290 - Let’s talk luxury, artistry, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. In this episode, I chat with Amy and Tavis Guild about their journey into creating Guild Canvas, why offering high-end art matters, and how photographers can shift their mindset—and their pricing—by focusing on prestige. Warning: You might just throw out all your old samples after this episode.What to listen for:Why Guild Canvas isn’t “just” a canvas—and what truly sets it apart.Why offering only one product can actually boost your sales (and confidence).How Amy and Tavis went from overwhelmed product menus to simplified, luxury-focused selling.The psychology behind prestige pricing—and how to tap into it.Why what you show and say determines what you sell.Marketing tips for attracting clients who value heirloom artwork.The myth of the “part-time photographer” and why profitability still matters.How charitable marketing and community engagement can attract your dream clients.Real-world sales insights—including how one studio removed all other products and never looked back.Tavis’s unique “Prove It” senior model (and why it works).Whether you're ready to go all in or just want to test the waters with a price anchor, Guild Canvas is the kind of product that can truly shift your business. Simpler. More elevated. And more profitable. Go check them out and let them know I sent you!Connect with Guild CanvasGuild Canvas Club Facebook GroupGuild Canvas on InstagramGuild Canvas WebsiteMore ResourcesMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography- hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business - A Free 3-Day Training for Pet Photographers Learn what to focus on NOW (and next) to build a profitable, personality-packed, purpose-driven brand that stands out—and sells—for the long haul. Register here! TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH COMMERCIAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY - Access our secret podcast now! JOIN 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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52:43
Your Business, But Happier
289 - What if the secret to building a successful photography business wasn’t more hustle—but more joy?In this uplifting and radically honest episode, I'm joined by J. Nichole Smith, branding guru and joy-first evangelist, to explore what happens when you choose joy over fear—in both your life and your business.If you've ever worried about raising your prices, selling to clients, or marketing during uncertain times—this conversation is for you. Nic and I get real about burnout, fear-based selling, joy-fueled branding, and what it actually takes to build a business that not only pays the bills... but feels really good to run.What to Listen For:What “Joy First” actually means—and why it matters in businessThe difference between discomfort and danger (and why one leads to growth)The truth about fear-based marketing (and why it’s everywhere)How to tell when you’re making decisions from fear instead of alignmentA reframe for all the “I can’t charge that much” stories in your headThe myth of the starving artist—and how to walk away from itA dead-simple framework for building a brand that feels rightHow psychological consistency in your visuals builds trust and salesA surprisingly effective way to spark joy daily (and it’s not just gratitude)Choosing joy isn't just feel-good fluff—it's a practical, powerful strategy to build a business you love. Whether you're burned out or just stuck in fear-based thinking, this episode will help you reconnect with what lights you up. 🎧 Hit play, and don’t forget to subscribe and share the joy!Resources from this episodeFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business: Register here- hairofthedogacademy.com/futureproofMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography- hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialJ.Nichole Smith's Website - joyfirstworld.comConnect with Nic on IG - @jnicholesmithFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business - A Free 3-Day Training for Pet Photographers Learn what to focus on NOW (and next) to build a profitable, personality-packed, purpose-driven brand that stands out—and sells—for the long haul. Register here! TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH COMMERCIAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY - Access our secret podcast now! JOIN 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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49:18
The Sale-Killing Mistake You’re Probably Making
288 - What if I told you that your assumptions about what a client can spend have nothing to do with reality—and everything to do with your mindset? Ever looked at a client’s house, car, or outfit and thought, “They’ll never spend that much”? Or maybe the opposite—expecting a huge sale based on their zip code? In this episode, Heather and I break down why judging your clients' wallets is a dangerous game—and how it’s probably costing you real money.What to Listen For:The real reason your brain tries to predict client spendingWhy judgment is usually more about you than themWhat “clean thinking” means and how it improves your salesHow disappointment-avoidance is sabotaging your businessA mindset shift that instantly makes sales conversations easierWhat silence during a sales conversation actually meansWhy two clients with the same income may spend wildly different amountsHow Heather handles post-sale disappointment (spoiler: it’s genius)The key to offering your services without attachment or judgmentThe biggest sales mistake we can make? Judging clients before they even walk through the door. When we drop the assumptions and focus on service over outcomes, the entire sales process becomes lighter—and more profitable.So give this episode a listen, challenge your assumptions, and let your clients decide for themselves.Resources in this episode:Is your pricing setting you up for success? Find out how much you need to make per session to reach your revenue goals with this free calculator! Get it here: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/targetMaster 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.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business - A Free 3-Day Training for Pet Photographers Learn what to focus on NOW (and next) to build a profitable, personality-packed, purpose-driven brand that stands out—and sells—for the long haul. Register here! TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH COMMERCIAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY - Access our secret podcast now! JOIN 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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35:40
$15 files? Don't panic.
