Every photographer, no matter how experienced, will eventually face a challenging client. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen sit down with Alison Shamrell, a talented pet photographer and long-time coaching client, to discuss how she handled an unexpected situation with an unhappy commercial client. We talk about mindset, communication, and the importance of having a coach to navigate these tough moments. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome or worried about client feedback, this episode is for you. Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Show Notes:

• Why handling client issues is part of business growth
• The unexpected challenge: What went wrong with the commercial shoot
• The emotional impact of client criticism and self-doubt
• Shifting the mindset: Taking responsibility without self-blame
• The role of coaching in overcoming business roadblocks

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not that good” or “My photos aren’t good enough”? These thoughts might feel true, but they’re actually holding you back from building a thriving photography business.

In this episode, Heather Lahtinen challenges the limiting beliefs that keep photographers stuck and explains why your self-concept is the foundation of your success. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, focus on your progress, and take action with confidence.

Join Heather for a free coaching workshop to uncover what’s really keeping you from moving forward. Sign up at www.getcoachedbyheather.com

Show Notes:

• How your thoughts impact your success
• The most common limiting beliefs photographers have
• Why you can’t build a successful business with self-doubt
• The power of self-concept and how it shapes your decisions
• The truth about being “good enough” in photography
• The experiment: What if you couldn’t think “I’m not good enough”?

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Do you ever feel like success is just out of reach? That no matter what course you take or strategy you try, nothing seems to work? The truth is, it's not the strategy that’s broken—it’s our mindset that’s keeping us stuck. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen talks about the self-doubt loop, why our brains sabotage us, and how a simple mindset shift can change everything. Plus, she shares a 30-day challenge to help you start thinking and acting like success is inevitable.

Show Notes:

• Why self-doubt keeps you stuck in a cycle of inaction
• How our primal brain holds us back to “keep us safe”
• The key difference between successful and struggling photographers
• A simple mindset shift that can help you break through self-doubt
• A 30-day challenge to start thinking and acting like a successful photographer

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Success intolerance is one of the biggest hidden barriers to growth, yet most people don’t even realize they have it. In this episode, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley break down the difference between fear of success and success intolerance. They explore how subconscious resistance to success can manifest as self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and procrastination. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business despite wanting more, this conversation is for you.

👉 Want coaching to break through your mindset blocks? Join Heather for a complimentary live coaching workshop at www.getcoachedbyheather.com!

Show Notes:

• The key difference between fear of success and success intolerance
• How subconscious resistance to success leads to self-sabotage and doubt
• Why photographers might unknowingly block their own growth
• The psychological reasons behind feeling uncomfortable with success
• Actionable steps to reprogram your mindset and embrace success

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Nicole Begley: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/

Are you charging what you're worth, or are your prices making you resent your clients? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, we dive into the real reasons you should raise your prices—and it’s not just about profitability. Heather Lahtinen explains how resentment is often a sign that it’s time for a change and why shifting your thoughts around pricing is just as important as raising your rates. If you’ve ever felt underappreciated, undervalued, or frustrated with your pricing, this episode is for you. Show Notes:

• The biggest reasons to raise your prices (it’s not just about profit).
• The #1 mistake photographers make when setting their prices.
• Breaking down toxic thoughts that keep you stuck at low prices.
• How to shift your mindset around pricing and value.
• 10 powerful thoughts to replace resentment with confidence.
• Where to go for coaching & deeper support.

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Perfectionism is often praised as a sign of high standards, but what if it's actually holding you back? In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen breaks down the truth about perfectionism—why we cling to it, how it keeps us stuck, and what we can do to overcome it. You'll learn why perfectionism is really just a strategy to avoid looking bad, how to reframe your fears, and practical steps to start moving forward today. Plus, Heather shares her top 10 tips to overcome perfectionism and start embracing progress over perfection.

If you've ever hesitated to take action because you were afraid of doing something wrong, this episode is for you!

Show Notes:

• The real definition of perfectionism and why it’s more harmful than helpful.
• How perfectionism leads to procrastination, fear, and inaction.
• The connection between perfectionism, self-worth, and fear of judgment.
• Why perfectionism is a strategy to avoid uncomfortable emotions (and why that doesn’t work).
• How to shift your mindset to embrace imperfection and make progress.
• Heather’s 10 practical tips to overcome perfectionism and start taking action.
• The power of coaching to help you break free from perfectionist thinking.

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode of The Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen explores a groundbreaking discovery she calls Photo Dysmorphia—a condition affecting photographers who struggle to see their own brilliance. Through real-life examples and a deep dive into the root causes of self-doubt, she reveals why so many talented photographers dismiss praise, seek constant validation, and obsess over imperfections. Heather offers a powerful mindset shift and practical strategies to help photographers evaluate their work objectively, gain confidence, and stop relying on external approval. Show Notes:

• Why Photographers Struggle to See Their Own Talent
• A Real-Life Story: Award-Winning Photography and Persistent Self-Doubt
• The Root Causes: Comparison, Perfectionism, and Validation Addiction
• Why External Validation Will Never Be Enough
• How to Objectively Evaluate Your Work (and Finally Feel Good About It)
• Practical Steps to Build Self-Approval and Confidence

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Have you ever had a friend or family member make a discouraging comment about your photography business? Maybe they question your pricing, doubt your success, or think it’s "just a hobby." In this episode, Heather shares why these comments sting, how to stop internalizing negativity, and the best ways to respond with confidence. You don’t need their approval—you need your own belief. Let’s build a mindset that deflects doubt and keeps you moving forward, no matter what anyone says. Show Notes:

• The most common negative comments photographers hear from friends and family
• Why these comments only hurt if there’s already doubt in your mind
• The power of unshakable belief in your business
• How to stop seeking external validation and cultivate your own confidence
• Quick-witted responses to shut down negativity (with a little humor!)
• Why your success isn’t dependent on anyone else's belief but your own

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather dives deep into how the relationships in your life—especially the one you have with yourself and your business—affect your success. Drawing from a powerful mentoring experience, Heather shares key insights into why your most important relationship can either fuel or hinder your progress. From improving communication with your spouse to practicing self-compassion and transforming your business mindset, this episode is packed with actionable advice for unlocking breakthroughs in both business and life. Plus, stay tuned for a marriage tip at the end that could change your life! Show Notes:

• Why the most important relationship in your life impacts your business.
• How unresolved personal relationship issues can drain your cognitive resources.
• The impact of self-talk on your business and life.
• Tips for cultivating a healthy relationship with your business.
• How to reframe your thoughts to create better results in your business.

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

In this episode of the Flourish Academy Podcast, Heather Lahtinen and Nicole Begley dive deep into the internal tug-of-war that keeps us from fully committing to our goals. They explore how subconscious thoughts of “another option” can quietly undermine your success and reveal how your self-concept plays a pivotal role in breaking through mental barriers.

They shared six powerful questions designed to help you gain clarity, identify your fears, and uncover what’s really stopping you from going all in on your dreams. Whether you’re building a photography business or pursuing another passion, these questions will inspire you to let go of hesitation and take bold, intentional action toward “Option A.”

Show Notes:

• Heather explains how self-concept and commitment are intertwined.
• The mental tug-of-war caused by "Option B."
• The impact of "burning the boats" and removing fallback plans.
• The GoDaddy phone call that changed everything.
• How to identify subconscious safety nets.
• Questions to uncover your hidden fears and reframe your goals.
• Practical tips for burning your boats (without losing everything).

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.

Connect:

Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Nicole Begley: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/