I am so excited to share my conversation with the dynamic duo—Gregory and Lesa Daniel—about the beauty and strategy behind commissioned mixed-media portraits, working as a couple, and building a business with heart, intention, and excellence.
Gregory and Lesa are internationally celebrated for their artistry and business success. Gregory is one of the most awarded photographers in the U.S., holding the titles of Master of Photography and ASP Fellow, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Cameracraftsmen of America. He’s also a founding member of ISPA and a Past President of Professional Photographers of America.
Lesa is the brilliance behind the business, managing the operations of their two portrait galleries in Florida, and playing an essential role in their continued success as both a leader and visionary. There is something so powerful about a couple that runs a successful photography business together, and they share how they manage to make this work so well.
Here are just a few golden nuggets we touched on:
The importance of being product-focused over selling just an experience
How specializing in what you love can elevate your brand and profitability
Why “context is everything” when it comes to the final art and how it’s used
One of my favorite parts? Their take on intentional branding and creating a sustainable business around only the products they love—and that truly serve their clients. Yes, please.
I’m so inspired by their teamwork, artistry, and wisdom. I hope you are too.
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.
Did you ever think about what it might take to have a highly successful, multi-million-dollar portrait studio?
My amazing guest this week, Andrew Hiorth, has done just that—and in this episode, he shares his team-building strategies, plus the joys and challenges of creating a highly profitable boudoir photography business.
I was surprised to learn that not only is it easier than I thought, but that building a business where others are doing most of the work can actually give the owner time to be wildly creative with personal photography. Free from the daily grind of creating sellable images, Andrew now has space to stretch his imagination and create stunning, award-winning art.
He also shares about the deep satisfaction that comes from leading a team of photographers and support staff, and watching them thrive. I love doing this as a coach, so now I see that I would actually enjoy being the boss of a group of amazing humans, all working hard toward the same goals!
A little about Andrew: Andrew Hiorth is a business leader and creative visionary who built FABLE Studios into a multi-seven-figure photography brand with a team of over 20 professionals specializing in boudoir. His personal work has earned global recognition, including a PPA Diamond Award, multiple “Photographer of the Year” titles, and the honor of representing Team Canada at the World Photographic Cup. He’s also a sought-after speaker, sales strategist, and business coach helping photographers scale with purpose and profit.
One of my favorite moments? When he asked the powerful question: “When does the freedom start?”
We also dig into:
Why you should start with your why
How to reverse-engineer your dream income
The importance of pacing yourself and learning along the way
Why profit management might just be your new best friend
And he leaves us with this gem: “Decide what you want, how you’ll get it… and ask yourself if it will make you happy.” Yes, please.
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a business that gives you both financial and time freedom, this episode is for you.
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.
Ooohhh…this is a good one! On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had a real and honest conversation with the wise and lovely, Cate Scaglione—fine art photographer and branding expert—about how to create a boudoir/personal portrait session, designed to help our clients not only have great photographs but potentially have a life changing experience.
In this discussion, I share my own insecurities and how a few photography sessions boosted my confidence and created visual reminders of who I really am during times of self-doubt.
Now, a big part of Cate’s business that creates this transformation is her version of a luxury experience.
She shares how today’s clients are investing in how the experience makes them feel, in addition to the gorgeous portraits she creates. From thoughtful details to sensory elements, she shows us how to create sessions that are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.
We talk about:
• Designing a client experience that feels elevated and intentional
• Using all five senses to build connection and comfort
• How environment, energy, and branding shape client perception
• Why this kind of experience can be transformational for women
Whether you photograph boudoir or any other genre, this episode will inspire you to think beyond the lens and create something truly special.
Download her free gift of the boudoir pre-session checklist here:
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 saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top.
Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry.
It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can completely change the way you run your business: the Blue Ocean Strategy.
The concept comes from sailboat racing, where most boats fight for space in the same crowded, chaotic waters. But the winners? They sail into calm, open water… the blue ocean. That’s where they move faster and with less resistance.
In business, this means stopping the hustle to compete and instead, creating something unique that sets you apart. It could be a specialty few photographers are photographing, OR a new way of running your business.
You don’t have to fight over price or copy what others are doing. You can stand out by being you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What a blue ocean is—and why it’s better than competing in a crowded market
How to shift your mindset and stop comparing yourself to others
Real examples of photographers who created their own space and thrived
A simple journaling exercise to help you start building your own blue ocean
This episode is your invitation to stop chasing and start creating. There’s plenty of room at the top!
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, I had a powerful and heart-centered discussion with Johl Dunn, a talented Australian photographer turned mindset and business coach. We had such a great conversation a few years ago that I knew I would love another chance to connect.
Johl spent over 20 years running successful wedding and portrait studios, earning titles like Creative Asia Wedding Photographer of the Year along the way. Now, he helps photographers build profitable businesses by combining strategy with mindset, self-awareness, and a little science-based spirituality.
We talked about:
Why slowing down can actually make you more productive
How to avoid burnout and self-sabotage
His morning routine to start the day with intention
The connection between gratitude, balance, and success
How to shift limiting beliefs that hold photographers back
Johl’s approach is holistic, honest, and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to grow a business and a life they love.
He’s also offering 3 free 1-on-1 strategy sessions to listeners!
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.
