This week on the show, I’m chatting with Jeff — a PPA Master Photographer, Craftsman, educator, and author of 2, soon to be 3, books including “The Professional Photography Playbook: Mastering Portrait Photography, Branding and Business Success.” Jeff is has been one of the most successful portrait photographers in the US for 40 years and counting. His classic style and tried and true business structure has kept his photography studio earning high 6 figures and even 7, while giving him time to golf, teach, write, and enjoy life.
We talk about what happened when he left his government job to chase his dream of becoming a full-time photographer. He turned that leap into a 40+ year career full of awards, sold-out sessions, and major industry influence.
And with 80 years of experience between us and a passion for helping others, we “commiserate” on what it takes to start and sustain a highly profitable portrait photography business and all the joys it brings.
We’re talking about:
• Why branding, client relationships, and a recognizable style are your best business tools
• The secret sauce behind genuine expressions and timeless portraits
• Why continuous learning (even after 40 years!) is non-negotiable
• And how Jeff’s new book can help you build a stronger, more profitable business
Whether you’re new to the industry or have been behind the camera for decades, this episode is full of aha moments, business gold, and inspiration to keep going — and growing.
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.
What if your creativity isn’t something you have to chase… but something you can invite in, every single day?
This week, I’m joined by the wonderfully unique and inspiring Elizabeth Toller — a Certified Professional Photographer, fine artist, intuitive life coach, Reiki healer, tarot reader, and speaker on creativity as a lifestyle. She calls herself your “quirky guide to a more creative life,” and trust me, this conversation is exactly the kind of spark your creative heart has been waiting for.
In this episode, we dig into big ideas and practical tools, including:
The power of personal projects — why they’re more than just “side” work and how they can elevate your business, art, and life
How to turn everyday habits into intentional rituals that actually support your creative flow
The surprising role of creative daydreaming — and how it can make you more productive, not less
Why decluttering your mind is just as important as decluttering your space
Small steps to overcome doubt and start listening to the voice that lifts you up, not the one that holds you back
How to build a support system that fuels your momentum and keeps you inspired
Whether you’re deep in your photography business or just trying to find your creative rhythm again, Beth brings a fresh perspective that will help you simplify, focus, and reconnect with your artistic purpose.
This one’s all about possibility, purpose, and practical magic.
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.
Well, it is the fourth episode after three incredible interviews with brilliant and fun photographers. So it is time to go solo and dive into one of my absolute favorite topics… COLOR!
Color isn’t just pretty—it’s powerful. It tells stories, creates mood, attracts clients, and makes your photography truly stand out.
In this episode, I share some basic color science you probably learned in first grade. I touch on the emotional impact color gives us, and also how to use color intentionally in your work, whether you’re shooting portraits, building your brand, or just want your images to have more oomph and emotional impact.
Here’s what I’m covering in this fun, colorful conversation:
Why color is one of the most important tools in your creative toolbox
How color combos and tones affect how people feel when they look at your photos, OR your branding
How artists (and photographers) use color to create signature styles
Tips for using color in your client work—from wardrobe to wall portraits
Easy color challenges to inspire your creativity and find your personal vibe
I hope that after listening or watching the video, you never quite see the world, and your art in the same way!
You are awesome, by the way! Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
Get ready for a lovely and super practical episode! This week, I’m hanging out with the amazing Brenda Pottinger—photographer, educator, and marketing genius. She also has a heart for giving back and before we chat about her easy marketing strategies, she shares her love for helping others using the power of photography.
Who is Brenda? Well, with degrees in Art-Graphic Design and Mass Communications from Emory & Henry College, she jumped into the world of weddings and portraits in Cincinnati. Over the next 20 years, she built a thriving business, picked up a few well-earned photography degrees (like Master of Wedding Photography, Master of Photography, and Certified Professional Photographer), and even served on the PPA Council.
Oh—and no big deal—she was nominated for Top Ten Wedding Album at the International Photographic Competition and named Photographer of the Year twice by Professional Photographers of Southwest Ohio!
Inside this episode, we chat about:
• How a Girl Scout camera sparked her lifelong love of photography
• Her 7-step “Marketing Made Easy” method
• Why it’s all about relationships, not just ads and posts
• Knowing exactly who you want to photograph (and how to find them)
Brenda is also teaching a PPA Super One Day Workshop called Marketing Made Easy on May 14—don’t miss it! Just log on to the PPA website to sign up for her class.
Trust me, you’re going to come away from this episode smiling and ready to tackle your marketing with way less stress.
Oh friends, you’re going to love this episode! I have been a fan of Karen McCall and her art, and met her in person at PPA’s Imaging Expo this year. I am thrilled that she agreed to be my guest today because a true artist and Photoshop wizard.
Karen’s been rocking the photography world for 35+ years and has all the accolades—Team USA, Diamond Photographer of the Year, ASP State Elite Award for 7 years running—but what really impressed me is her down-to-earth heart for creativity and teaching.
We dive deep into her passion for digital art—especially Photoshop painting and compositing—and how it’s become not only her creative outlet, but also a profitable part of her photography business. and how art has been her business booster and her therapy.
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Some gems you’ll hear:
• The step-by-step of her creative painting process
• How she approaches a new piece from scratch (hint: start with something you love!)
• Why AI has a small role in her work—and why that’s intentional
• Tips for photographers who want to dip their toes into digital art
• How art, joy, and profit can all go hand-in-hand
FYI…She has an amazing workshop “Photoshop Painting from Drab to Fab”, where students learn how to turn simple images into masterpieces.
And she’s sharing a free gift! Check out her site for downloadable goodies: 👉 education.karenmccall.com
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.
