I saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top.
Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry.
It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can completely change the way you run your business: the Blue Ocean Strategy.
The concept comes from sailboat racing, where most boats fight for space in the same crowded, chaotic waters. But the winners? They sail into calm, open water… the blue ocean. That’s where they move faster and with less resistance.
In business, this means stopping the hustle to compete and instead, creating something unique that sets you apart. It could be a specialty few photographers are photographing, OR a new way of running your business.
You don’t have to fight over price or copy what others are doing. You can stand out by being you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What a blue ocean is—and why it’s better than competing in a crowded market
How to shift your mindset and stop comparing yourself to others
Real examples of photographers who created their own space and thrived
A simple journaling exercise to help you start building your own blue ocean
This episode is your invitation to stop chasing and start creating. There’s plenty of room at the top!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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In this episode, I have an awesome chat with the super-talented Pete Coco, a successful headshot and portrait photographer. We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting your photography business, and yeah, it can be overwhelming. But Pete’s advice? Don’t worry—just start!
Pete specializes in headshots and portraits and is based in Garden City, New York, providing high-quality photography services to individuals from various industries, including business professionals, realtors, lawyers, doctors, actors, and models.
He also is a mentor and has a YouTube channel with 30,000 subscribers, where he talks about photography, gear reviews, and all sorts of things.
Pete shares so much valuable wisdom, including:
• The importance of finding a mentor who truly understands your vision.
• Staying passionate about the type of photography you want to do every day and creating work you love and want to be paid for.
• Embracing failure as a learning tool, instead of fearing it.
Pete also introduced us to his “CoCo Trio”—the perfect blend of work, business, and mindset. Mastering all three is essential for success. Plus, he drops some book recommendations like The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and the Tao Te Ching for extra inspiration.
His final gem? It’s never too late to start, and your photography doesn’t have to be the best in the world—it just needs to get started. You can catch Pete live at the Imaging Expo in Texas through Professional Photographers of America.
Bonus: Download any of Pete’s free videos, and he’ll share five of his all-time favorite portrait tips!
In today’s episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ruth Annan, and we had a rich and thought-provoking conversation about two very different topics: the importance of intentional diversity in our businesses and the pure joy of event photography. Ruth shares her insights on how embracing diversity can lead to richer experiences, deeper connections, and more interesting stories in both our personal and professional lives.
As a bonus, she shares how, as a business owner and a mother, she is able to rock both roles.
Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:
• Intentional Diversity: Ruth and I talk about how being intentional about diversity can transform our photography businesses, teaching methods, and overall approach to life. She encourages us to reach out and include people we might not interact with regularly, making our lives and work more vibrant and fulfilling.
• The Joy of Event Photography: We explore why corporate events can be both educational and profitable. Ruth’s successful business in corporate events, headshots, and video production showcases the potential of this niche, especially when combined with a diverse team and client base.
• Balancing Motherhood and Business: I investigate some of the challenges, solutions, and rewards while navigating life as both a businesswoman and a mother. She emphasizes that it’s okay to seek help and that integrating business responsibilities with family life can benefit everyone involved.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to build a more inclusive and profitable photography business. I am honored to have had this frank conversation with a very inspiring and brilliant person.
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Okay, gang…this episode is on the topic of Fear and how we can not let it hold us back from our greatness. As a solo episode, I dive into the topic and take a look at why we need to “Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway” (which is the name of my favorite book by the way on the subject)
I share with you some of my journey, starting with a core thought that I used to have all the time is that I would end up losing everything and becoming a ‘bag lady”…and how I changed that thought and am able to take big risks with confidence.
I look at what we are afraid of and how most times it is one of these things:
Loss
Someone else’s reaction, like judgment or disappointment
Physical consequence/ pain
Embarrassment
Self Criticism
And I share a tool where you can do a deep dive into your fears and get to the heart of it, and take the power away from it. I discuss the benefits of taking risks like hiring a coach, opening a studio, buying equipment, and how whatever we do will have benefits from it even if it doesn’t go the way we hope.
So…don’t let fear sabotage your success! Take the risks! You are going to be fine, always.
To connect about coaching or any other question feel free to
Email or message me on Facebook.
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
Today’s guest on The Profitable Photographer podcast is the incredible Jane Goodrich, a seasoned expert in newborn and family photography, mentor, the biggest cheerleader you’ll find for pricing yourself for profit, and the founder of the CRM Picsello.
Even though she specializes in photographing newborns and families now, Jane got her start in the world of advertising, and only moved into photography when she realized that she should be doing something with her life that she loves. Now, she’s an industry leader, having shared her expertise at multiple PPA-sponsored events, Ana Brandt’s The Baby Summit, The Milky Way Business Retreat, and on platforms like PetaPixel.
One of Jane’s biggest passions is helping photographers figure out profitable pricing for their business. So much so, that’s one of the key features of her CRM, Picsello. Who couldn’t use some insight on that?
Listen in as Jane and I discuss:
the importance of streamlining your photography business
the challenge and importance of pricing your photography
how to create a thriving business instead of “Job”
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.
