Freedom Focus Photography - previously the Hair of the Dog Podcast

252 - In this final installment of our travel hacking series, we're diving into the art of redeeming points. Now that you've accumulated a collection of points and miles, it's time to learn how to use them to unlock unforgettable travel experiences. From booking long-haul flights in business class to scoring luxury hotel stays for free, this episode is packed with tips and strategies to help you maximize the value of your hard-earned points. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Maximizing Your Miles: Learn how to make the most out of your accumulated points for travel, ensuring you get the best value for your redemptions. Understanding Redemption Rates: Learn how to determine if you're getting a good redemption rate, with benchmarks for evaluating point value. When to Purchase Points: Discover scenarios when it might make sense to purchase points to complete a redemption. When to Transfer Points: Learn when it’s best to transfer points directly to an airline versus booking through a credit card portal for maximum value. Advanced Redemption Strategies: Explore advanced strategies like using mileage upgrade awards and leveraging different airline alliances. Resources From This Episode: Nicole’s Travel ResourcesJoin Rakuten for freeHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

251 - Welcome back to the Freedom Focus Photography podcast! In this second episode of our three-part series on travel hacking, we're diving into the exciting world of earning points. If you love to travel and dream of doing so for free or at a significantly reduced cost, this episode is a must-listen. I'll be sharing my tried-and-true methods for maximizing points through credit card strategies, ensuring you get the most out of your everyday spending. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Optimizing Earning: We’re breaking down the various ways to earn points and bonuses so you can maximize your earning without needing a plethora of credit cards (but once you get addicted to this habit you might want that plethora). Maximizing Points with Regular Expenses: Discover how to earn points from regular expenses like insurance premiums, utility bills, and even home renovations. Pros and Cons of Extra Fees: When it might be worth paying extra fees to use your credit card and when it might not be. Shopping Portals Explained: An introduction to shopping portals and how they can significantly boost your points earnings. Choosing the Right Credit Cards: A guide to selecting the right credit cards for your needs based on different ecosystems and your travel goals. Resources From This Episode: Nicole’s Travel ResourcesJoin Rakuten for freeHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

250 - Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! In this special episode, we're kicking off a three-part series dedicated to one of the most exciting and requested topics: travel hacking. If you've ever dreamed of traveling for free or at a fraction of the cost, you're in the right place. Today, we'll explore how to leverage credit card points to maximize your travel rewards, whether you’re aiming for luxurious trips or frequent getaways on a budget. Tune in to discover the strategies that can make your travel dreams a reality, and how we have an advantage since we are running a business as well! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Introduction to Travel Hacking: Learn what travel hacking is and how it can help you travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Choosing the Right Credit Cards: Tips on selecting the right credit cards based on your travel goals and spending habits. Security Benefits of Credit Cards: Why credit cards are more secure than debit cards for travel and everyday use. Annual Fees and Credit Scores: Discussion on whether annual fees are worth it and how opening new credit cards affects your credit score. Credit Card Travel Insurance: Real-life examples of how credit card travel insurance can save you money and hassle during unexpected travel issues. Resources From This Episode: Nicole’s Travel ResourcesHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

249 - In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, we’re jumping into our imaginary DeLorean and time traveling to share the ultimate 3-step success formula we wish we had known from the start! Join Heather and me as we reveal how making decisions, taking action, and trusting yourself can transform your photography business. We also share personal stories and insights on overcoming obstacles, learning from the past, and embracing the future with confidence. What To Listen For: Trust Yourself:Past vs. Future Self: Intuition vs. Anxiety: Dealing with Big Sales: 3-Steps to Success: Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

248 - In today's episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, I'm flexing my superpower – digging into a photographer's pricing and helping them make quick and easy changes that result in majorly elevated sales! Today, we're chatting with Michaela from BMac Photography in San Diego, who was running a very successful business with a $1,700 average sale. Most of her clients would purchase an album, but she was struggling to get them to purchase more. With one little shift, her first client after our chat purchased not only an album but also a wall piece, resulting in a $3,800+ sale! Tune in to hear how you can apply these simple yet powerful strategies to your own photography business. What to listen for: The Power of One Tweak: Hear how a single change in Michaela's pricing strategy more than doubled her next sale. Albums vs. Wall Art: Understand why albums were selling well for Michaela and why she aimed to increase wall art sales. Selling Techniques: Learn how to effectively promote both albums and wall art to clients. Pricing Structures: Gain insights into the pros and cons of a la carte pricing versus collections. Client Incentives: Discover the bonus strategy Nicole suggested to entice clients to purchase both albums and wall art. Connect with Michaela: Website: https://bmacpetphotography.com/Instagram: @bmacpetphotographyResources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

