Hey there, fabulous podcast listeners. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria Arellano, a Fine Art Photographer based in Houston, Texas, who’s been creating magic since 2015. Maria has this incredible gift for helping women see themselves as the stunning, powerful goddesses they are—no matter their size, shape, or story.
In this episode, we’ll chat about:
• Why boudoir photography makes Maria’s heart sing (spoiler: it’s all about confidence and celebration!)
• How she creates a safe, empowering space for plus-size clients to shine
• The art (and hustle) of balancing two specialties like a total pro
• Maria’s genius strategies for building a loyal, raving community—from goddess-themed shoots to her unforgettable client prom nights
Maria also dishes on why she doesn’t sell herself but chooses her clients—and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Maria doesn’t just take photos; she crafts experiences. And get this—clients literally fly in from all over to work with her! Plus, she’s a mentor for other photographers, helping them find their own magic and build thriving businesses.
If you’ve ever doubted your beauty or wondered how to truly connect with your clients, this episode is your sign. Let’s go!
Connect with and check out Maria’s stunning work at…
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 of The Profitable Photographer, I’m thrilled to catch up with Kelly Warkentin, a lifestyle family photographer in Vancouver, Canada, mom of three, and one of my proudest coaching success stories. Kelly has not only built a thriving photography business but also created a work-life balance that lets her focus on her family and her clients.
When we started working together, Kelly was selling digital files for hundreds of dollars. Through my training program (and her hard work implementing the strategies), she discovered the power of selling heirloom art and albums in person, transforming her sales into thousands. Now, she’s adapted my system to develop her own Virtual IPS approach, helping busy photographers serve their clients with exceptional care while reclaiming their time.
Here’s what we cover:
How Kelly transitioned from traditional sales to Virtual IPS to avoid burnout.
Why personalized connection and service are game-changers in luxury photography.
Outsourcing tips to lighten your load and grow your income.
Simple yet effective strategies for balancing a successful business with family life.
Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, innovation, and courage. Tune in for actionable insights and plenty of inspiration!
Reach out to and join her private group
“Virtual IPS for portrait photographers on Facebook”
I’m so excited to welcome Linda Carroll to the podcast! Linda is a Certified Professional Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Portrait Artist who has been capturing beautiful moments and inspiring others for decades. Her studio in Kennesaw, Georgia, specializes in family and portrait photography, and her approach to “Capturing Life” has made her a beloved figure in the photography community.
In this conversation, Linda and I explore how she’s kept her passion alive over the years, especially when creativity might need a little spark. She shares practical tips, her favorite resources, and the joy she finds in teaching others.
Episode Summary:
In this conversation, Linda and I explore how she’s kept her passion alive over the years, especially when creativity might need a little spark. She shares practical tips, her favorite resources, and the joy she finds in teaching others.
Episode Highlights:
Keeping the Spark Alive – Linda recommends reading The Creative Mind and journaling as tools to nurture inspiration and creative energy.
Photo Safaris & Exploration – Taking spontaneous drives and traveling to new places helps Linda see the world in new ways, fueling her passion for photography.
The Power of Teaching – Sharing her knowledge with others, especially through her Santa season training and set design workshops, is a major source of joy and inspiration.
Timeless Wisdom – Linda reminds us: it’s never too late to start something new or reignite our passion.
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:
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.
