320 - Ever walked away from an event or promotion feeling like you “should” have done better? In this episode, Susie had a goal, didn’t hit it, and instead of spiraling… she transformed it into . If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “cut out” for this business, this episode is for you.

What to Listen For

• The mindset shift that turned “I only sold two” into “This was wildly successful.”
• Why numbers don’t tell the full story and how to spot hidden wins.
• How Susie reframed her results in seconds after talking with her husband.
• Why missing your goals often leads to more growth than hitting them.
• How rejection stopped feeling personal, even when people said “no” to her face.
• The power of continuing the offer instead of declaring it over.
• How to recognize the ideas, momentum, and follow-up opportunities an event creates.
• The importance of documenting your wins (even the tiny ones).
• How a stronger self-concept makes you unstoppable in sales and marketing.

If you’ve ever walked away from a launch, event, or promotion feeling disappointed, this episode is going to console and motivate you all at the same time. Susie’s story proves that success isn’t measured only in sales, it’s measured in who you’re becoming in the process.

Give yourself the gift of 20 minutes that might just reshape your photography business forever. Hit play, and if it resonates, share this episode with a fellow photographer who needs it.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Discover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

319 - Scrolling Instagram and feeling like every photographer in your area is booked solid… except you? This episode breaks down what’s really happening when photography competition triggers that spiral — and how to shift your mindset so you can get back to serving, creating, and growing.

What to listen for:

• The surprising emotional chain reaction your brain creates when you see photographers who look “busy” online
• Why competition feels threatening even when it technically isn’t
• The #1 thought that keeps photographers stuck in comparison
• How your brain jumps from “They’re busy” to “I’m going to end up broke in a ditch”
• Why you assume competitors are taking clients that “should” be yours
• Why more local photographers can actually help grow demand
• How to reframe comparison into something that fuels your business instead of draining it
• The simple thought protocol to use the next time you see a competitor post a win
• The one question that reveals whether comparison is stealing your best creative energy

Feeling triggered by photography competition doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you — it means you’re human. This episode will show you how to redirect that energy back into your business so you can create momentum instead of comparison.

If you’re ready for coaching, clarity, and a community that helps you rise above the noise, come join us inside Elevate. Hit play now and let’s shift your mindset together.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Discover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

318 - Your images are gorgeous… but your website? That might be another story.

 In this episode, I’m walking you through a practical photography website audit so you can spot the gaps that are turning dream clients away—often before they ever inquire. We’ll talk design, messaging, mobile, SEO, and what to fix first to book more high-value sessions.

What to listen for:

• The simple copy test that instantly reveals if your messaging is way too generic
• Why too much text sends today’s skim-happy visitors running for the back button
• The one clear call to action every photography website needs—and where it should go
• Why hiding your products and artwork is killing your conversions
• The quick mobile check for 80%+ of your website visitors
• How confusing navigation quietly kills conversions 
• A fast load-time test you can do today and what to change if your site is slow
• The SEO basics you must have in place so local clients can actually find you
• Three paths to upgrading your website (DIY, templates, or custom design) and when each one makes sense

Your website is either working for you 24/7… or quietly working against you. The good news? Once you know the most common photography website mistakes, they’re totally fixable, often faster than you think.

Tune in to this episode to audit your own site, grab the free 11-mistake checklist, and decide whether it’s time for a refresh, a template upgrade, or a fully custom build. Hit play now, then start turning more website visitors into happy, high-value clients.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Free website audit PDF: www.freedomfocusformula.com/webaudit
• Custom Showit website design with Connor Walberg: https://connorwalberg.com/custom-showit-websites

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – https://www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – https://www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Discover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – https://www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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 experience
✔ How genuine service energy can instantly build trust
✔ Why “please buy this from me today” can feel totally fine (yes, really!)
✔ How pushy behavior shows up when someone’s in get-energy instead of serve-energy
✔ The real reason clients sometimes feel defensive or pressured
✔ A critical money lesson every creative business owner should know
✔ The moment Heather’s daughter spotted a sneaky finance trick (and what photographers can learn from it)
✔ The difference between empowering a client and manipulating them

Sales doesn’t have to feel icky, awkward, or pushy. When you lead with genuine service energy, clients feel supported—not pressured—and your sessions become easier and more profitable. Listen to the full episode to learn how to shift your sales energy and create client experiences that feel amazing for everyone.

Ready to elevate your sales? Hit play and let’s dive in.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistent $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Discover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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 herself
• Why confidence comes after action, not before it
• How a muddy 4x4 adventure turned into the ultimate business metaphor
• The question Heather asks every struggling photographer
• Why being willing to feel embarrassed can make you unstoppable
• How “I didn’t really try” thinking secretly sabotages your progress
• The difference between disappointment and failure (and why it matters)
• The real reason your confidence plateaus and how to fix it

Confidence isn’t a one-and-done achievement. It’s a practice. And sometimes, the biggest leaps forward come from the moments that feel the most uncomfortable. If you’ve been waiting to “feel ready” before raising your prices, booking higher-end clients, or finally going full-time—this episode is your permission slip to do it anyway.

Listen now, take messy action, and see what happens when you stop letting fear drive.

