I was so jazzed to have a conversation with Ashley Lowder, a boutique newborn and maternity photographer and educator in Huntsville, Alabama. It was fantastic! She shares how she built a highly profitable business by focusing on exceptional client experience, not just taking pictures.
Ashley walks us through her concierge-style approach—from the first phone call to visiting clients in their homes, helping with wardrobe, and even installing artwork on their walls. It’s all about creating something meaningful and stress-free for her clients.
We also talk about newborn photography—lighting, wrapping, and the importance of safety—as well as staying calm and confident during sessions.
In this episode, we cover:
• Creating a high-touch, boutique photography experience • Why in-home consultations build connection and sales • Simple lighting tips for newborns • Wrapping basics and newborn safety • Separating your work from your worth
One of my favorite reminders: just because a session feels challenging doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
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.
Chris Wooley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, F-PPW—also known as The Photo Professor—is one of those people who makes you think differently in the best way. He’s a photographer, educator, and President-Elect of the American Society of Photographers, and he’s built his career around helping photographers make smarter, more intentional decisions.
And honestly… that’s what this whole conversation is about.
We talked about how every part of our work—lighting, lens choice, pricing, sales—is really just a series of decisions. And when we make better ones (with purpose instead of guessing), everything improves: our photos, our client experience, and yes… our income.
I especially loved how Chris simplifies the sales process. Instead of reinventing the wheel every time, he encourages creating a system that builds trust and guides clients naturally. No pressure, no awkwardness—just clarity and confidence. We also dive into pricing in a way that actually makes sense (what do you need, and how do you align that with your clients?).
And if you’ve ever struggled with selling wall art—this part alone is worth the listen. The way we present our work matters more than we think.
In This Episode:
• Why better decisions (not more effort) are the key to better photos and a stronger business
• How to simplify your sales process so it feels natural, not pushy
• A smarter approach to pricing that supports both you and your clients
• Why presentation—especially with wall art—can completely change your sales
This one is such a good reminder: you don’t need to do more… you just need to decide better.
And he has a $50 discount on his amazing new sales In Person Sales program IPS Viewer Lite at www.cwooley.com/profitable Use the code Profit50
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
In this solo episode, I explore the heart of photography—light. Inspired by the idea that “lighting is the love language of photography,” I delved into my passion and knowledge of light and lighting…and shared how light has the power to transform ordinary moments into something emotional, artistic, and truly unforgettable. This isn’t just about technique—it’s about learning to see light, shape it, and use it with intention.
Luci also breaks down how light and shadow work together to create depth, dimension, and mystery—because without shadow, everything feels flat. When you begin to understand both, your images become more expressive, more meaningful, and more impactful.
She also connects this to business: when your work feels more emotional and intentional, clients stop comparing prices—and start choosing you for your vision.
In This Episode:
• Why light and shadow are essential for creating depth, mood, and storytelling
• How mastering light elevates your work creatively—and helps you become more profitable
• The power of light direction (front, side, back) and how it shapes every portrait
• Easy, practical exercises to train your eye—using windows, your hand, or simple tools at home
This episode is both inspiring and practical—a reminder to slow down, observe, and play with light. Because when you truly understand it, your photography becomes something people don’t just see… they feel.
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.
I LOVED this episode of The Profitable Photographer with Suzanne Luttig, and I have to say—this conversation completely shifted the way I think about real estate photography.
It was so popular in 2023, I decided to give it a “reboot.”
What I love most about Suzanne’s journey is how intentional she was from the very beginning. When she decided to become a photographer, she didn’t just “wing it.” She went all in—education, mentorship, learning both the craft and the business side. It’s such a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident… it happens when we commit to learning, practicing, and showing up again and again.
We also talk about why real estate photography can be an incredible niche—especially for photographers who are a little further along in life and looking for something sustainable, creative, and profitable. Suzanne shares how this path opened doors for her in a way that felt aligned and energizing.
And honestly? She made it sound like so much more fun than most of us imagine. From chasing beautiful light to composing interiors with intention, there’s a level of artistry here that might surprise you.
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.
This episode felt like such a full-circle moment for me. I’m talking with my former photography mentee, Cortnie Davis, who has grown from an 18-year-old wedding photographer into a thoughtful consultant helping creative entrepreneurs build calmer, more sustainable businesses.
Cortnie began her career behind the camera and later added floristry to her creative life. Today she works at the intersection of creativity, systems, and sales, helping wedding professionals and other service-based creatives turn all that invisible behind-the-scenes work into intentional systems that actually support their businesses.
With a background in hospitality and years of client-facing experience, Cortnie believes strong processes should feel human and supportive — not rigid or overwhelming. She’s equal parts people-obsessed and spreadsheet-loving, and her work focuses on helping creatives build workflows that allow their artistry to thrive.
In our conversation, we also reminisce about her early photography days and the moment at a conference when a little encouragement helped her keep going. Hearing how that stayed with her all these years truly touched my heart.
We also talk about the powerful mindset shift from scarcity to service, and why documenting your workflows and using tools like HoneyBook and ShootProof can make running a photography business so much easier.
In this episode
• The moment of encouragement that helped Cortnie stay in photography • Why a service mindset can calm anxiety and make selling feel natural • How documenting your workflows can completely change your business • The importance of personal touches in client communication • Systems and tools that free creatives to focus on what they love
A thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, burnout, service, and building a photography business that feels calmer, clearer, and more profitable — without losing the human touch.
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.
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.
