entrepreneur

206: Tony Corbell: Mastering Light to Increase Success (Encore By Request)

Back by popular demand…this replay of one of my earliest podcast interviews deserves to be shared again, in case you missed it or because it it time to listen again.

What a treat! My good friend Tony Corbell and I have a rich discussion about lighting, the importance of quality for the profitable photographer, and much more. He has photographed or taught photographic technical skills over 700 times in more than 20 countries and world capitals as well as in all fifty US states. In his more than 40 years in photography, he has photographed some of the most recognized faces including three US presidents, world leaders at the United Nations, fashion models, celebrities, NASA astronauts, and he has so much wisdom to share.

In this episode, Luci and Tony discuss:

Tony’s career journey from never owning a camera to now photographing prominent leaders and celebrities.

Tips and takeaways on light in photography.

The importance of having a light meter, even with all of the new technologies that we have today.

Key Takeaways:

Keep your notes clean and keep the trust of your clients. You may earn a couple bucks by selling the photos, but you won’t keep the trust of those you photograph.

Understanding how the size of your light source factors into each and every shoot you do is key.

People are always watching, make sure you look and act professional in all aspects during the entire photography session.

“The size of a light source is directly relative to its distance from the sun.” — Tony Corbell

Connect with Tony Corbell:

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

205: Tashina Calhoun – Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence are Keys to Success

This week’s The Profitable Photographer Podcast guest is a photographer, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor. Please welcome the wonderfully inspiring Tashina Calhoun to The Profitable Photographer Podcast! 

In the photography world, Tashina specializes in collaborating with business owners looking to focus on strong brand recognition with custom-branded photography and content creation tailored to their business needs.

Having transitioned from corporate America to a full-time entrepreneur, Tashina owns and operates multiple businesses, each earning five to six figures individually. She is also the founder of the nonprofit One Belief Organization, focusing on educating students, families, and communities on mental health and emotional intelligence. 

205 - Tashina Calhoun - Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence are Keys to Success - The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas

Talk about an inspiring conversation! 

Mental health is a topic that has been important in my life because of family members with challenges, and it was so heartwarming to hear of the amazing work that Tashina is doing in communities across the country to bring more awareness to this sensitive and important topic. 

During our time together, I especially loved that Tashina dove into how business owners can focus more on their own mental health and emotional intelligence. 

Listen in as Tashina shares with us: 

  • why it’s important to set the tone in the space where you’ll be doing your session
  • the definition of emotional intelligence and what that means for your business
  • how to become aware of your own feelings and change a negative mindset
  • the best way to handle conflicts in your business

If you’ve been wondering how you can learn to be more perceptive of others’ feelings in your business or in front of your camera, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 

And, don’t forget, you can watch my interview with Tashina on The Profitable Photographer Podcast Youtube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Inspired by Tashina’s interview and interested in connecting with her? You can find her in all of these wonderful places: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

204: Luci Dumas “No More Starving Artist!” (Encore By Request)

In this solo episode, Luci takes on the topic of how to handle the challenge of artists who want to have a profitable photography business.

Here are some tips on how to just say NO to being a starving artist.

  1. See your photography as a product, learn to separate yourself from what you create emotionally. When you do this, your next step is to be skilled at sales and marketing and running a consistent business.
  2. Don’t take rejection personally. It is about them and not you and your photographs
  3. You are selling love, or success, or memories, not your soul. Focus on them. Serve them.
  4. You are selling your time. To make a living you MUST charge enough and learn how to sell to compensate you for the time you could spend at a different job.
  5. Good enough is all you need to be. They don’t need to be award-winning images. Awards don’t pay bills
  6. You do need to be proficient and results need to be repeatable. Learn the basics of photography. Study lighting, learn how to pose people in a way that makes them look their best AND evoke natural expression. And have the right equipment and skill to make it happen.
  7. Style. You don’t need to figure this out to make a great living. You need to know how to take photographs people want to pay for that also make you happy to create.
  8. Of course, it is vital to have the passion to produce the best work we possibly can every time. As your work is continually better, success does become easier.

