I had the absolute joy of talking with my friend, Valerie Tabor Smith — one of the most published children’s photographers in the world and a pro at art licensing.
Valerie’s career is fascinating. She began in wedding photography, discovered her love for babies and children, and eventually built an international licensing business with her images appearing on greeting cards, calendars, and products around the globe. Her work has even been displayed at EPCOT, and she received the prestigious Steuben Trophy from Kodak.
But what I love most about this conversation isn’t just the accolades — it’s Valerie’s honesty about reinvention, rejection, persistence, and staying true to your creative heart.
We talk about how she moved from black and white hand-tinted portraits into color work, how a calendar company first “discovered” her images, and what photographers today can learn about breaking into commercial and licensing markets.
Valerie shared so much, including
• How she broke into art licensing (and handled rejection)
• The evolving world of greeting cards, calendars, and product design
• Why following your passion is still the smartest business strategy
We also talk about balancing creativity with family life, how the industry has shifted for women photographers, and the incredible opportunities that still exist in commercial photography for those willing to pursue them.
This episode is part inspiration, part history lesson, and part encouragement to trust your artistic voice.
And as always, I’m cheering you on as you build a business that is not only profitable… but deeply aligned with who you are.
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.
I can hardly believe this is episode 350. What a gift this podcast has been — listened to in over 110 countries — and I’m so grateful you’re here.
In this solo episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: posing people in a way that captures not just how they look… but who they are.
Because for me, portrait photography has never been about perfection. It’s about revealing that inner light. The story. The soul. And yes — we can absolutely use technique to help that happen.
I share practical, real-world posing tips you can use immediately, whether you’re photographing one person, a couple, or a full family.
In this episode, I cover:
Why I love using a tripod (hint: connection improves instantly)
How authentic expressions come from the eyes — and why “cheese” doesn’t work
My go-to lens choices and why 100mm is magic for portraits
Simple posing foundations like C-curves, S-curves, and the “Hollywood Walk” for families
We talk about flattering body positioning, soft language that guides instead of commands, and how to analyze faces so you can pose people intentionally instead of guessing.
If you’ve ever felt unsure directing clients, this episode will give you a simple structure and more confidence behind the camera.
And if you’d like more support, I’d love to connect. Subscribe on YouTube for more tips, or reach out for a complimentary 20-minute chat. I’m here to help you thrive — not just creatively, but profitably too.
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.
Okay, I need to strongly suggest going to my guest’s website thewaysofthedog.com to see her amazing photography.
Jen Hillenga is creating some of the most beautiful, soulful pet photography in New York City, and I’m completely obsessed with her work. And she shares how she has created both wonderful images and a highly profitable business.
Jen is a world-renowned portrait photographer, designer, and photography educator with over 25 years of experience. She’s a PPA Master Craftsman and longtime WPPI print judge who reinvented her career into a wildly successful pet photography business built around joy, simplicity, and dogs.
In this episode, we talk about pivoting your career, building a profitable business model, and designing a photography life that actually feels good.
We cover:
How Jen built a pet photography brand in NYC
Reinventing yourself at any stage of your career
Pricing, value, and knowing your numbers
Photographing dogs in a way that captures feeling
Part inspiration, part business strategy, and a whole lot of dog love. Perfect if you’re craving a fresh direction in your photography.
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.
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 message
Why 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.
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.
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 decisions
• Why photographers shouldn’t play it safe with their brand
• Finding a visual style that feels like you
• Thoughts 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.
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.
A big, exciting and maybe a little scary dream to have a successful, profitable and creative photography business doing exactly what you love for wonderful, grateful clients? Or do you want to bring your business to the next level of fun and profit.? If so, then this Podcast is for you.
For over 36 years, I have made a great living as portrait and wedding business, Luci Dumas Fine Photography, with no other source of income. No rich husband or lottery winnings, through the ups and downs of the industry and economy.
Now as a business coach with Insight Training for Photographers, I love love love to support photographers who want to do the same. This podcast is full of practical business info, and insights gained from my years in business, plus interviews with amazing people. My desire is to help you along on your joyful journey to success, however that looks to you.