247 - In today's episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, we're diving into the art of raising your prices in your portrait photography business without losing your clients. Whether you're just starting out with a low-cost all-inclusive model or you're already seeing high sales and aiming to break into an even more luxurious market, we’ve got you covered. Join us to explore the journey through different business levels, the importance of transitioning to product sales, and how to introduce signature products to elevate your offerings. What to listen for: The 4 Levels of Business: Is it ok to be Low-Cost All-Inclusive: Transitioning to Product Sales: When you Need Signature Products: Navigating Pricing Increases: Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

246 - In today’s Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, join Nicole Begley as she chats with financial expert Mel Abraham to break down the ins and outs of financial planning for creatives. In this episode, Mel demystifies the process of building your own "money machine"—a system designed to cultivate financial independence and long-term security. This conversation dives into why it's crucial for photographers and other creatives to start the habit of saving early, even if the amounts are small at first. Mel provides practical advice on how to manage money effectively, plan for the future, and use smart financial strategies to build wealth over time. Tune in to transform your financial fears into a foundation for freedom! What To Listen For: The Concept of a Money Machine: Learn what a money machine is and why every individual, especially entrepreneurs, needs one to ensure financial independence and security. Personal Finance Management: Strategies for photographers and creative professionals to manage their finances more effectively, focusing on investment and savings habits. Transition from Earning to Building Wealth: Mel explains the shift from relying solely on income from work to creating systems that generate enduring wealth. The Psychological Aspect of Money: Understanding the emotional relationship with money and how to make financial decisions that align with personal and professional goals. Long-term Financial Planning: How to approach financial planning with a long-term perspective, ensuring that decisions made today positively impact future financial stability. Resources From This Episode: Mel's Book - YourMoneyMachineBook.comMelAbraham.comMel's Instagram Mel's YouTube ChannelHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

245 - Welcome back to the latest episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast! Ever had one of those moments where you think, “Is this actually happening?”. I had one of those moments early in my photography business that I’ll never forget. Picture this: I'm standing in the bank, clutching my first check for $105 and change, ready to open my shiny new business account. The minimum to open was $100, and I was ready to bootstrap my little business to profitability. That was until the bank employee went to deposit my check, showed his colleague the check and laughed. 😳 Now, for some people, that might have been the end of the road. But for me? It was just the beginning. I walked out of that bank more determined than ever to make my business a success. Because, honestly, the thought of going back to a 9-to-5 was way more terrifying than any snickering bank teller. In the latest episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, I sit down with Heather Lahtinen, our resident mindset ninja, and we dive into the power of belief and perseverance. We share some of our own cringeworthy early business moments and how we used those experiences to fuel our drive. What To Listen For: Overcoming Early Doubts: Nicole shares her experience of being laughed at by a bank employee when she opened her business account with $105. Navigating Setbacks: Heather recounts her experience with veteran photographers who dismissed her ideas early in her career and how she overcame their negativity. The Importance of Belief: Heather and Nicole discuss the critical role of believing in your own success and how it can influence your business journey. The Belief Ladder: A detailed explanation of the belief ladder and how it can be used to gradually build confidence and achieve business goals. Actionable Takeaways: Practical advice and steps for listeners to implement self-coaching and belief-building strategies in their own lives and businesses. Resources From This Episode: Heather’s 2005-era BlogspotHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

244 - Welcome back to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! I'm your host, Nicole Begley, and today we have a very special guest, Daniel Usenko, the creative force behind Pixellu, developers of my favorite album design software, Smart Albums. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the possibility of adding albums to your services, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to not only streamline your workflow, but also potentially utilize albums in your marketing. Daniel will share how Smart Albums can transform the tedious task of album creation into a swift, enjoyable process, enhancing both your product offering and client experience. So, buckle up as we uncover the potential for offering gorgeous albums to your clients. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: The Value of Print: Daniel discusses the importance of printed albums in today's digital age and how they can distinguish your services from others, providing a tangible product that clients treasure. Advice for Incorporating Albums into Your Business: Daniel gives practical advice on how photographers can seamlessly integrate album sales into their offerings, enhancing client satisfaction and boosting their bottom line. Improving Photographer Efficiency: Discover how Smart Albums can drastically reduce the time spent on album designs, enabling photographers to pre-design albums for sales sessions and increase their profitability. The Origins of Smart Albums: Daniel shares the journey from the early days of album design, which required days of work using Photoshop or InDesign, to the development of Smart Albums, which now allows photographers to design beautiful albums in less than 10 minutes. Utilizing Albums for Marketing: Explore innovative ways to use albums as a marketing tool, whether it’s showcasing your work at events or creating bespoke client albums that drive new business. Resources From This Episode: Use the code: FREEDOMFOCUSWatch Nicole create photography albums FAST with SmartAlbumsHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

