Profitable Photographer – Details, episodes & analysis

I thought I would go back to the basics. It has been a while since I shared my step by step “In Person Sales System” so today, and in two weeks, I go deep into the Why and How of showing our work and helping people select art and albums they will treasure from their sessions.

Question 1-Are you ready to transform your photography business and take your sales to the next level? and

2-Do you ever wonder how some photographers consistently generate thousands of dollars in portrait orders, selling multiple wall portraits and albums?

In this and the second episode on IPS, I’ll share how I average 3 to 7 wall portraits per client, and how my coaching clients regularly achieve orders of $2,000 to $4,000—and sometimes even more!

In this solo episode, I reveal 7 reasons why I love IPS and why it’s the ultimate way to:

• Connect with your clients on a deeper level.
• Provide incredible service while building trust.
• Improve your photography and confidence.
• Increase your income and thrive in your business!

From my journey of starting with nothing to building a thriving photography career, I’ll show you how IPS has been a complete game-changer for me and my clients.

Key Highlights:

• Why IPS isn’t just about sales—it’s about serving your clients and creating joy.
• How IPS can improve your craft as a photographer.
• The surprising connection between higher client investments and stronger relationships.

Tune in to hear my story of resilience, the power of standing out in a competitive market, and why being a trusted advisor is the foundation of my sales system.

FREE GIFT: Don’t forget to grab my ebook, “10 Big Ideas for Marketing in the Real World,” at www.lucidumascoaching.com.

If you’re ready to stop competing on price and start thriving, this episode is for you!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

I’m kicking off the year with a bang with wonderful guests, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Heather Lahtinen as my new BFF on The Profitable Photographer today! Heather is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer from Pittsburgh, PA, with over 20 years of experience as a photographer and entrepreneur. She’s built not one but two six-figure businesses and is a true expert in marketing, pricing, and business strategy.

But what makes Heather truly special—and the focus of our conversation—is her mastery of mindset. She’s a certified mindset coach, productivity expert, and mentor to photographers across the globe. Heather also hosts the Flourish Academy Podcast, where she shares her wisdom and wit. One of my favorite insights from Heather? “If you’re not getting the results you want, it’s either a math problem or a thought problem—and spoiler alert, all problems are thought problems!”

I can’t wait for you to hear her advice and start transforming your mindset for success

Here’s what we dove into:

• Heather’s Simple Money-Making Steps: 
• The Belief Triad:
• Step 1: Believe you're a professional.
• Step 2: See yourself as a business owner.
• Step 3: Picture yourself as the CEO of a thriving, multi-six-figure business.
• The Power of Belief: Success starts with believing there are people out there who want what you’re offering. If you’re doubting that, Heather shares how to climb the “belief ladder” to shift your mindset.
• Mindfulness and Monitoring Your Brain:
• Your thoughts create your feelings, which drive your actions.
• Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can transform your outcomes.
• Remember, "You’re only one thought away from a completely different life!"
• Better Questions, Better Results

Heather’s wisdom will help you stay mindful, motivated, and aligned with your vision for success.

Free Gift: 151 Ways to Get More Photography Clients

Contact Info:

[email protected]

Flourish Academy

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I’m thrilled to catch up with Kelly Warkentin, a lifestyle family photographer in Vancouver, Canada, mom of three, and one of my proudest coaching success stories. Kelly has not only built a thriving photography business but also created a work-life balance that lets her focus on her family and her clients.

When we started working together, Kelly was selling digital files for hundreds of dollars. Through my training program (and her hard work implementing the strategies), she discovered the power of selling heirloom art and albums in person, transforming her sales into thousands. Now, she’s adapted my system to develop her own Virtual IPS approach, helping busy photographers serve their clients with exceptional care while reclaiming their time.

Here’s what we cover:

• How Kelly transitioned from traditional sales to Virtual IPS to avoid burnout.
• Why personalized connection and service are game-changers in luxury photography.
• Outsourcing tips to lighten your load and grow your income.
• Simple yet effective strategies for balancing a successful business with family life.

Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, innovation, and courage. Tune in for actionable insights and plenty of inspiration!

Reach out to and join her private group 

“Virtual IPS for portrait photographers on Facebook”

[email protected]

KellyWarkentin.com/chat 

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas: 

• Website 
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• YouTube

Magic is real. Thoughts have power.

