, Bigger Profits: info on how smaller weddings can be surprisingly profitable and how Marcel has streamlined his process to maximize efficiency.

    If you’re looking to build stronger client relationships and leverage networking to grow your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights from Marcel!

    By the way, if you are attending the Professional Photographers of America’s Imaging Expo this coming Feb 2025, watch for news about them get together for my listeners and guests. I am anxious to meet you in person!

    Here is how to connect with Marcel

    Web: www.marcelvanderhorstphotographer.comEmail: [email protected]

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hello hello hello. I have some BIG NEWS!

    I am throwing a meet and greet in Dallas during the Professional Photographers of America’s Imaging Expo for my guests and listeners to The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas podcast. Come hang out on Sunday, Feb 2nd in the afternoon and meet guests, fans of the show, and of course me.

    And now about this newest episode. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Adam Goldberg from A Gold Photo, an exceptional pet photographer known for his stunning wall art and in-person sales approach. Adam also offers both in-person and online training for photographers eager to learn from his wealth of experience. Here’s a sneak peek at what we discussed:

    1 In-Person Sales (IPS): Adam's strategy to avoid burnout and maximize profits. We even did a fun role-play where I pretended not to do IPS!

    2 Photographing Dogs:

    ◦ Get Experience: Practice regularly, even daily.

    ◦ Know Your Camera: Be so familiar with your gear that you can operate it instinctively.

    ◦ Patience: Pets and their owners can sense your energy. Stay calm and patient.

    ◦ Read Dog Behavior: Understanding canine body language is crucial for great shots.

    ◦ Clear Communication: Be in control and clearly communicate with your assistant.

    Stay calm, confident, and consistent.

    ◦ Cheese: Yes, string cheese is a fantastic treat to get pets to cooperate!

    Don’t forget to check out Adam’s website and Instagram for more inspiration. And, of course, subscribe to The Profitable Photographer on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support keeps the show going. Until next time, happy shooting!

    [email protected] website: www.agoldphoto.com

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hi Brilliant Photographer, welcome back!

    Today, I am sharing my solo episode diving into a topic that can always use more info and ideas: handling objections. I shared my thoughts on this a while back, but I'm excited to give you a fresh take.

    As Sandra Boynton's coffee mug says, "Salesmanship begins when the customer says no." This couldn't be truer in our field. You can do everything perfectly—attract the ideal clients, have amazing sessions, and plant seeds for future purchases—but an objection can stop you in your tracks.

    Objections can arise at any point: initial contact, during a call, in-person consultations, or sales sessions. We need to be prepared with responses that not only satisfy our clients but also encourage them to book us and invest in our products and services.

    Here are some common objections you might face and how to handle them:

    1. Initial Contact:

    "I don't use the phone. Just email, please."

    "Can I have only digitals?"

    "Please send me your pricing."

    2. In-Person Consultations:

    Price issues.

    Pushback on the in-person sales session.

    Time of day, location, clothing preferences.

    3. Sales Sessions:

    "Can we order later or some now and some later?"

    It's important to remember that our goal isn't just to make a sale because we need it. We believe that what we offer is a blessing to our clients. Always keep your "why" in mind.

    Here are three key takeaways for handling objections:

    Establish yourself as a Trusted Advisor:First respond to questions with a clarification questions: When faced with a challenging question, take a breath, ask for clarification, and use the "Feel, Felt, Found" technique.Stand firm on your policies using this phrase...”These were the prices and policies when you booked me, and they are still my prices and policies."

    Watch on YouTube or listen wherever podcasts are shared as I dive deeper into these points and

    share more insights on handling objections effectively!

    And thanks, as always, for listening, subscribing, and connecting. I heart you big time! Luci

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hey everyone! I hope you loved Judy Reinford’s amazing interview in part one as much as I did. She shared so much wisdom and inspiration about photographing horses. Now, we’re back with part two of this fantastic conversation, and I can't wait for you to dive in.

    Who is Judy Reinford?

    So, who is Judy Reinford? Well, she's an award-winning photographer and a total rockstar when it comes to turning animal photos into stunning works of art. She's a PPA Mastercraftsman, Master Artist, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). With a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Judy's passion and talent have earned her loads of awards, like the PPA IPC 2024 Gold Medal and four-time Grand Imaging Award (GIA) nominations. Plus, she’s been named PPA International Diamond Photographer of the Year. You’ve got to check out her incredible images, including digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of pets and horses. They’re just magical!

