The marvelous Sarah Petty is Luci’s guest on The Profitable Photographer

Photographer Sarah Petty is the New York Times Best-Selling Author of Worth Every Penny: Build a Business that Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You’re Worth, a two-time Two Comma Award winner.

Sarah built her multi-million dollar empire around the value of putting ​#familyfirst ​as she balanced two businesses, speaking gigs, and an active crew of very-involved kids. She’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Fox Business, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal and is an internationally-known speaker and coach for photographers. Sarah even has a new podcast called “Worth Every Penny Joycast.”

In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Sarah discuss:
•How your brand reflects who you are
•Why a consistent brand and website are important
•Implementing marketing skills to help your business thrive
•How Sarah put family first and still became the amazing businesswoman she is today

Key takeaways:
•Your brand is how people feel about you
•Utilize hard times as inspiration to grow
•Branding starts with your identity
•You determine your own worth– keep going!

Connect with Sarah Petty:
Email: ​sarah@sarahpetty.com
Phone: ​(217) 638-7688
Websites: joyofmarketing.com
Facebook: ​Joy of Marketing for Photographers Instagram: ​@Sarah.Petty

Connect with Luci Dumas:
Twitter: @lucidumas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas
Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod
Website: LuciDumas.com
Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In this solo episode, Luci takes on the topic of how to handle the challenge of artist who want to have a profitable photography business.

Here are some tip on how to just say NO to being a starving artist.

1- See your photography as a product,
Learn to separate yourself from what you create emotionally. When you do this, your next step is to be skilled at sales and marketing and running a consistent business.

2- Don’t take rejection personally. It is about them and not you and your photographs

3- You are selling love, or success, or memories, not your soul. Focus on them. Serve them.

4- You are selling your time. To make a living you MUST charge enough and learn how to sell to compensate you for the time you could spend at a different job.

5- Good enough is all you need to be. They don’t need to be award winning images. Awards don’t pay bills

6- You do need to be proficient and results need to be repeatable. Learn the basics of photography. Study lighting, learn how to pose people in a way that makes them look their best AND evoke natural expression. And have the right equipment and skill to make it happen.

7- Style. You don’t need to figure this out to make a great living. You need to know how to take photographs people want to pay for that also make you happy to create.

8- Of course, it is vital to have the passion to produce the best work we possibly can every time. As your work is continually better, success does become easier.

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Master Craftsman and Fellow-Irish PPA Ann Monteith is the professional photography industry’s leading authority on studio marketing and business management. As a past president of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), she is an internationally read author of books and articles on subjects of interest to studio owners and managers. Her workshops are credited with setting some of the industry’s most successful photographers on the road to profitability. Ann and her husband, Jim Monteith, have owned and operated three different portrait studio businesses.

As PPA President she helped the philanthropic arm of the Association, PPA Charities, forge a relationship with Operation Smile.

In recent years she has become an outspoken advocate of the need for photographers, families, businesses, and societal institutions to properly preserve their vulnerable digital files. Having Ann on The Profitable Photographer is an absolute treat.

In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Ann discuss:

•The upkeep required to preserve digital files
•How to charge clients for archiving
•Ann’s tips on running a thriving, profitable business

Key takeaways:
•Build an annual business plan; It sets a standard, goals, expenses, etc.
•Understanding your finances is essential to establish your price points
•Don’t be afraid to make changes– it is trial and error to find which methods fit you and your business best
•The potential in offering an archiving service
A wonderful offer to archive your photos, information, and more with FOREVER:
$15 coupon and free starter pack to get 2gb of storage ​with Forever.com https://www.forever.com/sign_up

Connect with Ann Monteith: Phone: 717-867-5079
Email: ​ann@annmonteith.com
Websites: http://www.PersnicketyPetPortraits.com
http://www.lovelyireland.photo
http://www.SaveYourPhotoHistory.com
​http://www.annmonteith.com/

Connect with Luci Dumas:
Twitter: @lucidumas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas
Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod
Website: LuciDumas.com
Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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Tavis and Amy Guild are business designers and award-winning portrait artists based in Yakima, WA. A fun and vibrant style has given these two the opportunity to photograph over a thousand weddings and sessions in the past twelve years all over the world. Passionate about people and wall portraits, helping photography business owners has been a natural extension of their work. They have been coaching and teaching photography courses since 2011.

Tavis and Amy are also the owners of Guild Canvas, an exclusive canvas company that specializes in handcrafted wall art for professional photographers. This kind and charming duo offers knowledge and tips you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci, Tavis and Amy discuss:
•Why and how Tavis creates an experience for his clients
•How this husband and wife team balances each of their strengths, to better their business
•The importance of a consistent, cohesive website
•How the Guild’s implement their brand into their studio’s design

Key takeaways:
•Any team thrives when each person involved knows their strengths and where to apply them •Have a student’s heart– remain willing to learn how to do better
•Don’t be a one-hit-wonder…look for long term value
•How you market helps your clients see the value in the artwork you offer
Connect with Tavis and Amy:
Email: ​hello@guildcanvas.com
Websites: Guildcanvas.com ​www.tavisandamy.com Facebook: ​The Guild Canvas Club
Instagram: ​@guildcanvas

Connect with Luci Dumas:
Twitter: @lucidumas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas
Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod
Website: LuciDumas.com
Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In this episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, Luci is excited to introduce you to Darty Hines.

