I saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top.
Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry.
It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can completely change the way you run your business: the Blue Ocean Strategy.
The concept comes from sailboat racing, where most boats fight for space in the same crowded, chaotic waters. But the winners? They sail into calm, open water… the blue ocean. That’s where they move faster and with less resistance.
In business, this means stopping the hustle to compete and instead, creating something unique that sets you apart. It could be a specialty few photographers are photographing, OR a new way of running your business.
You don’t have to fight over price or copy what others are doing. You can stand out by being you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What a blue ocean is—and why it’s better than competing in a crowded market
How to shift your mindset and stop comparing yourself to others
Real examples of photographers who created their own space and thrived
A simple journaling exercise to help you start building your own blue ocean
This episode is your invitation to stop chasing and start creating. There’s plenty of room at the top!
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.
This week, I had a powerful and heart-centered discussion with Johl Dunn, a talented Australian photographer turned mindset and business coach. We had such a great conversation a few years ago that I knew I would love another chance to connect.
Johl spent over 20 years running successful wedding and portrait studios, earning titles like Creative Asia Wedding Photographer of the Year along the way. Now, he helps photographers build profitable businesses by combining strategy with mindset, self-awareness, and a little science-based spirituality.
We talked about:
Why slowing down can actually make you more productive
How to avoid burnout and self-sabotage
His morning routine to start the day with intention
The connection between gratitude, balance, and success
How to shift limiting beliefs that hold photographers back
Johl’s approach is holistic, honest, and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to grow a business and a life they love.
He’s also offering 3 free 1-on-1 strategy sessions to listeners!
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.
This week on The Profitable Photographer, I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Angela Lawson, an international award-winning pet photographer with 28 years of experience. For the past 15 years, she’s focused exclusively on animals of all shapes and sizes—from dogs and cats to reptiles and pocket pets.
She has also earned her Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from the International Society of Animal Photographers and has taken the PPA judges’ training
Angela shares how understanding animal behavior and breed traits has been essential to her success, and how she brings compassion and purpose to every session.
One of her most meaningful offerings is her Legacy Sessions, created for senior or terminally ill pets. These sessions capture the deep bond between pets and their people and result in lasting keepsakes like albums and wall portraits.
Her sadness that she doesn’t have nice portraits of a beloved pet that passed over the rainbow bridge motivated her to start, and teach, this specialty.
She breaks down some of the things to know before one of these special sessions.
How to gently navigate emotional sessions and support grieving clients
Why it’s important to research each animal before photographing them
How Angela uses local groups and The Tilly Project to market Legacy Sessions
Tips for intentional business building and meaningful client relationships
Whether you’re already photographing pets or thinking about it, Angela’s insights will help you connect more deeply with clients and create work that truly matters.
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.
This week on The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my repeat guest, Larry Hershberger — an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist often called a modern-day Norman Rockwell. For over 35 years, Larry has been creating magical, theatrical, emotion-filled art, with clients in more than 50 countries. You’ve probably seen his Santa and Christmas artwork — those nostalgic, wonder-filled images that take you right back to being a kid.
But this episode isn’t about Santa… it’s about superheroes.
Larry and his wife Ela have a daughter with Down Syndrome, Anna Rose, and she’s the heart behind his most meaningful project yet — the Don’t Fear Me campaign. Through stunning portraits of children with Down Syndrome, Larry is changing the world’s perception — one photograph at a time.
And yes, we talk about the business side too. Because as magical as his portraits are, Larry is also practical. He shares how he’s making this passion project sustainable without burning out or going broke — a lesson all of us creative hearts can learn from!
We talk about:
• How Larry blends advocacy and art to make a lasting impact
• Why it’s totally okay to sell artwork and still do good in the world
• His journey as a father and artist, and how it’s shaped his mission AND saved lives!
This episode is full of heart, hope, and truth — and might just inspire you to look at your own photography in a whole new way.
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.
Okay…solo time. This episode might seem short but if you take the challenge and write out the answers to my suggestions, it might just change everything for you. You could find that your photography business hits new levels of success and fulfillment?
In this solo episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m walking you through a step-by-step process to get crystal clear on your dreams and goals. And discover some issues standing in your way of having it all just the way you want your life and business to be.
Having a clear intention, and knowing what to do to reach this vision is incredibly powerful
Whether you’re dreaming of a six- or seven-figure income, more time freedom, or simply getting paid well for doing what you love, this episode will help on your journey.
These specific steps have helped so many of my coaching clients move more powerfully towards their dreams.
• Your Big Dream – What does success look like for you? Let’s get specific!
• Your Deep Why – The personal and powerful reasons behind your goals (because this is what keeps you going when things get hard).
• Your Roadblocks – What’s really getting in the way? This is a chance to uncover the mindset blocks, habits, or fears that might be holding you back.
• What’s next? How do you take this knowledge and move more powerfully towards your goals
Plus, this June I’m offering a free “Create The Business of Your Dreams” strategy session to 5 people who would like help with this process. Whether you’re brand new to the industry or a seasoned pro needing a fresh direction, this session is my gift to help you gain clarity and confidence.
Just book a 20-minute chat to start the process at www.lucidumascoaching.com
This episode is perfect if:
• You’ve been winging it in your business and want to create a real plan.
• You’re feeling stuck, scattered, or just not hitting your income goals.
• You’re ready to turn your passion for photography into a thriving, profitable business — with intention.
Grab your journal, tune in, and let’s map out the path to your dream photography life together!
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.