    Judy travels all over the country, teaching photographers how to capture the heart and soul of animals in their photos. She’s super dedicated to supporting local zoos and rescues through her work. One thing she loves is helping others embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in their creative toolbox. And get this – in every class she teaches, using the same basic images, each student’s work ends up totally unique. It’s so cool to see everyone’s creativity shine!

    Key Points to Listen For

    Here are some awesome things to listen for in this episode:

    1 Her “spice rack” – Programs like KREA, Magnifique, Leonardo, and Topaz.

    2 Places to access AI – Tools like Photoshop, Midjourney, and Firefly.

    3 Basic “how-to” tips on replacing backgrounds.

    4 The ease of restoring old photographs.

    Judy Reinford’s passion for animal photography and her deep expertise make her such an amazing resource for any photographer looking to step up their game. Enjoy part two, where Judy reveals how Photoshop and AI can take your photographic art to the next level.

    Thank you so much, Judy, for a conversation that was both inspiring and packed with practical advice.

    ďťżConnect with Judy Reinford:

    • Website

    • Email: [email protected]

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Get ready to explore the enchanting world of animal photography with the amazing Judy Reinford! In this fun and informative episode, Judy shares her top tips and tricks for capturing stunning photos of horses, zoo animals, and pets. She had so much great info to share that I split it into two episode. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll dive into Photoshop and AI magic!

    Who is Judy Reinford? Judy is an award-winning photographer and a master at turning animal photos into works of art. She’s a PPA Mastercraftsman, Master Artist, and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) . With a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Judy's passion and skill have earned her numerous awards, including the PPA IPC 2024 Gold Medal and four-time Grand Imaging Award (GIA) nominations. She’s also been named PPA International Diamond Photographer of the Year.

    Good news. Judy travels the country teaching photographers how to create breathtaking equine, pet, and zoo photos. Her seminars are all about capturing the heart and soul of animals, and she’s dedicated to supporting local zoos and rescues through her work.

    Key Tips from the Episode:

    Photographing Horses: Listen in for the following info

    1 Know Your Audience

    2 Lens Choice, Aperture and Shutter Speed Setting

    3 Action Shots

    4 Attention to Detail.

    5 Know Your Subject by Taking Riding Lessons

    Check out her incredible images including digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of pets and horses.

    Conclusion: Judy Reinford’s passion for animal photography and her extensive expertise make her an incredible resource for any photographer looking to improve. Don’t miss part two, where Judy will reveal how Photoshop and AI can elevate your photographic art.

    Connect with her at https://education.judyreinfordphotography.com/

    [email protected]

    Subscribe to The Profitable Photographer podcast for more inspiring interviews and tips! Leave us a review and share this episode with fellow animal photography enthusiasts.

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • My friend, Andrew Darlow, is a New Jersey-based photographer, author, and workflow coach. He is very skilled at “tech stuff” and is my go-to guy when I get in the weeds about software, digital issues, and such.

    For over 25 years, he has helped people capture, edit, print and backup their photographs, videos, and other media. His work has appeared in many publications and other media, including: People Magazine, Animal Planet, Rangefinder and Professional Photographer Magazine. Andrew's photographic prints have been widely exhibited and are held in numerous private collections.

    He invented the GalleryPouch Art Bubble bag after some of his framed prints were damaged during an exhibition. He is also the author of four award-winning books, including: “Focus and Filter,” “Biscuit for Your Thoughts,”

    Andrew has been on the show two other times and in this episode he highlights some of his favorite ways to print images from matted C-prints, to metals and canvas wraps.

    He explains the options and value of 6 different options

    Matted C-prints (darkroom, digital c-prints or inkjet prints)Canvas wraps using inkjet printing or "hand-stripped" prints made from C-Prints from companies like Mid-South Color Labs in Jackson, TN.Face mounted acrylic prints (Metal prints (dye-sublimation): Metal Prints (direct print). Press-printed cards and promotional items, including large prints.

    Listen for his special offer and visit

    https://backup.fm/luci24/

    then sign up for my free newsletter to receive his new e-book that describes his Backup Blueprint.

    Thanks again to Andrew for a very helpful and fun chat about printing photographs and so much more!

