I saw a post on Facebook where a photographer was panicking about a lack of business, stating that he had to compete with people doing $50 sessions. My first response to the post was that there is a lot of room at the top.
Then I decided to do this podcast episode as my response to him and everyone thinking this is the reality in the industry.
It comes from a book based on a powerful idea that can completely change the way you run your business: the Blue Ocean Strategy.
The concept comes from sailboat racing, where most boats fight for space in the same crowded, chaotic waters. But the winners? They sail into calm, open water… the blue ocean. That’s where they move faster and with less resistance.
In business, this means stopping the hustle to compete and instead, creating something unique that sets you apart. It could be a specialty few photographers are photographing, OR a new way of running your business.
You don’t have to fight over price or copy what others are doing. You can stand out by being you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What a blue ocean is—and why it’s better than competing in a crowded market
How to shift your mindset and stop comparing yourself to others
Real examples of photographers who created their own space and thrived
A simple journaling exercise to help you start building your own blue ocean
This episode is your invitation to stop chasing and start creating. There’s plenty of room at the top!
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 a huge fan of my guest for this week, Andrew Hellmich. A photographer with 25 years of success and the host of a top-rated photography business podcast, he has done so much to support photographers and photographic educators (like me) with his 612 episodes of Photo Biz Xposed (PhotoBizX), which features industry experts sharing powerful insights on marketing, pricing, advertising, and business growth.
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, We have a rich conversation about how building powerful relationships, becoming known in your community, and smart networking can take your photography business to the next level.
Here is a taste of what you will hear…
• Wedding photography pricing over the years and how to stay competitive in a saturated market
• A genius upsell trick Andrew learned at an AIPP conference that boosted album sales
• Why networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about giving value and building real connections
• My experience with gift certificate partnerships, and Andrew’s success teaming up with a local vet
• A brilliant SEO strategy: Andrew interviews vendors and turns it into blog content that ranks on Google and deepens community ties
He is such a warm and generous soul, and is always full of new actionable tips and inspiring ideas. Let me know your takeaways.
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!
I’m thrilled to have you join me for another episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast. In my journey through countless portrait sessions of kids and families, I’ve not only captured memories but also discovered invaluable insights that can help you master family portrait sessions.
Photographers often encounter unique challenges when it comes to family photo sessions, challenges that can stem from a variety of factors, both technical and interpersonal. In today’s episode, my goal is to help you be more prepared to overcome some of those challenges and prevent them altogether.
Get ready to unravel the secrets that can make a world of difference in your family photography journey as I share with you:
the best equipment to use for family sessions
how having an assistant is helpful
the importance of pre-session consultations
how to prepare parents for what to expect during the session
setting expectations during the session
behaviors to expect and how to manage different age groups during a session
And, if you’re eager to dive deeper, feel free to get in touch! I’ve got a treasure trove of resources, from price lists and website reviews to an exclusive opportunity for a free coaching session to kickstart the New Year. I’ve opened up five slots for a free coaching session in the next four weeks, so don’t hesitate to reach out and set up a quick chat.
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
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:
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.
