Freedom Focus Photography

Latest Episodes:

The “Right Way” with Heather Lahtinen Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

298 - Raise your hand if you've ever thought: "There must be a right way to run this business—and I just haven't found it yet." This episode unpacks the very human urge to follow a blueprint...and why YOUR success might actually be waiting inside the one thing you’ve been avoiding.

What to Listen For:

The lie we believe about there being one “right way” to build a business
Why doing “everything right” can still leave you stuck
How a health setback led to a major mindset breakthrough
The difference between trying harder and trying differently
The role of forced experiments (and how to create them without a crisis)
How to manage your mind when you're not seeing results
Why belief matters more than immediate proof
A strategy Heather committed to for a full year before seeing results
How to know if it’s time to change direction or double down
The ultimate mindset shift: “This is still working for me—even if I can’t see it yet”
Three powerful lessons every photographer needs to hear (especially if you're stubborn 😉)

There’s no single blueprint that guarantees success in this business—but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes the best breakthroughs happen when we ditch the rules and try something unexpected. If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a friend and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an aha moment.

Keep experimenting. Keep going. You’ve got this. 💪

Want more support like this? Learn how Elevate can help you go from stuck to thriving at www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an 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

When Your Partner Doubts Your Business with Heather Lahtinen Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

297 - What do you do when someone close to you—like a spouse, a friend, or a parent—doubt your photography business? In this powerful coaching session, we dive into what it means to seek approval, how to set emotional boundaries, and why your success doesn’t hinge on anyone else’s validation.

What to Listen For:

Why seeking approval is such a common (and tricky) mindset trap
How to protect your confidence when others don’t believe in your vision
The real reason someone might criticize your pricing or business
What to do when your spouse calls your business a “failure”
How to stop trying to change people—and find peace instead
Ways to approach hurtful comments without internalizing them
Why compassion can be your superpower—even when it’s hard
The surprising impact of letting others have their own journey
How boundaries and encouragement can coexist
One of the best mindset tools you’ve probably never used (and how this student’s husband is using it!)

When those closest to you don’t support your business, it stings. But you don't need their permission to succeed. Your approval is enough—and your journey is yours. If this conversation resonated, consider joining us inside Elevate for the support and tools to keep going strong: www.freedomfocusformula.com/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

Hello Business Spiral with Heather Lahtinen Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

296 - What do you do when you're doing all the “right” things… and it still feels like nothing’s working? This week’s episode is a raw and honest look inside a coaching call with one of our Elevate members—and how we used a mindset model (powered by a custom GPT!) to unravel thoughts that were keeping her stuck and spiral-y.

What to Listen For:

Why your “social battery” might not be the real problem
The sneaky thought that creates a business spiral
What the phrase “was it worth it?” actually signals
How mindset—not circumstance—is what creates burnout
The power of noticing your unintentional thought loops
How to build an intentional thought model that fuels action
Why venting to your spouse (hi, we’ve all been there) isn’t the same as self-coaching
What “graspy tasks” look like—and why they keep you stuck
How to feel empowered even when your latest experiment flops
A new thought you can borrow the next time things don’t go as planned

If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling in comparison, frustration, or burnout, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with a practical tool to shift your mindset quickly—so you can get back to creating momentum in your business.

Want more support like this? Learn how Elevate can help you go from stuck to thriving at www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an 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

Contracts, Copyright & Clients with Rachel Brenke Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

295 - Let’s face it—legal protections are rarely top-of-mind when we’re just starting out. But trust me, ignoring them could cost you thousands.

In this episode, I sit down with photographer-turned-attorney Rachel Brenke to unpack the 3-2-1 legal checklist that every photography business needs to thrive and stay protected.

What to Listen For:

The 3-2-1 legal framework every photographer needs to know
Why contracts should be your first legal priority—even during model calls
What needs to be in your contract (and what to avoid at all costs)
The real difference between a retainer and a deposit
How your contract impacts client trust, satisfaction, and confidence
What clauses to include to protect your business in legal disputes
How to use copyright to protect your creative work—and when you should sell it
How AI tools like Photoshop and ChatGPT affect copyright protection
When and how to trademark your business name—and why it might save you from rebranding nightmares

From contracts to copyright and everything in between, Rachel lays out the essentials every photographer needs to run a legally sound and profitable business. Don’t wait until you’re in legal hot water—take proactive steps now to protect your art and your livelihood.

🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more business-savvy insights!

Rachel’s Links:

Additional Resources:

Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
Stop competing on price and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – www.freedomfocusformula.com
Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
Discover the world of commercial pet photography – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

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

What You Say Matters with Heather Lahtinen Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

294 - The way you talk about your business—especially to yourself—can shape your results more than you think.

In this episode, Heather and I expose two phrases that seem harmless but are actually stalling growth, crushing confidence, and leading to inaction. We’ll show you what to say instead, so you can take your power back and start seeing real progress.

What to Listen For:

How to recognize language that disempowers your business mindset
Why follow-up isn’t “pushy”—it’s professional
How internal dialogue affects your ability to grow
Why that unexpected success might be more repeatable than you think
What really happens when clients don’t respond (hint: it’s not personal)
Why waiting for clients to prove their interest is holding you back
How to shift your thoughts to feel confident following up
What it means to own your results—and your progress
Why these mindset shifts create higher conversions and more joy

Small shifts in language can lead to big changes in your business. When you stop giving your power away with these sneaky phrases, you’ll show up more confidently, follow up like a pro, and finally start seeing the growth you’ve been craving. 🎧 Listen now and reclaim your momentum.

