This episode originally aired on March 2024.

Welcome to another episode of the Creative Freedom Rebellion - a podcast series within the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, hosted by Nicole Begley and J. Nichole Smith, AKA Nic.  

Through the past 10+ years of mentoring pet photographers, we’ve noticed that the “why” of many pet photographers falls into one of three buckets.  The love of art, the goal of lifestyle, or the love of dog. It’s important to dive into these differences because these motivations can shape not only your work but how you present it to the world.

Not a pet photographer?  Don’t pass this episode over as it will still be applicable as the first two buckets will be the same, but your love of dog would simply be the love of whatever your subject of choice is.  

What To Listen For:

1. Embracing the Creative Freedom Rebellion: How to carve out a pet photography path that's uniquely yours, defying conventional expectations.”
2. The Transformation of Pet Photography: Learn about the journey from a niche market to a competitive industry and what that means for today's photographers.
3. Finding Your Niche Within a Niche: Discover the importance of identifying your unique angle in pet photography, whether it's the art, lifestyle, or the animals themselves.
4. Tailored Marketing Strategies: Gain insights into effective marketing strategies that align with your specific focus in pet photography, ensuring you connect with your ideal clientele.
5. The Joy Factor: How prioritizing happiness can revolutionize your business approach and personal fulfillment.

We each created our business for different reasons, but one reason that is often universal was the goal of having more fulfillment and freedom in our lives.  To make money doing something we love.  This episode will open your eyes to the different roads that photographers choose to travel down and how when you know more about your motivation, you can make your business even more fulfilling.

Want the video version? Watch here. 

Resources from this Episode

• Creative Freedom Rebellion Part 1
• Connect with Nic
• Pouka Art And Photography
• The Artisan Hound
• Laura Wombwell Photography
• Greyboy Pet Prints
• Pawtraits by Nicole
• Keri Nakahashi Photography
• Kristen Murray Photography

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

272 - Do you need to perfect your photography skills before diving into business? Or can you grow both at the same time? 

Shelley Paulson, one of the leading equine photographers in the world, joins me for a deep-dive debate on what comes first: business growth or mastering your craft. We share personal stories, mentor tips, and strategies to help photographers create a balance between technical excellence and entrepreneurial success.

What to Listen For:

• The difference between the craft-first mindset and the business-first mindset
• What opportunities technical proficiency unlocks
• The key role mentors play in identifying blind spots in your craft or business.
• How Shelley’s attention to craft allowed her to build a multi-six-figure business—even without being a "business guru."
• Why pricing what your work is worth (not yourself) can help overcome self-doubt.
• Actionable advice for photographers just starting out—whether you're pursuing a hobby or building a full-time business.

Building a successful photography business is all about balance—refining your craft while building a strong business foundation. Shelley and I agree that while there’s no “right” path, having a plan and investing in both sides of the equation is key to long-term success. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, don’t forget: both your skills and your business deserve attention.

Ready to take the next step? Tune in to this episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check out the resources below!

Shelley’s Resources:

• Shelley Paulson Photography: www.shelleypaulson.com
• Shelley Paulson Education: www.shelleypaulsoneducation.com
• Wings Mentorship: www.shelleypaulsoneducation.com/pages/wings-mentorship

Nicole’s 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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

271 - Ever felt stuck mid-session, wondering, "What pose should I try next?" You’re not alone! 

In today’s episode, I share my go-to strategies for posing dogs and their humans—perfect for pet photographers and anyone who works with furry friends. Plus, grab a free download of six posing cards to keep your creativity flowing!

What to Listen For:

• Why taking a break during a session isn’t just okay—it’s a game-changer.
• How to handle those “gazebo moments” when clients suggest less-than-ideal settings.
• Why showing your camera’s preview to clients can diffuse their stress.
• Tips for creating depth and interest with the “layer up” technique.
• A breakdown of the 6 essential poses you’ll use in every dog photography session.
• How to build trust with nervous dogs (and their humans!) for better photos.
• Why every session feels like a learning curve—even after 15 years.
• The secret weapon for grabbing a dog’s attention (hint: it involves a rabbit call).
• How to position owners and dogs for heartfelt, natural interactions.
• Special Black Friday deal on posing cards—don’t miss it!

