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.

263 - Feeling the line between hobbyist and professional is a little blurry? Well, you're not alone!

In this episode, I'm chatting with Mark Rossetto about what truly defines a professional photographer and how you can elevate your business—yes, even if you're part-time. 


Get ready to dive deep into everything from pricing strategies to creating unforgettable client experiences that will have you standing out from the crowd.

What to Listen For:

• The evolution of photography businesses since the 2000s
• Do you still need a studio space to be considered professional?
• The crucial difference between a hobbyist photographer and a professional photographer
• Why part-time photographers can (and should) charge premium rates
• The myth of digital-only photographers and how to add more value to your offerings
• How creating a premium experience can set you apart in a crowded market
• Why photographers need to think beyond just taking pictures
• Practical tips for offering a high-end service, even when working from home
• The importance of product offerings in elevating your business
• How to make your first $10,000 sale (even if you’re just starting out)

Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or looking to elevate your business to the next level, this episode has the insights you need to make it happen. 

Start thinking beyond just taking photos—it's about creating an unforgettable experience for your clients and presenting yourself as the professional that you are. 

Ready to level up? 

Listen to this episode now, and don't forget to subscribe for more tips on growing your photography business!

Resources From This Episode:

• Mark Rossett Photography Business Coaching
• Professional Photography Business Network (PPBN)
• 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.

262 - Let’s get real: we all have responsibilities and obstacles that can make growing a photography business feel impossible. 

In today’s episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, we’re looking beyond the typical “thought work” and addressing real-life situations that may be limiting your time and energy. 

Listen in as we explore how to challenge these circumstances, from busy schedules to self-imposed limits, and unlock a new level of freedom and productivity in your business.

What to Listen For:

• How to identify real-life obstacles versus self-imposed limitations.
• Strategies to increase your capacity for handling business complexity.
• The power of trusting your internal reserves to overcome challenges.
• Why believing that “I need energy to be productive” can hold you back.
• Personal examples of pushing through limitations, including managing kids and full-time jobs.
• How perfectionism can trap you into limiting your potential.
• Recognizing self-imposed restrictions that seem like concrete circumstances.
• Ways to reframe how you view time and energy in your business.
• How to stop letting circumstances dictate your productivity.
• Why some restrictions are actually thoughts disguised as reality

Your circumstances don’t have to dictate your success. Pushing past perceived limitations—whether they’re about time, energy, or any other restriction—is key to unlocking your next level. 

If this episode resonated with you and you’d like to dive deeper into coaching around these topics, join us in Elevate. The link is below and I can't wait to see you there!

Resources From This Episode:

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

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.

261 - If you’ve ever wondered how SEO can truly impact your photography business, this episode is for you! Join me and SEO expert Connor Walberg as we explore the myths surrounding SEO, how AI is influencing search results, and why creating valuable content is more important than ever. 

Get ready for some game-changing tips that will help you attract more clients and grow your online presence.

What to Listen For:

• How SEO has evolved and why many photographers are still holding onto outdated strategies.
• The importance of content quality over quantity when it comes to ranking in Google searches.
• Why page speed isn’t the be-all and end-all for your website’s SEO.
• How Google's E-E-A-T algorithm (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) can boost your SEO.
• Why AI can’t replace SEO and how it is reshaping the content landscape.
• The role of helpful, human-centered content in standing out online.
• How to build a website that Google loves by focusing on user experience.
• Common myths like "SEO requires diving into code" and why most photographers don’t need to stress about it.
• Why backlinks are about quality, not quantity, and how to get the right ones.
• Easy-to-implement SEO tips you can use to boost your ranking and visibility.

In this episode, Connor and I break down everything photographers need to know about SEO in 2024. 

If you've been struggling with how to get your website to rank or feel overwhelmed by all the myths around SEO, this conversation will leave you feeling more empowered and informed.

• Connor's Website
• Join Connor's Free Facebook Group
• Simple SEO Membership with Free 10-Day Trial
• Hair of the Dog Academy 
• Freedom Focus Formula
• Elevate Coaching Program
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy

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.

260 - Photographers, let’s talk about a common trap: thinking that taking better photos is the answer to getting more clients. On today’s episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, Heather Lahtinen joins me to discuss why focusing solely on improving your photography isn’t a marketing strategy—and how this flawed thinking could be holding you back from booking more clients and hitting your revenue goals.

What to Listen For:

1. Why better photos don’t guarantee more clients.
2. Why many talented photographers still struggle to attract clients who pay well.
3. How to shift your focus from perfecting your craft to actually booking clients.
4. The most important action steps to take if you want to get more inquiries.
5. How to build confidence in your pricing and attract clients willing to pay it.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels by focusing only on your photography and want to learn how to truly market your business, this episode is for you! Remember, your photos alone won’t get you clients—it’s how you connect and communicate your value that will. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, check out the resources below, and join us next week for more actionable strategies!

Important Links:

• Listen to the Secrets of Success Podcast
• Join us for Coach week
• Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy
• Stop competing on price and reach $2,000+ sales with the Freedom Focus Formula
• Book more clients with Elevate
• Dive into commercial pet photography with the Commercial Pet Photography Academy

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.