👉 Want coaching that helps rewire your brain and your business? Come join us inside Elevate: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate

MORE RESOURCES:

Get coached by Heather: www.getcoachedbyheather.com
Freedom Focus Formula: www.freedomfocusformula.com
Elevate Program: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
Hair of the Dog Academy: www.hairofthedogacademy.com
Commercial Pet Photography Academy: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

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

Breaking the 10K Ceiling with Michelle Crandall Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

293 - Michelle Crandall hit a $10,000 month in her pet photography business—but instead of popping champagne, her brain flipped out.

If you’ve ever downplayed your wins or feared that success makes you “unrelatable,” this is the episode you need. Heather Lahtinen is chatting with Michelle to unpack the emotional roadblocks around money mindset for photographers—and how to finally overcome them. Once and for all.

What to Listen For:

Why hitting a $10K month can still feel like a failure
The sneaky way your brain robs you of celebrating success
The “relatability trap” photographers fall into—and how to escape it
How money stories from childhood shape your business today
Why success can feel like a core value conflict
The hidden cost of staying small and humble
What it really means to inspire others
Why it's not your job to manage other people’s emotions
How to reframe your money mindset to fuel growth
Two confidence-building challenges to help you OWN your success

This episode is a deep dive into the emotional side of business growth and money mindset for photographers. Michelle's story reminds us that hitting financial goals is just one part of success—you also have to let yourself feel successful. If you’re ready to shift your mindset, celebrate your wins, and stop hiding your light, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen to the episode now and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow photographer who needs to hear this! Want to go deeper? Join us inside Elevate at www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate - save the $200 enrollment fee with the code: PODCAST.

Ready for more support?

Join Heather’s next FREE coaching call at www.getcoachedbyheather.com
Master your pet photography craft at www.hairofthedogacademy.com/academy
Create a profitable portrait photography business at www.freedomfocusformula.com
Break into the world of commercial (B2B) pet photography at www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

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

Ditch the Timeline with Heather Lahtinen May 27, 2025

Show notes

292 - Feeling like you "should be further along by now?" You're not alone—and you're not behind.

Join me and Heather as we dismantle the myth of the perfect timeline and explore what it really means to build a business you love, at your own pace.

What to Listen For:

Why there's no such thing as “behind” in business
The invisible “timeline” trap and how it messes with your mindset
What it really takes to go from $500 sessions to $5K clients
How belief (not panic) speeds up results
The difference between inspired action and reactive desperation
Why your past self would high-five you right now
The single best question to ask when you're stuck
How to tap into your future self for clarity and momentum
What to do when you’re spiraling in scarcity mode

Your journey is unfolding exactly as it should—and you're learning what you need to learn, exactly when you need to learn it. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you “should be further by now,” hit play and let this be your reset button. 🎧

👉 Listen now, subscribe, and check out our Elevate program if you're ready to get unstuck and grow with support.

🔗Resources from this episode

The Gap and Gain with Heather Lahtinen
Get coached by Heather: www.getcoachedbyheather.com
Freedom Focus Formula: www.freedomfocusformula.com
Elevate Program: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
Hair of the Dog Academy: www.hairofthedogacademy.com

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

AI-Powered SEO with Connor Walberg May 20, 2025

Show notes

291 - Feeling lost in the ever-changing world of SEO? Or wondering if using AI for your website is going to get you smacked down by Google?

You’re not alone—and this week’s episode with SEO pro Connor Walberg is packed with answers. We’re talking about how to use AI ethically and effectively to boost your rankings, create better content, and stop stressing over your blog strategy.

What to Listen For:

What E-E-A-T is and why Google cares about it
How to use AI tools like ChatGPT without sounding like a robot
What “topical authority” means and how to build it
Why blog content still matters (and how to make it easier with AI)
How to brainstorm blog topics that actually attract clients
What to ask ChatGPT before creating any content
How photographers can use AI to stand out in local SEO
The surprising way AI can help with backlinks and outreach
Connor’s favorite prompts for optimizing website pages

If you’ve been staring at a blank Google Doc, dreading your next blog post or confused about how AI fits into your SEO strategy—this episode is your permission slip to make it easier. Connor breaks it down with practical advice, smart prompts, and a healthy dose of reality. Tune in and give your SEO a serious upgrade.

👉 And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if this episode was helpful!

Resources from this episode:

✨Connect with Connor- https://www.connorwalberg.com (Reference this podcast episode to get a free website audit!)

✨Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – hairofthedogacademy.com

✨Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – freedomfocusformula.com

✨Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – freedomfocusformula.com/elevate

✨Discover the world of commercial pet photography- hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

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

Elevate Your Artwork (and Sales) May 06, 2025

Show notes

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 Canvas

More Resources

Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – hairofthedogacademy.com

Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – freedomfocusformula.com

Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – freedomfocusformula.com/elevate

Discover the world of commercial pet photography- hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

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

Your Business, But Happier Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

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 business
The 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 alignment
A reframe for all the “I can’t charge that much” stories in your head
The myth of the starving artist—and how to walk away from it
A dead-simple framework for building a brand that feels right
How psychological consistency in your visuals builds trust and sales
A 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 episode

Future-Proof Your Pet Photography Business: Register here- hairofthedogacademy.com/futureproof

Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – hairofthedogacademy.com

Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – freedomfocusformula.com

Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – freedomfocusformula.com/elevate

Discover the world of commercial pet photography- hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

J.Nichole Smith's Website - joyfirstworld.com

Connect with Nic on IG - @jnicholesmith

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected