BONUS: The One with Sales That Don’t Feel Salesy, with Luci Dumus

🎧 The One with Sales That Don’t Feel Salesy, with Luci Dumas

Bonus | The One Behind the Lens

Hosted by Kate DeCoste

Guest: Luci DumasTotal

Length: ~60:00

🎙 Episode Summary

When you think of “sales,” do you picture pushy tactics, awkward conversations, and clients ghosting you afterward? My guest this week, Luci Dumas, is here to flip that script.

Luci has been a full-time photographer for over 40 years and now coaches creatives on building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. She’s also the host of The Profitable Photographer Podcast, with over 330 episodes under her belt.

In this conversation, Luci walks us through her in-person sales process—from slideshows to whiteboards to wall art—that helps photographers not only increase their income, but also deliver finished artwork that families will treasure for generations.

We also dig into the mindset roadblocks that hold photographers back, why networking and professional organizations like PPA matter, and how sales can shift from being scary to being a joyful service to your clients.

Whether you’re brand new to selling or ready to refine your client experience, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with tools you can use right away.

📌 What You’ll Learn:

• How Luci transitioned from weddings to portraits and coaching over her 40-year career

• Why in-person sales create happier clients and higher profits

• Luci’s exact sales flow (slideshow → categories → wall art + albums)

• The top business roadblocks photographers face and how to overcome them

• Why networking, grit, and community are non-negotiables for sustainable success

• How to reframe sales as service, not pressure

🕒 Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome back! Meet Luci Dumas—photographer, coach, and podcast host

2:00 – Luci’s start in the 1980s recession and finding her first niche

6:30 – From weddings to babies + families: navigating burnout and pivoting

10:00 – The origin of Luci’s in-person sales system14:00 – Why projecting images big changes the entire sales experience

18:00 – Using categories + whiteboards to simplify decision-making

22:00 – How wall portraits + albums deliver legacy and profit

27:00 – Sales myths that hold photographers back

32:00 – Common roadblocks: unclear vision, niche fears, and money mindset

38:00 – The role of relationships and networking in business growth

44:00 – The power of professional organizations like PPA48:00 – Grit, perseverance, and keeping your passion alive long-term

52:00 – Luci’s free resources + coaching offers for photographers

57:00 – Final thoughts: why sales should feel joyful

💾 Resources & Links

Luci’s Podcast:→ The Profitable Photographer

Free Client Attraction Guide: https://lucidumascoaching.com/freegift/ for an Ideal Client Attraction Guide

Create the Business of Your Dreams session with Luci: lucidumascoaching. com

Coaching Info:→ lucidumascoaching.com

💬 Follow Luci Online:

Instagram: @theprofitablephotographer_pod

YouTube: Profitable Photographer Podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasCoaching

🎁 Listener Perk:

Thanks to Taylor Aller, you can grab FREE access to the Make It Happen Planner + Private Podcast Series—your behind-the-scenes guide to reverse-engineering real goals and creating more momentum (with less chaos). Snag it here → https://tayloraller.myflodesk.com/freeplanner

✨ Quotes to Remember

“Sales isn’t about pressure—it’s about helping people bring art into their homes.” – Luci Dumas

“When you see a client’s reaction in real time, you learn what they value most.” – Luci Dumas

“Networking isn’t optional. People do business with people they know, like, and trust.” – Luci Dumas

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