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

203: Ursula Mentjez – How To Change your Limiting Beliefs

I think it’s safe to say that at some point we’ve all felt a little bit stuck…in our comfort zones, in our photography businesses, and in our lives. I know that I have. The person that helped me get over that “stuck” feeling? This week’s The Profitable Photographer Podcast guest and my long-time coach and friend, Ursula Mentjes. I couldn’t be more excited for you to meet her! 

Ursula is a leading expert on success and business growth and a USA Today, bestselling author of UpLevel NOW. She is a business strategist and coach who works with entrepreneurs ( like me!) to double their monthly revenue in as little as 30 days while working less. Ursula is also a keynote speaker and certified as an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Coach through the NLP Institute of California. She specializes in helping her clients release the limiting beliefs and blocks that hold them back from their greatest success. 

203: Ursula Mentjez - How To Change your Limiting Beliefs - Profitable Photographer Podcast with Luci Dumas

As self-employed business owners, it’s easy to stay stuck in our comfort zone. But staying where we are will never allow us to reach the goals we truly desire. Today, Ursula is here to teach us how to break through to the next level and get unstuck! 

Listen in as the life-changing, entertaining Ursula shares with us

  1. How to change limiting beliefs
  2. steps to double your sales
  3. How to get unstuck and leave your comfort zone

And if that weren’t enough on its own, Ursula is so graciously offering her amazing program as a gift to my community…, The Quantum Revenue Expansion Masterclass – just go to the link below https://www.ursulainc.co/quantum-revenue-expansion

Ursula’s final takeaway for us? It’s not too late to build the business of your dreams.

If you want to learn more from Ursula, you can find her here: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

202: Encore Episode: Erin Bonilla – The High Volume/High Average Pet Studio

This is an encore of my most listened-to episode. Woo hoo!

So why is this episode so popular? Well, to put it mildly, Erin’s photography business is off-the-charts successful. She has achieved that 7 figure dream and now has the freedom to work as much or as little as she wants. 

202 - Encore Episode - Erin Bonilla - The High Volume/High Average Pet Studio - Profitable Photographer Luci Dumas

And I’m beyond proud of her. She’s special to me because I was her coach early in her journey (5 years ago) and helped her choose pet photography as her niche.

Erin’s following her passion and it is working! 

Bonilla Pet Studio employs a team of photographers, salespeople, plus other support staff. Their entire team is made up of 16 amazing pet-loving people. As someone that is always growing and visioning, one of her big goals is to franchise her unique pet photography business. 

You won’t want to miss:

  • The reason Erin isn’t afraid to take risks.
  • The many ways that Erin puts her clients first.
  • Why Erin is a big fan of direct response marketing.
  • Her method for making important business decisions.
  • Her take on having a coach and whether it was worth it.

Erin’s business has grown quickly. She has had to hit the ground running and make some big decisions. She shares what has worked for her.

Connect with Erin:

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201: Booray Perry – A Lively Conversation Plus Tips on Photographing Bar and Bat Mitzvahs

Chances are you’ve heard of my guest on this week’s episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast at least once or twice. After all, as he says, he’s the only one with his name. Who is it? Why, the one and only Booray Perry! 

Booray Perry is a professional photographer in Tampa Florida, specializing in weddings, headshots, Bar Mitzvahs, and portraits. Before he picked up a camera, he was a professional radio announcer and comedian.

Booray uses his photography knowledge and his ability to talk non-stop to teach people worldwide about photography in a down-to-earth way. He has a reputation for taking complex ideas and explaining them in a way that doesn’t make your head explode. He is also the co-host of the Photobomb Podcast and has his own YouTube channel.

It was such a joy to have time with Booray to talk about all things photography, podcasts, Bar Mitzvahs, and life in general. As I assumed, Booray has always liked to learn (and he claims to be too smart for his own good), which is part of what makes him such a good photography teacher. 

