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.
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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.
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