    Website: https://backup.fmWebsite: https://imagingbuffet.comFacebook (personal page): https://facebook.com/adarlowFacebook (business page): https://facebook.com/andrewdarlowInstagram: https://instagram.com/andrewdarlowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adarlow/X: https://x.com/[email protected]

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • And here we are at Part Three…the final solo episode about the material

    I share in my eBook called “10 Big Ideas for Marketing High Dollar

    Portrait and Wedding Photography in the “Real World”.

    You can download your free copy by going to the bottom of the home page at www.lucidumascoaching.com to follow along and gain deeper insights into the topic.

    Here is a reminder about the core teaching in this eBook. Well, so many people

    stay on their computer to do most or even all of their marketing efforts. Social

    media of course has many great ways to reach potential clients. But if that is the

    only way these photographers are marketing, they are missing out on the power of meeting people in person, getting their work seen as printed photographic art, and directly reaching ideal clients.

    In the first episode in the series, I shared some basic wisdom such as the importance of

    knowing how to sell and how to produce photographs that people will purchase. We can be

    awesome at marketing but fall short if those activities are lacking.

    In the second chapter, I cover the next Big Ideas in detail including Gift Certificates as fundraisers, Publications, Networking, and Mastermind groups.

    In Part 3 I finish up with the last topic:

    8- Events9- Auctions10- The importance of effective branding

    Be sure to watch or listen to all 3 episodes as I dive into each of these ideas for how to

    become a marketing master outside of the internet. Be sure to go to www.lucidumascoaching.com and

    scroll to the bottom of the HOME page to get the link to the book.

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • This episode of “The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas” is a bit different and very special. I am sharing an inspiring conversation with Ernst Ulrich Schafer a master of black and white photography. He started as a fine art photographer after being given a camera by a friend in Vietnam, and many years later created a successful portrait photography business that lasted over 20 years ago, until his retirement.

    Ernst shares his journey as an artist, and business owner, and the importance of continuous learning and community involvement in the field.

    Key Discussion Points:

    The Importance of Studying Art Learning from Mentors and Teachers The Role of Participating in Photography Organizations

    Do yourself a favor! Stop what you are doing right now and check out his photography on social media because you will be inspired by, and in awe of this lovely man’s work.

    And if you join him on social media you can get support, ask him questions, and will to see his latest works and get updates on his projects.

    https://www.facebook.com/ernst.u.schafer

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Today’s episode is Part Two of Three solo episodes about the material I share in my eBook called “10 Big Ideals for Marketing High Dollar Portrait and Wedding Photography in the “Real World”.

    You can download your free copy by going to the bottom of the home page at www.lucidumascoaching.com to follow along and gain deeper insights into the topic.

    So what is the main theme of this teaching, you ask? Well, so many people stay on their computer to do most or even all of their marketing efforts. Social media of course has many great ways to reach potential clients. But if that is the only way these photographers are marketing, they are missing out on the power of meeting people in person, getting their work seen as printed photographic art, and directly reaching ideal clients.

    In the first episode in the series, I shared some basic wisdom such as the importance of

    knowing how sell and how to produce photographs that people will purchase. We can be

    awesome at marketing but fall short if those activities are lacking.

    Then I cover the next Big Ideas in detail

    4- Gift Certificates as fundraisers

    5- Publications

    6- Networking

    7- Create your own mastermind group

    Be sure to watch for Part Three as I continue to explore the info in my ebook on marketing. Just scroll to the bottom of the HOME page to get the link.

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Oh Goodie! Another fantastic interview with my most listened-to guest, Ronan Ryle, is ready for you to be inspired by. His heart for serving others, his charming Irish accent, and his profound wisdom all combine to make this episode truly special.

    Ronan loves to emphasize that every day, he wakes up with the mission to empower photographers to achieve their goals, fulfill their potential, and grasp the true impact of their work on fostering a healthier society in mind, body, and spirit.

    A PPA Craftsman, Ronan has built several successful businesses across various industries, including photography. He proudly serves as a Board of Director of Professional Photographers of America and holds the position of President of Client Success at Infinity Group, which encompasses 3XM, The Difference Maker Revolution, and Photovalue.

    In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the importance of discovering our "WHY" i.e. the reason behind what we do. And how it shapes the way we conduct our business to align with that purpose.

    We discuss:

    • The invaluable and unforgettable nature of what we offer.

    • Giving more of ourselves and crafting extraordinary experiences for our clients.

