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
I am a huge fan of my guest for this week Andrew Hellmich. A photographer with 25 years of success and the host of a top-rated photography business podcast he has done so much to support photographers and photographic educators (like me) with his 612 episodes of Photo Biz Xposed (PhotoBizX) which features industry experts sharing powerful insights on marketing pricing advertising and business growth.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer We have a rich conversation about how building powerful relationships becoming known in your community and smart networking can take your photography business to the next level.
Here is a taste of what you will hear…
• Wedding photography pricing over the years and how to stay competitive in a saturated market
• A genius upsell trick Andrew learned at an AIPP conference that boosted album sales
• Why networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about giving value and building real connections
• My experience with gift certificate partnerships and Andrew’s success teaming up with a local vet
• A brilliant SEO strategy: Andrew interviews vendors and turns it into blog content that ranks on Google and deepens community ties
He is such a warm and generous soul and is always full of new actionable tips and inspiring ideas. Let me know your takeaways.
Hey there friends! It’s just me Luci flying solo on this episode of The Profitable Photographer.
In my 40+ years as a portrait and wedding photographer I’ve learned just how important it is to prepare both myself and my clients before a session—and to have a clear plan in place once we start shooting. Sure there’s always room for spontaneity and creative surprises but I always carry a mental blueprint to guide the flow of each session.
In other words I’ve developed a specific intentional process that helps me create beautiful images and keep everyone happy and relaxed… even the toddlers!
Here’s a peek at what I share in this episode:
My pre-planning checklist (including the 8 key things I always go over)
How to keep kids (and parents!) calm and cooperative
The best time of day to schedule sessions
Why it’s essential to know your locations and the light
My must-have gear
The importance of flexibility breaks and having backup supplies
Whether you’re brand new to photographing families or just want to fine-tune your process this episode is packed with practical tips to help you show up confident prepared and ready to create magic.
P.S. One big bonus? You’ll walk in with way more confidence—and walk out with more beautiful sellable images.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
Get ready to be inspired! This episode features Lauren DelVecchio a lighting wizard and award-winning photographer. Based in Maine Lauren is a PPA Master Craftsman and Master of Wedding Photography.
She’s a five-time Maine Wedding Photographer of the Year a two-time Team USA rep in the World Photographic Cup and even placed 6th in the world for one of her fine art portraits—no big deal… okay actually huge deal!
As a MagMod Elite Ambassador Lauren knows how to light up any scene—literally. Whether she’s shooting weddings seniors fine art or boudoir her off-camera lighting techniques set her apart and bring creativity and control to every shot.
In this amazing conversation we talk about…
How she got started in photography
The magic of off-camera lighting and how it makes her work stand out
Juggling multiple photography specialties
Why she enters competitions and how it benefits her business
Lauren is offering 5% off all MagMod products with code LADPHOTOGRAPHY. Don’t miss out!
Running a profitable photography business is tough but my guest in this episode proves that it can also be wildly profitable—if you take full responsibility for how you run it.
Meet Allison Tyler Jones CPP Master Craftsman educator photographer author of four books and host of the REWork Podcast.
I have to say that how she shares her vast knowledge and the foundations of a successful business in a clear and super fun way makes this a “must listen more than once” way.
According to Allison is not your average photographer. She does not sell printable digital files but she does run one of the most profitable portrait studios in the country. Instead of quick-turnaround sessions she creates large-format wall art family galleries and custom albums designed specifically for her clients’ homes. Her signature style? A mix of lifestyle commercial and a little bit of chaos—what she calls “Art That Happens to Be Your Family.”
In this episode we’re getting real about what it takes to build a thriving photography business including:
How shifting to a value-based model attracts better clients and bigger sales
The importance of taking full responsibility for every aspect of your business
How setting clear client expectations leads to long-term success
Why staying in touch with your clients every year is the smartest way to have a solid business
Allison’s advice is direct practical and refreshingly honest. She’s here to challenge the way photographers think about pricing client relationships and profitability—because at the end of the day success comes down to one thing: Owning it.
Bonus! Allison is giving away her Time-Blocking Tool—because let’s be honest we could all use a little more time and a lot more structure. Grab it here!
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.
