[REPLAY] This episode originally aired July 2025. 

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 broken
• The psychology behind why clients bounce without booking
• How your website is sabotaging your bookings (and how to fix it)
• The importance of making your pricing accessible without scaring people off
• Nicole’s innovative new strategy to replace phone consultations
• How to build desire for your services like a luxury brand
• Why removing friction in your inquiry process increases bookings
• The power of “behind the scenes” opt-ins for your website
• How to market desire instead of pain (and why it matters)

Your inquiry process shouldn’t feel like a locked vault to your clients. This episode will help you rethink how you present your services to make booking simple, fast, and confidence-boosting for both you and your clients.

Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and start transforming how your photography business books clients today.

More Resources:

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 consistently $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula - www.freedomfocusformula.com

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

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.

[REPLAY] This episode originally aired February 2025. 

279 - Have you ever caught yourself procrastinating, undercharging, or shying away from marketing your business? It’s not laziness—it’s Success Intolerance. 

In this episode, we uncover why success can feel unsafe and how to rewire your brain to embrace the next level of your business.

What to Listen For:

• What success intolerance is and why it keeps photographers stuck
• Why your brain sees growth as a threat, even when you want it
• The five most common ways photographers block their own success
• The real reason you procrastinate on marketing and pricing updates
• The powerful mindset shifts to rewire your beliefs around success
• How tracking small wins helps retrain your brain for success
• The number one coaching event that will help you break through your biggest blocks

Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you see yourself. If you’re struggling with self-doubt, undercharging, or avoiding growth, it’s time to break through those hidden barriers. Inside Elevate, we help photographers normalize success, build confidence, and create profitable businesses without feeling overwhelmed. 

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.

[REPLAY] This episode originally aired January 2025. 

274 - You’ve heard it before: “People do business with those they know, like, and trust.” But Tracy Goodwin is here to flip that script. 

According to Tracy, trust isn’t enough anymore—it’s all about connection and authenticity. In this episode, we dive deep into how your voice shapes the client experience, influences their decisions, and can even increase your income by up to 90%! 

This is a must-listen for any photographer looking to overcome fear of rejection, feel confident in pricing conversations, and connect with clients on a deeper level.

What to Listen For

• Why trust is no longer enough to make a sale—and what clients are really looking for instead.
• How subconscious sound patterns in your voice are sabotaging your sales without you realizing it.
• The #1 question to ask yourself before every client interaction to align your energy and intentions.
• How to stop giving away your power to clients and take control of the conversation.
• The hidden “masks” we wear when we speak—like the People Pleaser or Perfectionist—and how they block connection with clients.
• The science behind how your voice can increase your impact and income by 30–90%.
• Why being “authentic” is easier said than done—and practical tips to let your real voice shine.
• How your childhood experiences can influence the way you use your voice today.
• A powerful mindset shift to overcome fear of rejection during inquiry and sales calls.

Your voice is your most powerful sales tool—and Tracy Goodwin just gave us the blueprint to use it with confidence and purpose. By removing the “masks” that block connection and learning to stand on the solid ground of your expertise, you’ll not only attract more clients but also create an experience they’ll never forget.

Ready to dive deeper? Be sure to grab Tracy’s free audio resource, Command Any Space, at www.captivatetheroom.com/command. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Freedom Focus Photography podcast for more insights to grow your photography business with intention and freedom!

Connect with Tracy

• Command Any Space - FREE AUDIO TRAINING
• Tracy’s Website
• Ep. 128 - The Secret to Converting More Leads with Tracy Goodwin 
• Tracy's Instagram
• Facebook

Nicole's Resources

• Hair of the Dog Academy 
• Freedom Focus Formula 
• Elevate
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy

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.

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.