by admin | Jul 28, 2026 | Podcast
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 attract
• Be authentic
• Have 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.com
• https://www.thebookedphotographer.com/
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
by admin | Jul 22, 2026 | Podcast
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:
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.
by admin | Jul 14, 2026 | Podcast
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 experiences
- Building trust through connection
- Capturing genuine emotion
- Why in-person reveals matter
- Creating 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: www.longieliere.com
Free Gift: Getting Started with the Santa Experience
www.longieliere.com/luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
by admin | Jul 7, 2026 | Podcast
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 treasures
- Why recording voices, stories, and everyday moments can be even more powerful than photographs alone
- The importance of multi-generational portraits and preserving emotional inheritance before it’s too late
- How 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:
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.
by admin | Jun 30, 2026 | Podcast
Some people come into your lives and change everything. Today’s episode is a conversation with one of the most inspiring and magnetic people I have been lucky enough to know. She was my coach, mentor, friend, guest, and client. She passed away last week, and I hope that revisiting this conversation will inspire you as much as she inspired everyone who knew her.
About this interview…
I think it’s safe to say that at some point we’ve all felt a little bit stuck…in our comfort zones, in our photography businesses, and in our lives. I know that I have. The person that helped me get over that “stuck” feeling? This week’s The Profitable Photographer Podcast guest and my long-time coach and friend, Ursula Mentjes. I couldn’t be more excited for you to meet her!
Ursula is a leading expert on success and business growth and a USA Today bestselling author of UpLevel NOW. She is a business strategist and coach who works with entrepreneurs ( like me!) to double their monthly revenue in as little as 30 days while working less. Ursula is also a keynote speaker and certified as an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Coach through the NLP Institute of California. She specializes in helping her clients release the limiting beliefs and blocks that hold them back from their greatest success.
As self-employed business owners, it’s easy to stay stuck in our comfort zone. But staying where we are will never allow us to reach the goals we truly desire. Today, Ursula is here to teach us how to break through to the next level and get unstuck!
Listen in as the life-changing, entertaining Ursula shares with us:
- How to change limiting beliefs
- Steps to double your sales
- How to get unstuck and leave your comfort zone
Ursula’s final takeaway for us? It’s not too late to build the business of your dreams.
If you want to learn more from Ursula, you can still find her books and podcast on her website
Website: https://www.ursulainc.co/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MySalesCoachNow
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
