It was fun to chat with another California photographer, Jeff Galinovsky, all about the business side of photography. He has been at it since 1988 (yep, with a Minolta Maxxum 7000!) and now runs a thriving business in high-volume sports, senior and family portraits, corporate branding, and events. He’s a CPP, Master of Photography, President of the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley, and an instructor with McKay Photography Academy.

His recent trip with McKay was to Mongolia, and you really want to see the amazing photos on his Facebook page!

Jeff and I dig into what it really takes to go full-time in photography—spoiler: it’s not about quitting on a whim. He shares how he prepared, got mentoring, leaned on professional organizations, and built a foundation that allowed him to succeed long-term.

We also cover:

• Planning ahead and thinking big-picture for your business
• Multiple streams of income vs. specializing (and why both can work)
• Business basics: legal setup, customer service, target market, marketing, and pricing
• Why mentors, community, and continuous learning are game-changers

If you want to grow a photography business that lasts for decades, this conversation will give you a roadmap.

Find Jeff here:

Website: jeffgalinovskyphotography.com

Email: jeff@jeffgalinovskyphotography.com

LinkedIn: Jeff Galinovsky

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
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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 with Luci Dumas, I’m so excited to bring you a conversation that’s both fun and super practical—especially if you’ve been curious (or intimidated!) about using video to grow your photography business.

My guest is Shayna Lloyd—photographer, videographer, storyteller, and an all-around inspiring human. Shayna shared how she accidentally built a business by simply sharing videos before she even had a business to promote. Her story is the perfect example of the magic that happens when you take action, even when you're not fully ready.

We chatted about the power of short-form and long-form video content, how to get started with just your iPhone, and why being willing to fail is part of the journey to success.

Here are a few of Shayna’s golden nuggets:

• Start simple:
• Think like a storyteller
• Create a story by piecing together clips.
• Once you’re comfortable, explore the video features on your camera

Shayna’s approach is all about ease, authenticity, and creativity. And honestly, I was so inspired that I might just go film a little story walk around my neighborhood after this!

Heads up: If you're listening in August, Shayna is hosting an amazing in-person event September 8–11 in a beautiful cabin in Montana. It includes styled shoots and tons of learning and connection. If I were still in growth mode, I’d absolutely go! You can find the details at heythriver.com.

I'm sure you’ll find Shayna as delightful and motivating as I did.

Enjoy the episode!

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
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• YouTube

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!

Connect with Jenny:

• Website: www.jennygegg.com
• Email: jgeggphoto@gmail.com
• Facebook: Jenny Gegg

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
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• Facebook
• YouTube

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.

Are you tired of the old myth that being an artist means being broke?

In this solo episode, I take on the “starving artist” mindset that holds so many talented photographers back—and gives you fresh ways to flip the script.

Whether you’re struggling to charge what you’re worth, feel crushed by rejection, or stuck believing you need to be “perfect” to make money, this episode is for you.

Questions to Ask Yourself from This Episode:

• What if you could see your photography as a product—not a reflection of your soul?
• Could rejection actually have nothing to do with you or your art?
• Are you pricing your time like someone who values it?
• What if “good enough” really is good enough to succeed?
• Is your style actually as important as you think—or is it more important to create what clients love?
• Are your technical skills strong and repeatable enough to inspire confidence and joy in your clients?
• And most importantly…what would change if you believed that you deserve to thrive?

I dig deep to offer you encouragement, challenge yourself and your past ideas about success, and practical mindset shifts to help you stop undervaluing yourself and start building a business that supports both your creativity and your bank account.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

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 so excited to share my conversation with the dynamic duo—Gregory and Lesa Daniel—about the beauty and strategy behind commissioned mixed-media portraits, working as a couple, and building a business with heart, intention, and excellence.

Gregory and Lesa are internationally celebrated for their artistry and business success. Gregory is one of the most awarded photographers in the U.S., holding the titles of Master of Photography and ASP Fellow, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Cameracraftsmen of America. He’s also a founding member of ISPA and a Past President of Professional Photographers of America.

