It was fun to chat with another California photographer, Jeff Galinovsky, all about the business side of photography. He has been at it since 1988 (yep, with a Minolta Maxxum 7000!) and now runs a thriving business in high-volume sports, senior and family portraits, corporate branding, and events. He’s a CPP, Master of Photography, President of the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley, and an instructor with McKay Photography Academy.
His recent trip with McKay was to Mongolia, and you really want to see the amazing photos on his Facebook page!
Jeff and I dig into what it really takes to go full-time in photography—spoiler: it’s not about quitting on a whim. He shares how he prepared, got mentoring, leaned on professional organizations, and built a foundation that allowed him to succeed long-term.
We also cover:
Planning ahead and thinking big-picture for your business
Multiple streams of income vs. specializing (and why both can work)
Business basics: legal setup, customer service, target market, marketing, and pricing
Why mentors, community, and continuous learning are game-changers
If you want to grow a photography business that lasts for decades, this conversation will give you a roadmap.
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’m so excited to bring you a conversation that’s both fun and super practical—especially if you’ve been curious (or intimidated!) about using video to grow your photography business.
My guest is Shayna Lloyd—photographer, videographer, storyteller, and an all-around inspiring human. Shayna shared how she accidentally built a business by simply sharing videos before she even had a business to promote. Her story is the perfect example of the magic that happens when you take action, even when you’re not fully ready.
We chatted about the power of short-form and long-form video content, how to get started with just your iPhone, and why being willing to fail is part of the journey to success.
Here are a few of Shayna’s golden nuggets:
Start simple:
Think like a storyteller
Create a story by piecing together clips.
Once you’re comfortable, explore the video features on your camera
Shayna’s approach is all about ease, authenticity, and creativity. And honestly, I was so inspired that I might just go film a little story walk around my neighborhood after this!
Heads up: If you’re listening in August, Shayna is hosting an amazing in-person event September 8–11 in a beautiful cabin in Montana. It includes styled shoots and tons of learning and connection. If I were still in growth mode, I’d absolutely go! You can find the details at heythriver.com.
I’m sure you’ll find Shayna as delightful and motivating as I did.
Enjoy the episode!
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 on The Profitable Photographer, I’m joined by the talented and super-fun Jenny Gegg—classically trained photographer, Certified Professional Photographer, Craftsman, and wedding specialist with over 26 years of experience.
Jenny LOVES photographing weddings (her words: “It’s literally the best day of their life, and I get to witness it!”), and she’s built her business around creating an amazing experience for couples. Because as she says, people may forget the exact shots you took, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
We dive into Jenny’s top tips for making wedding photography easy, fun, and stress-free—for both you and your clients: Here are a few of her many many tips…
• Build extra time into the wedding day timeline
• Keep calm even if things run late—don’t let them see you sweat
• Make people laugh, especially the groomsmen, and remind the women they’re beautiful
• Consider bringing an assistant to help everything run smoothly
• Keep portraits private—no extra onlookers for first looks or couple portraits
• Be attentive to your couple’s needs (like grabbing them a drink or helping at the buffet)
Jenny also shares how she got into weddings, why learning the parents’ names matters, and why she sometimes prefers photographing people in their homes over the usual park session.
She’s a joy to listen to—and I know you’ll love her energy and practical tips!
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.
Are you tired of the old myth that being an artist means being broke?
In this solo episode, I take on the “starving artist” mindset that holds so many talented photographers back—and gives you fresh ways to flip the script.
Whether you’re struggling to charge what you’re worth, feel crushed by rejection, or stuck believing you need to be “perfect” to make money, this episode is for you.
Questions to Ask Yourself from This Episode:
What if you could see your photography as a product—not a reflection of your soul?
Could rejection actually have nothing to do with you or your art?
Are you pricing your time like someone who values it?
What if “good enough” really is good enough to succeed?
Is your style actually as important as you think—or is it more important to create what clients love?
Are your technical skills strong and repeatable enough to inspire confidence and joy in your clients?
And most importantly…what would change if you believed that you deserve to thrive?
I dig deep to offer you encouragement, challenge yourself and your past ideas about success, and practical mindset shifts to help you stop undervaluing yourself and start building a business that supports both your creativity and your bank account.
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.
I am so excited to share my conversation with the dynamic duo—Gregory and Lesa Daniel—about the beauty and strategy behind commissioned mixed-media portraits, working as a couple, and building a business with heart, intention, and excellence.
Gregory and Lesa are internationally celebrated for their artistry and business success. Gregory is one of the most awarded photographers in the U.S., holding the titles of Master of Photography and ASP Fellow, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Cameracraftsmen of America. He’s also a founding member of ISPA and a Past President of Professional Photographers of America.
Lesa is the brilliance behind the business, managing the operations of their two portrait galleries in Florida, and playing an essential role in their continued success as both a leader and visionary. There is something so powerful about a couple that runs a successful photography business together, and they share how they manage to make this work so well.
Here are just a few golden nuggets we touched on:
The importance of being product-focused over selling just an experience
How specializing in what you love can elevate your brand and profitability
Why “context is everything” when it comes to the final art and how it’s used
One of my favorite parts? Their take on intentional branding and creating a sustainable business around only the products they love—and that truly serve their clients. Yes, please.
I’m so inspired by their teamwork, artistry, and wisdom. I hope you are too.
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.