287 - What do you do when someone in your market is offering free sessions and $15 files? You listen to this episode, that’s what. Deep breath, my friend. In this episode, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation about how to thrive in a saturated market—even when someone is giving away sessions practically for free. If you’ve ever doubted whether clients will pay more, this is for you.What to Listen For:Why low-cost photographers aren’t a threat to your high-end businessThe mindset shift that frees you from price competitionHow to attract clients who want to invest in custom artworkWhat your $2,000+ clients truly value (hint: it’s not a bargain)The real reason people pay more—and it’s not just “better photos”How to stop worrying about what others chargeThe power of differentiation in a saturated marketHow to build a service that low-cost photographers can’t compete withWhy cheap photography often repels your ideal clients (and that’s a good thing)This episode is your permission slip to stop stressing about the $15 digital file photographer in your area. Instead, focus on building a boutique business that attracts clients who value quality, service, and the full experience. 💫🎧 Hit play, tune in, and DM me your thoughts @nicolebegleyofficial on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!Resources in this episode:Is your pricing setting you up for success? Find out how much you need to make per session to reach your revenue goals with this free calculator! Get it here: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/targetMaster 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.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business - A Free 3-Day Training for Pet Photographers Learn what to focus on NOW (and next) to build a profitable, personality-packed, purpose-driven brand that stands out—and sells—for the long haul. Register here! TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH COMMERCIAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY - Access our secret podcast now! JOIN 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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25:32
The Truth About Part Time
286 - If you’ve ever said, “I’m just doing this on the side,” and used that to justify your low prices… this episode is your wake-up call. We’re pulling back the curtain on the actual math of part-time profitability, common mindset traps that keep you stuck, and how to finally price your sessions like the legit business owner you are.What to Listen For:Why pricing low as a part-time photographer sets you up for burnoutThe big mindset lie that says “if it’s fun, I shouldn’t charge much”Why your expenses don’t change just because you’re part-timeThe one thing you MUST track to know if your pricing is profitableHow $2,000+ average sales actually make part-time photography easierWhy your limited availability is a pricing advantageHow to reframe your beliefs about money, value, and successA simple piece of homework that can change your pricing mindset overnightWhether you're in it for creative expression or building toward full-time, your part-time photography business deserves full-time profits. It's time to ditch the guilt and own your value. Start pricing like a pro—because your time, talent, and artistry are worth it.👉 Be sure to grab the free Session Profit Planner and take your first step toward part-time profit that actually pays. And if you haven’t already, hit subscribe and share this episode with a photographer friend who needs to hear it.Resources in this episodeIs your pricing setting you up for success? Find out how much you need to make per session to reach your revenue goals with this free calculator! Get it here: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/targetMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy → www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula → www.freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate → www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy → www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialFuture-Proof Your Pet Photography Business - A Free 3-Day Training for Pet Photographers Learn what to focus on NOW (and next) to build a profitable, personality-packed, purpose-driven brand that stands out—and sells—for the long haul. Register here! TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS WITH COMMERCIAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY - Access our secret podcast now! JOIN 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