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Freedom Focus Photography — Arts
Freedom Focus Photography

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.

Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 Hair of the Dog Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Why Commercial Photography May Not be for You with J. Nichole Smith May 24, 2022

Show notes

145 - For many of us, seeing our photography on a dog-food bag or in a Ruffwear catalog would be a dream come true. If the enormous ego boost wasn't satisfying enough, how 'bout that high-dollar payday?!

Not so fast, compadre. This week, J. Nichole Smith and I deliver some real talk on the world of commercial animal photography—and why it might not be for you. Or maybe it is! Find out what qualities make for a successful commercial photographer, and if it's something you want to, ahem, shoot for.

What To Listen For:

How to know if you're ready for commercial work
What the data says about the most successful pet-related images
The best type of small business to start working with
How to handle the financial exposure of large commercial shoots
When you need to enlist a contract lawyer (and when to skip it)

Think commercial work is in your future? Eager to learn more? Join me and Nichole for an upcoming free training on June 8—we're spilling the secrets other photographers in the biz don't want to share!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Let's Photograph a Moose with Jesse Villemaire May 17, 2022

Show notes

144 - Seasoned pet photographers know that one of the keys to a successful shoot is patience. Canadian wildlife photographer Jesse Villamaire has it in spades, and it's coming in handy as he and his fiancée Susan expand their successful Follow Me North brand to include the pet genre. Join me this week as Jesse shares his approach to photography, connecting with pet owners, and staying focused on serving.

What To Listen For:

The keys to capturing memorable wildlife shots
How Jesse responsibly shares his photoshoot locations
The go-to gear to have in your bag
How the other Rule of Thirds will bring your images to life
Why ignorance-by-design is serving Jesse well

You might be inspired to get creative with your pet-photography packages after hearing about Follow Me North Pets' session options. They definitely got me thinking!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Finding your Purpose with Marika Moffitt May 10, 2022

Show notes

143 - Longtime listeners will remember Seattle photographer Marika Moffitt from her earlier appearances on the podcast, under the brand Dirtie Dog Photography. A series of personal events in the past year rocked Marika's world, prompting her to rethink her reasons for being in business.

Follow along this week as Marika talks about the birth of Soul Dog Creative, the new brand that reflects her deeper purpose. We also chat about the journey from part-time to full-time photographer, connecting with your clients, and offer advice for those of you just starting out.

What To Listen For:

A common roadblock to starting your business—and how to avoid it
The first step in determining your ideal client
Why Marika built her entire business around just one single product
How to access your internal search engine
The project that expanded Marika's customer base

If you're a new business—or a not-yet business—you'll find plenty in this episode to inspire you. And if you've been around a while and are considering a rebrand, you definitely don't want to miss this week's podcast!

Resources From This Episode:

Soul Dog Creative on Instagram
Marika's soon-to-be-reborn website
Soul Dog Journey Project (52 weekly prompts)
Episodes 8, 33, 40 with Marika Moffit
Episode 142: Let's Make Instagram Fun
Hair of the Dog Academy
Free Hair of the Dog Community
Hair of the Dog Elevate

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Let's Make Instagram Fun with Rachel Doran May 03, 2022

Show notes

142 - If Instagram's current "best practices"—post every single day, and make it a Reel!—make you want to drop-kick your phone off a tall bridge, take heart. Rachel Doran of Tell Your Tails is on the podcast this week to help you find the fun in using Instagram to grow your business.

Rachel specializes in content marketing for pet businesses, and knows the importance of consistently showing up for your audience. But she's also here to remind us that consistent can take many different shapes, depending on your goals.

What To Listen For:

The first question to ask yourself when deciding between social media platforms
How to keep up with the ever-evolving Instagram game
Rachel's #1 tip for creating great content
Examples of how you can use Instagram Reels to your advantage
Why Nicole's feeling excited about Instagram again

If you're an early adopter, you've probably been cranking out social media video content for some time now. But if you've shied away from Instagram's video features, this week's challenge might just give you the nudge you need!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Expanding your Marketing with Graham Crichton Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

141 - Belfast-based photographer Graham Crichton hates talking to people. But he knows what it takes to run a successful photography business—wildly successful last year, in fact. So when it's time to schmooze with clients, have drinks with his competition or build community connections, Graham's ready to turn on what he calls show mode.

Hear how Graham Crichton Photography grew to where it is today, and the direction he sees for his studio's future. You'll also get his spicy take on bad reviews—he lives for them, improbable as that may seem!

