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.
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48:44
When “Doing It Right” Still Fails
315 - You did it all right, the call flowed, you connected, you nailed the pricing talk, and then… nothing. In this episode, Heather and I unpack what to do when a client ghosts you even after your best effort, how to stay curious instead of crushed, and why “doing it right” doesn’t guarantee a yes (and why that’s actually a good thing).What to Listen For:Heather’s 3 phases of the client journey and why phase 3 is the “Wait… what?!” momentThe truth about doing everything “right” and why that doesn’t always equal bookedTwo mental tracks after a “no”: frustration spiral vs. curiosity and growthHow to set action goals you control, not outcome goals you can’tSmart follow-up strategies and why more than one is essentialWhy ghosting isn’t always rejectionTurning marketing into something that’s actually fun How to build resilience and self-trust through every “no”What to do when fear of failure stalls your next inquiry callDoing everything “right” doesn’t promise a yes but it can teach you exactly what you need to grow. In this episode, learn how to shift from frustration to curiosity, follow up with confidence, and build resilience that leads to more bookings. Want hands-on coaching? Join us for Coach Week, Nov 11–13 at 2pm ET. It's totally free, with replays included. Sign up here - https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweekAdditional Links: Ep. 284 - Stop Inquiry Ghosting - https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/blog/stop-inquiry-ghostingNicole’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.
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33:29
Bait and Switch
314 - Ever felt a twinge of guilt when offering products after a model call or charity session? You’re not alone. In this week’s episode, Heather and I dive into one sneaky thought that’s quietly killing your photography sales, the fear of pulling a “bait and switch.” We’ll talk about what that really means, why your brain might think you’re doing something shady, and how to shift your mindset so you can confidently sell without hesitation.What to Listen For:What the term “bait and switch” really means (and why it’s not what you’re doing)Why photographers feel guilty offering products after “free” sessionsHow this mindset silently sabotages your conversionsNicole’s personal experience building a thriving business through charity auctionsThe difference between transparency and deception in your client communicationThe #1 shift that turns your marketing into genuine serviceHow to educate your clients before the session so they feel confident and informedWhy your thoughts about money and worth show up in every sales conversationHow to serve from integrity while still running a profitable businessIf your brain’s been whispering, “I don’t want to trick people,” it’s time to turn down that noise. You’re not being deceptive, you’re being transparent and generous. When you lead with clarity and confidence, clients feel it. Hit play to hear how to shift your mindset and finally stop second-guessing your sales process.Episode LinksNicole’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.
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28:10
Why You're Hiding From Your Clients
313 - Let’s be honest, marketing your business can feel terrifying. 🙈The thought of putting yourself out there? Instant heart palpitations. But what if visibility didn’t have to feel like self-promotion? In this week’s episode, Nicole and Heather uncover the fears that keep photographers hiding behind their cameras and how to shift your mindset so visibility feels like service, not bragging.What to Listen ForThe real reason photographers say “I don’t know how” to marketHow fear of judgment quietly sabotages your visibilityWhy your brain treats marketing like a life-or-death threatA simple reframe that transforms “look at me” into “let me help you”How to replace “convincing” energy with “service” energy in salesWhy not sharing your services is actually doing your clients a disserviceWhy every strategy fails if you don’t first address fearVisibility isn’t about shouting louder — it’s about showing up to serve. When you reframe marketing as an act of helping instead of self-promotion, everything changes.If you’re ready to get visible (without the anxiety), join Heather’s new Visibility Workshop inside Elevate at freedomfocusformula.com/elevate — use code PODCAST to save $200 on enrollment. Links: Join the Elevate program and participate in the Visibility Workshop: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateSave $200 on enrollment with code: podcastConnect on Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial and @flourishacademyJOIN 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.
South Africa