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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:

Using Video to Book More Clients with Andrew Hellmich Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

045 - How do you create a personal connection with potential new clients, when their inboxes are overflowing and they're unlikely to answer the phone? According to Australian photographer and podcast host Andrew Hellmich, the secret to standing out is video.

In this engaging episode, Andrew shares a long list of ideas, resources, and insider tricks for using video to boost your business. And don't worry—his ideas are as simple to execute as they are brilliant. Leave your DSLR on the shelf, and start leveraging the power of quick-and-easy videos to fill your calendar.

What To Listen For:

The importance of giving a face to your personal brand
A simple strategy to build relationships with local businesses
Who you should invite to crash your videos (your viewers will thank you!)
How to leverage short, simple videos to rank higher in search
What it means to use a "dog-whistle headline"
Ways to repurpose your video content for maximum mileage

After listening to this episode, there's no doubt you'll be convinced of the value of using video. But if you're feeling awkward or unsure about the execution side, you'll want to join Andrew's Daily Vlog Challenge. It's a safe space for getting comfy with video, and he's giving away spots to FIVE lucky winners! Be sure to listen 'til the end for details.

Resources From This Episode:

PhotoBiz Xposed
Daily Vlog Challenge
Nicole's appearance on Andrew's podcast
Brian Bossamy on Andrew's podcast
BombBomb (video email with built-in GIFs)
Loom (screen and video recording software)
Bonjoro (desktop recorder and mobile app)
Rev (video transcription service)
Enter to win a free spot in the Daily Vlog Challenge!
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

Committed or Interested with Heather Lahtinen Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

044 - This week, I welcome back my business-bestie and fellow Hair of the Dog coach, Heather Lahtinen. As always when Heather's on the podcast, it's a lively episode that encourages you to ask yourself big questions. This time we're talking about what determines whether or not you'll succeed as a pet photographer—no big deal, right? 😉

What To Listen For:

The enormous difference between being interested and being committed
Why you should factor hedonic adaptation into your business plans
Deep thoughts on the topic of comfort, from someone who regularly chooses misery
What's going to save you when—not if, but when—the going gets hard
The excuse Heather will eviscerate, if you ever try it with her :)

If after listening to this episode you're ready to double-down on your commitment to growing your pet photography biz, head over to the Hair of the Dog Elevate application. Enrollment is open for just a few more days—and there's no better place for getting the support you need to build the business you want.

Resources From This Episode:

Hair of the Dog Elevate (enrollment ends Thurs, 12/17!)
Innercise, by Jon Assaraf
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group
Flourish Academy

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

Website Copy for the Win with Kim Wishcamper Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

043 - Here's something they don't teach you in school: how to write a compelling, high-converting website for your business. And without that critical copywriting know-how, trying to conjure up words for your website can cause your brain to melt. It's painful.

In this week's episode, I chat with fellow pet photographer and copywriter for the pet industry Kim Wishcamper. She shares some essential ingredients for an effective website, and gives us real-world examples of what to write to win over potential customers. Loads of actionable info in this episode!

What To Listen For:

A simple way to reduce your bounce rate
The subtle shift in your website copy that makes a dramatic difference
Specific examples of sentences edited to be more powerful
Why no one cares about your styrene-mounted prints!
Which punctuation marks to embrace and which to avoid (yep, it matters)
Formatting tips to make your visitors linger longer

You'll also find a handy checklist linked in the show notes below, with tips from our convo plus a few extras. Use it to audit your website and see which copy improvements you can make.

Hungry for more high-level help with copywriting and the other critical pieces of your business? Join me, Kim and five other (ridiculously talented) coaches inside the Hair of the Dog Elevate program for laser-focused support on building the business of your dreams. Applications open now!

Resources From This Episode:

Checklist for an Irresistible Website (free download)
Lint Roller Productions
Kim's Instagram
Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller
Hair of the Dog Elevate (enrollment now open!)
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group

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

Secrets of Success with Kaylee Greer Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

042 - You've seen her as the 'Pupparazzi' on Nat Geo WILD. You've drooled over her signature, sapphire-sky pet portraits. Your coffee table might even be adorned with her brand-new book, Dogtography.

And now it's time to buckle up, because this week's episode features a mile-a-minute conversation with my dear friend, the inimitable Kaylee Greer. You'll hear all about her journey from self-described lost soul to (my words here!) pet photography's ultimate rock star.

What To Listen For:

How she found her passion at the ripe "old" age of 24
The fortuitous timing of Kaylee's storytelling debut
What the devil on her shoulder constantly whispers in her ear
Why Kaylee tries to limit her media inputs
The designer jeans you'll never catch her wearing (and why they matter)

Give yourself the gift of an undistracted listen, because Kaylee drops pearls of wisdom at a rapid-fire rate—and you won't want to miss a single one!

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 Success in a Town of 800 People with Courtney Bryson Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

041 - Just two years into her pet photography business, Courtney Bryson is already turning a profit—and that's despite living in a tiny, no-stoplight town an hour from the closest major market! In this episode, Courtney shares her journey from selling prom gowns to photographing Pomeranians, and how her boutique sales background informs her business philosophy.

What To Listen For:

The magical alchemy of working with rescue dogs
Building and servicing a client base when you're in a small market
What many pet photographers' websites fail to do—but Courtney's nails
Why it's not your job to act as the "purse police"
The new direction that's rapidly expanding her client base

Courtney attributes much of her success to her business background, and to investing further in her business education. If you're looking for some high-level business coaching and support to take your own biz to the next level, check out our Elevate program, opening soon for 2021 enrollment!