Get excited about a candid conversation as Booray shares with me: 

  • why he’ll talk about the business of photography, but only how to build a business that you love
  • why it’s important for people to learn the nuts and bolts of photography
  • why he enjoys teaching others about photography (and how he picks what to teach)
  • the best-kept secret in the photography industry (hint: Bar and Bat Mitzvahs)

Of everything that Booray and I had the pleasure of talking about, I think my favorite takeaway from our conversation was this: You’re a photographer for life; it never goes away. 

Interested in learning more about photography from Booray? You can find him in all of these places: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

200: Celebrating 200 Episodes by Turning the Tables: Luci Dumas Gets Interviewed

It’s hard to believe this is the 200th episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast. But you know what they say… time flies when you’re having fun!

200 - Celebrating 200 Episodes by Turning the Tables - Luci Dumas Gets Interviewed - Profitable Photographer Podcast with Luci Dumas

And believe me, when I say, this episode was so much fun to record! To celebrate our 200th episode, the interview tables were turned and I was interviewed by a good friend, coaching client, and fellow podcast colleague, Kathleen Kent of Kathleen Kent Photography and The Household Six Podcast. 

Honestly, it was a little nerve-wracking turning the interviewer’s microphone over to Kathleen. After all, what do you ask a podcast host that’s hosted 200 photography business episodes? 

Well, as I’m sure you can guess, I shouldn’t have worried at all. Kathleen was an amazing host and brought some very insightful questions to our time together. Not only did we take a trip down memory lane to chat about how I got started as a photographer, but she also asked me about the choices I made in my early days of business, and if any of those still stand the test of time. (Spoiler alert, they most definitely did!)

200 - Celebrating 200 Episodes by Turning the Tables - Luci Dumas Gets Interviewed - Profitable Photographer Podcast with Luci Dumas

Listen in as we talk about:

  • How being involved in the photography community has impacted my business
  • The moment I knew that I wanted to be a photography coach
  • The pieces of advice I give to my photography coaching clients over and over again
  • My strategy for building a personal brand
  • Why you should just go for it when it comes to hiring a photography business coach
  • And finally, why I started The Profitable Photography podcast. 

I might be biased, but this episode is jam-packed with so much goodness, and Kathleen and I had such a fun time chatting together! 

Also, don’t forget, you can watch my interview with Kathleen on The Profitable Photographer Podcast Youtube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Interested in connecting with Kathleen? You can find her here: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

199: Luci Dumas – Success in Photography Through Live Education

When you hang out with people that are where you want to be, you grow to be like them. That is just one of the topics I cover in this recording.

Today’s episode is a solo show with yours truly, Luci Dumas, where I share my thoughts and stories about the importance of “Live and In Person” education. 

When you hang out with people that are where you want to be, you grow to be like them. That is just one of the topics I cover in this recording. Today’s episode is a solo show with yours truly, Luci Dumas, where I share my thoughts and stories about the importance of “Live and In Person” education.  As a lifelong learner, I have always taken the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, conventions, meetings locally and at a state and national level that are teaching everything from lighting, cameras, retreats, business, mindset, business, and such.  I know I own my over 40 years of full-time success partly to my participation in education IRL… “In The Real”. Of course, virtual classes, podcasts, books, and other remote way to learn and grow is great (especially podcasts and videos) But there is nothing quite like spending time with educators and students in rooms, and on location, and over lunch.  There are soooooo many reasons I believe that showing up physically is essential to our success. In this solo episode, I will share about   The value of hanging out with photographers   Why I learn more in person from the speakers  -Many opportunities for in-person education, especially from The Professional Photography of America  I also discuss why getting involved and serving our industry by being on boards, teaching, judging, and such grows us and our success exponentially. Hey…thanks by the way for subscribing to the show on my YouTube channel and the podcast platform you love the most. And for checking out www.lucidumascoaching.com or emailing me at luci@lucidumas.com

As a lifelong learner, I have always taken the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, conventions, meetings locally and at a state and national level that are teaching everything from lighting, cameras, retreats, business, mindset, business, and such. 

I know I own my over 40 years of full-time success partly to my participation in education IRL… “In The Real”. Of course, virtual classes, podcasts, books, and other remote way to learn and grow is great (especially podcasts and videos) But there is nothing quite like spending time with educators and students in rooms, and on location, and over lunch. 

