This solo episode with me, Luci Dumas, was inspired by a visit to an art museum in Indianapolis. There was an exhibit called “Portraiture and Identity”, celebrating the history of portraiture since the beginning of time.
I was moved to tears realizing that my/our profession has been a part of something so big and valuable. So important both in history, art, and to people personally.
I felt so much pride being a part of this legacy!
I felt humble knowing I was following in the footsteps of the world’s greatest painters, photographers, and sculptors!
And I felt so grateful to have been creating photographic art of people for over 41 years, as well as teaching and mentoring others in this profession, and producing objects that are treasures for so many people!
During this one-way conversation (from me to you) I…
explore the rich tradition of portrait artists throughout history and how contemporary portrait photographers continue to be an integral part of this legacy…how modern portrait photographers are heirs to this long-standing tradition and draw inspiration from the masters who came before them.
talk about 6 reasons why portraits are valuable
and attempt to convey and celebrate the medium and our place in it as photographers.
After recording this episode, I thought of about a zillion other things I might have mentioned on this topic because it is such a big subject. But my main goal is just to connect the dots from the first humans to create a likeness of a person to today, and how photographers are just as important as any portrait artist using a variety of mediums. And to celebrate our contributions to the world!
Back by popular demand…this replay of one of my earliest podcast interviews deserves to be shared again, in case you missed it or because it it time to listen again.
What a treat! My good friend Tony Corbell 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 40 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
This week’s The Profitable Photographer Podcast guest is a photographer, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor. Please welcome the wonderfully inspiring Tashina Calhoun to The Profitable Photographer Podcast!
In the photography world, Tashina specializes in collaborating with business owners looking to focus on strong brand recognition with custom-branded photography and content creation tailored to their business needs.
Having transitioned from corporate America to a full-time entrepreneur, Tashina owns and operates multiple businesses, each earning five to six figures individually. She is also the founder of the nonprofit One Belief Organization, focusing on educating students, families, and communities on mental health and emotional intelligence.
Talk about an inspiring conversation!
Mental health is a topic that has been important in my life because of family members with challenges, and it was so heartwarming to hear of the amazing work that Tashina is doing in communities across the country to bring more awareness to this sensitive and important topic.
During our time together, I especially loved that Tashina dove into how business owners can focus more on their own mental health and emotional intelligence.
Listen in as Tashina shares with us:
why it’s important to set the tone in the space where you’ll be doing your session
the definition of emotional intelligence and what that means for your business
how to become aware of your own feelings and change a negative mindset
the best way to handle conflicts in your business
If you’ve been wondering how you can learn to be more perceptive of others’ feelings in your business or in front of your camera, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
And, don’t forget, you can watch my interview with Tashina on The Profitable Photographer Podcast Youtube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
Inspired by Tashina’s interview and interested in connecting with her? You can find her in all of these wonderful places:
In this solo episode, Luci takes on the topic of how to handle the challenge of artists who want to have a profitable photography business.
Here are some tips on how to just say NO to being a starving artist.
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.
Don’t take rejection personally. It is about them and not you and your photographs
You are selling love, or success, or memories, not your soul. Focus on them. Serve them.
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.
Good enough is all you need to be. They don’t need to be award-winning images. Awards don’t pay bills
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.
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.
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.
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
I think it’s safe to say that at some point we’ve all felt a little bit stuck…in our comfort zones, in our photography businesses, and in our lives. I know that I have. The person that helped me get over that “stuck” feeling? This week’s The Profitable Photographer Podcast guest and my long-time coach and friend, Ursula Mentjes. I couldn’t be more excited for you to meet her!
Ursula is a leading expert on success and business growth and a USA Today, bestselling author of UpLevel NOW. She is a business strategist and coach who works with entrepreneurs ( like me!) to double their monthly revenue in as little as 30 days while working less. Ursula is also a keynote speaker and certified as an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Coach through the NLP Institute of California. She specializes in helping her clients release the limiting beliefs and blocks that hold them back from their greatest success.
As self-employed business owners, it’s easy to stay stuck in our comfort zone. But staying where we are will never allow us to reach the goals we truly desire. Today, Ursula is here to teach us how to break through to the next level and get unstuck!
Listen in as the life-changing, entertaining Ursula shares with us
How to change limiting beliefs
steps to double your sales
How to get unstuck and leave your comfort zone
And if that weren’t enough on its own, Ursula is so graciously offering her amazing program as a gift to my community…, The Quantum Revenue Expansion Masterclass – just go to the link below https://www.ursulainc.co/quantum-revenue-expansion
Ursula’s final takeaway for us? It’s not too late to build the business of your dreams.
If you want to learn more from Ursula, you can find her here:
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.