    • Cultivating connections and becoming more comfortable interacting with others.

    • Shifting the focus onto our clients rather than our own needs.

    Furthermore, we explore how Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is not a threat when we remain focused on our passion and purpose, and how we can embrace A.I. as another tool to simplify our lives and enhance our businesses.

    Big thanks to Ronan for a wonderful, inspiring conversation!

    Don't forget to claim Ronan's free gift at: https://www.thedifferencemakerrevolution.com/

    3XMsolution.com [email protected]

    ďťżConnect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Today’s episode is Part One of Three solo episodes about the material I share in my eBook called “10 Big Ideals for Marketing High Dollar Portrait and Wedding Photography in the “Real World”.

    You can download your free copy by going to the bottom of the home page at www.lucidumascoaching.com to follow along and gain deeper insights into the topic.

    So what is the main theme of this teaching, you ask? Well, so many people stay on their computer to do most or even all of their marketing efforts. Social media of course has many great ways to reach potential clients.

    But if that is the only way these photographers are marketing, they are missing out on the power of meeting people in person, getting their work seen as printed photographic art, and directly reaching ideal clients.

    In this first episode in the series, I share some basic wisdom such as the importance of knowing how sell and how to produce photographs that people will purchase. We can be awesome at marketing but fall short if those activities are lacking.

    Then I cover the first three Big Ideas in detail

    Creating and Using a Contact ListWall Portrait DisplaysCreating Alliances

    Be sure to watch for Parts Two and Three as I continue to explore the info in my ebook on marketing. Remember...just scroll to the bottom of the HOME page to

    get the book.

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of “The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas”. I am absolutely thrilled to have Bryan Capricci as my guest today.

    CEO and Founder of Sprout Studio, a CRM built by photographers, for photographers,

    Bryan is also an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer based out of Fonthill, Canada. In 2014, he was awarded his Masters of Photographic Arts (MPA) designation by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), making him one of the youngest Canadian photographers to receive this level of achievement.

    He and I are diving into a topic that's crucial for every business owner out there: balancing the roles of CEO and entrepreneur. It's all about how we manage working in our business versus working on our business. Let's get started! It's not just about running the day-to-day operations but also about strategizing for future growth.

    We chat about the importance of not waiting until you have free time—make it a priority to focus on growth and improvement. Also how to make sure your efforts are intentional, planned, and prioritized.

    Listen for his rocking horse analogy i.e., you're moving, but not going anywhere. This is what happens when we get caught up in busy work. Remember, "small hinges move big doors."

    Determining Business Success:

    How do we know if we're on the right track? Here's a simple formula to define business success and growth:

    New Leads: Are you consistently attracting new potential clients? Bookings: Are those leads converting into bookings? Higher Value: Are clients booking higher-value services? Client Spending: Are existing clients increasing their spending?

    Evaluating Impact:

    When considering tasks, ask yourself: How likely is this activity to impact the business? Don’t fall into the trap of being busy for the sake of it. Remember, sometimes as photographers, we identify so closely with our work that we sacrifice personal time. Let's break that cycle.

    Momentum Method:

    Here are important questions to help get a handle on everything:

    Can This Be Automated? Ask if the task can be done without your direct involvement. If yes, automate it. Accelerate: Are there ways to do tasks faster with less effort. Simplify: Can the task be simplified or aligned with other activities? Evaluate Necessity: Does this task need to be done at all?

    You might not love every aspect of running a business, and that's okay. You have three options:

    Don't Do It: Some tasks might not be necessary. Do It: Just get it done if it's essential. Collaborate or Outsource: Find someone to help, whether through collaboration or hiring.

    Thanks for tuning in! Remember, balancing your roles and prioritizing your time can make a significant difference in your business's success. Until next time, keep pushing forward and finding those small hinges that move big doors!

    Bryan has a gift called The Winning Week Formula at https://getsproutstudio.com/winning-week/

    and 20% discount available https://www.trysproutstudio.com/?via=edu

    ďťżConnect with Bryan:

    [email protected] www.bcapphoto.com

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Who wants to be a marketing expert where attracting ideal clients is as easy as turning on a hose? Then you are going to love this episode of The Profitable Photographer! My guest this week is the award-winning photographer, John Glaser from Texas. He specializes in dramatic luxury portrait photography and has a distinctive style with his portraits of dogs, seniors, and sports.

    His podcast, “Refocus Your Photography Business with John Glaser,” is excellent, and I will be a guest soon, so be sure to check it out.

    John shares how his love for photography grew from his passion for sports while coaching at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. He has built an amazing high-volume, high-sales business using his skills as a marketer and business owner.

    Marketing seems to be everyone’s challenge, and John has mastered this aspect of running a successful business.

    Be sure to listen for those top three action steps that attract oodles of qualified clients day in and day out:

    Facebook marketing with model searches and giveaways.Business to Business: How to partner with others and boost both of your bottom lines.Cultivate a robust client list and use it.

    John's parting thought is this: Don’t stop! Keep working on the business, especially when you are busy, so you stay busy.

    You are invited to join the free Facebook group and contact John with questions or feedback:

    Email: [email protected] Group: Refocus Your BusinessInstagram: @therealjohnglaserLinkedIn: John Glaser Photography

    Tune in and get ready to supercharge your marketing game!

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hey, brilliant photographers! Today's episode is all about kicking those mindset roadblocks to the curb with Jeff Brown, a very special human that loves to support people to become highly profitable. Let's dive into the juicy details from our chat:

    Background: Photographer, Author and mentor, Jeff started his photography career in the Royal Navy (yes, he is British) and has owned five photography companies of his own. t Plus, he's shot over 750 weddings! Talk about skills. He's on a mission to spread motivation and inspiration like confetti, folks!Writing Whiz: Jeff isn't just a pro behind the lens; he's also penned four No.1 best-selling books for photographers. Ambassador Extraordinaire: Not content with just conquering the photography world, Jeff's also President of the British Institute of Professional Photographers, a brand and marketing ambassador for some heavy hitters like OM SYSTEM and much more. Talk about wearing many hats!Mindset Magic: Ever heard of the saying, "What you believe, you can achieve"? Jeff's all about that. Listen to his journey from failure and depression to living the life he loves.

    Jeff dropped some serious wisdom bombs and steps to change your mindset. He suggests we…

    set up a vision and type it up as if it is already done.look at others that are successful to discover what is possibleread books, listen to famous people’s stories, cultivate gratitude…write three things in the person, possession, and experience every daybe generouslimit your exposure to negativityfear…challenge your fears and take their power away

    He leaves us with this suggestion…Instead of sweating over your photography skills, Jeff reminds us to focus on our branding and perceived value. Wise words, indeed!

    So, folks, if you're ready to level up your mindset game and unleash your potential listen to the audio or watch the video.

    Then head over to Thephotographersmentor.com for more Jeff Brown magic.

    And check out my coaching programs, find more episodes or get in touch with me at

    www.lucidumascoaching.com

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube
  • Hey there, photographers! Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where we delve into the glamorous world of high-end marketing and sales. I’m excited to share 6 concepts or strategies needed that start with the letter P….like photography with you today, so buckle up and let’s dive in!

    First up, we’ve got Persistence.

    -Think Rocky Balboa training montage vibes. We’re talking about sticking to your guns, even when the going gets tough. Showing up day after day, adapting, growing, trying and failing and succeeding is the key to achieving and maintaining your dreams.

    Now, onto Personality.

    -We’re not just selling products; we’re selling ourselves. It’s all about authenticity, folks. People want to connect with real humans, not just fancy logos. So let your personality shine through, because that’s what sets you apart in a sea of luxury brands.

    Next is making a Personal Connection.

    - It’s like that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you walk into your favorite boutique. We’re not just selling stuff; we’re forging genuine connections with our clients. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel like a VIP?

    Of course we need luxury Products.

    - Quality over quantity, my friends. Luxury is all about that top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail. Keep it simple, keep it sleek, and watch those sales soar.

    Now, let’s talk about Perception.

    - It’s all about the vibe, the aura, the “je ne sais quoi”. Your branding sets the tone for everything, from your logo to the way you answer the phone. It’s all in the branding.

    Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Pricing.

    -Cue dramatic music. Pricing is an art form, my friends. It’s not just about slapping on a number; it’s about how we share our pricing as well as what we charge.. Those little pricing tricks can make all the difference.

    Thanks so so much for tuning in my 6 “Ps” for communicating value and luxury. I hope you notice that communicating our value is multi-layered and it all is important.I Heart You!

    Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

    Website Email: [email protected] FacebookYouTube