This week, I had the pleasure of talking with Shawna Pearce, a fine art photographer who creates charming heirloom portraits that weave together storytelling, history, and emotion. She also love love loves teaching other creatives how to master the art of editing and storytelling so they, too, can create their own legacy images.
Shawna started her career about 15 years ago photographing newborns and soon discovered her passion for creating children’s fine art portraits that truly celebrate each family’s story. She describes an heirloom as something that represents who you are — a story within a story — and her portraits are designed to become part of a family’s legacy.
We talk about: • The meaning of heirloom portraits — how Shawna blends storytelling with art so the photograph itself becomes an heirloom • Her award-winning portrait of a mother and four daughters— the planning, inspiration, and how 90% of that image was captured in-camera • Her creative process — including clothing tips and props to bring her artistic vision to life
You can feel the heart in everything she creates, and her approach is such a wonderful reminder that portraits can hold layers of meaning that last for generations.
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.
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!
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:
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:
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.
