295: Debbie McFarland: Empowerment and Photography of Tweens

295: Debbie McFarland: Empowerment and Photography of Tweens

I had the most amazing time at PPA’s Imaging Expo and if you are one of my new listeners I met in Dallas…HELLO!!

We have the most incredible industry. We are so fun, dedicated, creative, smart and love to hang out together. I feel soooo blessed ho have had 40 years in this community.

This episode features Debbie McFarland, a photographer with 27 years of experience who’s found her passion in empowering tweens through photography. Tweens, ages 9-12, are at a critical stage of growth and transformation, and Debbie shares how capturing their beauty and confidence has not only impacted her clients but also grown her business.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why tweens are an underserved market and how focusing on them can make a meaningful difference.

• Debbie’s marketing strategies—from partnering with local businesses and therapists to hosting large community events.

• How heart-driven work leads to success, including her global kindness initiative, Sparks of Kindness.

Debbie’s story reminds us that passion, creativity, and connection can transform your business. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiration to incorporate more meaning into your work while thriving financially!

and connect with Deb at 

cedarhillstudio@comcast.net 

www.cedarhillstudios.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

294: Luci Dumas: Mastering In-Person Sales – Part 1: 7 Reasons to Make the Switch

294: Luci Dumas: Mastering In-Person Sales – Part 1: 7 Reasons to Make the Switch

I thought I would go back to the basics. It has been a while since I shared my step by step “In Person Sales System” so today, and in two weeks, I go deep into the Why and How of showing our work and helping people select art and albums they will treasure from their sessions.

Question 1-Are you ready to transform your photography business and take your sales to the next level? and

 2-Do you ever wonder how some photographers consistently generate thousands of dollars in portrait orders, selling multiple wall portraits and albums?

In this and the second episode on IPS, I’ll share how I average 3 to 7 wall portraits per client, and how my coaching clients regularly achieve orders of $2,000 to $4,000—and sometimes even more!

In this solo episode, I reveal 7 reasons why I love IPS and why it’s the ultimate way to:

  • Connect with your clients on a deeper level.
  • Provide incredible service while building trust.
  • Improve your photography and confidence.
  • Increase your income and thrive in your business!

From my journey of starting with nothing to building a thriving photography career, I’ll show you how IPS has been a complete game-changer for me and my clients.

Key Highlights:

  • Why IPS isn’t just about sales—it’s about serving your clients and creating joy.
  • How IPS can improve your craft as a photographer.
  • The surprising connection between higher client investments and stronger relationships.

Tune in to hear my story of resilience, the power of standing out in a competitive market, and why being a trusted advisor is the foundation of my sales system.

FREE GIFT: Don’t forget to grab my ebook, “10 Big Ideas for Marketing in the Real World,” at www.lucidumascoaching.com.

If you’re ready to stop competing on price and start thriving, this episode is for you!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

293: Heather Lahtinen: Minding Your Mind

293: Heather Lahtinen: Minding Your Mind

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: 

292: Shawn Black: Empowering Women with Stunning Photography

292: Shawn Black: Empowering Women with Stunning Photography

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: 

291: Dan McClanahan: Making People Feel Amazing Without Burning Yourself Out

291: Dan McClanahan: Making People Feel Amazing Without Burning Yourself Out

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: