On The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I’m joined by the wonderful Kimberly Olker for a conversation about pivoting, community, creativity, and building a photography business that can evolve with you over time.
Kimberly has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, specializing in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and portraiture. She’s also a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, educator, and recent winner of the top landscape image award at Imaging USA’s International Photographic Competition.
We talk about: • What photographers need to know about photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs • Why community and referrals are everything in this niche • How Kimberly pivoted during the pandemic to continue serving families • Transitioning into fine art and landscape photography later in your career • Financial wisdom for photographers planning long-term success • Why creativity and adaptability matter so much as entrepreneurs
Kimberly also shares beautiful insights about mentorship, service, and creating a business that supports both your life and your joy.
One of my favorite takeaways from this episode: “Look for something beautiful… and even better, create it.”
If you’ve ever wondered about photographing Bar Mitzvahs, transitioning into a new genre, or creating a business that gives you more freedom over time, this episode is full of wisdom and heart.
You can find Kimberly at Olker Photography and learn more about her teaching, mentoring, and photography work there.
And as always, I’d love for you to subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and connect with me at Luci Dumas Coaching.
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’m talking about something so many photographers and creatives struggle with: learning to separate our work from our worth.
It’s easy to believe that if clients love our images, we are lovable… and if they don’t book, buy, or question our pricing, somehow we’re not enough.
The truth is: your value is inherent. It is not determined by sales, praise, bookings, or outside validation.
In this episode, I share personal stories—from selling bouquets made from my neighbors’ flowers as a kid (oops!) to my journey as a recovering perfectionist—and how those experiences shaped my need for approval.
We cover:
• Why photographers confuse their product with their identity • The 4 kinds of potential clients—and why “no” isn’t personal • How fear of criticism holds us back • How to learn from mistakes without spiraling • Why growth matters more than perfection
This episode is a reminder that you are worthy and valuable—whether someone books you or not.
As always, I’m cheering you on.
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.
I was really excited for this conversation with Jamar Jones—and it did not disappoint. He’s the real deal when it comes to branding, mindset, and building a business that actually grows.
He was a featured speaker at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year and got rave reviews. Author of the book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life AND host of The Foureva Podcast.
In this rich conversation, Jamar shares how he went from music to photography and videography, and then into business advisory. This journey included opening for TI, Snoop Dogg, and Keyshia Cole as a hip-hop artist. Then created a thriving photography business. and a company called Foureva Media, where he is a branding/business advisor for clients such as Marcus Lemonis and Red Bull.
We talk a lot about something I know so many of us struggle with—how to grow when we feel stuck. His answer? Change your circle. Not by abandoning people, but by expanding into spaces where you’re challenged, supported, and inspired. By networking is ways that work with people who can support you and that you support in return.
We also get into the balance of Mindset and Action (he says it’s 50/50), how to introduce yourself in a way that makes people lean in, and why soft skills might matter even more than your technical skills.
A few things we cover: • A better way to network (and actually connect) • Why mindset + action both matter • Building referral relationships that last
And I love this question he shared for networking: “What exciting things are you working on right now?” So much better than “What do you do?”
If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re doing all the things but not getting where you want to go, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.
You can find Jamar at Forever Media and check out his book Change Your Circle, Change Your Life.
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 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.
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.
