Get ready to be inspired! This episode features Lauren DelVecchio, a lighting wizard and award-winning photographer. Based in Maine, Lauren is a PPA Master Craftsman, and Master of Wedding Photography.
She’s a five-time Maine Wedding Photographer of the Year, a two-time Team USA rep in the World Photographic Cup, and even placed 6th in the world for one of her fine art portraits—no big deal… okay, actually, huge deal!
As a MagMod Elite Ambassador, Lauren knows how to light up any scene—literally. Whether she’s shooting weddings, seniors, fine art, or boudoir, her off-camera lighting techniques set her apart and bring creativity and control to every shot.
In this amazing conversation, we talk about…
How she got started in photography
The magic of off-camera lighting and how it makes her work stand out
Juggling multiple photography specialties
Why she enters competitions and how it benefits her business
Lauren is offering 5% off all MagMod products with code LADPHOTOGRAPHY. Don’t miss out!
Running a profitable photography business is tough, but my guest in this episode proves that it can also be wildly profitable—if you take full responsibility for how you run it.
Meet Allison Tyler Jones, CPP, Master Craftsman, educator, photographer, author of four books, and host of the REWork Podcast.
I have to say that how she shares her vast knowledge and the foundations of a successful business, in a clear and super fun way, makes this a “must listen more than once” way.
According to Allison, is not your average photographer. She does not sell printable digital files, but she does run one of the most profitable portrait studios in the country. Instead of quick-turnaround sessions, she creates large-format wall art, family galleries, and custom albums designed specifically for her clients’ homes. Her signature style? A mix of lifestyle, commercial, and a little bit of chaos—what she calls “Art That Happens to Be Your Family.”
In this episode, we’re getting real about what it takes to build a thriving photography business, including:
How shifting to a value-based model attracts better clients and bigger sales
The importance of taking full responsibility for every aspect of your business
How setting clear client expectations leads to long-term success
Why staying in touch with your clients every year is the smartest way to have a solid business
Allison’s advice is direct, practical, and refreshingly honest. She’s here to challenge the way photographers think about pricing, client relationships, and profitability—because at the end of the day, success comes down to one thing: Owning it.
Bonus! Allison is giving away her Time-Blocking Tool—because let’s be honest, we could all use a little more time and a lot more structure. Grab it here!
Ever felt the urge to create just for yourself? This week, I’m chatting with Anjana Olson, an award-winning photographer, educator, and lighting guru, about her self-portrait journey and how it’s transformed her art AND her business.
Master photographer, Anj (Anjana) Olson is the portrait photographer of Anj Portrait Studio, serving Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding areas. After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Nutritional Science degree from Iowa State University, she chose to follow the path of photography and specializes in tangible fine art for her clients. Her work is influenced by her experiences as a Mama to 3 amazing sons, Wes Anderson movies, and her voracious appetite for books.
🌟 Oh, and did I mention?
5x Maine Wedding Photographer of the Year
2x Team USA competitor in the World Photographic Cup
Ranked 6th in the world for a fine art portrait!
Anj shares how she turned to self-portraits as a creative outlet during a challenging post-C-section recovery and the pandemic. She walks us through her process, from pulling inspiration from a jar of prompts to using a 5-second interval timer for seamless shooting.
Beyond creativity, Anj discusses how her self-portrait work has unexpectedly attracted clients interested in narrative-driven photography, bridging the gap between fine art and branding sessions. Plus, she offers insights into pricing strategies to ensure sustainable, profitable work.
We made it to Episode 300! I am beyond grateful for every listener who has joined me on this journey. With 70 solo episodes, 220 guest interviews, and listeners from over 100 countries, this podcast has grown into an incredible community of passionate photographers. Thank you for your support, engagement, and commitment to growing your photography businesses with me!
In this milestone episode, I reflect on my 42 year journey—from my background in wedding and family photography to coaching and producing this podcast. I highlight some of my most popular of 70 solo episodes with insights on in-person sales, overcoming fears, setting boundaries, and the power of positive thinking. Plus, I touch on key marketing strategies like networking and targeted promotions to help you grow your business.
Here are the episodes I invite you to revisit. Scroll to the bottom for my entire list of topics I shared over the last almost 6 years.
Episodes 294 & 296: In-Person Sales – My #1 topic! Learn how to sell wall art and albums while serving your clients at the highest level.
Episode 7: Selling Psychology – Key sales tips from my days selling makeup—use the right words, sell results, and get the sale in the moment.
Episode 117: Are You Good Enough? – Taming those inner critiques
Episode 137: Making the Phone Your Best Friend – How to book clients with confidence and talk about pricing the right way.
Episode 179: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – Why fear holds us back and how to push through it.
Episodes 105, 109 & 212: The Four Agreements in Business – Game-changing mindset shifts for business success.
Episode 273: Setting Boundaries – Teaching clients how to treat us and knowing when to walk away.
Episode 290: Abracadabra-Using the power of attraction and focus in business
Marketing tips on how to move away from social media and get out into the community
That’s a wrap on Episode 300! I’m so grateful for all of you who listen, share your feedback, and support this podcast. As long as I keep getting great guests and amazing responses, I’ll keep this going—it’s my way of giving back to our industry and helping you thrive.
If you want to make the most of these episodes, check out the transcripts (on Apple Podcasts, you can even copy and highlight key insights!). And of course, be sure to explore my solo episodes and guest interviews for more valuable lessons.
Thanks again for being part of this journey. Episode 301 is coming next week, and it’s a good one! Wishing you an amazing spring—or whatever season it is when you’re listening. See you next time!
Your pal, Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
I’m thrilled to welcome back Jeffrey Shaw—one of my most popular guests! This is his third time on the show, and for good reason. I first heard him speak at PPA’s Imaging USA, and he completely blew me away. Now, five years later, he is just releasing “Sell To The Rich”, and he shares so many great insights from this book. He also has 2 other amazing books in case you want more Jeffrey.
From humble beginnings, Jeffrey became one of the top portrait photographers in the U.S., with work featured on Oprah, CBS News, People Magazine, and displayed at Harvard University. He’s a speaker, author, business coach, TEDx presenter, and founder of The Self-Employed Business Institute.
So guess what? Luxury sales is not just about raising prices, having a fancy website, or advertising to wealthy people.
Jeffrey breaks down why selling to the rich is more about mindset than money. He shares why luxury is a way of being, how personal growth plays a role in sales, and why success starts with your own belief in value.
Listen for these key takeaways:
Luxury isn’t just a price point—it’s an experience.
Your real competition isn’t other photographers.
Judgment will cost you sales.
“Clean energy” is essential. Confidence, clarity, and authenticity are what attract high-end clients.
You need to embody luxury yourself. To sell the experience, you have to understand what it feels like.
His book is now available for presale early March 2025! Go to his website to be one of the first to get your hands on it jeffreyshaw.com
And thanks for subscribing to my YouTube channel and your favorite podcast platform.
Hugs, Luci
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.
