If you've been feeling stuck, frustrated by inconsistent revenue, or overwhelmed by all the things you could be doing to grow your photography business, this bonus episode is for you.

Heather is inviting a group of photographers to join her for a 30-Day Revenue Sprint in September—and the goal is simple:

Pick a number. Make a plan. Take action. Adjust based on reality. Finish strong.

This isn't a four-week course where you consume more information and walk away with another giant list of things you should be doing.

Instead, you'll spend 30 days focused on one thing: generating revenue.

You'll choose a specific September revenue goal, work backwards to determine what you'll need to sell, identify where the money could come from, and then take action.

And when something doesn't work? You won't spiral.

You'll look at the results as data, not drama, figure out where the breakdown happened, make an adjustment, and keep moving.

The Sprint includes four calls with Heather, two bonus calls with Nicole Begley focused specifically on offers and pricing, and a private Facebook group where you can stay connected throughout the month.

And there's something bigger happening here, too.

This is a chance to experience what ongoing business coaching actually looks like: you take action, bring the results, figure out what's next, and keep going—with someone helping you see what you can't always see on your own.

If 30 days of this kind of support can change what you believe you're capable of creating, imagine what could happen with that support all year inside Elevate.

Key Takeaways:

• Stop consuming and start creating. More courses and information aren't necessarily what you need. Sometimes you need to take what you already know and put it into action.
• Choose an actual revenue number. "I want more clients" isn't a measurable goal. Pick a specific number and build backwards from it.
• Revenue generation is active. Don't sit around waiting for inquiries. Follow up, reach out to past clients, create offers, and look for opportunities to make money.
• You don't need to know the perfect strategy. Ask yourself: "What am I willing to try?"
• Your thoughts can come along for the ride. You may immediately think your revenue goal is impossible. You don't have to eliminate those thoughts before taking action.
• Results are data, not drama. If something doesn't work, don't make it mean your business is failing. Look at the evidence and decide what needs to change.
• Adjust instead of starting over. More leads? Better follow-up? Stronger offer? Different pricing? The answer is in the data.
• Don't mentally quit before the month is over. There may still be time and opportunities to create revenue.
• The real goal is bigger than one month's revenue. You're learning how to intentionally create revenue instead of waiting and hoping that business happens to you.
• Skills compound. What you learn about generating revenue in September stays with you long after the sprint ends.
• You don't have to do it alone. The support, accountability, and coaching are part of what makes this experience different.

What if you stopped waiting for clients to find you—and learned how to create the revenue you want? What if 30 days of focused action could change what you believe you're capable of? This isn't another course to consume; it's a month to make money, test ideas, learn, and keep moving. Press play, pick your number, and discover what you can create when you stop waiting and start taking action.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

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Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather sits down with Sandy McCarthy, a longtime Elevate member who has built a six-figure photography business primarily photographing pets and their people. Sandy shares what actually contributed to her success—not a secret marketing strategy, but years of experimenting, meeting people, learning new skills, managing her thoughts, and continuing to move forward even when things didn't work. This is an honest look at what building a successful photography business really takes.

You can check Sandy's work at https://www.sandramccarthyphoto.com/, and you can connect with her on https://www.facebook.com/sandramccarthyphoto.

Key Takeaways:

• There is no magic strategy. Successful businesses are often built through lots of experimentation and a willingness to keep learning.
• Sustainable pricing matters from the beginning. Sandy chose to start at a sustainable price rather than building a low-price business and trying to raise prices later.
• Your first big sale can change what you believe is possible. Seeing someone willingly invest significant money can create important evidence that your business model can work.
• Patience is a business skill. Building a successful business takes time, and you can't always know in advance which efforts will pay off.
• You have to be willing to try things that don't work. Failure isn't evidence that you're incapable—it is information.
• Learning new skills creates more possibilities. Sandy initially resisted learning lighting, but eventually discovered how valuable that skill became for both her studio and location work.
• Don't assume you know why people behave the way they do. You rarely know what's happening in someone else's head, so avoid creating stories about why someone did or didn't book.
• Keep going. The more you continue experimenting and solving problems, the more likely you are to figure out what works.
• Your brain will tell you to quit. Thoughts like "I'm not good enough," "this isn't working," or "maybe this isn't for me" are not facts.
• You don't have to build your business like someone else. There are many different ways to create a successful photography business—the right one is the one that supports your goals and your life.

