What a treat! My good friend and I have a rich discussion about lighting, the importance of quality for the profitable photographer and much more. He has photographed or taught photographic technical skills over 700 times in more than 20 countries and world capitals as well as in all fifty US states. In his more than 38 years in photography, he has photographed some of the most recognized faces including three US presidents, world leaders at the United Nations, fashion models, celebrities, NASA astronauts, and he has so much wisdom to share.
In this episode, Luci and Tony discuss:
Tony’s career journey from never owning a camera to now photographing prominent leaders and celebrities.
Tips and takeaways on light in photography.
The importance of having a light meter, even with all of the new technologies that we have today.
Key Takeaways:
Keep your notes clean and keep the trust of your clients. You may earn a couple bucks by selling the photos, but you won’t keep the trust of those you photograph.
Understanding how the size of your light source factors into each and every shoot you do is key.
People are always watching, make sure you look and act professional in all aspects during the entire photography session.
“The size of a light source is directly relative to its distance from the sun.” — Tony Corbell
Meredith Ryncarz is a former college art professor turned photographer and creative business coach. She moves to new cities about every 4 years and we discuss her strategies for “hitting the ground running” with a photography business.
In this episode, Luci and Meredith discuss:
Pricing and marketing for your photography business in a military community environment.
The benefits of being part of the photographic community wherever you go.
Managing fear through business moves and professional growth.
Key Takeaways:
You have money to pay for what you value – the same goes for your clients.
Having a network around you is indispensable.
Monitor your mental health and mindset along the way – you cannot take care of your clients if you do not take care of yourself.
“You can charge what you’re worth. You don’t necessarily have to market to the military community – you can market to the city, or in the town over, or the county over and be an amazingly profitable photographer. But you have to do the work.”— Meredith Ryncarz
Profitability includes having your “legal ducks” in a row.
Rachel Brenke is the head attorney behind TheLawTog®, a resource for photographers that need help with contracts and legal challenges that might come up. We have a rich discussion on the business of photography and so much more.
In this episode, Luci and Rachel discuss:
The top legal concerns that all photopreneurs need to address now.
Protecting yourself and your business from the beginning.
Contracts, trademarks, copyright, and marketing legalities.
Key Takeaways:
Don’t ignore potential problems. It costs more resources to clean up a problem than to prevent it at the beginning (such as with a contract).
Talk to a CPA and a Lawyer to find out what structure of business is right for you.
Contracts are not a barrier between you and your client – they are a form of customer service and professionalism. They are a way to build up buyers’ confidence and fill your bucket of professionalism.
“Contracts are the foundation of everything in your photography business. It’s going to protect, it’s going to communicate, it’s going to allow you to offer customer service.” — Rachel Brenke
Marnie Clagett, CPP, operates a studio in historic Downtown Elizabethtown, KY, where she and her husband focus on contemporary fine art portraiture for their clients.
Marnie primarily photographs families and high school seniors,
In this episode, Luci and Marnie discuss:
Having a successful home studio.
Practical ways to make a small space work for your business.
Presenting a professional front in all aspects of your business.
Key Takeaways:
Home studio spaces are still professional spaces, even if it’s in the middle of your home.
Set apart your business by language – “pics” and “portraits” give off a different vibe to the clients.
Have your finances in order before setting up an out of home studio.
“It is all about how you approach your studio space and how you make that work.”— Marnie Clagett
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.