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

Inquiries that convert with our Elevate Coaches Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

040 - If you've been around Hair of the Dog for a while, you've probably heard me beat the drum for leads and sales. Leads and sales. The most critical things you can focus on in your business!

But...how do you actually move a prospect from the "lead" column to a done-deal sale? Successfully navigating the inquiry process is the first big step. This week, you'll hear back-to-back conversations with Elevate coaches Kim Hartz and Marika Moffitt, on bridging that gap between getting the lead and actually booking the session.

What To Listen For:

Nicole's favorite phrase to use during client communication
How to handle the inquiry process during these strange COVID times
Ideas for your inquiry questionnaire (and how to leverage the responses you get)
Why you should never explain your prices—no, seriously
The oversized importance of getting an itty-bitty commitment

Kim and Marika have different approaches to the inquiry process, and you'll benefit from hearing both of them share their carefully refined systems. Get ready to take some notes!

Resources From This Episode:

Kim Hartz Photography
Kim Hartz on Facebook
Kim's Instagram
Pet Photography EDU course
17hats client management system
Dirtie Dog Photography
Dirtie Dog on Facebook
Marika's Instagram
Hair of the Dog Elevate
Podcast Episode 8 (The Magic of Collaboration)
Podcast Episode 15 (The Key to Client Inquiries)
Podcast Episode 33 (Community Over Competition)
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group

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

Real Talk about Starting a Business with Natalia Brochini Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

039 - In 2018, Brazilian-born pet photographer Natália Brochini was preparing to start her business when she was beset by health problems. Fast-forward to her recovery the following year, when the opportunity arose to travel abroad for seven months. When Natália landed back home in Houston this March, she was finally ready to get her photography business up and running. And then...COVID.

In this episode, I chat with Natália about her skill-building travel project, the about-to-launch jitters that every new photographer faces, and how to book those nerve-wracking first few clients.

What To Listen For:

How to improve your technical skills, if you don't have a dog to practice with
One essential tip for improving your confidence going into a shoot
Ideas for planning (and using) a "shot list" for each session
How to leverage introductory specials to build your business

If you're just getting started as a pet photographer, this episode will be oh-so-relatable. And if you're starting out and are hungry to learn, check out the à la carte courses available in the Hair of the Dog Shop—30% off through Thursday, November 12th!

Resources From This Episode:

Natália Brochini Pet Photography (soon to be live!)
Natália Brochini on Instagram
Hair of the Dog Shop (30% off courses and templates through 11/12)
Hair of the Dog Academy
Hair of the Dog Facebook group

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 to a New Market with Allison Shamrell Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

038 - Once you've established your pet photography business, the idea of starting over in a new market can be daunting. But fear not, mobile photogs: It's not as tough as you might imagine!

In this episode, I talk with Allison Shamrell about her cross-country move to San Diego, and what went into establishing herself as one of the city's most successful photographers. We also discuss the ins and outs of finding studio space for your business, including the one question you must ask before signing a lease.

What To Listen For:

Common fears and misconceptions when moving your business
How to establish yourself in a new market, even before you arrive
Ideas for location scouting when you're not familiar with an area
The difference between "awareness marketing" and "make-the-phone-ring" marketing
What to look for in a studio space (and what to avoid)

Whether there's a move in your future or not, you'll want to listen this week as we cover ground from market research to relationship-building to the free software I'm obsessed with (and you will be, too!).

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

Morning Routines, for Better or Worse with Heather Lahtinen Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

037 - If you’re familiar with this podcast, it won’t surprise you to learn that regular guest—and force of nature—Heather Lahtinen accomplishes more before 8am than many of us do all day. This week, Heather joins me to talk all about morning and evening routines: why we should create and stick to them, the huge benefits of doing so, and how to make it feel e-a-s-y.

Aaaand you’ll hear me commit to busting my worst morning habit—maybe it's one you can relate to??

What To Listen For:

What it means to "bookend your day" - and why you should be doing it
Ideas for what to include in your morning practice
How a regular routine can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem
Examples of affirmations to set the tone for your day
Ways to outsmart your own self-sabotaging brain

We'll also dispel some common myths, and show how taking control of your day means ultimately winning at life. And who doesn’t want that?! 💪🏆

Resources From This Episode:

The Course in Miracles Experiment, by Pam Grout
The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod
Flourish Academy
Flourish Academy on Facebook
Heather's Instagram
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

From just starting out to celebrating 10 years in business Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

036 - In the spirit of our current open enrollment window for the Hair of the Dog Academy, this week I take you behind the scenes to share the "tail" of two photographers. You'll eavesdrop on some recent one-on-one laser coaching sessions, an Academy resource for helping members work through any business issue that they're wrestling with.

Listen in on my conversations with a new Academy member overwhelmed by a long things-to-do list to get her biz up and running, and another pet photographer celebrating ten successful years in business (break out the party hats!!).

What To Listen For:

How to approach your to-do list when getting started in business
Questions to ask yourself before organizing model calls
A handy organizational tool for recruiting portfolio-building pups
How to leverage a business milestone to generate new leads
Structuring a contest to maximize excitement—and expectations

If you're not yet a member of the Hair of the Dog Academy, now's the time to check it out—enrollment closes this Thursday at midnight! And if you already belong to the Academy, consider this a reminder of yet another awesome resource that's part of your membership. Schedule your own laser coaching session today inside the Academy's online hub!

Resources From This Episode:

Airtable free spreadsheet program
Hair of the Dog podcast episode 35
Hair of the Dog Academy (open for enrollment through 10/22)
Hair of the Dog Elevate program
Hair of the Dog Facebook group

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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