There is no secret strategy hiding behind a six-figure photography business. There is patience, experimentation, uncomfortable decisions, and the willingness to keep going. If you're wondering whether your business can actually work, Sandy's story is the proof you need to hear. Press play and discover what happens when you stop looking for the shortcut and commit to the long game.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

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Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather and Nicole unpack what happens when someone else's success triggers that uncomfortable thought: "Why not me?" They explore why our brains naturally move toward comparison, how we turn someone else's win into evidence that something is wrong with us, and what becomes possible when we choose curiosity and inspiration instead. If you've ever celebrated someone else's success while secretly wondering what you're doing wrong, this episode will help you see the situation—and yourself—very differently.

Key Takeaways:

• Someone else's success is not evidence that you're failing. Their sale, revenue, or achievement has nothing to do with your worth or your business.
• Comparison turns someone else's win into a problem about you. Your brain can quickly move from "I'm happy for them" to "What am I doing wrong?"
• Taking things personally creates unnecessary suffering. You assign meaning to something that was never actually about you.
• You can choose inspiration over comparison. Instead of asking, "Why not me?" ask, "What can I learn from this?"
• Get curious about other people's success. Ask how they found the client, what they offered, how they marketed, and what happened behind the scenes.
• Your feelings can reveal your thoughts. When you notice jealousy, frustration, or shame, pause and ask what you're making the situation mean about you.
• There is no shame in wanting what someone else has. You can acknowledge that you want the result without turning that desire into self-criticism.
• Your focus affects how you feel and how you act. Focusing on what you're lacking creates desperation; focusing on serving others creates a completely different energy.
• "Tell me more" can be a powerful business strategy. Curiosity can turn someone else's success into information that helps you create your own.
• Success can be evidence of possibility. Someone else doing what you want to do can remind you that it is possible—not prove that you're behind.

What if someone else's success isn't proof that you're behind—but proof that it's possible? What if the sale you're comparing yourself to could actually teach you how to create your own? You can spiral into "Why not me?" or you can get curious and ask, "Tell me more." Press play and learn how to turn comparison into inspiration—and someone else's win into your next opportunity.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather and Nicole Begley unpack the thoughts that make selling feel uncomfortable, awkward, or even "gross." They explore why photographers hesitate to make offers, the assumptions we make about what clients can afford, and how fear of rejection can keep you from giving people the opportunity to work with you. The big shift? Your job isn't to convince someone to hire you—it's to confidently extend the invitation and let them decide.

Key Takeaways:

• Your job isn't to convince people to hire you. Your job is to make the offer and allow them to decide.
• "I don't want to bother them" is a thought worth examining. If you believe you're bothering someone, you're naturally going to hesitate.
• Selling becomes easier when you shift from "get energy" to "service energy." Instead of trying to get a yes, focus on offering an opportunity that could genuinely help someone.
• Don't make financial decisions for your clients. You don't know what they value, what they're willing to invest in, or what they can afford.
• Don't be the one who tells yourself no. Give people the opportunity to say yes or no for themselves.
• You may undervalue your work because your skills feel easy to you. What you've spent years mastering may feel simple now—but that doesn't mean it's not valuable.
• What if you're not too expensive... but too cheap? Pricing can influence perceived value, and lower isn't automatically better.
• Rejection isn't a verdict on you. Someone choosing not to buy doesn't mean they're rejecting you, your talent, or your worth.
• Your feelings can reveal your thoughts. If you're feeling nervous, heavy, or hesitant, get curious about what you're thinking underneath it.
• Belief makes sharing your business easier. When you genuinely believe in yourself, your offer, and the value you provide, making an invitation becomes much more natural.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather continues her coaching series by bringing you inside a real coaching session with Elevate member Ashley Smith of Ashley Anita Photography. You can explore Ashley's beautiful work at https://ashleyanitaphotography.com/.

Ashley has a creative idea to attract more clients through a signature session, but she's feeling stuck before she even begins. Together, she and Heather simplify the challenge, uncover the thoughts creating hesitation, and shift the focus from selling to serving. If you've ever had a great idea but talked yourself out of sharing it, this episode will help you move from overthinking to confident action.

Key Takeaways:

• Complicated thoughts create inaction. Simplifying the problem makes it much easier to move forward.
• Treat your ideas like experiments. You don't need certainty—you just need a willingness to test and learn.
• Don't let your current audience determine your future results. Growth begins when you start sharing consistently, not when you reach a certain follower count.
• Service is more powerful than selling. When you genuinely believe your offer helps people, marketing feels natural.
• Belief changes your energy. Confidence in yourself, your client, and your offer makes your message more compelling.
• One clear offer is more effective than endless overthinking. Simplicity creates clarity for both you and your clients.
• Marketing doesn't have to feel pushy. Inviting people to something valuable is an act of service.
• Consistency builds momentum. Committing to share your offer repeatedly gives it a chance to succeed.
• Abundance creates better decisions. When you aren't relying on one strategy to save your business, you can market with confidence instead of desperation.
• Action creates evidence. You'll never know what works until you're willing to put your idea into the world.

How many incredible ideas have you talked yourself out of before anyone else had the chance to see them? The biggest obstacle to your next client may not be your marketing; it may be your thinking. One simple mindset shift can turn hesitation into action and ideas into opportunities. Press play and discover why simplifying the problem is often the fastest path to results.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather continues her new coaching series by bringing you inside another real coaching session with Elevate member Kelly McNamara of Kelly Mac Studios. You can explore Kelly's beautiful work at http://kellymacstudios.com/.

Kelly has built incredible momentum in her business, but as projects near the finish line, she finds herself procrastinating. Together, she and Heather uncover a simple yet profound mindset shift: joy isn't the same as fun. Through this powerful coaching session, Heather helps Kelly reframe how she thinks about motivation, fulfillment, and the meaningful work that often lies beyond the exciting parts of building a business. It's a conversation that may completely change the way you approach your own work and the satisfaction you find in it. Key Takeaways:

• Joy and fun are not the same thing. You don't have to enjoy every task to experience fulfillment in your business.
• Not every stage of a project will feel exciting. The energy at the finish line naturally looks different than the excitement of the beginning.
• Appreciation creates joy. Focusing on what a task represents—not just how it feels—changes your experience.
• Beware of the stories your brain creates. Assuming something is "wrong" because work isn't fun can lead to unnecessary frustration.
• Finishing is just as valuable as starting. Great businesses are built by people who follow through, even when motivation fades.
• Motivation isn't required to take action. Discipline and appreciation can carry you across the finish line.
• Redefining your expectations changes everything. When you stop expecting constant excitement, ordinary work feels much lighter.
• Every business includes unglamorous tasks. Those responsibilities are often evidence that your business is growing.
• Small mindset shifts create massive results. Sometimes changing one definition changes your entire experience.
• The goal isn't to love every task. The goal is to appreciate the opportunity to build the business you've always wanted.

What if the work you've been resisting isn't the problem... but the meaning you've attached to it? One simple shift in perspective can turn frustration into fulfillment. This coaching session might completely redefine how you experience your business. Press play and discover why joy isn't found in the easy moments—it's found in appreciating the entire journey.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather kicks off a brand-new coaching series by bringing you inside a real coaching session with Elevate member Dave Mayes of Instinct Pet Photography.

Dave Mayes is the owner of Instinct Pet Photography in Australia. You can view his incredible work here: https://instinctpetphoto.com/

Together, they simplify a challenge that many business owners face: struggling to truly switch off from work. What begins as a conversation about taking a day off quickly uncovers the real issue beneath the surface—and it's probably not what you think.

Key Takeaways:

• Complicated problems create confusion. Simplifying the real issue makes it much easier to find a solution.
• The challenge isn't always what it appears to be. What feels like a productivity issue may actually be a trust issue.
• Protocols create freedom. Clear boundaries around work and communication make it easier to truly unplug.
• You don't have to respond immediately to be professional. Healthy expectations create better experiences for both you and your clients.
• Trust yourself—and your business. Believing everything will fall apart without you is often just a story your brain is telling.
• Most client situations aren't emergencies. Recognizing this allows you to create healthier boundaries without sacrificing great service.
• Your thoughts determine how well you rest. It's not just putting the phone away—it's learning how to quiet your mind.
• Coaching helps uncover the real problem. Sometimes one question is all it takes to reveal what's actually keeping you stuck.
• Small mindset shifts create lasting change. Solving the right problem leads to better habits, better decisions, and greater peace of mind.
• You don't have to figure everything out alone. Learning alongside others accelerates growth and helps you solve challenges faster.

What if the reason you can't switch off has nothing to do with your workload? What if the real problem is the story you're telling yourself about what will happen if you do? This coaching session uncovers one simple shift that can completely change how you work—and how you rest. Press play and discover the real problem hiding beneath the surface.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather shares the long-awaited update to one of the biggest challenges she's faced in business: a nearly year-long sales tax audit. Joined by Nicole Begley, she reflects on the emotional toll of living with uncertainty, the lessons learned through the process, and how facing her worst-case scenario ultimately made her stronger. If you've ever been overwhelmed by circumstances outside your control, this episode will remind you that resilience is built one challenge at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Your worst-case scenario loses its power once you've lived through it. Fear often fades when you realize you're capable of handling difficult situations.
• Uncertainty is often harder than the circumstance itself. Learning to manage your mind during the unknown is a powerful business skill.
• Resilience is built through experience. Every challenge expands your ability to navigate future obstacles.
• Your thoughts determine how you experience adversity. Mindset doesn't remove problems—it changes how you respond to them.
• You don't have to control everything to move forward. Self-trust grows when you learn to function without complete certainty.
• Business challenges are opportunities for growth. Difficult seasons often strengthen your leadership and decision-making.
• Preparation and professionalism matter. Keeping accurate records and seeking expert guidance gives you confidence when challenges arise.
• You are more resourceful than you realize. Even in overwhelming situations, you'll find solutions one step at a time.
• Every setback teaches something valuable. What feels frustrating today may become one of your greatest lessons tomorrow.
• You can come out stronger on the other side. Sometimes the greatest transformation happens after the hardest season.

What if the thing you're most afraid of is the very thing that will make you stronger? This isn't just a story about a tax audit—it's a masterclass in resilience. If you're carrying the weight of uncertainty, this conversation will give you hope. Press play and discover what happens when you stop fearing the worst… and start trusting yourself.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather explores one of the most common struggles photographers face: freezing when the perfect opportunity arises to talk about their business. She explains why this hesitation has nothing to do with not knowing what to say—and everything to do with what you're believing in that moment. Through a series of powerful coaching questions, Heather helps you uncover the hidden thoughts that are holding you back so you can replace fear with confidence and start sharing your business more naturally.

Key Takeaways:

• Hesitation starts with a thought—not a lack of words. What you believe in the moment determines whether you speak or stay silent.
• The Belief Triad is the foundation of confident marketing. Strong belief in yourself, your offer, and your client creates natural conversations.
• Curiosity is more powerful than self-criticism. Reflecting on why you froze leads to awareness—and awareness leads to change.
• You're often protecting yourself from imagined rejection. Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or being "salesy" keeps many photographers invisible.
• Don't decide for your clients. Give people the opportunity to decide if your work is right for them instead of assuming the answer.
• Connection beats performance. Authentic conversations create far more impact than trying to say the "perfect" thing.
• Practice builds confidence. Reflecting after conversations helps you prepare for the next opportunity.
• Your thoughts shape your actions. Changing your internal dialogue changes how you show up externally.
• Marketing is an act of service. Sharing what you do isn't about convincing people—it's about letting them know you can help.
• Confidence grows through repetition. Every conversation is an opportunity to strengthen your identity as a business owner.

How many opportunities have you missed because fear spoke louder than confidence? The words aren't the problem—the beliefs behind them are. One conversation could change your business... if you're willing to have it. Press play and discover what's really stopping you from sharing your work.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode, Heather and Nicole explore something that often gets lost as businesses grow: fun. What starts as a passion project can quickly become stressful, overwhelming, and results-driven, leaving creativity behind. Together, they share practical ways to bring joy back into your business, reignite your creativity, and remind yourself why you picked up a camera in the first place.

Key Takeaways:

• Fun isn't optional—it's part of a sustainable business. Creativity thrives when you enjoy the process, not just the outcome.
• Stop measuring success only by revenue. Celebrate the small wins that build momentum and confidence.
• Creativity grows when you use it. The more you create without pressure, the more ideas begin to flow.
• Don't let your business become all responsibility and no joy. Reconnecting with what you love fuels long-term success.
• Shift your energy before trying to solve problems. New ideas come more easily when you're curious instead of defeated.
• Your brain needs evidence of progress. Reflecting on daily wins helps interrupt negative thought patterns.
• Experiment and play without attaching everything to results. Some of your best ideas come when there's no pressure to perform.
• Joy creates resilience. When your business feels lighter, you're more willing to keep going through challenges.
• Your creativity extends beyond photography. Exploring hobbies and creative outlets can strengthen your business in unexpected ways.
• The goal isn't just to build a business—it's to enjoy building it. Success feels much different when you're having fun along the way.

What if the missing piece in your business isn't another strategy… but more joy? What if having fun is actually one of the most productive things you can do? This conversation might just change the way you think about creativity, success, and burnout. Press play—and rediscover why you fell in love with photography in the first place.

How to Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review.

• If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people.

Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram