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:
Get ready for a lovely and super practical episode! This week, I’m hanging out with the amazing Brenda Pottinger—photographer, educator, and marketing genius. She also has a heart for giving back and before we chat about her easy marketing strategies, she shares her love for helping others using the power of photography.
Who is Brenda? Well, with degrees in Art-Graphic Design and Mass Communications from Emory & Henry College, she jumped into the world of weddings and portraits in Cincinnati. Over the next 20 years, she built a thriving business, picked up a few well-earned photography degrees (like Master of Wedding Photography, Master of Photography, and Certified Professional Photographer), and even served on the PPA Council.
Oh—and no big deal—she was nominated for Top Ten Wedding Album at the International Photographic Competition and named Photographer of the Year twice by Professional Photographers of Southwest Ohio!
Inside this episode, we chat about:
• How a Girl Scout camera sparked her lifelong love of photography
• Her 7-step “Marketing Made Easy” method
• Why it’s all about relationships, not just ads and posts
• Knowing exactly who you want to photograph (and how to find them)
Brenda is also teaching a PPA Super One Day Workshop called Marketing Made Easy on May 14—don’t miss it! Just log on to the PPA website to sign up for her class.
Trust me, you’re going to come away from this episode smiling and ready to tackle your marketing with way less stress.
Oh friends, you’re going to love this episode! I have been a fan of Karen McCall and her art, and met her in person at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year. I am thrilled that she agreed to be my guest today because a true artist and Photoshop wizard.
Karen’s been rocking the photography world for 35+ years and has all the accolades—Team USA, Diamond Photographer of the Year, ASP State Elite Award for 7 years running—but what really impressed me is her down-to-earth heart for creativity and teaching.
We dive deep into her passion for digital art—especially Photoshop painting and compositing—and how it’s become not only her creative outlet, but also a profitable part of her photography business. and how art has been her business booster and her therapy.
(click images below to expand)
Some gems you’ll hear:
• The step-by-step of her creative painting process
• How she approaches a new piece from scratch (hint: start with something you love!)
• Why AI has a small role in her work—and why that’s intentional
• Tips for photographers who want to dip their toes into digital art
• How art, joy, and profit can all go hand-in-hand
FYI…She has an amazing workshop “Photoshop Painting from Drab to Fab”, where students learn how to turn simple images into masterpieces.
And she’s sharing a free gift! Check out her site for downloadable goodies: 👉 education.karenmccall.com
I am a huge fan of my guest for this week, Andrew Hellmich. A photographer with 25 years of success and the host of a top-rated photography business podcast, he has done so much to support photographers and photographic educators (like me) with his 612 episodes of Photo Biz Xposed (PhotoBizX), which features industry experts sharing powerful insights on marketing, pricing, advertising, and business growth.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, We have a rich conversation about how building powerful relationships, becoming known in your community, and smart networking can take your photography business to the next level.
Here is a taste of what you will hear…
• Wedding photography pricing over the years and how to stay competitive in a saturated market
• A genius upsell trick Andrew learned at an AIPP conference that boosted album sales
• Why networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about giving value and building real connections
• My experience with gift certificate partnerships, and Andrew’s success teaming up with a local vet
• A brilliant SEO strategy: Andrew interviews vendors and turns it into blog content that ranks on Google and deepens community ties
He is such a warm and generous soul, and is always full of new actionable tips and inspiring ideas. Let me know your takeaways.
Hey there, friends! It’s just me, Luci, flying solo on this episode of The Profitable Photographer.
In my 40+ years as a portrait and wedding photographer, I’ve learned just how important it is to prepare both myself and my clients before a session—and to have a clear plan in place once we start shooting. Sure, there’s always room for spontaneity and creative surprises, but I always carry a mental blueprint to guide the flow of each session.
In other words, I’ve developed a specific, intentional process that helps me create beautiful images and keep everyone happy and relaxed… even the toddlers!
Here’s a peek at what I share in this episode:
My pre-planning checklist (including the 8 key things I always go over)
How to keep kids (and parents!) calm and cooperative
The best time of day to schedule sessions
Why it’s essential to know your locations and the light
My must-have gear
The importance of flexibility, breaks, and having backup supplies
Whether you’re brand new to photographing families or just want to fine-tune your process, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you show up confident, prepared, and ready to create magic.
P.S. One big bonus? You’ll walk in with way more confidence—and walk out with more beautiful, sellable images.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