243 - Welcome to this exciting episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! Today, we're diving into a unique and impactful marketing strategy with our guest, Michaela Trujillo from BMAC Pet Photography in San Diego, CA. She’s masterfully combined art, community engagement, and philanthropy through her innovative Gallery Wall Contest - creating a powerful trifecta of collaboration. In our conversation, Michaela shares her journey from conceptualizing the idea to executing a successful gallery wall in a local pet store. She explains how this approach has significantly benefited her photography business, offering insights into the operational logistics, building strategic partnerships, and the lasting impact on client engagement compared to other marketing strategies. Tune in to learn how you can implement similar strategies in your business and foster meaningful connections within your community. What To Listen For: Unique Wall Art Contest: Trifecta Partners:Marketing Comparison:Building Relationships: Operational Details: Resources From This Episode: Michaela’s Gallery Wall Contest blogGallery Wall How-To GuideBmac Pet Photography WebsiteHair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

242 - Welcome back to the latest episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast! In this session, we dive deep into some intriguing personal revelations with Heather, who unexpectedly found herself discussing ME with her business coach! 😳 Talk about our mind jumping to conclusions! Imagine what I was thinking when I found this out! In this episode, you’ll discover what I did to trigger her (sidenote, it might have something to do with my Monday boards). Plus, we tackle the ever-present habit of comparing ourselves to others, revealing the emotional challenges it brings and sharing tips to rise above it. Stay tuned as we delve into the importance of recognizing and embracing your "zone of genius," steering clear of the nagging 'Should Monster,' and learning to honor your unique path to success. What To Listen For: Heather's Unexpected Coaching Session:The Power of Assumptions:Comparison and Self-Worth: Zone of Genius: Dealing with the 'Should Monster': Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus Formula Connect with Heather Flourish AcademyFlourish Academy on FBFlourish Academy on IG Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

241 - Welcome to our final episode of The Offline Photographer! Throughout this series, we've explored the art of in-person marketing, empowering photographers to step away from screens and cultivate genuine, face-to-face connections in their local communities. By focusing on offline engagement, we've helped photographers find innovative ways to build relationships and grow their businesses. In this episode, host Heather Lahtinen and Laura Wombwell tackle the challenges of being an introverted photographer in an industry that thrives on social interaction. They also explore the mindset blocks surrounding discussions of money and pricing. Laura candidly shares her journey of overcoming these barriers, while Heather offers advice on reframing client interactions to be more about education and less about pressure. What To Listen For: Navigating Social Barriers as an Introvert: Laura Wombwell shares her journey of overcoming social challenges as an introverted photographer, highlighting the mental hurdles she faces while interacting with potential clients. Addressing Money Mindset Issues: The conversation touches on overcoming negative beliefs around discussing money, such as associating it with being "gross" or feeling like a "used car salesman." Reframing the Narrative: Heather encourages Laura to rethink her approach, emphasizing that providing people with information about her photography services is about educating, not pressuring. Imagining a Different Role: Laura introduces the idea of stepping into a more confident version of herself, using the concept of a "Super Laura" to connect more comfortably with potential clients. Bridging Conversations to Business: Laura discusses strategies for transitioning casual conversations into opportunities to share about her pet photography services. Connect with Heather Flourish AcademyFlourish Academy on FBFlourish Academy on IG Connect with Laura Laura Wombwell Photography Laura Wombwell Photography on IG Laura Wombwell Photography on FBResources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

240 - In today's episode, we're diving into the realm of marketing automation and its incredible benefits for photographers. Whether you're juggling multiple roles in your business or looking for effective ways to streamline your marketing efforts, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Joining us is special guest Dayna Schaaf, a marketing guru from "This Can't Be That Hard," who brings a wealth of knowledge on using tools like ManyChat to enhance client interaction without losing that personal touch for our social media. We’ll discuss the indispensable power of having an email list, provide simple steps to keep your marketing efforts consistent and effective, and share tailored advice for introverts who want to maximize their social media impact without stepping out of their comfort zone. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these insights will help you attract and retain clients more efficiently while keeping your marketing game strong and stress-free. Get ready to transform the way you engage with your audience and set your photography business up for success! What To Listen For: The Power of an Email List:Simple Steps to Effective Marketing: Leveraging Social Media:Marketing for Introverts: Utilizing MiniChat for Client Interaction: Connect with Dayna Schaaf: Free ManyChat Training for PhotographersInstagramConsistency ClubThis Can't Be That Hard Website Resources From This Episode: ManyChat TrainingHair of the Dog AcademyElevate Coaching PrograAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

239 - Welcome back to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! As emerging photographers, many of you might be grappling with the question: "Am I ready to start charging for my services?" It's a hurdle that every new photographer faces at some point. You might feel like your skills aren't polished enough or your portfolio isn't vast enough to justify setting a price. Perhaps there's a lingering doubt whether your business structure is comprehensive enough to start accepting payments. Today, we're diving deep into these insecurities. We'll debunk the myth that you need to be perfect to start charging, explore how to recognize the value you already offer, and discuss how to gauge market response to your pricing. Our goal is to equip you with the confidence to move past self-doubt and start building a profitable photography business, step by step. What To Listen For: The Myth of 'Not Good Enough':Recognizing Your Value: Market Response: Setting Initial Prices: Overcoming Self-Doubt: Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

238 - Welcome back to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! In this episode, we're continuing our exploration of the common excuses photographers make that stall their progress. Heather Lahtinen joins us once again as we call BS on these all-too-familiar myths. Whether it’s the size of your audience, your personal skills in sales, or misconceptions about what clients value, we’re here to break down these barriers. Join us as we tackle more of these limiting beliefs, empowering you to push past the excuses and thrive in your photography business. Let’s dive in and debunk these myths together! What To Listen For: 1. I need a bigger audience first: Debunking the myth that success is solely dependent on having a large following or email list before you can effectively market your services. 2. I'm not good at sales and marketing: Challenging the belief that you are inherently bad at sales or marketing, emphasizing that these are skills that can be learned and improved with practice and education. 3. Clients only care about digital files, not prints or albums: Addressing the misconception that clients are only interested in digital products and showing how diverse client preferences can be, including a demand for physical products like prints and albums. 4. I just need to find the right marketing trick: Dispelling the notion that there is a single, magical marketing trick that will solve all business challenges, encouraging a more holistic and consistent approach to marketing strategies. 5. I need to perfect my skills before I can charge more (or at all): Overcoming the belief that you need to reach a level of perfection in your skills before you can justify charging appropriately for your services. This myth will be discussed in more detail in the next episode. Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramConnect with Heather Flourish AcademyFlourish Academy on FBFlourish Academy on IGAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

237 - Welcome back to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of running a successful photography business! Today, Nicole Begley and our mostly-co-host, Heather Lahtinen, tackle the tricky terrain of photography pricing and those stubborn beliefs that just might be holding your business back. Ever whispered to yourself, "That strategy won't work for my photography business," or felt your heart race at the thought of adjusting your pricing? You're not alone. We're here to challenge those thoughts head-on, from debunking market myths to navigating the anxiety around photography pricing. This episode is all about embracing your unique path, standing confidently by your pricing structure, and infusing a bit more joy into your photography business journey. So, settle in and let's unravel these common photography business conundrums together! What To Listen For: Redefining Market Boundaries: "That won't work in my market" is a common refrain by photographers and one that we think is absolutely detrimental to your business. The Price Perception Puzzle: Ever consider that high prices might actually be attracting clients rather than deterring them? Embracing Your Unique Path: No matter how crowded the market may seem - there’s always room for your unique and authentic path. Navigating the Fear of High Prices: Does the thought of raising your prices give you heart palpatations? We’ll reveal strategies to help you confidently stand by your pricing structure. The Power of Reframing Thoughts: Figuring out what thoughts aren’t serving you are only part of the problem - now we need to learn how to reframe them. Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramWatch the podcast on Youtube! Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

236 - This episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, hosted by Heather Lahtinen, delves into the "Offline Photographer Challenge" introduced in episode 219. The challenge is part of the Elevate program, designed to help photographers enhance their in-person marketing strategies by engaging with their local community. Heather invites Laura Wombwell to share her experiences and insights on expanding marketing efforts through building relationships with other photographers. The conversation highlights the formation of the Southwestern Ontario Pet Photographer Group, initiated by Laura during the pandemic. This group aimed to create a supportive community where photographers could share referrals, resources, and knowledge. Laura discusses the benefits of this network, including client referrals, shared educational events, and a collective marketing reach that educates the community about pet photography. What To Listen For: Community Over Competition:The Referral Ecosystem:Navigating Client Fit: Setting Standards:Avoiding Negativity The episode explores the importance of mindset, emphasizing community over competition, and the positive impacts of transparency, diversity, and professionalism within the photographer network. It encourages listeners to take on the challenge of networking with other photographers, not just for referrals and business growth but also for personal development and community building. Connect with Heather Flourish AcademyFlourish Academy on FBFlourish Academy on IG Connect with Laura LaAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

235 - Heather Lahtinen has been a regular guest on the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, bringing her insights and experiences to our vibrant community of photographers. But today's episode unveils a side of Heather we've never seen before - a side that she used to keep hidden. In a candid and transformative conversation, Heather steps into the hot seat not just to share her expertise, but to explore her inner world with the guidance of Michelle Crandall, affectionately known as "The People's Coach” in Elevate. Brace yourself for a deep dive into 'Dark Heather' and the enlightening journey towards embracing all facets of one's self. What To Listen For: 1. The Unveiling of 'Dark Heather': Discover the transformative power of acknowledging and embracing the less polished sides of our personalities. 2. Michelle Crandall's Insightful Coaching: How "The People's Coach" approaches common struggles with self-doubt and negative self-talk, offering a new perspective. 3. A Compliment That Sparks a Journey: A simple interaction at the chiropractor's office leads Heather down a path of self-discovery and reflection on her public versus private self. 4. The Thanksgiving Table of Self: A visualization technique that helps integrate all aspects of one's personality, even those we're tempted to hide. 5. Confronting the Fear of Misjudgment: Tackling the anxiety around how others perceive us and the desire to control those perceptions. Join us on this enlightening journey as Heather and Michelle delve into the intricacies of personal development and self-acceptance, offering valuable insights not just for photographers, but for anyone that happens to be human. Connect with Heather Flourish AcademyFlourish Academy on IGConnect with Michelle Pets in FocusPets in Focus on IG Pets in Focus on FB Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

Welcome to another episode of the Creative Freedom Rebellion - a podcast series within the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, hosted by Nicole Begley and J. Nichole Smith, AKA Nic. Through the past 10+ years of mentoring pet photographers, we’ve noticed that the “why” of many pet photographers falls into one of three buckets. The love of art, the goal of lifestyle, or the love of dog. It’s important to dive into these differences because these motivations can shape not only your work but how you present it to the world. Not a pet photographer? Don’t pass this episode over as it will still be applicable as the first two buckets will be the same, but your love of dog would simply be the love of whatever your subject of choice is. What To Listen For: Embracing the Creative Freedom Rebellion: The Transformation of Pet Photography: Finding Your Niche Within a Niche: Tailored Marketing Strategies: The Joy Factor: We each created our business for different reasons, but one reason that is often universal was the goal of having more fulfillment and freedom in our lives. To make money doing something we love. This episode will open your eyes to the different roads that photographers choose to travel down and how when you know more about your motivation, you can make your business even more fulfilling. For those interested in exploring commercial pet photography, our yearly free training is coming back April 10th - and it’s ALL new this year. Jump on the training waitlist here so you don’t miss your chance to join this incredible free event. Want the video version? Watch here. Resources from this Episode Creative Freedom Rebellion Part 1Connect with NicPouka Art And PhotographyThe Artisan HoundAre you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.

233 - Today’s episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast is an episode that will resonate with photographers across all specialties. In this enlightening conversation, I sit down with Karen Bartos, a boudoir photographer whose journey from landscape and high school senior photography to the intimate world of boudoir is a narrative of transformation and self-discovery that every photographer can learn from. What to Listen For: A Journey of Transformation: The Power of Pivoting: Embracing Change and Overcoming Burnout:The Art of Connection: Mastering Your Mind Circus: Gratitude and Growth:This episode is a testament to the transformative power of photography, not just in the realm of high school senior or boudoir photography, but across all forms of this art. Whether you're capturing landscapes, weddings, pets, or portraits, Karen's story highlights the universal themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the art of turning life's challenges into stepping stones for growth. For those inspired by Karen's story and eager to learn more about her work and insights, she has her own podcast, "The Mind Circus," where she'll delve deeper into the intricacies of our mental landscapes and how they shape our lives and careers. Connect with Karen: WebsitePodcastInstagram Are you ready to master the unique art of commercial pet photography (which is WILDLY different than portrait photography)! Join us inside this unique 16-week commercial pet photography experience - which only happens once a year. We get started on August 1st. Learn more here. Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review! JOIN THE PARTY: Instagramhereeffective pricing and sales strategiesElevate helps you do just thatCheck out our recommended gear and favorite books.