In this solo episode, Luci Dumas talks about the value of entering contests, getting critiques your work and setting goals. She shares the many many benefits gained by taking the time, and the emotional risk, to enter local, state, and national contests and competitions.
Benefits include
growing through learning what works and doesn’t work in our photography
taking time to look at our photography and search for the best. This gives us a curated body of work to use for promotions, samples, and other contests. This also helps us see where we can do better and discover our voice and style.
achieving recognition which is a big plus in our business…i.e…bragging rights. Being an award winning photographer, even if it is just a small competition, looks great on our bios.
setting goals like earning PPA Master and Craftsmen Degrees and be motivated by this goal to enter consistently
a lot of personal education on our work.
an ever more refined eye for details and what makes a photograph “art” beyond the “nice photo” category
Luci also discusses what a PPA Master and Craftsmen Degree is and how to achieve this accomplishment. Why it has value, both from striving to earn the merits needed and the benefit of having this title added to our bio, is also discussed. If you have goal to speak, or mentor, it is a big plus in the industry. Again, it looks good on the resume to clients as well.
In other words…she encourages you to get your work seen, set goals for yourself, learn to take criticism well and grow from it, and you will grow in so many ways.
To learn more about the new Marketing Mastermind Group starting in Sept 2020, click on this link https://vgzrntgdn0s.c.updraftclone.com/mastermind/
Feel free to email me at luci@lucidumas.com to ask questions or schedule a quick chat from the above location
Luci is happy to name Master Craftsman and CPP Chris Wooley as her most recent guest on The Profitable Photographer Podcast.
Chris specializes in both Pin Up and Head Shot Phtography, and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America, where he also serves as a counselor, advocating for photographer rights. He is the chairman of the Professional Photographers of Washington. Chris has won numerous print awards, including multiple Fuji Masterpieces, ACI’s Image Excellence, and various state “best of” awards. He is a recipient of the prestigious “PPA National Award” for his contributions towards the photographic industry.
Chris helps photographers learn and hone their craft by presenting at workshops, conferences, and meet-ups across the US. In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Chris Wooley discuss:
•The usefulness of acknowledging your skills and how they can be incorporated into your niche •The importance of staying on brand •Cohesiveness between you and your business •The benefits of a successful SEO, and establishing domain authority •Chris’s learned sales strategies
Key takeaways: •Be honest with who you are and remain true to yourself •Establishing and understanding the value of your niche— and how it can aid your business •The benefits of creating a unique experience for your clients •Passion and love for your craft fuels your success “Be honest with who you are and what you are doing” — Chris Wooley
Connect with Chris: Studio: 509-703-7239 Email: chris@headsandtailsphoto.com Website: chris@headsandtailsphoto.com
Connect with Luci Dumas: Twitter: @lucidumas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
Master photographer and educator Don McGregor has been creating gorgeous environmental portraits and photographing weddings since 1970 in his Vancouver, Canada studio. During 50 or so years, his business and our industry have seen many changes, especially in the way photographers reach out or service their clients. He loves to support photographers on how to keep thriving through the changes.
He is the recipient of the Yousuf Karsh 2017 Lifetime Achievement award, as well as many others too numerous to mention. He holds the following degrees… M.Photog.Cr.API, CPP, HLM,F/PPOC,MPA,SPA,F/PPABC/A and is actively involved in the World Photographic Cup Competition- worldphotographiccup.org
In this episode, Luci and Don discuss the art and craft of family portraits and how he his family portraits become large, impactful works of art by following a step by step process. He’s shares about the importance of the consultation in order to create portraits that mean something to the clients. He uses Emotional Symbols to personalize the images and sell them for a significant investment.
“If a process is followed (from first consultation through the presentation appointment) one can realize a sales average far higher than the national average. “
Some of his tips include
Posing a group is actually posing one person at a time
Posing people in groups of triangles and using diagonal lines in the composition creates a sense of flow
Giving thought to the design, background, and lighting of a portrait before you begin
Creating a Master Image that is presented to the clients at the sales session, and why this almost always becomes their main portrait.
Putting heads about the same distance apart …don’t clump together…open up the group…give them space
Placing people into the foreground of an environment to make the subject dominant in the photograph
Don and Luci also discuss some of the ways to be perceived as a high value business by thinking of how we present ourselves with our clothing, our voice, the words we use, and our likability . Our vision and communication style helps us gain respect and increase our profits.
You can contact Mr. MacGregor via email to receive his PDF called “The River” that illustrates his posing and thought process when designing portraits
don@macgregorstudios.com
www.macgregorstudios.com
Be sure to view the World Photographic Cup- worldphotographiccup.org
Steve Saporito owned and managed 3 successful full-time portrait studios in Australia for 15 years. Since then, his training is helping home-based studio owners, wedding and portrait photographers, and large retail studio owners to deliver the highest standard of customer service possible. His focus is getting you to create artwork that excites your clients, giving you more time to enjoy your life and making more money with your photography.
In this episode of “The Profitable Photographer,” Luci Dumas talks to Steve Saporito about the importance of emphasizing the human relationship with our customers. Changing our mindset about money and thinking more about others.
“This is the whole point, when we begin to photograph something meaningful for somebody from a emotional point, clients want to hold on to that”
Luci and Steve talk about:
● Listening to your client
● Making marketing simple
● Giving our clients what they want and need, what they being searching for
There are so many things to learn as a photographer…and experiences everyone goes through in this industry in the first few years. I am not talking about the big things, like how to get clients or sell. I am talking about situations that can be awkward, disappointing or even make us question whether we should continue. You are not alone but in this episodes I discuss the pitfalls, awkward situations, and common mistakes you will only make once. I will help you know how to handle difficult clients and much more.
In this episode Luci gives advice on: ● How to deal with friends and family ● Qualifying leads when you have an interview with a client ● Being prepared/ having the right equipment ● Knowing your value and ignoring the negative comments ● Predictable mistakes and how to avoid them
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.
