by admin | May 20, 2025 | Podcast
This week on the show, I’m chatting with Jeff — a PPA Master Photographer, Craftsman, educator, and author of 2, soon to be 3, books including “The Professional Photography Playbook: Mastering Portrait Photography, Branding and Business Success.” Jeff is has been one of the most successful portrait photographers in the US for 40 years and counting. His classic style and tried and true business structure has kept his photography studio earning high 6 figures and even 7, while giving him time to golf, teach, write, and enjoy life.
We talk about what happened when he left his government job to chase his dream of becoming a full-time photographer. He turned that leap into a 40+ year career full of awards, sold-out sessions, and major industry influence.
And with 80 years of experience between us and a passion for helping others, we “commiserate” on what it takes to start and sustain a highly profitable portrait photography business and all the joys it brings.
We’re talking about:
• Why branding, client relationships, and a recognizable style are your best business tools
• The secret sauce behind genuine expressions and timeless portraits
• Why continuous learning (even after 40 years!) is non-negotiable
• And how Jeff’s new book can help you build a stronger, more profitable business
Whether you’re new to the industry or have been behind the camera for decades, this episode is full of aha moments, business gold, and inspiration to keep going — and growing.
Find Jeff’s book, The Professional Photography Playbook, on Amazon
Follow Jeff on YouTube for more tips and stories
Hit play and let’s talk portraits, passion, and making your mark.
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.
by admin | Apr 8, 2025 | Podcast
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:
by admin | Feb 27, 2024 | Podcast
Can you believe I’ve been part of this amazing community of talented and passionate photographers for over 41 incredible years?!
I started off with just a little bit of cash in my pocket and a whole lot of big dreams. I dabbled in everything under the sun to gain experience and figure out what truly made my heart sing.
After all those adventures behind the camera, I discovered my ultimate passions: weddings and children. Weddings quickly became my first niche. Not only was it a speedy way to get some cash flowing in, but it also opened doors to endless opportunities for growth and connections. Soon, I was renowned as one of San Diego’s top wedding photographers, making a full time living. 12 years, I dove into children’s photography. With rebranding from a wedding to a portrait photographer, I made my mark as the go-to children’s photographer.
Fast forward to today, and my journey has led me to my current passion: sharing my knowledge and insights through teaching and mentoring, culminating in this very podcast aimed at helping fellow photographers build profitable businesses. In this episode, we’re delving into the power of specialization, uncovering six compelling reasons why focusing on a specific niche can supercharge your photography career.
In this episode:
Listen in to unlock the power of specializing in a specific photography niche to boost your business and skyrocket your career!
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
by admin | Nov 10, 2023 | Podcast
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I am sharing some thoughts and strategies around money. Not the inner game or blocks or prosperity issues but some of the nuts and bolts about being in business.
You can listen on all the podcast platforms as well as my other 229 episodes or kick back and watch on the “You Tubes”. www.lucidumascoaching.com is a great place to check out what I am up to and offer.
Some of my tips include
1. Cash and income you might need to get started
2. How to set up 3 accounts in your business to help you stay profitable and not get caught cash poor at tax time
3. My perspective on paying for or sharing household responsibilities out of the family budget
Thanks in advance for following me here and podcast platforms.
Hugs! Luci
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
by admin | Nov 10, 2023 | Podcast
It’s safe to say that today’s guest is just as passionate about sales as I am. And, he is no stranger to the photography industry. Jai Long is an award-winning wedding photographer, creative business coach, host of the “Make Your Break” Podcast, serial entrepreneur, and the leader of a heart-filled, worldwide community of photographers. He even has his own course, Six Figure Business Map, where he helps photographers set and achieve “unrealistic” goals and overcome self-limiting beliefs. That was not a typo…he did say unrealistic and be sure to listen for his explanation.
Even though sales can have a negative connotation, Jay is clear that selling is an art and a gift to clients.. He shares with us that his perspective came from how he was raised. He knew, even as a child, that the only way to grow out of his existing circumstances was by selling. And, the older he got, the bigger his sales became.
Listen in as Jay and I discuss:
-The fear of rejection and success in regards to selling
-The need for courage to step out of your comfort zone
-3 must-haves for good sales
-How selling is a service.
To help you grow more confident in your own sales, you can even download a free copy of Jai’s Scripts for Sales Objections on his website, jailong.co.
Interested in learning more from Jai? Here’s where you can connect with him:
Podcast: Make Your Break
Website: jailong.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jailong.co
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
