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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:

Photography with Purpose with Travis Patenaude Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

055 - Travis Patenaude's "why" is as clear and powerful as that of any pet photographer I've met.

You might know Travis from his striking studio portraits of Spanish Galgos, a hunting breed with a history of maltreatment. It's possible his award-winning image "Saying Goodbye" wrung some tears from your eyes.

This week, Travis shares not only what motivates his pet photography work, but also how he went from absolute beginner to masterful artist. Don't be fooled by the gruff Chicago accent; there’s a whole lotta love behind the Stink Eye brand! It's an inspiring episode, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

What To Listen For:

The most valuable advice Travis got when he was just starting out
A common photography "quicksand area"—and how to avoid it
What you can learn from Travis's methodical approach to mastering Photoshop
How to dodge the burnout bullet in your business
The one single action that resolved his biggest stylistic issue

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

Navigating End of Life Sessions with Wendy Sloneker Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

054 - If you haven't yet gotten the call, you surely will at some point. Someone's beloved pet is nearing the end of his life; maybe they've just received a terminal diagnosis. You agree to a portrait session, hang up the phone...and panic. How on earth will you make it through such an emotionally charged session?

Grief-recovery specialist Wendy Sloneker is my guest on this week's episode. Drawing on her 40 years of experience in the field, Wendy offers sage advice on showing up for your clients during their most difficult hours.

What To Listen For:

Questions and listening techniques to connect empathetically with clients
Deep thoughts on accepting money for your end-of-life sessions
How to handle the sales session if a pet has already passed
Specific products to offer pet parents from these shoots

To further prepare—or help heal your own broken heart—get your hands on Wendy's Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss. She's generously giving away four copies, and you can throw your hat in the ring by following The SugarFace Network on social (links 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 Shadow Side of Education with Heather Lahtinen Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

053 - For many of our listeners, it's hibernation season. Cold and dark out. Not so many clients calling. Which is why this time of year is also...conference season!

This week, Heather and I dish about the pitfalls of pet photography education, how to avoid getting stuck in the student trap, and what to do with all those amazing notes you've taken. We're also unveiling the SUPER exciting new project I've been working on, designed to help you get more done in four weeks than you have in the entire last year. BOOM!! 💥

What To Listen For:

Ideas for striking a balance between consumption and creation
Why we don't believe in right or wrong decisions
The common habit of the most successful people
Nicole's game-changer, and the reason Heather's kicking herself
The space you should leave in your notebooks—and how to fill it up

When it comes to moving your business forward, the only wrong way to do it is not to do it! So tune in for a great conversation about getting into action mode and accelerating your success.

Resources From This Episode:

NEW! The Academy Accelerator (doors opening soon!!)
90 Seconds to a Life You Love, by Dr. Joan Rosenberg
Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz
Flourish Academy, with Heather Lahtinen
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group
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

Print Competition Demystified with Lisa Asp Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

052 - This week's guest is pet photographer Lisa Asp, a self-described print competition addict. Lisa started out behind the camera in a Sears Portrait Studio, and went digital back before Photoshop thought to introduce layers. These days, she's director of Animal Image Makers—you might know them from their fantastic annual conference—and also the recent winner of a Grand Imaging Award at this year's Imaging USA 2021!!!

Our conversation this week covers the whats, whys and hows of print competition, and—we hope—will leave you excited to dip your toes into the print comp waters. I promise, you won't drown!

What To Listen For:

How to get started with print competitions—and why you should get started!
The pitfalls of entering images of your own pet, no matter how cute
The difference between "merit" and "loan," and other lingo demystified
AIM's awesome new category this year (I can't wait to see the entries!)
How to become an accredited professional of animal imagery

But wait...there's more! Lisa put together a lil' guide to accompany this episode, called "Top 5 Tricks for Kicking Ass in Print Competition." To get it, text HOTD to (844) 738-8647. Spoiler alert: It might come with a super-sneaky special bonus discount on AIM registration, just for Hair of the Dog listeners like you. 😉

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 Best Gear for Pet Photography with Charlotte Reeves Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

051 - Turns out, returning guest Charlotte Reeves and I have a *lot* of thoughts when it comes to camera gear! Not surprising, I guess, for two pet photographers who've been shooting for a collective 25 years. 😯 Join our lively conversation and get the lowdown on the latest gear options, plus stories about scammers, soggy dogs and my enormous man-hands.

What To Listen For:

What to consider when choosing your camera body
How to build up your kit if you're just starting out
The lenses we couldn't live without—and the one that I'm drooling over!
Which lens brands tend to require micro-adjustments
The advantages and disadvantages of using a lens adapter
Practical ways to use Animal Eye AF (and when you should avoid it)

If you've found yourself frustrated that you can't nail your shots, well, it might be a matter of needing more practice. But it might also be that the gear you have isn't suited to the job you're asking it to do. After listening to this episode, you'll be well-equipped to make better decisions about buying (or selling!) your gear.

