by admin | Mar 4, 2025 | Podcast
I’m thrilled to welcome back Jeffrey Shaw—one of my most popular guests! This is his third time on the show, and for good reason. I first heard him speak at PPA’s Imaging USA, and he completely blew me away. Now, five years later, he is just releasing “Sell To The Rich”, and he shares so many great insights from this book. He also has 2 other amazing books in case you want more Jeffrey.
From humble beginnings, Jeffrey became one of the top portrait photographers in the U.S., with work featured on Oprah, CBS News, People Magazine, and displayed at Harvard University. He’s a speaker, author, business coach, TEDx presenter, and founder of The Self-Employed Business Institute.
So guess what? Luxury sales is not just about raising prices, having a fancy website, or advertising to wealthy people.
Jeffrey breaks down why selling to the rich is more about mindset than money. He shares why luxury is a way of being, how personal growth plays a role in sales, and why success starts with your own belief in value.
Listen for these key takeaways:
- Luxury isn’t just a price point—it’s an experience.
- Your real competition isn’t other photographers.
- Judgment will cost you sales.
- “Clean energy” is essential. Confidence, clarity, and authenticity are what attract high-end clients.
- You need to embody luxury yourself. To sell the experience, you have to understand what it feels like.
His book is now available for presale early March 2025! Go to his website to be one of the first to get your hands on it jeffreyshaw.com
And thanks for subscribing to my YouTube channel and your favorite podcast platform.
Hugs, Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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: