by admin | Feb 25, 2025 | Podcast
Okay, photographers—real talk. What happens to your business if life throws you a curveball? Whether it’s an unexpected emergency or the day you finally decide to retire to a beach with endless piña coladas, your business needs a plan. I know this isn’t something many of us think about or even want to talk about, right?
This week, I’m chatting with Mike Price, who knows a lot about this. After helping a fellow photographer navigate the process of closing his business after a stroke, Mike made it his mission to bring awareness and practical advice to photographers. Our conversation dives into what to consider and how to start planning, so your business doesn’t just disappear if you ever have to step away.
Mike is a photographer and all-around business prep guru. After spending 20+ years in IT, he built Fairfield Photography, specializing in sports, high school seniors, executive portraits, and commercial architecture. He has also created a detailed workbook, Quit Like a Pro, to help photographers and their families prepare for emergencies or business transitions.
He recommends that we:
• Prepare: Keep track of passwords, accounts, and business assets (no, sticky notes don’t count).
• Practice: Regularly check and update your emergency or business transition plan.
• Execute: Have trusted people in place so your business doesn’t fall apart overnight.
• Communicate: Don’t let your family, clients, or business partners guess what to do next.
Not to worry—this isn’t about quitting. It’s about being smart, protecting your legacy, and keeping your business strong, no matter what happens.
And Mike has a special gift just for my listeners to help you get started! Visit PhotographersToolbox.com/luci.
Connect with Mike at FairfieldPhoto.com or email him at info@FairfieldPhoto.com.
Thanks for listening and sharing! – Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Feb 18, 2025 | Podcast
Hey, photography friends! Ever thought about how much your photo lab impacts your business? This week, I chat with Dirk Witt from Mid South Color Lab, and he’s breaking down why not all labs are created equal—and why choosing the right one is a game-changer for your success. But not only how to select the right companies but why making them a partner, having them on your team, is a key to success.
Dirk isn’t just a lab expert—he’s been in your shoes! With years as a wedding, family, and senior photographer, plus 17 years on staff at Mid South Color Lab, he knows firsthand the challenges of switching labs and maintaining top-tier print quality. His mission? Make your transition to a pro lab effortless so you can focus on what you do best—creating stunning images.
Key Takeaways:
- Not all labs are the same—Find one that matches your brand and quality standards.
- Choosing the cheapest is not usually the wisest decision.
- Luxury business? Luxury lab. High-end clients expect high-end prints, framing, and albums.
- Your lab is more than just prints—The right lab helps you grow, supports your workflow, and adds value to your business.
- Quality sells! Use top-tier products as a selling point to boost client satisfaction (and your profits).
- Your photo lab isn’t just a vendor—it’s a partner in your business. Whether it’s prints, albums, or framing, finding the services that.
Match your business and cheer on your success is a vital tool for the profitable photographer.
Be sure to connect with Dirk and Midsouth for your free prints, starter kits, and 25% discount
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Feb 11, 2025 | Podcast
Hey, friends! I’m still buzzing from PPA’s Imaging Expo—so many incredible people, ideas, and gratitude for my 40 years in this amazing community! Meeting past guests in person was a blast.
Now, onto today’s episode! This is Part 2 of my deep dive into In-Person Sales (IPS) using a projector. If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1, where I covered why IPS is a game-changer. You can also watch this on YouTube for the full experience!
What You’ll Learn:
• What you need for a successful IPS session (projector, screen, boards, big samples)
• Creating an emotional slideshow presentation – and why music matter
• My IPS process that converts clients into happy buyers
• Two secret tips that boost sales
• A live demo of how I present images and guide clients
This system has worked wonders for me, and I’m excited to share it with you. Whether you’re new to IPS or refining your process, these strategies help you sell with confidence.
Let’s dive in!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Feb 4, 2025 | Podcast
I had the most amazing time at PPA’s Imaging Expo and if you are one of my new listeners I met in Dallas…HELLO!!
We have the most incredible industry. We are so fun, dedicated, creative, smart and love to hang out together. I feel soooo blessed ho have had 40 years in this community.
This episode features Debbie McFarland, a photographer with 27 years of experience who’s found her passion in empowering tweens through photography. Tweens, ages 9-12, are at a critical stage of growth and transformation, and Debbie shares how capturing their beauty and confidence has not only impacted her clients but also grown her business.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
• Why tweens are an underserved market and how focusing on them can make a meaningful difference.
• Debbie’s marketing strategies—from partnering with local businesses and therapists to hosting large community events.
• How heart-driven work leads to success, including her global kindness initiative, Sparks of Kindness.
Debbie’s story reminds us that passion, creativity, and connection can transform your business. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiration to incorporate more meaning into your work while thriving financially!
and connect with Deb at
cedarhillstudio@comcast.net
www.cedarhillstudios.com
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 28, 2025 | Podcast
I thought I would go back to the basics. It has been a while since I shared my step by step “In Person Sales System” so today, and in two weeks, I go deep into the Why and How of showing our work and helping people select art and albums they will treasure from their sessions.
Question 1-Are you ready to transform your photography business and take your sales to the next level? and
2-Do you ever wonder how some photographers consistently generate thousands of dollars in portrait orders, selling multiple wall portraits and albums?
In this and the second episode on IPS, I’ll share how I average 3 to 7 wall portraits per client, and how my coaching clients regularly achieve orders of $2,000 to $4,000—and sometimes even more!
In this solo episode, I reveal 7 reasons why I love IPS and why it’s the ultimate way to:
- Connect with your clients on a deeper level.
- Provide incredible service while building trust.
- Improve your photography and confidence.
- Increase your income and thrive in your business!
From my journey of starting with nothing to building a thriving photography career, I’ll show you how IPS has been a complete game-changer for me and my clients.
Key Highlights:
- Why IPS isn’t just about sales—it’s about serving your clients and creating joy.
- How IPS can improve your craft as a photographer.
- The surprising connection between higher client investments and stronger relationships.
Tune in to hear my story of resilience, the power of standing out in a competitive market, and why being a trusted advisor is the foundation of my sales system.
FREE GIFT: Don’t forget to grab my ebook, “10 Big Ideas for Marketing in the Real World,” at www.lucidumascoaching.com.
If you’re ready to stop competing on price and start thriving, this episode is for you!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
