This week I get to hang out with Jeff Rojas—a mellow, super talented commercial photographer and former Adobe rep who’s been in the photography game for 14 years. His story started with something really personal…photographing a classic car with his grandfather…and it grew into a career that’s full of lessons for all of us.
Jeff and I cover a lot of ground in this episode, including the business of photography, the future of creative entrepreneurship, and how to thrive in commercial photography today. Here are just a few of the gems you’ll hear:
How wealth doesn’t really change people—it just turns up the volume on who they already are
Why working with clients who truly value quality is the key to a thriving business (money or no money)
Jeff’s approach to pricing: not fixed rates, but real value
What he learned as Adobe’s go-to-market manager and how that ties into the future of creative entrepreneurship
His refreshing take on AI—it’s not here to replace us, but to multiply what we can do
And my favorite: his “jawbone of a donkey” analogy—why you should use the skill you’re most afraid to use, the one you already have, instead of waiting for the perfect tool
Jeff also opens up about taking a much-needed break during 2020 to recover from burnout, and how he found his balance again. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about creativity, business, and the courage to make the most of what you’ve been given.
Here is how to check out what Jeff is up to and get in his orbit:
New episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.
What if your creativity isn’t something you have to chase… but something you can invite in, every single day?
This week, I’m joined by the wonderfully unique and inspiring Elizabeth Toller — a Certified Professional Photographer, fine artist, intuitive life coach, Reiki healer, tarot reader, and speaker on creativity as a lifestyle. She calls herself your “quirky guide to a more creative life,” and trust me, this conversation is exactly the kind of spark your creative heart has been waiting for.
In this episode, we dig into big ideas and practical tools, including:
The power of personal projects — why they’re more than just “side” work and how they can elevate your business, art, and life
How to turn everyday habits into intentional rituals that actually support your creative flow
The surprising role of creative daydreaming — and how it can make you more productive, not less
Why decluttering your mind is just as important as decluttering your space
Small steps to overcome doubt and start listening to the voice that lifts you up, not the one that holds you back
How to build a support system that fuels your momentum and keeps you inspired
Whether you’re deep in your photography business or just trying to find your creative rhythm again, Beth brings a fresh perspective that will help you simplify, focus, and reconnect with your artistic purpose.
This one’s all about possibility, purpose, and practical magic.
New episodes drop every week — make sure to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring guest or a powerful solo episode designed to help you grow your photography business.
Well, it is the fourth episode after three incredible interviews with brilliant and fun photographers. So it is time to go solo and dive into one of my absolute favorite topics… COLOR!
Color isn’t just pretty—it’s powerful. It tells stories, creates mood, attracts clients, and makes your photography truly stand out.
In this episode, I share some basic color science you probably learned in first grade. I touch on the emotional impact color gives us, and also how to use color intentionally in your work, whether you’re shooting portraits, building your brand, or just want your images to have more oomph and emotional impact.
Here’s what I’m covering in this fun, colorful conversation:
Why color is one of the most important tools in your creative toolbox
How color combos and tones affect how people feel when they look at your photos, OR your branding
How artists (and photographers) use color to create signature styles
Tips for using color in your client work—from wardrobe to wall portraits
Easy color challenges to inspire your creativity and find your personal vibe
I hope that after listening or watching the video, you never quite see the world, and your art in the same way!
You are awesome, by the way! Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
What an absolute joy this week’s episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast was to record! I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with celebrated and award-winning maternity photographer, Bethany Ellen. If you haven’t yet met her, she is a force to be reckoned with and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Believe it or not, Bethany didn’t attend her first photography conference, or even meet a full-time photographer until 5 years into her photography business. It was then that she decided to pursue photography full-time, invested in learning and mentors, and started stretching her creative muscles to build her photography studio and make her photography business dream come true.
Bethany and I had such an inspiring conversation, but I especially enjoyed that she shared her top 7 tips for kickstarting your creativity with us. I know that especially going into the new year it can be hard to get motivated to create something new, but with Bethany’s tips I’m sure you’ll have no problems lighting that fire.
Listen in as Bethany shares with us:
the importance of giving ourselves grace
how stepping out of your comfort zone can kick-start your creativity
the importance of rest as a creative
how being creative in another way can boost your photography creativity
so much more related to boosting your creativity
Interested in learning more from Bethany? Connect with her here:
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I am sharing some thoughts and strategies around money. Not the inner game or blocks or prosperity issues but some of the nuts and bolts about being in business.
You can listen on all the podcast platforms as well as my other 229 episodes or kick back and watch on the “You Tubes”. www.lucidumascoaching.com is a great place to check out what I am up to and offer.
Some of my tips include
1. Cash and income you might need to get started
2. How to set up 3 accounts in your business to help you stay profitable and not get caught cash poor at tax time
3. My perspective on paying for or sharing household responsibilities out of the family budget
Thanks in advance for following me here and podcast platforms.
Hugs! Luci
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
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.