Lesa is the brilliance behind the business, managing the operations of their two portrait galleries in Florida, and playing an essential role in their continued success as both a leader and visionary. There is something so powerful about a couple that runs a successful photography business together, and they share how they manage to make this work so well.

Here are just a few golden nuggets we touched on:

• The importance of being product-focused over selling just an experience
• How specializing in what you love can elevate your brand and profitability
• Why "context is everything" when it comes to the final art and how it's used

One of my favorite parts? Their take on intentional branding and creating a sustainable business around only the products they love—and that truly serve their clients. Yes, please.

I’m so inspired by their teamwork, artistry, and wisdom. I hope you are too.

---

Connect with Gregory and Lesa at https://www.gregorydanielportraits.com/

Visit me at www.lucidumascoaching.com for coaching, encouragement, and creative business growth.

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
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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.

Did you ever think about what it might take to have a highly successful, multi-million-dollar portrait studio?

My amazing guest this week, Andrew Hiorth, has done just that—and in this episode, he shares his team-building strategies, plus the joys and challenges of creating a highly profitable boudoir photography business.

I was surprised to learn that not only is it easier than I thought, but that building a business where others are doing most of the work can actually give the owner time to be wildly creative with personal photography. Free from the daily grind of creating sellable images, Andrew now has space to stretch his imagination and create stunning, award-winning art.

He also shares about the deep satisfaction that comes from leading a team of photographers and support staff, and watching them thrive. I love doing this as a coach, so now I see that I would actually enjoy being the boss of a group of amazing humans, all working hard toward the same goals!

A little about Andrew:

Andrew Hiorth is a business leader and creative visionary who built FABLE Studios into a multi-seven-figure photography brand with a team of over 20 professionals specializing in boudoir. His personal work has earned global recognition, including a PPA Diamond Award, multiple “Photographer of the Year” titles, and the honor of representing Team Canada at the World Photographic Cup. He’s also a sought-after speaker, sales strategist, and business coach helping photographers scale with purpose and profit.

One of my favorite moments? When he asked the powerful question:

“When does the freedom start?”

We also dig into:

• Why you should start with your why
• How to reverse-engineer your dream income
• The importance of pacing yourself and learning along the way
• Why profit management might just be your new best friend

And he leaves us with this gem:

“Decide what you want, how you’ll get it… and ask yourself if it will make you happy.”

Yes, please.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a business that gives you both financial and time freedom, this episode is for you.

Connect with Andrew:

www.fablestudios.ca

andrew@fablestudios.ca

Need help mapping out your dream business?

Let’s talk! www.lucidumascoaching.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
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• YouTube

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.

Ooohhh…this is a good one! On this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I had a real and honest conversation with the wise and lovely, Cate Scaglione—fine art photographer and branding expert—about how to create a boudoir/personal portrait session, designed to help our clients not only have great photographs but potentially have a life changing experience.

In this discussion, I share my own insecurities and how a few photography sessions boosted my confidence and created visual reminders of who I really am during times of self-doubt.

Now, a big part of Cate’s business that creates this transformation is her version of a luxury experience.

She shares how today's clients are investing in how the experience makes them feel, in addition to the gorgeous portraits she creates. From thoughtful details to sensory elements, she shows us how to create sessions that are immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.

We talk about:

• Designing a client experience that feels elevated and intentional
• Using all five senses to build connection and comfort
• How environment, energy, and branding shape client perception
• Why this kind of experience can be transformational for women

Whether you photograph boudoir or any other genre, this episode will inspire you to think beyond the lens and create something truly special.

Download her free gift of the boudoir pre-session checklist here:

• https://lifeasfineart.com/educate
• https://lifeasfineart.com/

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

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 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!

Want to know more about me and my coaching program, or just say hi? Check out www.lucidumascoaching.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: luci@lucidumas.com
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

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.