199 - Luci Dumas - Success in Photography Through Live Education - Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas2

There are soooooo many reasons I believe that showing up physically is essential

to our success. In this solo episode, I will share about

  •  The value of hanging out with photographers
  •  Why I learn more in person from the speakers
  •  Many opportunities for in-person education, especially from The Professional Photography of America 

I also discuss why getting involved and serving our industry by being on boards, teaching, judging, and such grows us and our success exponentially.

Hey…thanks by the way for subscribing to the show on my YouTube channel and the podcast platform you love the most.

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

198: Teshorn Jackson – Systems as the Key to Success in Photography and All Businesses

Guest Teshorn Jackson and I have been Facebook friends and finally got to meet in person at WPPI in March. I immediately decided that we needed to do a podcast episode together, and here we are! 

If you’re not familiar with Teshorn, he is a man of many hats (and he always has a fascinating hat on).  Not only is he an award-winning wedding photographer, but he is also an educator that has traveled as far as Kenya and Cuba to teach. Teshorn also created an online community for Black Wedding Photographers across the globe to help establish, nurture, and educate members of the community. 

Fun fact: Teshorn studied architecture, and only picked up a camera because he was able to negotiate the seller down in price (just to try out his negotiating skills).  And just look where he is now. 

We had a wonderful conversation! We talked about everything from using architecture in photos, to the pros and cons of being an introvert that needs to sell, and even chatted about how utilizing systems as an entrepreneur can help you ensure that you can run any type of business. 

For instance, Teshorn shares that for wedding photographers, using these three things in your systems will help make your couples want to work with you more, so you have to sell to them less.                                                           

  1. The key to selling starts with listening and asking both relevant and non-relevant questions.
  2. Use psychology: fear of loss, the desire of gain. 
  3. Have a System! Create a written process and edit it on a regular basis to make sure it still works for you.

Teshorn’s final thoughts for us: Things that become ordinary to you, could be extraordinary to someone else later on. The value of education is priceless. Take care of your clients, they matter. Even if you don’t have all the answers it’s okay to just jump. 

Not only did Teshorn share all of this valuable information (and so much more!) with us, but he’s also offering $250 off registration to The Resolve Workshop, which will be held next January in Mexico City. Just mention my name for the discount. What a gift!  Register here: http://www.resolveworkshop.com

Interested in learning more from Teshorn? Connect with him here: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

197: John DeMato – Photographing Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Authors with Visual Storytelling

This week on The Profitable Photographer Podcast I’m so excited to welcome John DeMato, a visual storytelling expert that photographs speakers, authors, trainers and consultants to create world-class, image assets that position them as an authority In their space of expertise. 

197 - John DeMato - Photographing Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Authors with Visual Storytelling - Profitable Photographer Podcast with Luci Dumas

By using collaboration, strategy and execution, he sets clients up for success beyond the photo sessions by educating them on how to leverage their portraits, book images, virtual and live event photos across their online presence. 

And what a fascinating conversation John and I had all about empowering, and creating a magical experience for those he serves! 

With 22 years of experience behind the camera as a former television producer, John knows exactly how important it is to create a valuable experience for his clients. This experience is built on using strategy to create consistent results for each client, capturing a visual variety of images during a session, and, surprisingly, thinking more like a marketer than a photographer. 

But, John didn’t start his business intending to make headshots his specialty, he just happened to be doing them on the side. In fact, it took him a while to build his business. He built his business by focusing on 2 things: being intentional through communication and building relationships. In addition to focusing on communication, John is also very active in his social media world. 

John’s strategy for creating consistent results starts with having a strategy call with each client. During that call, he focuses on 4 things: 

  1. Getting to who they are
  2. Finding out where the resources are
  3. Getting to know their personality
  4. Building rapport so the client feels comfortable with him. 

His end goal for each session is always the same: to think like a marketer more than a photographer, to serve his clients, and to be a collaborator with them. 

John’s final words for us? It is a gift to make a living in photography and it is something that needs to be earned. Believe in yourself

Want to connect with John for more inspiration? You can find him here: 

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

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