320 - Ever walked away from an event or promotion feeling like you “should” have done better? In this episode, Susie had a goal, didn’t hit it, and instead of spiraling… she transformed it into . If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “cut out” for this business, this episode is for you.What to Listen ForThe mindset shift that turned “I only sold two” into “This was wildly successful.”Why numbers don’t tell the full story and how to spot hidden wins.How Susie reframed her results in seconds after talking with her husband.Why missing your goals often leads to more growth than hitting them.How rejection stopped feeling personal, even when people said “no” to her face.The power of continuing the offer instead of declaring it over.How to recognize the ideas, momentum, and follow-up opportunities an event creates.The importance of documenting your wins (even the tiny ones).How a stronger self-concept makes you unstoppable in sales and marketing.If you’ve ever walked away from a launch, event, or promotion feeling disappointed, this episode is going to console and motivate you all at the same time. Susie’s story proves that success isn’t measured only in sales, it’s measured in who you’re becoming in the process.Give yourself the gift of 20 minutes that might just reshape your photography business forever. Hit play, and if it resonates, share this episode with a fellow photographer who needs it.IMPORTANT LINKSCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.comDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
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15:26
Photography Competition Isn’t Personal
319 - Scrolling Instagram and feeling like every photographer in your area is booked solid… except you? This episode breaks down what’s really happening when photography competition triggers that spiral — and how to shift your mindset so you can get back to serving, creating, and growing.What to listen for:The surprising emotional chain reaction your brain creates when you see photographers who look “busy” onlineWhy competition feels threatening even when it technically isn’tThe #1 thought that keeps photographers stuck in comparisonHow your brain jumps from “They’re busy” to “I’m going to end up broke in a ditch”Why you assume competitors are taking clients that “should” be yoursWhy more local photographers can actually help grow demandHow to reframe comparison into something that fuels your business instead of draining itThe simple thought protocol to use the next time you see a competitor post a winThe one question that reveals whether comparison is stealing your best creative energyFeeling triggered by photography competition doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you — it means you’re human. This episode will show you how to redirect that energy back into your business so you can create momentum instead of comparison.If you’re ready for coaching, clarity, and a community that helps you rise above the noise, come join us inside Elevate. Hit play now and let’s shift your mindset together.IMPORTANT LINKSCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.comDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
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15:38
11 Website Mistakes for 2025
318 - Your images are gorgeous… but your website? That might be another story. In this episode, I’m walking you through a practical photography website audit so you can spot the gaps that are turning dream clients away—often before they ever inquire. We’ll talk design, messaging, mobile, SEO, and what to fix first to book more high-value sessions.What to listen for:The simple copy test that instantly reveals if your messaging is way too genericWhy too much text sends today’s skim-happy visitors running for the back buttonThe one clear call to action every photography website needs—and where it should goWhy hiding your products and artwork is killing your conversionsThe quick mobile check for 80%+ of your website visitorsHow confusing navigation quietly kills conversions A fast load-time test you can do today and what to change if your site is slowThe SEO basics you must have in place so local clients can actually find youThree paths to upgrading your website (DIY, templates, or custom design) and when each one makes senseYour website is either working for you 24/7… or quietly working against you. The good news? Once you know the most common photography website mistakes, they’re totally fixable, often faster than you think.Tune in to this episode to audit your own site, grab the free 11-mistake checklist, and decide whether it’s time for a refresh, a template upgrade, or a fully custom build. Hit play now, then start turning more website visitors into happy, high-value clients.RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Free website audit PDF: www.freedomfocusformula.com/webauditCustom Showit website design with Connor Walberg: https://connorwalberg.com/custom-showit-websitesADDITIONAL LINKS:Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – https://www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – https://www.freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – https://www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
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35:01
Sales Energy Makeover
317 - Ever worry you sound “salesy” when talking about your pricing? In this episode, we dive deep into sales energy—what it is, why it matters, and how it can completely change your client experience. Inspired by Heather’s real-life adventure at a used car lot, you’ll learn why the words you say matter far less than the energy behind them.What to Listen For✔Why a “used car salesman vibe” has nothing to do with selling✔ The surprising comment that set the tone for the entire car-buying experience✔ How genuine service energy can instantly build trust✔ Why “please buy this from me today” can feel totally fine (yes, really!)✔ How pushy behavior shows up when someone’s in get-energy instead of serve-energy✔ The real reason clients sometimes feel defensive or pressured✔ A critical money lesson every creative business owner should know✔ The moment Heather’s daughter spotted a sneaky finance trick (and what photographers can learn from it)✔ The difference between empowering a client and manipulating themSales doesn’t have to feel icky, awkward, or pushy. When you lead with genuine service energy, clients feel supported—not pressured—and your sessions become easier and more profitable. Listen to the full episode to learn how to shift your sales energy and create client experiences that feel amazing for everyone.Ready to elevate your sales? Hit play and let’s dive in.IMPORTANT LINKSCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.comDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
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29:59
The Road to Confidence
316 - What if the secret to unstoppable confidence wasn’t about never failing but being willing to feel embarrassed along the way? In this week’s conversation, Heather and Susie unpack what it really takes to believe in yourself, even when the road gets rocky. Literally.What to Listen ForThe powerful mindset shift that helped Susie finally believe in herselfWhy confidence comes after action, not before itHow a muddy 4x4 adventure turned into the ultimate business metaphorThe question Heather asks every struggling photographerWhy being willing to feel embarrassed can make you unstoppableHow “I didn’t really try” thinking secretly sabotages your progressThe difference between disappointment and failure (and why it matters)The real reason your confidence plateaus and how to fix itConfidence isn’t a one-and-done achievement. It’s a practice. And sometimes, the biggest leaps forward come from the moments that feel the most uncomfortable. If you’ve been waiting to “feel ready” before raising your prices, booking higher-end clients, or finally going full-time—this episode is your permission slip to do it anyway.Listen now, take messy action, and see what happens when you stop letting fear drive.Coach week starts TODAY! Join us here: https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweekMore ResourcesNicole’s Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficialHeather’s Flourish Academy - https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comFreedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.comElevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateCommercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, the essential audio hub for portrait photographers eager to launch and elevate their businesses to achieve their ideal version of success. Hosted by Nicole Begley, a former zoological animal trainer turned accomplished family and then pet/equine photographer, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your photographic passion into a thriving business.Since making the leap into photography in 2010 and quickly scaling her business to six figures, Nicole has dedicated herself to guiding photographers like you to transform their businesses from low-profit, high-stress operations into a profitable, sustainable businesses by teaching how to confidently price your services, sell products, and attract higher-paying clients. Join Nicole and a vibrant community of like-minded photographers on the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast. Together, we'll explore the paths to a profitable photography business that supports the life you've always envisioned.