​Darty Hines is a husband, a father to three amazing girls, a photographer, and a marketing and social media fanatic– this PPA Craftsman keeps very busy. Even with this full schedule, he is constantly striving to find new and innovative ways for small business owners to succeed. 

He has been a professional photographer for over 20 years and has worked and consulted with many prestigious photography studios across the Nation. Darty and his wife Michele are also co-owners of the educational conference SYNC and SYNC Sports.

•Senior photography is not dead, why and how the demand remains •Darty’s unique, and effective marketing methods

•Reading your clients, and easing worry

•The importance of core values and knowing your business’s purpose •Pivoting — how it makes you and your business resilient

Key takeaways:

•Establish your ability to pivot– your marketing, image delivery, and sales, etc.

•​HS senior photographers have purpose and impact– don’t be afraid to showcase yours 

•​Embrace virtual technology. It is not going anywhere.

•​Invest in education, new knowledge is key.

“You can’t sit and do nothing in this business… you have to do the work” -Darty Hines

Connect with Darty Hines:

Email: ​yourock@syncrocks.com

Website: ​www.SYNCrocks.com

Facebook: ​https://www.facebook.com/syncrocks/?ref=bookmarks

Connect with Luci Dumas:

Twitter: @lucidumas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/

Email: luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In this episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, Luci is joined by the extraordinary Bobbi Brinkman.

Bobbi Brinkman is a storytelling photographer and wedding industry educator based in St. Simons Island GA. For over 40 years she has been honored to capture love stories for “Fabbo” couples in authentic moments from coast to coast.

With her experience, she understands that a wedding day should reflect each couple, and so should their wedding photos. Her focus is on her couple’s and their story, and not about capturing an award-winning photo. Bobbi believes no matter who you love or where you’re from, it all starts with love; all love matters, and every story deserves to be told.

In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Bobbi discuss:

•How to add value and services to what your business already offers
•Why it’s important to create an experience and be authentically you from the start
•Bobbi’s start to wedding photography, and how photography found her
•Finding a balance between the time you put towards your business, and those you love

Key takeaways:

•Set yourself up for success…know who you serve, why you serve them–and who you are
•The experience you create is far more important than an award winning photograph
•When you utilize your gift, your superpower is the ability to serve others unlike any other
• Everyone has a purpose, life is about finding yours
•You have what it takes to be successful
•Be your own biggest fan, you and your craft are one of a kind

Connect with Bobbi Brinkman:
Phone: ​314-496-2411

Email: i​nfo@bobbibrinkmanphotography.com
Website: ​https://bobbibrinkmanphotography.com/
Podcast: ​http://befabbopodcast.bobbibrinkman.com/
Facebook: ​https://www.facebook.com/BobbiBrinkmanPhotography/ Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/bobbibrinkmanphotography/

Connect with Luci Dumas:
Twitter: @lucidumas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas
Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod
Website: LuciDumas.com
Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In this episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, Luci is ​delighted to introduce you to an amazing human, photographer, and teacher.

Bryan Welsh is an award-winning PPA M. Photog., Cr., CPP, API. FP-OR, HFP-OR. Both his clients and peers recognize Bryan Welsh, a second-generation photographer, for his creative stylized journalistic photography. Bryan has taught at the Professional Photographers of America national convention and countless other events. His images and articles have appeared in Studio Photography and Professional Photographer magazine(s) as well as used in Nikon’s National advertising. He is passionate about service in the photography industry and spends countless hours supporting local and state affiliates of PPA.

In this episode of the Profitable Photographer Luci and Bryan discuss:
•Bryan’s start, and his inspirations
•Storytelling through your work
•Social credibility
•Creative methods to connect with ideal clients
•The power of your gift, and how you can touch people’s lives

Key takeaways:
•Photographers are the world’s greatest storytellers
•​Marketing can be both fun and successful
•Photographers have to ability to positively affect many people’s lives
•While photography is not the easiest industry to be a part of, the blessings you give others come full circle

Connect with Bryan Welsh:
Email: ​bryan@mitportraits.com
Website: ​www.mitportraits.com Facebook: ​ ​facebook.com/bryanwelsh Instagram: ​instagram.com/bryanwelsh_ig

Connect with Luci Dumas:
Twitter: @lucidumas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching/ Email: luci@lucidumas.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas
Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod
Website: LuciDumas.com
Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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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://lucidumascoaching.com/mastermind/

Feel free to email me at luci@lucidumas.com to ask questions or
schedule a quick chat from the above location

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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

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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

http://www.macgregorstudios.com

Be sure to view the World Photographic Cup- worldphotographiccup.org

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