There are many important things to know to make your business a success! Luci Dumas speaks with pet photographer and PPA Photographic Craftsman, Arica went from owning a luxury retail studio to selling her business and doing “Pet Photography Road Trips”, as a traveling pet photographer. She shares what to know within your business to make it successful and profitable. Also tune in for some fun photography tips!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” -Helen Keller

In this episode, host Luci Dumas speaks with Arica Dorff and they discuss….

• Arica shares her inspiring story as a traveling pet photographer
• What is most important to know in your business
• Examples of ways to be successful within your business

Key Points:

• Laying a foundation in your business with your core values is important for success.
• Make sure you aren’t committing to something in your business that is going to burn you out.
• In order to come up with pricing in your business, you need to look at your numbers and make sure they make sense.
• Start your pricing on the higher end, not too high but higher and then increase it gradually, for example by 2% a year to avoid a large noticeable increase.
• By eliminating your prices online, you can bring in more clients and steer them away before they know what you even have to offer.
• By doing step by step sales you can increase what your clients are getting which will help steer them in the bigger package direction due to more quantity, quality etc.
• By adding on things to your packages as examples to interest your clients, you can steer them towards higher packages.
• You have many options within your business to mold it and present it how you want to. This includes remotely, on the road, your different products etc.
• Fun photography tip! When photographing a family, always have an assistant for relief and to help get things back on track. When photographing a pet, for example a dog, always have them bring a family friend or close person to that pet to keep everything on track!
• Not doing remote sales can benefit in many ways. One being that the people are in their environment and seeing what your products can do for them.
• One last great tip from Arica, base your business model on the lifestyle you want to live. Don’t base it on what you THINK it should be, but actually what you WANT it to be.

You can reach Arica Dorff to learn all about traveling pet photography on her website aricadorff.com or her email arica@aricadorff.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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About Thomas Vargeletis: Thomas Vargeletis is the founder and CEO of TV photography. It’s a highly profitable, Massachusetts-based real estate, photography, and videography company. Ever since building the six-figure photography business, Tom has developed a passion for teaching others the things that he’s learned from years of experience training and trial and error. He has his own called The Full Time Real Estate Photographer Podcast, and his book is the same name.

In this episode, Luci and Thomas discuss:

• Things you need to know to get started as a real estate photographer.
• Lighting, camera settings, and fundamentals of real estate photography.
• Creating a business from your real estate photography.

Key Takeaways:

• Real Estate photography is a high-volume field with a low barrier of entry, making it accessible to those getting into the industry.
• Either you live in a house or you know somebody who does and you can practice the fundamentals and practice now.
• People who persevere through failures will succeed.

“Learning real estate photography is a great way to fund your passion projects because you can take income from your photography while you’re learning and practicing. It’s just a great genre of photography to get into.” —  Thomas Vargeletis

Connect with Thomas Vargeletis:

Website: LAERRealty.com

Book: Full Time Real Estate Photographer

Show: Full Time Real Estate Photographer

LinkedIn: Thomas Vargeletis

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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You are in for a treat today for sure. Jeff Dachowski is Award winning Master Craftsman photographer and is a member of PPA’s Board of Directors, a PPA International Approved Juror, Certification Judge, and a Vatican Approved Photographer. Jeff is the President of the Society of XXV. We have a great discussion on how serving the industry has benefited his life and business.

In this episode, Luci and Jeff discuss:

• Taking the opportunity for learning wherever you can.
• Passing it forward whenever and however you can.
• Keeping in motion and picking your path.

Key Takeaways:

• When we serve, we get to have great conversations with those who are further along than us.
• If you want to be successful, talk to someone who is successful, and learn from them.
• It is easy to change direction when you are moving then when you are standing still. Pick a road and keep on moving with your clear vision in mind.

“The ability to walk up to someone and make sincere, genuine connections is such a big deal.” —  Jeff Dachowski

Connect with Jeff Dachowski:

Facebook: Dachowski Photography

Website: DachowskiPhotography.com & TheJAM.biz

Email: Jeff@DachowskiPhotography.com

YouTube: Dachowski Photography

Instagram: @dachowski_photography

Pinterest: Jeff Dachowski

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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Master Craftsman, Jeff Lubin has been the leading portrait photographer in the Washington DC area for over 35 years.  