What To Listen For:

Which referral-program model is most effective
Graham's top-selling product, and why you shouldn't rule it out
How to ensure voucher winners get in touch
The single most important question to ask potential clients
What Graham's best-spending clients have in common

Whether you're like Graham and me—business people who take photographs—or you consider yourself an artist first, you'll enjoy this week's lively chat!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Managing Life and Business with Kim Hartz Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

140 - Chances are, you have a lot on your plate. Maybe you're running a business, or working in a full-time job. You might be parenting small humans or be the primary caretaker of pets. Or maybe—bless you, dear listener—you're doing all of the above.

So how do you keep all those balls in the air, without losing track of things or feeling overwhelmed? That's what my conversation is about this week with Kim Hartz, photographer extraordinaire, Academy and Elevate coach, wife and busy mother of three.

What To Listen For:

Why we're feeling nostalgic for the early-COVID days
How Kim maps out her year, to keep things on track
What you can expect to pay for outsourced editing work
The magical words to use when guiding your clients
And a challenge for you, from Nicole—do it this week!

Regardless of your specific responsibilities, you'll appreciate this week's real-talk and life-management recommendations!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

The Trifecta of Legal Protection with Rachel Brenke Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

139 - This I know to be true: It costs more (and hurts more) to deal with legal problems in your business than to prevent them from occurring in the first place. That's why Rachel Brenke of TheLawTog encourages you to get your legal pups in a row as soon as possible.

This week, Rachel shares the elements you need in place to cover your bases. We discuss a few what-if scenarios, grumble about insurance companies, and explore the psychology of client confidence.

What To Listen For:

The 3 essential components of your contract
Retainer, deposit or session fee—does it matter what you call it?
The reality of copyrighting your photos
What about registering your trademark—yay or nay?
How to handle the thankfully rare, totally horrible dog-abusive client

As a Hair of the Dog listener, you'll save 10% off any of The LawTog’s photography-specific contracts—just use the code HAIROFDOG10. Protect yourself legally and keep some cash in your pocket? Winner winner, chicken dinner!

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

Happily Ever Photo with Bonnie Sindeler Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

138 - You know you get them, those annoying spam emails asking you to join different lists that are supposedly free - but then only remain free long enough to get you signed up and then they change to a paid model. Well, this isn't it.
I'll admit I was skeptical at first but after talking to Bonnie I realized that this is not like all of the other 'start free then charge' listing sites. She's a photographer herself and is building a platform that will serve other photographers and potential clients.
Check out this quick episode to learn more and if you are ready to create your free listing, you can do so here.
Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

The Secrets to Business Success with Jeff Brown Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

137 - Jeff Brown may have the most unique photographer origin story I've heard yet. And while he's made his share of goofs—like forgetting to load the film while photographing Prince Phillip—these days, he puts his hard-won business knowledge to work as The Photographers' Mentor.

Join me this week to hear what Jeff learned while building multiple 6-figure photography businesses, and how you can find similar success.

What To Listen For:

Why focusing on financial goals is a mistake
What led other photographers to resent Jeff and his business partner
The power of binary goals and deconstructing goals
The one critical thing Jeff does every Sunday night
How to leverage joint ventures in your marketing

If you struggle to get through your to-do list, you'll especially appreciate Jeff's hacks for getting things done (and you might just appreciate his journal, linked below).

Resources From This Episode:

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

The Key to Increasing Wealth Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

136 - Have you lost count of the Netflix- and Hulu-like subscriptions bleeding you dry every month? Do you ever just pay your credit card bill, without—gasp!—actually reviewing the charges?

If you're flying a littttle fast and loose with your finances, this episode's for you. This week I'm talking about a critical, non-negotiable habit to adopt IF you want to increase your wealth and successfully manage your money.

What To Listen For:

The visceral reaction that almost kept me away from my new obsession
How zero-based budgeting works
YNAB's four big rules (they'll dramatically reduce your money stress)
What it means to "age your money"
The benefit of online banks for certain savings accounts

And, extra bonus, you'll get a free month of my new favorite budgeting tool with the link below. 👇🏻 If you're a full-time pet photographer—with the variable income that comes with the territory—you'll benefit hugely from this system!

Resources From This Episode:

YNAB signup link (with bonus free month)
Personal Capital
Hair of the Dog Academy
Free Hair of the Dog community
Hair of the Dog Elevate

CONNECT + LEARN MORE:

Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com

Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com

Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com

Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial

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