Coach week starts TODAY!  Join us here: https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweek

More Resources

• Nicole’s Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial
• Heather’s Flourish Academy - https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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?!” moment
• The truth about doing everything “right” and why that doesn’t always equal booked
• Two mental tracks after a “no”: frustration spiral vs. curiosity and growth
• How to set action goals you control, not outcome goals you can’t
• Smart follow-up strategies and why more than one is essential
• Why ghosting isn’t always rejection
• Turning marketing into something that’s actually fun 
• How to build resilience and self-trust through every “no”
• What to do when fear of failure stalls your next inquiry call

Doing everything “right” doesn’t promise a yes but it can teach you exactly what you need to grow. In this episode, learn how to shift from frustration to curiosity, follow up with confidence, and build resilience that leads to more bookings. 

Want hands-on coaching? Join us for Coach Week, Nov 11–13 at 2pm ET. It's totally free, with replays included.  Sign up here - https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweek

Additional Links: 

• Ep. 284 - Stop Inquiry Ghosting - https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/blog/stop-inquiry-ghosting
• Nicole’s Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial
• Heather’s Flourish Academy - https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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” really means (and why it’s not what you’re doing)
• Why photographers feel guilty offering products after “free” sessions
• How this mindset silently sabotages your conversions
• Nicole’s personal experience building a thriving business through charity auctions
• The difference between transparency and deception in your client communication
• The #1 shift that turns your marketing into genuine service
• How to educate your clients before the session so they feel confident and informed
• Why your thoughts about money and worth show up in every sales conversation
• How to serve from integrity while still running a profitable business

If your brain’s been whispering, “I don’t want to trick people,” it’s time to turn down that noise. You’re not being deceptive, you’re being transparent and generous. When you lead with clarity and confidence, clients feel it. Hit play to hear how to shift your mindset and finally stop second-guessing your sales process.

Episode Links

• Nicole’s Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial
• Heather’s Flourish Academy - https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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 market
• How fear of judgment quietly sabotages your visibility
• Why your brain treats marketing like a life-or-death threat
• A simple reframe that transforms “look at me” into “let me help you”
• How to replace “convincing” energy with “service” energy in sales
• Why not sharing your services is actually doing your clients a disservice
• Why every strategy fails if you don’t first address fear

Visibility isn’t about shouting louder — it’s about showing up to serve. When you reframe marketing as an act of helping instead of self-promotion, everything changes.

If you’re ready to get visible (without the anxiety), join Heather’s new Visibility Workshop inside Elevate at freedomfocusformula.com/elevate — use code PODCAST to save $200 on enrollment.
 
Links: 

•  Join the Elevate program and participate in the Visibility Workshop: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Save $200 on enrollment with code: podcast
• Connect on Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial and @flourishacademy

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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 mission
• The happiness threshold: why security matters more than “more”
• The sneaky sign you’re undercharging
• Why passion alone won’t save a project once requests and revisions roll in
• The energy exchange principle: how pricing protects respect on both sides
• How “action → clarity” reveals your true motivation (not the one you think you have)
• The cleanest way to barter (and why money is the universal stand-in)
• How purpose + profit together make challenges easier to push through
• A practical exercise to decide: income replacement, vacation fund, or creative outlet?

Your photography business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. When you know what truly drives you, and set prices that reflect the value of your time, you’ll build a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling. Tune in now and start shaping a business that supports both your purpose and your lifestyle.

Links from the episode:

• Nicole’s Instagram: @nicolebegleyofficial
• Heather’s Flourish Academy - https://flourishacademy.mykajabi.com/
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com
• Freedom Focus Formula – www.freedomfocusformula.com
• Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

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 free
• How following every business “rule” still left her frustrated and stuck
• The moment a simple framework flipped everything she thought about success
• Why her first sales breakthrough had nothing to do with pricing
• The wild twist: how Heather’s AI clone became her late-night coach
• The self-doubt that almost stopped her next big project and how she overcame it
• The belief that turned “outlier” into “trailblazer”
• How confidence (not strategy) became her most profitable skill
• The one thought she used to feel unstoppable, even after setbacks

From six-figure attorney to thriving pet photographer, Kelly’s story proves that transformation doesn’t start with strategy. It starts with belief. Her journey inside Elevate shows what’s possible when you back yourself fully and stop waiting for “someday.”

🎧 Listen now to hear the twists, triumphs, and takeaways that just might change how you see your own business.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES 

• Get Coached by Heather (Fast Track Coaching): https://www.getcoachedbyheather.com
• Hair of the Dog Academy: https://hairofthedogacademy.com
• Freedom Focus Photography Podcast hub: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/podcast
• Free Guide – Top 10 Dog Poses: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/poses
• Elevate Coaching (with Heather): https://hairofthedogacademy.com/elevate
• Nicole Begley Photography: https://nicolebegleyphotography.com
• Hair of the Dog Conservation Fund: https://hairofthedogconservationfund.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hairofthedogacademy | https://instagram.com/nicolebegleyofficial
• Leave a podcast review

JOIN THE PARTY:

• Connect with us on Instagram
• Explore valuable pet photography resources here
• Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
• Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
• Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.