Chris Wooley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, F-PPW—also known as The Photo Professor—is one of those people who makes you think differently in the best way. He’s a photographer, educator, and President-Elect of the American Society of Photographers, and he’s built his career around helping photographers make smarter, more intentional decisions.
And honestly… that’s what this whole conversation is about.
We talked about how every part of our work—lighting, lens choice, pricing, sales—is really just a series of decisions. And when we make better ones (with purpose instead of guessing), everything improves: our photos, our client experience, and yes… our income.
I especially loved how Chris simplifies the sales process. Instead of reinventing the wheel every time, he encourages creating a system that builds trust and guides clients naturally. No pressure, no awkwardness—just clarity and confidence. We also dive into pricing in a way that actually makes sense (what do you need, and how do you align that with your clients?).
And if you’ve ever struggled with selling wall art—this part alone is worth the listen. The way we present our work matters more than we think.
In This Episode:
• Why better decisions (not more effort) are the key to better photos and a stronger business
• How to simplify your sales process so it feels natural, not pushy
• A smarter approach to pricing that supports both you and your clients
• Why presentation—especially with wall art—can completely change your sales
This one is such a good reminder: you don’t need to do more… you just need to decide better.
And he has a $50 discount on his amazing new sales In Person Sales program IPS Viewer Lite at www.cwooley.com/profitable Use the code Profit50
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.
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.
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.
Running a profitable photography business is tough, but my guest in this episode proves that it can also be wildly profitable—if you take full responsibility for how you run it.
Meet Allison Tyler Jones, CPP, Master Craftsman, educator, photographer, author of four books, and host of the REWork Podcast.
I have to say that how she shares her vast knowledge and the foundations of a successful business, in a clear and super fun way, makes this a “must listen more than once” way.
According to Allison, is not your average photographer. She does not sell printable digital files, but she does run one of the most profitable portrait studios in the country. Instead of quick-turnaround sessions, she creates large-format wall art, family galleries, and custom albums designed specifically for her clients’ homes. Her signature style? A mix of lifestyle, commercial, and a little bit of chaos—what she calls “Art That Happens to Be Your Family.”
In this episode, we’re getting real about what it takes to build a thriving photography business, including:
How shifting to a value-based model attracts better clients and bigger sales
The importance of taking full responsibility for every aspect of your business
How setting clear client expectations leads to long-term success
Why staying in touch with your clients every year is the smartest way to have a solid business
Allison’s advice is direct, practical, and refreshingly honest. She’s here to challenge the way photographers think about pricing, client relationships, and profitability—because at the end of the day, success comes down to one thing: Owning it.
Bonus! Allison is giving away her Time-Blocking Tool—because let’s be honest, we could all use a little more time and a lot more structure. Grab it here!
Hey, fans of The Profitable Photographer Podcast! I’m bringing back one of my all-time favorite episodes from 2021 because it’s just that good. If you missed it the first time or need a refresher, this is your chance to hear from Hart Tan, an incredible photographer and entrepreneur from Singapore. Hart is the mastermind behind Tomato, one of the largest photography studios in Singapore, and he’s running a high-volume, seven-figure business he started 12 years ago.
Hart is not only an award-winning Master Photographer, but he also shares such valuable insights on building a business that’s successful, sustainable, and truly your own. In our conversation, Hart goes beyond photography and dives into what it means to craft a career that works for you—one that brings both success and happiness.
Here’s what we talk about:
Building your business like a house: The foundation is key, and it’s what gives you the freedom to grow.
Curiosity is your best tool: Always stay curious about what works and what doesn’t.
Marketing with intention: Test, measure, and adjust your strategies based on real results.
Personal responsibility and problem-solving: Success is a combination of creativity and taking responsibility for your actions.
Trust your gut: Not all advice fits. Learn to listen to your inner guidance.
Systems are essential: Have a system in place to make everything run smoother.
Hart’s wisdom is timeless, so if you’re looking to build a thriving business and a fulfilling career, this episode is a must-listen. He’s got a wealth of knowledge, and I know you’ll love what he shares.
Want to connect with Hart? Check out his video on how much to charge: Watch Here.
In this episode, I have an awesome chat with the super-talented Pete Coco, a successful headshot and portrait photographer. We dive into the nitty-gritty of starting your photography business, and yeah, it can be overwhelming. But Pete’s advice? Don’t worry—just start!
Pete specializes in headshots and portraits and is based in Garden City, New York, providing high-quality photography services to individuals from various industries, including business professionals, realtors, lawyers, doctors, actors, and models.
He also is a mentor and has a YouTube channel with 30,000 subscribers, where he talks about photography, gear reviews, and all sorts of things.
Pete shares so much valuable wisdom, including:
• The importance of finding a mentor who truly understands your vision.
• Staying passionate about the type of photography you want to do every day and creating work you love and want to be paid for.
• Embracing failure as a learning tool, instead of fearing it.
Pete also introduced us to his “CoCo Trio”—the perfect blend of work, business, and mindset. Mastering all three is essential for success. Plus, he drops some book recommendations like The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and the Tao Te Ching for extra inspiration.
His final gem? It’s never too late to start, and your photography doesn’t have to be the best in the world—it just needs to get started. You can catch Pete live at the Imaging Expo in Texas through Professional Photographers of America.
Bonus: Download any of Pete’s free videos, and he’ll share five of his all-time favorite portrait tips!
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.