In this episode I am going FULL Woo Woo and talk about the power we have to become a magnet for success, attracting what we want in life, both big and small. The secret powers we have to manifest things like great photography clients, relationships, abundance, even a pair of the perfect sunglasses. (Listen for the tale of lost the sunglasses).

I often touch on this subject in my other podcasts and decided to go for it and claim my truth…that this stuff works (TSW) and that I use it all the time.

If the woo woo, or calling it the power of the Universe or God or a spiritual teacher is not your thing, you can call it awareness or accessing our own genius. Whatever you call it, my experience is that it is real, that actions combined with these manifesting principles go hand in hand to create the life we desire.

In this episode of The Profitable Photographer I share my perspective and experiences through 

• fun stories about my small miracles
• reference books and teachers on the topic
• tools like affirmations and visualizations
• quotes
• the principles of the laws of attraction
• where this teaching came from historically
• the importance of positive energy/vibration and how to raise it

And how there is a loving and creative force always listening to our desires and ready to bring us what we want and that the more clear we are, the faster these things can come our way.

I am visualizing this episode being the perfect one for you right now, whether you have been on team “Law of Attraction” or this is new for you. Because you deserve to have all good things in your life!!

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

I just loved getting to know Australian photography and coach, Johl Dunn. He helps ambitious photographers build a highly profitable business by creating a sales and marketing engine and completely rewiring their subconscious programming.

Listen in as Johl reflects on his journey as the owner of a portrait photography studio. He shares how he personally realized that mindset is infinitely more important than knowledge and skill when it comes to finding success.

Johl tackles common money blocks in the industry and why it’s important to look at money as energy exchange. He also gives his best advice to those who feel a lack of self-worth as the owner of a photography business.

Asked about the value of a coach, Johl says: “I went through a lot of stress, anxiety, and a lot of really hard times in my business. What I love about coaching is that I can fast-track the process for other photographers. They don’t have to make the same mistakes that I did. I can help them achieve a very powerful and profitable business relatively quickly!”

Key Topics:

• What got Johl into photography and coaching (3:15)
• Overcoming money blocks (7:30)
• Defining “mindset” and typical shifts photographers need to make (10:12)
• How your personal life affects your business life (17:25)
• Johl’s personal story of how a simple mindset shift changed his life (20:30)
• What to do if you’re experiencing a lack of self-worth (26:30)
• A case for charging more for your services (34:04)
• Scale your mindset to scale your business (41:34)

Learn more about Johl Dunn at https://www.johldunn.com/ and send him a message mentioning that you heard him on the Profitable Photographer Podcast for a FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CALL with him! Also, check him out on Instagram and Facebook.

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

Ever been that overwhelmed photography business owner? You’re probably all saying “YES!” 

Well, you’re in luck! Our episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast is going to be so helpful for soothing that side of your business. You’re a talented photographer with so much to do…, client meetings, editing, album designing, AND many of you do your own admin work: bookkeeping, social media, email lists…it’s a lot to keep up with. 

Our guest, Melissa Rich, is an EXPERT when it comes to business organization.

Melissa is the founder of “Virtually Done Systems,” a business dedicated to all things systems and workflows for creative small business owners. She has spent the last 15 years behind the camera as a full-time wedding photographer, secretly enjoying all of the behind-the-scenes work more than her time taking pictures! 

Now, Melissa specializes in helping busy creative professionals get their lives back by implementing proven, pre-strategized systems, workflows, and automations to take care of the day-to-day tasks that stress them out so they can fall back in love with their businesses and devote themselves to their craft.

Systems do not come naturally to many creative folks, so don’t worry. Being disorganized is nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all been there! 

Listen now to her 8 tips about workflow systems and how to reduce overwhelm! 

And grab your free “Pay Day Automation Set-up Guide” from Melissa on Instagram @virtuallydonesystems

 [email protected]

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

Woo hoo…another awesome guest and episode of The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas coming your way. Thanks for subscribing and sharing. Also...check out this and many other episode on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

In this video, we take a deep dive into the dreaded Burn Out and ways to avoid or recover quickly with my amazing guest, Krista Marie.

Krista is a photographer, business coach and the host of "She Calls Her Shots" Podcast. She helps creatives ditch the overwhelm and create thriving businesses by focusing on the tactical strategies, habits, and mindset & confidence work that's crucial to seeing long-term growth via social media, her blog & her Podcast.

