291: Dan McClanahan: Making People Feel Amazing Without Burning Yourself Out

The Profitable Photographer

Meet Dan McClanahan, a photographer based in Ames, Iowa, who’s making waves in the world of photography. With honors like representing Team USA and being a Top 10 finalist in the World Photographic Cup, Dan knows his stuff. AND he’s a featured speaker at SYNC and Imaging USA too!

Oh and…he is a super nice guy

In this episode, we dive into:

• How Dan uses light to tell stories and connect with his clients.

• His career shift from a bustling studio to a solo business that fits his life and family.

• How Rolling Stone Magazine was his big inspiration

• Dan’s process for creating portraits that reveal his clients’ true beauty and worth.

• The difference between commercial and personal photography and how he balances both.

Dan’s approach is as inspiring as it is relatable. Whether he’s collaborating on commercial shoots or designing personal portraits that actually change people’s lives, he’s all about authenticity and creativity. Dan’s advice for photographers? Keep pushing yourself and your craft—and remember, what you do is important!

Connect with Dan at

• [e-mail]
• instagram.com/danmcclan/
• mcclanahanstudio.com

Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:

• Website
• Email: [e-mail]
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube