Hey there fabulous podcast listeners. Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to Maria Arellano a Fine Art Photographer based in Houston Texas who’s been creating magic since 2015. Maria has this incredible gift for helping women see themselves as the stunning powerful goddesses they are—no matter their size shape or story.
In this episode we’ll chat about:
• Why boudoir photography makes Maria’s heart sing (spoiler: it’s all about confidence and celebration!)
• How she creates a safe empowering space for plus-size clients to shine
• The art (and hustle) of balancing two specialties like a total pro
• Maria’s genius strategies for building a loyal raving community—from goddess-themed shoots to her unforgettable client prom nights
Maria also dishes on why she doesn’t sell herself but chooses her clients—and trust me it’s a game-changer.
Maria doesn’t just take photos; she crafts experiences. And get this—clients literally fly in from all over to work with her! Plus she’s a mentor for other photographers helping them find their own magic and build thriving businesses.
If you’ve ever doubted your beauty or wondered how to truly connect with your clients this episode is your sign. Let’s go!
Connect with and check out Maria’s stunning work at…
Hey it’s Luci Dumas and today’s solo episode is a little different because I am sort of “journaling” about my experiences around the topic and looking for my own answers as I explore a topic that’s been on my mind lately: motivation. Specifically how we can find it sustain it and even question whether we always need it. Is it okay to just be sometimes? To live a simpler life without constantly striving for the next big thing? It’s a big question and one that I’ve been pondering deeply.
As I thought about motivation I kept coming back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You might remember it from a psychology class—it’s that pyramid of five human needs. It got me wondering: can understanding these levels help us reignite our drive when it feels like the spark is fading?
In this episode I break down each level of Maslow’s pyramid:
• The basics like food and shelter.
• Our need for safety and security.
• The desire for connection and belonging.
• Building self-esteem and feeling accomplished.
• And finally the quest for self-actualization—living our best most fulfilling life.
I’ll share some thoughts on how these needs might be influencing your motivation—or lack of it. Plus we’ll tackle that ever-present voice saying “I should be doing more” and decide if it’s always true. Spoiler: sometimes it’s okay to give yourself grace.
Some of the ideas on how to become or stay motivated I explore are suggestions to
• Identify the Blockages:
• Set Goals Aligned with Your Needs:
• Reflect and Reassess:
• Leverage Higher Levels for Inspiration
Tune in for a mix of self-reflection practical tips and maybe even a spark to get you motivated—or at least to help you feel okay with where you are right now.
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
I’m so excited to welcome Linda Carroll to the podcast! Linda is a Certified Professional Photographer Photographic Craftsman and Portrait Artist who has been capturing beautiful moments and inspiring others for decades. Her studio in Kennesaw Georgia specializes in family and portrait photography and her approach to “Capturing Life” has made her a beloved figure in the photography community.
In this conversation Linda and I explore how she’s kept her passion alive over the years especially when creativity might need a little spark. She shares practical tips her favorite resources and the joy she finds in teaching others.
Episode Summary:
In this conversation Linda and I explore how she’s kept her passion alive over the years especially when creativity might need a little spark. She shares practical tips her favorite resources and the joy she finds in teaching others.
Episode Highlights:
Keeping the Spark Alive – Linda recommends reading The Creative Mind and journaling as tools to nurture inspiration and creative energy.
Photo Safaris & Exploration – Taking spontaneous drives and traveling to new places helps Linda see the world in new ways fueling her passion for photography.
The Power of Teaching – Sharing her knowledge with others especially through her Santa season training and set design workshops is a major source of joy and inspiration.
Timeless Wisdom – Linda reminds us: it’s never too late to start something new or reignite our passion.
In this episode I share how to unlock your potential as a photographer by embracing an abundance mindset!
If you’ve ever thought “My clients won’t pay that” or “This just won’t work here” this one’s for you. Join me as we explore practical ways to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs and create the business you truly want.
Some of my one-way conversation (from me to you) includes
Common beliefs that may hold photographers back from charging what they’re worth
How to identify and connect with clients who value your work
Strategies for photographers in smaller communities or niche markets
Inspiring stories of photographers who broke through location or pricing barriers
Why abundance is about focusing on what you want and staying open to new possibilities
I hope you take the time to explore your own conclusions or excuses and adopt “new
and improved” thoughts that will help you be more resourceful and positive about
how to make your dreams come true!
Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
In today’s episode I’m thrilled to chat with Amy Posner a true trailblazer in the world of online business and coaching. Amy has built six thriving businesses (five are still going strong!) and empowered thousands of freelancers to find their footing and flourish. She shares insights from her course Complete Breakthrough Freelancer and her experience as co-host of Business Badassery.
Find out why she says it’s not them it’s you….what you are doing that is keeping you from achieving your dreams.
In our chat we get into the good stuff:
• How to attract and keep ideal clients by building genuine relationships
• How to bring business skills up to the level of your creative ones (the real key to six figures and beyond!)
• Creating value for clients before they even see a price tag
• Seeing your clients as partners so they know they’re in good hands
• Moving beyond a six-figure income as the ultimate goal to find what truly drives your success
Amy and I are “kindred spirits” and clicked instantly and I couldn’t help but wish she lived closer so we could keep these conversations going!
Enjoy this conversation filled with so many tips for being super successful doing what you love
And reach out to her here to ask a question or learn about her course and podcast.
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.
