Hey, it’s Luci Dumas, and today’s solo episode is a little different because I am sort of “journaling” about my experiences around the topic and looking for my own answers as I explore a topic that’s been on my mind lately: motivation. Specifically, how we can find it, sustain it, and even question whether we always need it. Is it okay to just be sometimes? To live a simpler life without constantly striving for the next big thing? It’s a big question, and one that I’ve been pondering deeply.
As I thought about motivation, I kept coming back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You might remember it from a psychology class—it’s that pyramid of five human needs. It got me wondering: can understanding these levels help us reignite our drive when it feels like the spark is fading?
In this episode, I break down each level of Maslow’s pyramid:
• The basics like food and shelter.
• Our need for safety and security.
• The desire for connection and belonging.
• Building self-esteem and feeling accomplished.
• And finally, the quest for self-actualization—living our best, most fulfilling life.
I’ll share some thoughts on how these needs might be influencing your motivation—or lack of it. Plus, we’ll tackle that ever-present voice saying, “I should be doing more,” and decide if it’s always true. Spoiler: sometimes it’s okay to give yourself grace.
Some of the ideas on how to become or stay motivated I explore are suggestions to
• Identify the Blockages:
• Set Goals Aligned with Your Needs:
• Reflect and Reassess:
• Leverage Higher Levels for Inspiration
Tune in for a mix of self-reflection, practical tips, and maybe even a spark to get you motivated—or at least, to help you feel okay with where you are right now.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
In this episode, I share how to unlock your potential as a photographer by embracing an abundance mindset!
If you’ve ever thought, “My clients won’t pay that” or “This just won’t work here,” this one’s for you. Join me as we explore practical ways to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs and create the business you truly want.
Some of my one-way conversation (from me to you) includes
Common beliefs that may hold photographers back from charging what they’re worth
How to identify and connect with clients who value your work
Strategies for photographers in smaller communities or niche markets
Inspiring stories of photographers who broke through location or pricing barriers
Why abundance is about focusing on what you want and staying open to new possibilities
I hope you take the time to explore your own conclusions or excuses and adopt “new
and improved” thoughts that will help you be more resourceful and positive about
how to make your dreams come true!
Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Don’t take rejection personally. It is about them and not you and your photographs
You are selling love, or success, or memories, not your soul. Focus on them. Serve them.
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.
Good enough is all you need to be. They don’t need to be award-winning images. Awards don’t pay bills
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.
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.
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:
This week on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, we welcome guest Deevo to share his insight on the value of storytelling in your photography business marketing!
(Read till the end to grab his free gift!)
Starting off with a camera at 12 years old, Deevo has always had the spirit of an entrepreneur. Today, he leads a full life as a Thought-Leader, Photographer, Videographer, Blogger, serial entrepreneur, single father, and Strategy Consultant and Speaker. WOWZA!
He is an expert in creating digital architecture that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs market their services. And that is what he’s here to talk about today!
Digital Architecture? YES!
Deevo says the most effective way to communicate your brand is by intentionally structuring a story for your audience.
Storytelling is the epicenter of humanity. It is the common ground between strangers. If we can tap into storytelling, we can connect directly with our audience.
How can your photography business use storytelling on social media?
Be clear on your purpose and develop a strategy around it
Pick one channel
Plan it all in advance and schedule your posts!
Have aesthetic appeal
Be consistent
So, what’s your story? Listen to the episode now!
And look out for Deevo’s retreat coming at ya next summer!
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.