Ready to master the art of posing? Download your free six posing cards at hairofthedogacademy.com/posing-tips and take the stress out of planning your next session.

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

270 - Is your photography business stuck on repeat? 

Stuck on repeat in a place that’s short of your goals? You’re not alone. Nicole Begley and Heather Lahtinen are here to share why technical perfection isn’t enough and how it’s the intangible that shifts everything. If you’re ready to create a thriving boutique business, this is the episode you can’t miss.

What to Listen For:

• Why “perfecting your craft” won’t bring you more clients or higher sales.
• Why focusing only on your craft can hold you back in business.
• How a $5,600 sale changed one Elevate member’s outlook forever.
• Why mindset is your biggest roadblock—and your greatest asset.
• The real reason pricing alone isn’t the problem—or the solution.
• Practical tips for achieving your next quantum leap in business.

Running a thriving photography business requires more than just stunning images. Nicole and Heather unpack the strategies, mindset shifts, and client stories that prove growth is possible with the right approach. If you’re ready to step into your next level, listen now and start making the changes that will transform your business.

Important Links:

• Learn more about Progress Lab: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/progress
• 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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

269 - Raise your hand if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of setting up a CRM for your photography business. 

In this episode, Nicole shares why you might not need one after all—and how simple, effective alternatives can help streamline your workflow and keep you focused on what you love: creating beautiful images for your clients.

What to Listen For:

• What a CRM is and the key features it provides.
• Why CRMs may not be the best fit for boutique photography businesses.
• The essential functions every photographer needs to manage their business.
• Free or low-cost alternatives to traditional CRMs.
• Best practices for creating client workflows (even with paper checklists!).

CRMs can be powerful tools, but they’re not the only way to keep your photography business organized and thriving. By exploring simple alternatives like spreadsheets or Trello—and hybrid solutions like CloudSpot—you can streamline your workflow without unnecessary stress or expense. 

Want to explore Nicole’s favorite tool? Check out this exclusive CloudSpot offer and start simplifying your process today!

Resources From This Episode:

• Exclusive offer from Cloudspot.
• Hair of the Dog Academy 
• Freedom Focus Formula
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy
• Elevate Coaching Program

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

268 - Mini sessions—are they a blessing or a curse? 

In today’s episode, we’ll explore why mini sessions might be your secret weapon to ensure a full calendar for 2025. 

Discover the dos and don'ts of running these sessions, why naming them matters, and the simple tweaks to make them profitable without cutting corners. Let’s make your mini sessions work harder for you.

What to Listen For:

• The power of mini sessions and why they’re more than just quick cash.
• How a holiday mini session can secure your 2025 bookings.
• Why you should never call them “mini sessions” (and what to call them instead).
• Best practices for pricing mini sessions without undervaluing your work.
• How to structure these sessions to avoid cannibalizing your full sessions.

Mini sessions don’t have to be a hassle—they can be a goldmine for your business! By following these best practices, you’ll streamline the process, attract quality clients, and even secure bookings for 2025. Ready to take the leap? 

Listen now, subscribe, and let’s start planning out a profitable year. And don’t forget to check out Freedom Focus Formula and Elevate for more tools to help you succeed!

Resources From This Episode:

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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

267 - What if I told you that your photography business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s? 

Today, Heather and I break down how we've navigated massive shifts in our businesses and how you can, too. Whether you’re thinking about making a big pivot or you're just curious about what’s possible, we’ve got you covered with practical advice, personal stories, and some hearty laughs along the way!

What to Listen For:

• The importance of embracing pivots in your photography business.
• How Nicole transitioned from family photography to focusing on pets.
• Why following your passion is key to long-term success in photography.
• Why your photography business can look like whatever you want it to.
• The mindset shifts needed to navigate big changes in your business.
• When you should NEVER quit.
• How to align your business with what lights your soul on fire!

