This week on The Profitable Photographer, I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Angela Lawson, an international award-winning pet photographer with 28 years of experience. For the past 15 years, she’s focused exclusively on animals of all shapes and sizes—from dogs and cats to reptiles and pocket pets.
She has also earned her Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from the International Society of Animal Photographers and has taken the PPA judges’ training
Angela shares how understanding animal behavior and breed traits has been essential to her success, and how she brings compassion and purpose to every session.
One of her most meaningful offerings is her Legacy Sessions, created for senior or terminally ill pets. These sessions capture the deep bond between pets and their people and result in lasting keepsakes like albums and wall portraits.
Her sadness that she doesn’t have nice portraits of a beloved pet that passed over the rainbow bridge motivated her to start, and teach, this specialty.
She breaks down some of the things to know before one of these special sessions.
How to gently navigate emotional sessions and support grieving clients
Why it’s important to research each animal before photographing them
How Angela uses local groups and The Tilly Project to market Legacy Sessions
Tips for intentional business building and meaningful client relationships
Whether you’re already photographing pets or thinking about it, Angela’s insights will help you connect more deeply with clients and create work that truly matters.
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 week on The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my repeat guest, Larry Hershberger — an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist often called a modern-day Norman Rockwell. For over 35 years, Larry has been creating magical, theatrical, emotion-filled art, with clients in more than 50 countries. You’ve probably seen his Santa and Christmas artwork — those nostalgic, wonder-filled images that take you right back to being a kid.
But this episode isn’t about Santa… it’s about superheroes.
Larry and his wife Ela have a daughter with Down Syndrome, Anna Rose, and she’s the heart behind his most meaningful project yet — the Don’t Fear Me campaign. Through stunning portraits of children with Down Syndrome, Larry is changing the world’s perception — one photograph at a time.
And yes, we talk about the business side too. Because as magical as his portraits are, Larry is also practical. He shares how he’s making this passion project sustainable without burning out or going broke — a lesson all of us creative hearts can learn from!
We talk about:
• How Larry blends advocacy and art to make a lasting impact
• Why it’s totally okay to sell artwork and still do good in the world
• His journey as a father and artist, and how it’s shaped his mission AND saved lives!
This episode is full of heart, hope, and truth — and might just inspire you to look at your own photography in a whole new way.
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…solo time. This episode might seem short but if you take the challenge and write out the answers to my suggestions, it might just change everything for you. You could find that your photography business hits new levels of success and fulfillment?
In this solo episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m walking you through a step-by-step process to get crystal clear on your dreams and goals. And discover some issues standing in your way of having it all just the way you want your life and business to be.
Having a clear intention, and knowing what to do to reach this vision is incredibly powerful
Whether you’re dreaming of a six- or seven-figure income, more time freedom, or simply getting paid well for doing what you love, this episode will help on your journey.
These specific steps have helped so many of my coaching clients move more powerfully towards their dreams.
• Your Big Dream – What does success look like for you? Let’s get specific!
• Your Deep Why – The personal and powerful reasons behind your goals (because this is what keeps you going when things get hard).
• Your Roadblocks – What’s really getting in the way? This is a chance to uncover the mindset blocks, habits, or fears that might be holding you back.
• What’s next? How do you take this knowledge and move more powerfully towards your goals
Plus, this June I’m offering a free “Create The Business of Your Dreams” strategy session to 5 people who would like help with this process. Whether you’re brand new to the industry or a seasoned pro needing a fresh direction, this session is my gift to help you gain clarity and confidence.
Just book a 20-minute chat to start the process at www.lucidumascoaching.com
This episode is perfect if:
• You’ve been winging it in your business and want to create a real plan.
• You’re feeling stuck, scattered, or just not hitting your income goals.
• You’re ready to turn your passion for photography into a thriving, profitable business — with intention.
Grab your journal, tune in, and let’s map out the path to your dream photography life together!
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.
This week’s episode is a soulful one, friends. I’m joined by the amazing Jessica McKnight — an award-winning luxury photographer in St Petersburg, FLA, for over 25 years, mindfulness coach, and founder of Brilliance Key.
She has a big heart for helping others to create their success using the power of their thoughts as well as a photographer with a ton of business wisdom.
Jessica and I have a beautiful conversation about how mindset and mindfulness aren’t just buzzwords — they’re powerful tools that shape how we show up in our photography businesses and our lives. Jessica shares how her own journey, from a tough childhood to building a thriving photography brand, has been guided by a commitment to inner clarity, intention, and self-love.
Together, we explore:
How to shift your attitude to support your dreams
What mindfulness looks like in real life (hint: it’s about presence, not perfection)
Her 8 simple practices to start your day grounded and focused — including gratitude, visualization, and creating space for joy
The power of community, creativity, and trusting in something bigger (yes, the Universe has your back!)
And how chasing success without balance can leave us burnt out — and what to do instead
Jessica also gives us a peek into her Beyond Brilliant Photography Retreats that include daily yoga, mindset talks, and the kind of connection that fills your soul, plus a chance to apply for a free retreat seat on her website!
This episode is like a soft exhale and a spark of inspiration rolled into one. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just craving a deeper connection to your work and purpose, I know you will be glad you tuned in.
Links and Goodies: Apply for a FREE seat at one of Jessica’s retreats by subscribing to her newsletter at BrillianceKey.com
And feel free to book a 20-minute chat with me if you need a little support.
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.
This week on the show, I’m chatting with Jeff — a PPA Master Photographer, Craftsman, educator, and author of 2, soon to be 3, books including “The Professional Photography Playbook: Mastering Portrait Photography, Branding and Business Success.” Jeff is has been one of the most successful portrait photographers in the US for 40 years and counting. His classic style and tried and true business structure has kept his photography studio earning high 6 figures and even 7, while giving him time to golf, teach, write, and enjoy life.
We talk about what happened when he left his government job to chase his dream of becoming a full-time photographer. He turned that leap into a 40+ year career full of awards, sold-out sessions, and major industry influence.
And with 80 years of experience between us and a passion for helping others, we “commiserate” on what it takes to start and sustain a highly profitable portrait photography business and all the joys it brings.
We’re talking about:
• Why branding, client relationships, and a recognizable style are your best business tools
• The secret sauce behind genuine expressions and timeless portraits
• Why continuous learning (even after 40 years!) is non-negotiable
• And how Jeff’s new book can help you build a stronger, more profitable business
Whether you’re new to the industry or have been behind the camera for decades, this episode is full of aha moments, business gold, and inspiration to keep going — and growing.
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.
