I’m beyond excited to have Shawn Black on The Profitable Photographer. Shawn is a powerhouse in the world of boudoir photography. He is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is an international award-winning photographer, educator, and president of AIBP (Association of International Boudoir Photographers)
His mantra? #BeBoldBeSexyBeYou—with an emphasis on being unapologetically yourself.
In this episode, we dive into:
• Shawn’s “why” for creating empowering boudoir experiences.
• How his colorblindness influences his signature bold, contrasty lighting style
• The evolution of boudoir photography into a more inclusive art form.
• The importance of mentorship, learning, and community for photographers.
• His tips on posing—making clients look (and feel) like superstars.
• The journey from a high-powered career to weddings, and finally, his true passion: boudoir.
His journey is as inspiring as his work, offering valuable insights for photographers who want to create art that uplifts and empowers.
And hey, there’s a freebie! Get 1 free month on new yearly AIBP memberships as a listener gift. Get in touch with Shawn:
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:
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.