In this episode, Heather and I shared our personal journeys of pivoting within our photography businesses and how you can embrace change with confidence. Remember, your business can look however you want it to! The key is staying open to shifts and knowing that you’re allowed to evolve. If you're ready to take your photography business to the next level, don't miss this one!

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review.

Resources From This Episode:

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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

266 - Are you hesitant to share your photography with the world? 

You’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m chatting with Heather Lahtinen and we’re digging into the reasons why photographers often hold back from sharing their work. Whether it's fear of judgment or worry about being copied, they share actionable advice on how to overcome these mental roadblocks and start showcasing your art with confidence.

What to Listen For:

• The most common fears holding photographers back from sharing their work.
• How judgment from others impacts your creativity.
• Why photographers hesitate to show unique projects.
• Strategies to break through the fear of being copied.
• How to reframe negative thoughts and gain confidence.
• What photographers can learn from stepping into discomfort.
• The right and wrong way to copy.
• The secret to building your own style.

Sharing your work as a photographer doesn’t have to feel terrifying. In this episode, we break down the fears that stop you from posting your images and offer tips to push through those mental barriers. Whether it’s fear of judgment or the worry of being copied, the key takeaway is simple: take action, even if it feels scary. Your future self will thank you! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a fellow photographer who might be feeling the same hesitation!

Resources From This Episode:

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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

265 - Ready to take your photography business to the next level?

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of SEO with the talented Melissa Arlena, who has successfully used SEO to grow her business and switch from weddings to newborn photography. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your online visibility, Melissa shares her strategies to help photographers stand out online.

What to Listen For:

• How Melissa transitioned niches
• Why SEO is a long game and how it pays off over time
• Tips for pet photographers on using SEO to reach new clients
• How to create blog content that speaks directly to your ideal clients
• SEO tactics for targeting multiple locations after moving
• The difference between SEO for weddings versus portraits
• Why blogging about FAQs and local services helps boost your website traffic
• How to keep clients engaged on your site using buttons and clear calls to action

This episode was packed with incredible insights into the power of SEO for photographers. Melissa Arlena has shown us how optimizing your website can bring in more clients, even years down the line. 

If you're ready to start ranking higher and getting booked more often, be sure to listen to the full episode! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and check out the resources below to dive deeper into the world of SEO.

Resources From This Episode:

• Picture Perfect Rankings with Melissa
• Picture Perfect Rankings on IG
• Hair of the Dog Academy
• Freedom Focus Formula
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy  
• Elevate Coaching Program

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.

264 - Have you ever dreamed of ditching the corporate grind to follow your passion? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Cassidy Brooke, did! 

Cassidy left her 9-5 insurance job, picked up her Nikon, and created a thriving equine photography business. 

Join us as Cassidy walks through her journey of building a career she loves and shares advice on everything from dealing with competition to balancing portrait and commercial photography. Get ready to be inspired and pick up some actionable tips along the way!

What to Listen For:

• The moment Cassidy decided to quit her corporate job with no backup plan.
• How Cassidy transitioned from working with a $400 Costco camera to becoming an in-demand professional photographer.
• Cassidy’s experience with "working for free" to build a brand and why it worked for her.
• The benefits of working with brands and how it helped Cassidy grow her photography business.
• Cassidy’s mindset shift after losing her Instagram account—and how it led to greater success.
• Tips for photographers who want to build relationships with brands and start earning from commercial work.
• Advice on navigating the crowded equine and pet photography space without feeling the pressure of competition.
• How to leverage social media for marketing, even if you’re an introvert.

Cassidy’s story is proof that with bold decisions, the right mindset, and a lot of persistence, you can turn your passion into a profitable business. Whether you’re looking to start your photography business or transition to working with brands, her journey is packed with valuable insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found this one helpful, please leave a review!

Resources From This Episode:

• Cassidy Brooke Photography
• Cassidy Brooke Photography on IG 
• 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

Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a 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.