by admin | Feb 25, 2025 | Podcast
Okay, photographers—real talk. What happens to your business if life throws you a curveball? Whether it’s an unexpected emergency or the day you finally decide to retire to a beach with endless piña coladas, your business needs a plan. I know this isn’t something many of us think about or even want to talk about, right?
This week, I’m chatting with Mike Price, who knows a lot about this. After helping a fellow photographer navigate the process of closing his business after a stroke, Mike made it his mission to bring awareness and practical advice to photographers. Our conversation dives into what to consider and how to start planning, so your business doesn’t just disappear if you ever have to step away.
Mike is a photographer and all-around business prep guru. After spending 20+ years in IT, he built Fairfield Photography, specializing in sports, high school seniors, executive portraits, and commercial architecture. He has also created a detailed workbook, Quit Like a Pro, to help photographers and their families prepare for emergencies or business transitions.
He recommends that we:
• Prepare: Keep track of passwords, accounts, and business assets (no, sticky notes don’t count).
• Practice: Regularly check and update your emergency or business transition plan.
• Execute: Have trusted people in place so your business doesn’t fall apart overnight.
• Communicate: Don’t let your family, clients, or business partners guess what to do next.
Not to worry—this isn’t about quitting. It’s about being smart, protecting your legacy, and keeping your business strong, no matter what happens.
And Mike has a special gift just for my listeners to help you get started! Visit PhotographersToolbox.com/luci.
Connect with Mike at FairfieldPhoto.com or email him at info@FairfieldPhoto.com.
Thanks for listening and sharing! – Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Feb 4, 2025 | Podcast
I had the most amazing time at PPA’s Imaging Expo and if you are one of my new listeners I met in Dallas…HELLO!!
We have the most incredible industry. We are so fun, dedicated, creative, smart and love to hang out together. I feel soooo blessed ho have had 40 years in this community.
This episode features Debbie McFarland, a photographer with 27 years of experience who’s found her passion in empowering tweens through photography. Tweens, ages 9-12, are at a critical stage of growth and transformation, and Debbie shares how capturing their beauty and confidence has not only impacted her clients but also grown her business.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
• Why tweens are an underserved market and how focusing on them can make a meaningful difference.
• Debbie’s marketing strategies—from partnering with local businesses and therapists to hosting large community events.
• How heart-driven work leads to success, including her global kindness initiative, Sparks of Kindness.
Debbie’s story reminds us that passion, creativity, and connection can transform your business. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiration to incorporate more meaning into your work while thriving financially!
and connect with Deb at
cedarhillstudio@comcast.net
www.cedarhillstudios.com
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 28, 2025 | Podcast
I thought I would go back to the basics. It has been a while since I shared my step by step “In Person Sales System” so today, and in two weeks, I go deep into the Why and How of showing our work and helping people select art and albums they will treasure from their sessions.
Question 1-Are you ready to transform your photography business and take your sales to the next level? and
2-Do you ever wonder how some photographers consistently generate thousands of dollars in portrait orders, selling multiple wall portraits and albums?
In this and the second episode on IPS, I’ll share how I average 3 to 7 wall portraits per client, and how my coaching clients regularly achieve orders of $2,000 to $4,000—and sometimes even more!
In this solo episode, I reveal 7 reasons why I love IPS and why it’s the ultimate way to:
- Connect with your clients on a deeper level.
- Provide incredible service while building trust.
- Improve your photography and confidence.
- Increase your income and thrive in your business!
From my journey of starting with nothing to building a thriving photography career, I’ll show you how IPS has been a complete game-changer for me and my clients.
Key Highlights:
- Why IPS isn’t just about sales—it’s about serving your clients and creating joy.
- How IPS can improve your craft as a photographer.
- The surprising connection between higher client investments and stronger relationships.
Tune in to hear my story of resilience, the power of standing out in a competitive market, and why being a trusted advisor is the foundation of my sales system.
FREE GIFT: Don’t forget to grab my ebook, “10 Big Ideas for Marketing in the Real World,” at www.lucidumascoaching.com.
If you’re ready to stop competing on price and start thriving, this episode is for you!
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 22, 2025 | Podcast
I’m kicking off the year with a bang with wonderful guests, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Heather Lahtinen as my new BFF on The Profitable Photographer today! Heather is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer from Pittsburgh, PA, with over 20 years of experience as a photographer and entrepreneur. She’s built not one but two six-figure businesses and is a true expert in marketing, pricing, and business strategy.
But what makes Heather truly special—and the focus of our conversation—is her mastery of mindset. She’s a certified mindset coach, productivity expert, and mentor to photographers across the globe. Heather also hosts the Flourish Academy Podcast, where she shares her wisdom and wit. One of my favorite insights from Heather? “If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s either a math problem or a thought problem—and spoiler alert, all problems are thought problems!”
I can’t wait for you to hear her advice and start transforming your mindset for success!
Here’s what we dove into:
- Heather’s Simple Money-Making Steps:
- The Belief Triad:
- Step 1: Believe you’re a professional.
- Step 2: See yourself as a business owner.
- Step 3: Picture yourself as the CEO of a thriving, multi-six-figure business.
- The Power of Belief: Success starts with believing there are people out there who want what you’re offering. If you’re doubting that, Heather shares how to climb the “belief ladder” to shift your mindset.
- Mindfulness and Monitoring Your Brain:
- Your thoughts create your feelings, which drive your actions.
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can transform your outcomes.
- Remember, “You’re only one thought away from a completely different life!”
- Better Questions, Better Results
Heather’s wisdom will help you stay mindful, motivated, and aligned with your vision for success.
Free Gift: 151 Ways to Get More Photography Clients
Contact Info:
heather@flourish.academy
Flourish Academy
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
by admin | Jan 14, 2025 | Podcast
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:
• Email: shawn@coutureblack.com
• Websites: https://www.coutureblack.com
https://aibphotog.com
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
