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 Us for Coach Week: 3 Days of Live Coaching and Breakthroughs to Help You Unlock Your Photography Business PotentialNovember 11th, 12th, 13th at 2 PM EST DailyJOIN 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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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 Us for Coach Week: 3 Days of Live Coaching and Breakthroughs to Help You Unlock Your Photography Business PotentialNovember 11th, 12th, 13th at 2 PM EST DailyJOIN 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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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 Us for Coach Week: 3 Days of Live Coaching and Breakthroughs to Help You Unlock Your Photography Business PotentialNovember 11th, 12th, 13th at 2 PM EST DailyJOIN 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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Find Your Purpose (and Your Price)
312 - Do you ever feel like the odd one out because you’re not chasing six-figure revenue? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. This week, we dive into how to uncover your true motivation, avoid resentment, and create a photography business that fuels your soul while still honoring your time and value. What to Listen For:A simple test to know if money is your main driver—or just fuel for your missionThe happiness threshold: why security matters more than “more”The sneaky sign you’re underchargingWhy passion alone won’t save a project once requests and revisions roll inThe energy exchange principle: how pricing protects respect on both sidesHow “action → clarity” reveals your true motivation (not the one you think you have)The cleanest way to barter (and why money is the universal stand-in)How purpose + profit together make challenges easier to push throughA practical exercise to decide: income replacement, vacation fund, or creative outlet?Your photography business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. When you know what truly drives you, and set prices that reflect the value of your time, you’ll build a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling. Tune in now and start shaping a business that supports both your purpose and your lifestyle.Links from the episode:Nicole’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 Us for Coach Week: 3 Days of Live Coaching and Breakthroughs to Help You Unlock Your Photography Business PotentialNovember 11th, 12th, 13th at 2 PM EST DailyJOIN 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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When $250K Isn’t Enough
311 - What would make someone walk away from a $250K legal career to photograph dogs? For Kelly McNamara, it wasn’t a midlife crisis, it was clarity. In this episode, Heather sits down with Kelly to uncover the unexpected tools (including an AI version of Heather!) that helped her trade courtroom stress for creative freedom and build a business that lights her up.What to Listen ForThe $250K “golden handcuffs” keeping Kelly stuck and what finally made her break freeHow following every business “rule” still left her frustrated and stuckThe moment a simple framework flipped everything she thought about successWhy her first sales breakthrough had nothing to do with pricingThe wild twist: how Heather’s AI clone became her late-night coachThe self-doubt that almost stopped her next big project and how she overcame itThe belief that turned “outlier” into “trailblazer”How confidence (not strategy) became her most profitable skillThe one thought she used to feel unstoppable, even after setbacksFrom six-figure attorney to thriving pet photographer, Kelly’s story proves that transformation doesn’t start with strategy. It starts with belief. Her journey inside Elevate shows what’s possible when you back yourself fully and stop waiting for “someday.”🎧 Listen now to hear the twists, triumphs, and takeaways that just might change how you see your own business.IMPORTANT RESOURCES Get Coached by Heather (Fast Track Coaching): https://www.getcoachedbyheather.comHair of the Dog Academy: https://hairofthedogacademy.comFreedom Focus Photography Podcast hub: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/podcastFree Guide – Top 10 Dog Poses: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/posesElevate Coaching (with Heather): https://hairofthedogacademy.com/elevateNicole Begley Photography: https://nicolebegleyphotography.comHair of the Dog Conservation Fund: https://hairofthedogconservationfund.orgInstagram: https://instagram.com/hairofthedogacademy | https://instagram.com/nicolebegleyofficialLeave a podcast reviewJoin Us for Coach Week: 3 Days of Live Coaching and Breakthroughs to Help You Unlock Your Photography Business PotentialNovember 11th, 12th, 13th at 2 PM EST DailyJOIN 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