On this episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I chat with Scott Wyden Kivowitz, a talented photographer, educator, and storyteller who has mastered the art of surprise proposal photography. As the Community Manager and podcast host at Imagen (an AI editing program), Scott balances his roles as a father of two, husband, photographer, and host of the “Workflows Photography Podcast”.
Scott’s journey into proposal photography began during the pandemic and has since become a passion, blending his love for storytelling with his commitment to delivering unforgettable client experiences.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
• Scott’s secrets to capturing those high-stakes moments in proposal photography.
• Why preparation and having the right gear—like dual cameras—are crucial for success.
• How Scott balances photography with his role at Imagen, offering tools like personalized photo editing, culling, and cloud backup.
• Why he encourages photographers to embrace In-Person Sales (IPS) for higher profits and better client service.
• The importance of using a CRM for organizing workflows and staying efficient.
And since his passion is helping people master their workflow, we also discuss ways to create more time in our lives for both the business and our personal lives.
Scott’s ability to teach in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way shines throughout the episode, and he even shares tips on using Imagine, with an exclusive link for 1,500 free edits. Whether you’re curious about proposal photography or looking to streamline your business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.
Where in the world would you love to photograph clients and get paid really well for your photography including all your expenses? Paris? Costa Rica? New Zealand?
I loved my conversation with Denise Watrous who has built a wonderful business that includes traveling to amazing locations. She reveals so much about how you can do the same.
She is an award wining, Certified Professional Photographer from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Denise is a master of destination portraits, blending her passion for travel with her talent for creating vibrant, personalized portraits.
We dive into:
• The secrets behind her stunning destination portraits.
• How she tackles the challenges of on-location lighting and logistics.
• What it takes to price and plan travel-based photography sessions.
• Why senior portraits hold a special place in her heart (hint: it started with her kids!).
• The gear she swears by for on-location shoots.
Denise’s love for storytelling through portraiture and her adventurous spirit will inspire you to dream big and explore new horizons. Whether you’re ready to take your work global or just looking to up your on-location game, this episode is for you!
Hey there, fabulous podcast listeners. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria Arellano, a Fine Art Photographer based in Houston, Texas, who’s been creating magic since 2015. Maria has this incredible gift for helping women see themselves as the stunning, powerful goddesses they are—no matter their size, shape, or story.
In this episode, we’ll chat about:
• Why boudoir photography makes Maria’s heart sing (spoiler: it’s all about confidence and celebration!)
• How she creates a safe, empowering space for plus-size clients to shine
• The art (and hustle) of balancing two specialties like a total pro
• Maria’s genius strategies for building a loyal, raving community—from goddess-themed shoots to her unforgettable client prom nights
Maria also dishes on why she doesn’t sell herself but chooses her clients—and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Maria doesn’t just take photos; she crafts experiences. And get this—clients literally fly in from all over to work with her! Plus, she’s a mentor for other photographers, helping them find their own magic and build thriving businesses.
If you’ve ever doubted your beauty or wondered how to truly connect with your clients, this episode is your sign. Let’s go!
Connect with and check out Maria’s stunning work at…
Hey, it’s Luci Dumas, and today’s solo episode is a little different because I am sort of “journaling” about my experiences around the topic and looking for my own answers as I explore a topic that’s been on my mind lately: motivation. Specifically, how we can find it, sustain it, and even question whether we always need it. Is it okay to just be sometimes? To live a simpler life without constantly striving for the next big thing? It’s a big question, and one that I’ve been pondering deeply.
As I thought about motivation, I kept coming back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You might remember it from a psychology class—it’s that pyramid of five human needs. It got me wondering: can understanding these levels help us reignite our drive when it feels like the spark is fading?
In this episode, I break down each level of Maslow’s pyramid:
• The basics like food and shelter.
• Our need for safety and security.
• The desire for connection and belonging.
• Building self-esteem and feeling accomplished.
• And finally, the quest for self-actualization—living our best, most fulfilling life.
I’ll share some thoughts on how these needs might be influencing your motivation—or lack of it. Plus, we’ll tackle that ever-present voice saying, “I should be doing more,” and decide if it’s always true. Spoiler: sometimes it’s okay to give yourself grace.
Some of the ideas on how to become or stay motivated I explore are suggestions to
• Identify the Blockages:
• Set Goals Aligned with Your Needs:
• Reflect and Reassess:
• Leverage Higher Levels for Inspiration
Tune in for a mix of self-reflection, practical tips, and maybe even a spark to get you motivated—or at least, to help you feel okay with where you are right now.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m thrilled to catch up with Kelly Warkentin, a lifestyle family photographer in Vancouver, Canada, mom of three, and one of my proudest coaching success stories. Kelly has not only built a thriving photography business but also created a work-life balance that lets her focus on her family and her clients.
When we started working together, Kelly was selling digital files for hundreds of dollars. Through my training program (and her hard work implementing the strategies), she discovered the power of selling heirloom art and albums in person, transforming her sales into thousands. Now, she’s adapted my system to develop her own Virtual IPS approach, helping busy photographers serve their clients with exceptional care while reclaiming their time.
Here’s what we cover:
How Kelly transitioned from traditional sales to Virtual IPS to avoid burnout.
Why personalized connection and service are game-changers in luxury photography.
Outsourcing tips to lighten your load and grow your income.
Simple yet effective strategies for balancing a successful business with family life.
Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, innovation, and courage. Tune in for actionable insights and plenty of inspiration!
Reach out to and join her private group
“Virtual IPS for portrait photographers on Facebook”
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.
