Meet Dan McClanahan, a photographer based in Ames, Iowa, who’s making waves in the world of photography. With honors like representing Team USA and being a Top 10 finalist in the World Photographic Cup, Dan knows his stuff. AND he’s a featured speaker at SYNC and Imaging USA too!
Oh and…he is a super nice guy
In this episode, we dive into:
• How Dan uses light to tell stories and connect with his clients.
• His career shift from a bustling studio to a solo business that fits his life and family.
• How Rolling Stone Magazine was his big inspiration
• Dan’s process for creating portraits that reveal his clients’ true beauty and worth.
• The difference between commercial and personal photography and how he balances both.
Dan’s approach is as inspiring as it is relatable. Whether he’s collaborating on commercial shoots or designing personal portraits that actually change people’s lives, he’s all about authenticity and creativity. Dan’s advice for photographers? Keep pushing yourself and your craft—and remember, what you do is important!
Hello and Happy New Year! This has been one of the MOST popular episodes so I thought it would be a great one to start out 2025. Here we go….Magic is real. Thoughts have power.
In this repeat episode I am going FULL Woo Woo and talk about the power we have to become a magnet for success, attracting what we want in life, both big and small. The secret powers we have to manifest things like great photography clients, relationships, abundance, even a pair of the perfect sunglasses. (Listen for the tale of lost the sunglasses).
I often touch on this subject in my other podcasts and decided to go for it and claim my truth…that this stuff works (TSW) and that I use it all the time.
If the woo woo, or calling it the power of the Universe or God or a spiritual teacher is not your thing, you can call it awareness or accessing our own genius. Whatever you call it, my experience is that it is real, that actions combined with these manifesting principles go hand in hand to create the life we desire.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer I share my perspective and experiences through
fun stories about my small miracles
reference books and teachers on the topic
tools like affirmations and visualizations
the principles of the laws of attraction
where this teaching came from historically
the importance of positive energy/vibration and how to raise it
And how there is a loving and creative force always listening to our desires and ready to bring us what we want and that the more clear we are, the faster these things can come our way.
I am visualizing this episode being the perfect one for you right now, whether you have been on team “Law of Attraction” or this is new for you. Because you deserve to have all good things in your life!!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
This special episode of The Profitable Photographer is a little gift just for you! It’s a sneak peek of my guest appearance on Andrew Helmich’s PhotobizX podcast. I was honored to join nine other amazing coaches to share some top tips for thriving in 2025. And because I didn’t want you to miss a second of my part, I’m sharing it here—with an extra bonus tip just for my listeners!
I’m keeping it short and sweet because I know this season is packed with celebrations. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into my three big recommendations for kicking off 2025 on the right foot:
Use IPS with a Projector: Build trust, connect deeply with your clients, and watch your profits soar. This strategy not only boosts sales but also gives you a confidence boost as your clients laugh, cry, and hug you during their sessions!
Embrace Accountability: It’s easy to blame external challenges, but real growth starts from within. Use slower seasons to sharpen your skills, refine your branding, and tackle those marketing updates you’ve been putting off.
And here’s your bonus tip: Build a rock-solid email and snail mail list. From postcards to newsletters, staying in touch with your clients and leads is the secret sauce to long-term success.
Tune in for inspiration, actionable tips, and a sprinkle of fun to kickstart your best year yet! Don’t forget to visit www.lucidumascoaching.com to snag your free strategy session.
Let’s make 2025 your most profitable—and joyful—year ever! 🎉
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
On this episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I chat with Scott Wyden Kivowitz, a talented photographer, educator, and storyteller who has mastered the art of surprise proposal photography. As the Community Manager and podcast host at Imagen (an AI editing program), Scott balances his roles as a father of two, husband, photographer, and host of the “Workflows Photography Podcast”.
Scott’s journey into proposal photography began during the pandemic and has since become a passion, blending his love for storytelling with his commitment to delivering unforgettable client experiences.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
• Scott’s secrets to capturing those high-stakes moments in proposal photography.
• Why preparation and having the right gear—like dual cameras—are crucial for success.
• How Scott balances photography with his role at Imagen, offering tools like personalized photo editing, culling, and cloud backup.
• Why he encourages photographers to embrace In-Person Sales (IPS) for higher profits and better client service.
• The importance of using a CRM for organizing workflows and staying efficient.
And since his passion is helping people master their workflow, we also discuss ways to create more time in our lives for both the business and our personal lives.
Scott’s ability to teach in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way shines throughout the episode, and he even shares tips on using Imagine, with an exclusive link for 1,500 free edits. Whether you’re curious about proposal photography or looking to streamline your business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.
Where in the world would you love to photograph clients and get paid really well for your photography including all your expenses? Paris? Costa Rica? New Zealand?
I loved my conversation with Denise Watrous who has built a wonderful business that includes traveling to amazing locations. She reveals so much about how you can do the same.
She is an award wining, Certified Professional Photographer from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Denise is a master of destination portraits, blending her passion for travel with her talent for creating vibrant, personalized portraits.
We dive into:
• The secrets behind her stunning destination portraits.
• How she tackles the challenges of on-location lighting and logistics.
• What it takes to price and plan travel-based photography sessions.
• Why senior portraits hold a special place in her heart (hint: it started with her kids!).
• The gear she swears by for on-location shoots.
Denise’s love for storytelling through portraiture and her adventurous spirit will inspire you to dream big and explore new horizons. Whether you’re ready to take your work global or just looking to up your on-location game, this episode is for you!
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.