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

Moving from Digital Files to Product Sales with nPhoto Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

050 - In this week's episode, I share one of my favorite business analogies: When you only offer digital files to your photography clients, it's like a baker selling a wedding cake but telling the harried couple to go ice it themselves.

Even if you're handy with a Wilton buttercream, you'll get something out of my conversation with Eugene Nagaweicki of nPhoto professional print lab. Together we talk about the whys, whats and hows of moving from digitals-only to a product-based photography business.

What To Listen For:

Why you want to sell clients on the "heated seats"
A misconception people have about digital files
The danger to your reputation that comes with selling digitals
Eugene's insight on the consistently best-selling products
How to avoid leading your clients into this common pitfall

Eugene also has a rockin' deal on product samples for our podcast listeners—tune in for details!

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

Making 2021 your best year yet - no matter what's in store with Heather Lahtinen Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

049 - STOP! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, DO NOT listen to this podcast until you've heard episode 48 from last week!!!

Alrighty, that said...welcome to the second half of our New Year's goal-setting series with mindset coach and all-around rock star, Heather Lahtinen. If you're ready to drop the excuses and create the life of your dreams, this is the episode that will help you get clear on exactly what that looks like.

What To Listen For:

What your ice cream-eating strategy says about your approach to life
The future-paced question that will bring your goals into sharp focus
A healthier nighttime ritual than, say, bingeing Black Mirror on Netflix
What it means to set SMART goals, and the critical importance of a "domino goal"
How most people view goals—and why you need to look at them differently

Spoiler alert: You'll also hear why I haven't hit ANY of my goals for the last several years...and why I feel no shame about that whatsoever!

Resources From This Episode:

Goal-Setting Worksheet
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod
The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg
The 12-Week Year, by Brian Moran
Hair of the Dog Academy on Instagram
Nicole's Instagram page
Flourish Academy website
Flourish Academy podcast
Flourish Academy on Facebook
Hair of the Dog Academy (doors opening soon—get on the waitlist here!)
Hair of the Dog Facebook group
Hair of the Dog Elevate program

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

How looking back helps us look forward with Heather Lahtinen Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

48 - "It's like Monday on steroids!"
In case you haven't already guessed, I *love* the new year. And this week, podcast regular Heather Lahtinen and I talk about making this new year your best year yet. In the first of a two-part series on setting goals, we chat about how reflecting on the past year can set you up for future success.

What To Listen For:

A 5-question process for evaluating 2020 (c'mon, it wasn't all bad)
The advantage of being proactive instead of reactive
Why you'll want to keep last year's calendar handy
The one person that *everyone* should have in their life
Heather's optimistic take on 2020—plus her impressive new muscles!

After listening, download the Goal-Setting Worksheet below, carve out some quiet time, and put yourself in a positive mindset. Then get to it—I promise, it'll be time well spent.

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

Feeling the Fear with Dorie Howell Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

047 - Five days into the new year, and we're still doing a happy dance that 2020 is over! Finally, we're blessed with a blank slate and a fresh chance to realize some BIG dreams in the year ahead.

But sometimes, despite all the optimism of a new year, reaching for audacious goals can trigger your fears. This week, Dorie Howell of In-Person Sales Mastermind joins me to talk about tackling fear, doubt, discomfort and indecision—the four horsemen that, if left unchecked, can stomp unceremoniously all over your business.

What To Listen For:

The two types of entrepreneurs (which one are you?)
What you should ask yourself before taking any action
The one thing your clients desperately want more of in 2021!
How the latest iPhone cameras actually help your business
What to do when you're stuck in indecision

Learn how fear is a good sign, timelines are optional, and why it's time to say no to your grandma's ravioli—metaphorically speaking, of course.

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

Starting Over with Kirstie McConnell Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

046 - The podcast addicts in the crowd might recognize the voice of this week's guest, Kirstie McConnell, co-host of Australia's Pet Photographers' Club podcast. After a whirlwind year (including marriage and an intercontinental move!), Kirstie shares—from her new home in an Italian olive grove—how she wound down one business and started a very different one.

What To Listen For:

Why Kirstie hates the "my business is my baby" philosophy
The forward-thinking decision to make when you're just starting out
An addiction you might be suffering from, without even realizing it
How COVID allowed Kirstie (and maybe you?) to reflect on a critical question
Her single best piece of advice for making your 2021 successful

And if you've resolved to take better physical care of yourself in the new year, you'll want to hear all about Kirstie's new endeavor—tailored specifically for you.

Resources From This Episode:

The Pet Photographers' Club
The Pet Photographers' (Virtual) Conference, Feb. 4-6, 2021
Pilates with Kirstie
PhotoBizX podcast
E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group
Hair of the Dog Elevate program

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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