You know you are in burnout if you have overbooked, working too much, lost your passion, feel resentment, and have self-doubt. Or lack of business not motivated because things aren’t working feels like burnout. Remember:

1. It is inevitable. 
2. It comes in seasons. Sometimes we need to step back for a while.
3. Figure out our intentions if we feel called, stop and do nothing. 
4. Find your triggers..release the pressure and timelines.
5. There are no brownie points for overworking.

Marketing mistakes:

1. Too many places, and not knowing who we are targeting
2. Too many platforms and not enough activity
3. Waiting around for opportunities to come to us
4. Asking others for their advice…not knowing if they are successful
5. Overcomplicating the process

Get in touch with Krista Marie and grab her 

• FREE online workshop…planning for profit with the right mindset and financial strategies www.heykristamarie.com/profitplan
• Email: [email protected]
•  Instagram @heykristamarie

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

Well, it is that time of year when we think we are going to jump in and finish our plans for the year. January is over and we better get going, right? So we make a list. And, if you are like a lot of us, it is a big and overwhelming list. 

And someone says “you need to make a yearly calendar and just do all the things.”

Or you are in a fog and exhausted from the year before and the holiday rush. And don’t know where to start.

If this is where you are…even if it is July…this solo episode of The Profitable Photographer can help. I offer you several ways to:

1. Jumpstart your creative marketing plans
2. Clear your brain clutter
3. Focus on just a few projects per quarter rather than planning an entire year

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day…but a healthy photography business is built one step at a time, one project, and one idea at a time.

Hey...feel free to contact me at www.lucidumascoaching.com or email [email protected] if you want support on anything about your business.

And thanks for checking the show out and subscribing on YouTube!

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

The Profitable Photographer Podcast is pleased to welcome fellow profitable photographer Jeff Brown back to the show to talk all about using your website to attract ideal clients!

At 27, Jeff joined the Royal Navy and began a career as a Military Photographer, but after nearly 10 years of service he left the armed forces to set up his own photography company Eighteen months later, Jeff had built a successful six-figure wedding photography partnership and a commercial photography company. 

After photographing 750 weddings himself, in 2015 he developed an online photography business mentoring program. We are so excited to soak in some of that wisdom today as he shares nuggets from his new book “Help!! My Photography Website Needs MORE Customers.”

Websites are one of, if not THE, most important part of your sales and visibility. They are our shop window to the world which is why Jeff says it is so important to convey confidence and trust on your site.

He says, “a website should have one major purpose and that purpose should be to either direct a visitor to book a call, book a session or leave their email address in exchange for something.”

To do this, Jeff prefers a “Scroll to Sell” Website which takes people on a journey to an end result and are preferred in recent Google SEO updates. 

What is a “Scroll to a Sale Website”? I take people on a journey to an end result

1. Creates a big first impression
2. Focuses on empathy first by addressing their fears and problems. 
3. Includes testimonials on the home page. 
4. Uses descriptive words
5. Has a call to action 

Jeff also tells us some big news about GOOGLE’s Helpful Content Update starting in 2023.

And is offering a special 50% discount on an SEO package if we sign up for a website with his service through thephotographerssuite.com/

[email protected]

www.thephotographersmentor.com

Grab your headphones and listen now!

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA

This episode of The Profitable Photographer Podcast is all about love stories! Our guest is here to tell us how we can enhance our hearts to increase sales.

Joining Luci on the show is Michael T Davis, a wedding photographer and storyteller who focuses on preserving his client's love stories through albums and prints. Michael has been a professional wedding photographer since 2011 and shares his expertise as a coach to other photographers. He loves coaching on how to build albums that sell.

Michael says selling is all about focusing on the client's story and designing the album in a way that evokes an emotional experience. 

To sell more::

• Focus on a great story rather than great images
• Build albums with intention and strategy
• Become a great listener..Listen to your clients before, during, and after their wedding day

We are so excited to have Michael here and we hope you enjoy this episode! Listen now. 

(Pssst… grab a FREE coaching session from Michael all about album building. Contact him below)

Michael T Davis Photography

• www.mtdphotography.com
• @mtdphotography1914
• [email protected]
• www.instagram.com/mtdphotography1914
• https://www.facebook.com/mtdphotography1914

Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:

• lucidumascoaching.com
• [email protected]
• https://www.instagram.com/theprofitablephotographer_pod/
• https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut3Qk6t6Z2DUJYEYGSCfKA