In this episode, Luci and Jeff discuss:

• Creating a $1M studio and success in photography.
• Building your brand and building your image.
• Embracing what makes you different and what you love to create a successful career.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s hard to get a premium price for your work if you’re not an identity, you don’t have a brand, and you don’t have something that is specific to you.
• A lot of the answers you are looking for are already within. You are unique among everyone that has lived on the planet.
• There’s a lot to be said about emulation when you are learning the craft, but once you’ve learned the basics, the genius comes out when you take the imaginative ideas and put them into practice.

“You build the brand, and then you create enough synergy where people know your name. That’s a huge thing – where people not only know your brand, but they know your name. That’s the big thing.” —  Jeff Lubin

Connect with Jeff Lubin:

Facebook: Jeff Lubin’s Portrait and Business Tip of the Day & The Jeff Lubin Portrait Studio

Website: JeffLubin.com & PortraitPassion.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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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

Connect with Tony Corbell:

Twitter: @TonyCorbell

Facebook: Corbell Photographic Workshops

Website: TonyCorbell.com

Email: Tony@TonyCorbell.com

Instagram: @corbellworkshops

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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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

Connect with Meredith Ryncarz:

Twitter: @MeredithRyncarz & @TheRestartSpec1

Facebook: Meredith Ryncarz Photography

Website: MeredithRyncarz.com & TheRestartSpecialist.com

YouTube: Meredith Ryncarz & The Restart Specialist

Instagram: @meredithryncarz & @the_restart_specialist

Pinterest: Meredith Ryncarz Photography | Savannah Wedding Photographer

Connect with Luci Dumas:

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Twitter: @lucidumas

Instagram: theprofitablephotograph_pod

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

Email: luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas

Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In my next life want to be today’s guest! He is an adventure sports and event photographer in New Zealand and shares great stories.

In this episode, Luci and Mead discuss:

• Having a purpose and personality behind every photograph taken.
• Tips for finding and maintaining clients in your photography business.
• Standing out from everyone with a camera.

Key Takeaways:

• When you know who you are, you can put yourself in situations where you are a natural.
• As a professional, when things go pear shaped, you find a solution and look for other opportunities and options.
• Passion, dedication, and focus are the key to success. If you haven’t discovered these elements in your photography, look for them.

“If you’re out there shooting something because you think it’s going to make you money, you’re never going to stand out.” —  Mead Norton

Connect with Mead Norton:

Facebook: Mead Norton Photography

Website: MeadNorton.com

YouTube: Mead Norton Photography

LinkedIn: Mead Norton

Instagram: @meadnortonphotography

15% Discount off Coaching/Review Services by mentioning The Profitable Photographer

Book Recommendation: On the Road by Jack Kerouac & Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness by Edward Abbey

Connect with Luci Dumas:

Twitter: @lucidumas

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

Email:   luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas

Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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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

Connect with Rachel Brenke:

Facebook: TheLawTog® – the legal resource for photographers

Website: TheLawTog.com & RachelBrenke.com

Show: The Business Bites Podcast®

10% off of any forms or classes from TheLawTog.com: profit_tog-10

TheLawTog.com: profit_tog-10

Book Reference: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Richard B. Cialdini Ph.D.

Connect with Luci Dumas:

Twitter: @lucidumas

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

Email:   luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas

Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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 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

Connect with Marnie Clagett:

Facebook: Clagett Photography

Website: ClagettPhotography.com

Instagram: @clagettphotography

Email: Info@ClagettPhotography.com

Connect with Luci Dumas:

Twitter: @lucidumas

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

Email:   luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas

Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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In this episode, Luci and David discuss:

• The rigors of volume photography, and more specifically, sports team photography.
• Tips and tricks for networking and growing your contacts.
• The items people need to think about before trying volume photography.

Key Takeaways:

• Utilize social media to find the groups, teams, and people that you want to work with.
• Don’t give up! A “no” is not necessarily forever. Stay top of mind, be present, and somewhere along the way, someone will say “yes.”
• Be organized on the day – not only with crowd control and your equipment but with keeping track of who is being photographed.

“In volume photography, time is money. You have to get it all right in the camera, on photo day…It’s all about not touching every individual photo multiple times.” —  David Grupa

Connect with David Grupa:

Email: David@GrupaPortrait.com

Facebook: David Grupa Sports

Website: DavidGrupaSports.com

Instagram: @davidgrupa

Sports Check List: SportsChecklist.DavidGrupaSports.com

PPA Reference: PPA.com

Connect with Luci Dumas:

Twitter: @lucidumas

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

Email:   luci@lucidumas.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas

Website: LuciDumas.com

Coaching: LuciDumasCoaching.com

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