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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.
324 Episodes
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317 - Ever worry you sound “salesy” when talking about your pricing? In this episode, we dive deep into sales energy—what it is, why it matters, and how it can completely change your client experience. Inspired by Heather’s real-life adventure at a used car lot, you’ll learn why the words you say matter far less than the energy behind them. What to Listen For ✔Why a “used car salesman vibe” has nothing to do with selling ✔ The surprising comment that set the tone for the entire car-buying exp...
316 - What if the secret to unstoppable confidence wasn’t about never failing but being willing to feel embarrassed along the way? In this week’s conversation, Heather and Susie unpack what it really takes to believe in yourself, even when the road gets rocky. Literally. What to Listen For The powerful mindset shift that helped Susie finally believe in herselfWhy confidence comes after action, not before itHow a muddy 4x4 adventure turned into the ultimate business metaphorThe question Heathe...
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 tha...
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” ...
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 For The real reason photographers say “I don’t know how” to marketHow fear of judgment...
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”...
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 For The $250K “golden handcuffs” keeping Kelly stuck and what finally made her break freeHow following every ...
310 - Ever tried buying a black-tie dress online and decided “hard pass” once you saw the return policy? Yep, same. In today’s episode, we turn that frustration into a masterclass on your photography client experience. Where’s the friction? What’s confusing? And what tiny tweaks convert more inquiries into bookings (without feeling pushy)? Let’s make your process easy. What to Listen For: The dress-shopping disaster that exposed the #1 sales killer in your business (and how to fix...
309 - What do limited releases, “cooked” plush waffles, and personalized packaging have to do with your photography business? Everything. Heather and I break down how experience design turns ordinary products into premium purchases—and how you can copy the right pieces for your studio. What to Listen For A secret that instantly makes clients crave what you offer.Why putting limits on access can actually increase demand.The one line that flips “overpriced” into “worth it.”How your person...
Today I’m chatting with my friend Adam Goldberg of AGoldPhoto, a studio pet photographer, shelter-dog hype man, and the brain behind “Second Shot.” He started in shelters back in 2013, built a thriving studio, and is now circling back to his roots with a model that funds adoption photos through brand sponsors. It’s smart, generous, and wildly scalable. If you love the idea of photographing rescue pets but struggle to find the time with your adulting responsibilities and bills, this one’s for ...
Ever wonder what separates a $500 sale from an $8,000 sale? In this episode, Heather sits down with three Elevate photographers, Marcie Fry, Katie Carmickle, and Jessica Wasik, who each closed an $8K sale in the same week. You’ll hear their journeys, the marketing that worked, and what ACTUALLY made this sale possible. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t a specific pricing strategy. What to Listen For How three different photographers each closed $8K+ sales in one weekThe early struggles—charging ...
306 - If you’ve ever wondered why inquiries go silent or potential clients disappear, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: the real reason isn’t your pricing, your competition, or even the economy. In this week’s episode, Heather breaks down the surprising truth behind why clients aren’t booking—and how you can turn it around starting today. What to Listen For: The simple reason clients don’t book (and why it’s not your pricing).How to take action daily and build unstoppable momentum...
305 - You might think you’re avoiding certain business moves because they’re “not the right time” or “too complicated.” But what if the real reason is that you’re avoiding a feeling? In this conversation, Heather shares her own breakthrough about risk, safety, and the emotions we’re unwilling to feel — and how that awareness can change everything. What to Listen For: How your self-concept influences your willingness to take risksThe connection between “safety” values and growth plateaus...
304 - The fastest way to change your photography business? Change the way you see yourself. In this episode, Heather and I break down the self-concept shifts that help you introduce yourself confidently, market without second-guessing, and invest in your growth like a CEO. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, struggled to get results from courses, or shamed yourself for “not doing enough,” this conversation will free you up to start making real progress. What to Listen For: The hidden ...
303 - When you're stuck between following your gut or trusting a “proven” system, what do you do? In this episode, Nicole and Heather unravel the real question behind the question—and it’s not what you think. We’re talking friction, experimentation, and how to confidently build a business that fits you. What to Listen For: The real question photographers are asking when they’re unsure about pricingWhy friction-free strategies are secretly a myth (and a trap)The key difference between fe...
302 - This episode dives into the sneaky little phrase we all use—“life happens”—and why it may be holding you back more than helping you cope. Heather shares a coaching conversation that will change how you handle disruptions, delays, and the real-life rollercoaster of being a business owner. What to Listen For: The surprising mindset shift that keeps you from spiraling when things go wrongThe hidden cost of saying “I’m just being realistic”What it means to truly own your choices as a busine...
301 - Ever felt weird about “selling” your photography services—especially to people you know? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the hidden mindset blocks that stop you from confidently sharing your business. And spoiler alert: it’s not about needing a better pitch or new pricing guide. It’s about how you're thinking. What to Listen For: Why feeling “sold to” may be triggering your own sales anxietyHow projecting your beliefs can sabotage your marketingThe emotional difference b...
300- Your photography inquiry process that’s been being taught for years is broken. In this episode, Nicole and Heather unpack a bold new approach to make your services easier to book and your client experience smoother from the very first click. What to Listen For: Why the traditional inquiry process is brokenThe psychology behind why clients bounce without bookingHow your website is sabotaging your bookings (and how to fix it)The importance of making your pricing accessible without scaring ...
Building on the ideas from Episode 298, Nicole and Heather are here to bust the myth of the “perfect way” to run your photography business. What if your business felt light, easy, and exciting again? Let’s dismantle the myth of the “right way” to build your photography business and reveal how to create a business model that works for you – not against you. What to Listen For Why there is no single “right way” to build your photography businessThe mindset shift that can make your busines...
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 businessWhy doing “everything right” can still leave you stuckHow a health setback led to a major mindset breakthroughThe differen...
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Dude, I would have gone 100% Karen & talked to the manager if someone at my bank laughed in public about me!