by admin | Jan 22, 2025 | Podcast
I’m kicking off the year with a bang with wonderful guests, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Heather Lahtinen as my new BFF on The Profitable Photographer today! Heather is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer from Pittsburgh, PA, with over 20 years of experience as a photographer and entrepreneur. She’s built not one but two six-figure businesses and is a true expert in marketing, pricing, and business strategy.
But what makes Heather truly special—and the focus of our conversation—is her mastery of mindset. She’s a certified mindset coach, productivity expert, and mentor to photographers across the globe. Heather also hosts the Flourish Academy Podcast, where she shares her wisdom and wit. One of my favorite insights from Heather? “If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s either a math problem or a thought problem—and spoiler alert, all problems are thought problems!”
I can’t wait for you to hear her advice and start transforming your mindset for success!
Here’s what we dove into:
- Heather’s Simple Money-Making Steps:
- The Belief Triad:
- Step 1: Believe you’re a professional.
- Step 2: See yourself as a business owner.
- Step 3: Picture yourself as the CEO of a thriving, multi-six-figure business.
- The Power of Belief: Success starts with believing there are people out there who want what you’re offering. If you’re doubting that, Heather shares how to climb the “belief ladder” to shift your mindset.
- Mindfulness and Monitoring Your Brain:
- Your thoughts create your feelings, which drive your actions.
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can transform your outcomes.
- Remember, “You’re only one thought away from a completely different life!”
- Better Questions, Better Results
Heather’s wisdom will help you stay mindful, motivated, and aligned with your vision for success.
Free Gift: 151 Ways to Get More Photography Clients
Contact Info:
heather@flourish.academy
Flourish Academy
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 14, 2025 | Podcast
I’m beyond excited to have Shawn Black on The Profitable Photographer. Shawn is a powerhouse in the world of boudoir photography. He is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is an international award-winning photographer, educator, and president of AIBP (Association of International Boudoir Photographers)
His mantra? #BeBoldBeSexyBeYou—with an emphasis on being unapologetically yourself.
In this episode, we dive into:
• Shawn’s “why” for creating empowering boudoir experiences.
• How his colorblindness influences his signature bold, contrasty lighting style
• The evolution of boudoir photography into a more inclusive art form.
• The importance of mentorship, learning, and community for photographers.
• His tips on posing—making clients look (and feel) like superstars.
• The journey from a high-powered career to weddings, and finally, his true passion: boudoir.
His journey is as inspiring as his work, offering valuable insights for photographers who want to create art that uplifts and empowers.
And hey, there’s a freebie! Get 1 free month on new yearly AIBP memberships as a listener gift. Get in touch with Shawn:
• Email: shawn@coutureblack.com
• Websites: https://www.coutureblack.com
https://aibphotog.com
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 7, 2025 | Podcast
Meet Dan McClanahan, a photographer based in Ames, Iowa, who’s making waves in the world of photography. With honors like representing Team USA and being a Top 10 finalist in the World Photographic Cup, Dan knows his stuff. AND he’s a featured speaker at SYNC and Imaging USA too!
Oh and…he is a super nice guy
In this episode, we dive into:
• How Dan uses light to tell stories and connect with his clients.
• His career shift from a bustling studio to a solo business that fits his life and family.
• How Rolling Stone Magazine was his big inspiration
• Dan’s process for creating portraits that reveal his clients’ true beauty and worth.
• The difference between commercial and personal photography and how he balances both.
Dan’s approach is as inspiring as it is relatable. Whether he’s collaborating on commercial shoots or designing personal portraits that actually change people’s lives, he’s all about authenticity and creativity. Dan’s advice for photographers? Keep pushing yourself and your craft—and remember, what you do is important!
Connect with Dan at
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Dec 31, 2024 | Podcast
Hello and Happy New Year! This has been one of the MOST popular episodes so I thought it would be a great one to start out 2025. Here we go….Magic is real. Thoughts have power.
In this repeat episode I am going FULL Woo Woo and talk about the power we have to become a magnet for success, attracting what we want in life, both big and small. The secret powers we have to manifest things like great photography clients, relationships, abundance, even a pair of the perfect sunglasses. (Listen for the tale of lost the sunglasses).
I often touch on this subject in my other podcasts and decided to go for it and claim my truth…that this stuff works (TSW) and that I use it all the time.
If the woo woo, or calling it the power of the Universe or God or a spiritual teacher is not your thing, you can call it awareness or accessing our own genius. Whatever you call it, my experience is that it is real, that actions combined with these manifesting principles go hand in hand to create the life we desire.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer I share my perspective and experiences through
- fun stories about my small miracles
- reference books and teachers on the topic
- tools like affirmations and visualizations
- the principles of the laws of attraction
- where this teaching came from historically
- the importance of positive energy/vibration and how to raise it
And how there is a loving and creative force always listening to our desires and ready to bring us what we want and that the more clear we are, the faster these things can come our way.
I am visualizing this episode being the perfect one for you right now, whether you have been on team “Law of Attraction” or this is new for you. Because you deserve to have all good things in your life!!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Dec 25, 2024 | Podcast
This special episode of The Profitable Photographer is a little gift just for you! It’s a sneak peek of my guest appearance on Andrew Helmich’s PhotobizX podcast. I was honored to join nine other amazing coaches to share some top tips for thriving in 2025. And because I didn’t want you to miss a second of my part, I’m sharing it here—with an extra bonus tip just for my listeners!
I’m keeping it short and sweet because I know this season is packed with celebrations. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into my three big recommendations for kicking off 2025 on the right foot:
- Use IPS with a Projector: Build trust, connect deeply with your clients, and watch your profits soar. This strategy not only boosts sales but also gives you a confidence boost as your clients laugh, cry, and hug you during their sessions!
- Embrace Accountability: It’s easy to blame external challenges, but real growth starts from within. Use slower seasons to sharpen your skills, refine your branding, and tackle those marketing updates you’ve been putting off.
And here’s your bonus tip: Build a rock-solid email and snail mail list. From postcards to newsletters, staying in touch with your clients and leads is the secret sauce to long-term success.
Tune in for inspiration, actionable tips, and a sprinkle of fun to kickstart your best year yet! Don’t forget to visit www.lucidumascoaching.com to snag your free strategy session.
Let’s make 2025 your most profitable—and joyful—year ever! 🎉
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
