Freedom Focus Photography

056 - In this week's episode I'm flying solo, taking you through the various steps of a successful sales process.    Think of it like this: You need to plant the seed, water and tend the seed, harvest the fruit and—bonus!—make yummy preserves to enjoy down the road. This analogy, of course, assumes that you think fruit preserves are yummy, when we all know that fruit anything is disgusti...

055 - Travis Patenaude's "why" is as clear and powerful as that of any pet photographer I've met.   You might know Travis from his striking studio portraits of Spanish Galgos, a hunting breed with a history of maltreatment. It's possible his award-winning image "Saying Goodbye" wrung some tears from your eyes.  This week, Travis shares not only what motivates his...

054 - If you haven't yet gotten the call, you surely will at some point. Someone's beloved pet is nearing the end of his life; maybe they've just received a terminal diagnosis. You agree to a portrait session, hang up the phone...and panic. How on earth will you make it through such an emotionally charged session?   Grief-recovery specialist Wendy Sloneker is my guest on this week&a...

053 - For many of our listeners, it's hibernation season. Cold and dark out. Not so many clients calling. Which is why this time of year is also...conference season!  This week, Heather and I dish about the pitfalls of pet photography education, how to avoid getting stuck in the student trap, and what to do with all those amazing notes you've taken. We're also unveiling the SUPER ex...

052 - This week's guest is pet photographer Lisa Asp, a self-described print competition addict. Lisa started out behind the camera in a Sears Portrait Studio, and went digital back before Photoshop thought to introduce layers. These days, she's director of Animal Image Makers—you might know them from their fantastic annual conference—and also the recent winner of a Grand Imaging Award a...

051 - Turns out, returning guest Charlotte Reeves and I have a *lot* of thoughts when it comes to camera gear! Not surprising, I guess, for two pet photographers who've been shooting for a collective 25 years. 😯 Join our lively conversation and get the lowdown on the latest gear options, plus stories about scammers, soggy dogs and my enormous man-hands.    What To Listen For:   What to consi...

050 - In this week's episode, I share one of my favorite business analogies: When you only offer digital files to your photography clients, it's like a baker selling a wedding cake but telling the harried couple to go ice it themselves.   Even if you're handy with a Wilton buttercream, you'll get something out of my conversation with Eugene Nagaweicki of nPhoto professional pri...

049 - STOP! Do not pass Go , do not collect $200, DO NOT listen to this podcast until you've heard episode 48 from last week!!! Alrighty, that said...welcome to the second half of our New Year's goal-setting series with mindset coach and all-around rock star, Heather Lahtinen. If you're ready to drop the excuses and create the life of your dreams, this is the episode that will help...

48 - "It's like Monday on steroids!"    In case you haven't already guessed, I *love* the new year. And this week, podcast regular Heather Lahtinen and I talk about making this new year your best year yet. In the first of a two-part series on setting goals, we chat about how reflecting on the past year can set you up for future success. What To Listen For:   A 5-question proces...

047 - Five days into the new year, and we're still doing a happy dance that 2020 is over! Finally, we're blessed with a blank slate and a fresh chance to realize some BIG dreams in the year ahead.  But sometimes, despite all the optimism of a new year, reaching for audacious goals can trigger your fears. This week, Dorie Howell of In-Person Sales Mastermind joins me to talk about tacklin...

046 - The podcast addicts in the crowd might recognize the voice of this week's guest, Kirstie McConnell, co-host of Australia's Pet Photographers' Club podcast. After a whirlwind year (including marriage and an intercontinental move!), Kirstie shares—from her new home in an Italian olive grove—how she wound down one business and started a very different one.  What To Listen For:  ...

045 - How do you create a personal connection with potential new clients, when their inboxes are overflowing and they're unlikely to answer the phone? According to Australian photographer and podcast host Andrew Hellmich, the secret to standing out is video.  In this engaging episode, Andrew shares a long list of ideas, resources, and insider tricks for using video to boost your business. And...

044 - This week, I welcome back my business-bestie and fellow Hair of the Dog coach, Heather Lahtinen. As always when Heather's on the podcast, it's a lively episode that encourages you to ask yourself big questions. This time we're talking about what determines whether or not you'll succeed as a pet photographer—no big deal, right? 😉       What To Listen For:   The enormous d...

043 - Here's something they don't teach you in school: how to write a compelling, high-converting website for your business. And without that critical copywriting know-how, trying to conjure up words for your website can cause your brain to melt. It's painful.  In this week's episode, I chat with fellow pet photographer and copywriter for the pet industry Kim Wishcamper. She sh...

042 - You've seen her as the 'Pupparazzi' on Nat Geo WILD. You've drooled over her signature, sapphire-sky pet portraits. Your coffee table might even be adorned with her brand-new book, Dogtography.  And now it's time to buckle up, because this week's episode features a mile-a-minute conversation with my dear friend, the inimitable Kaylee Greer. You'll hear all...

041 - Just two years into her pet photography business, Courtney Bryson is already turning a profit—and that's despite living in a tiny, no-stoplight town an hour from the closest major market! In this episode, Courtney shares her journey from selling prom gowns to photographing Pomeranians, and how her boutique sales background informs her business philosophy.  What To Listen For:   The magi...

040 - If you've been around Hair of the Dog for a while, you've probably heard me beat the drum for leads and sales. Leads and sales. The most critical things you can focus on in your business!  But...how do you actually move a prospect from the "lead" column to a done-deal sale? Successfully navigating the inquiry process is the first big step. This week, you'll hear back...

039 - In 2018, Brazilian-born pet photographer Natália Brochini was preparing to start her business when she was beset by health problems. Fast-forward to her recovery the following year, when the opportunity arose to travel abroad for seven months. When Natália landed back home in Houston this March, she was finally ready to get her photography business up and running. And then...COVID.   In this...

038 - Once you've established your pet photography business, the idea of starting over in a new market can be daunting. But fear not, mobile photogs: It's not as tough as you might imagine!  In this episode, I talk with Allison Shamrell about her cross-country move to San Diego, and what went into establishing herself as one of the city's most successful photographers. We also discu...

037 - If you’re familiar with this podcast, it won’t surprise you to learn that regular guest—and force of nature—Heather Lahtinen accomplishes more before 8am than many of us do all day. This week, Heather joins me to talk all about morning and evening routines: why we should create and stick to them, the huge benefits of doing so, and how to make it feel e-a-s-y.   Aaaand you’ll hear me commit t...

036 - In the spirit of our current open enrollment window for the Hair of the Dog Academy, this week I take you behind the scenes to share the "tail" of two photographers. You'll eavesdrop on some recent one-on-one laser coaching sessions, an Academy resource for helping members work through any business issue that they're wrestling with.   Listen in on my conversations with a...

035 - Feel like you need to learn alllll the things before you can start your business? Like you need every single duck lined up in an orderly row before you can hang your shingle?  Well, my friend, this episode's for you. Today I'm stripping things down to the bare minimum. Cutting away all the nice-to-haves and this-can-come-laters. Listen to find out exactly what you need—and what you...

034 - Calgary pet photographer Holly Montgomery gets bored easily. And she'd rather spend time alone than chatting with clients.  But despite what could be considered two liabilities, Holly's managed to create a wildly successful pet photography business. She also owns two retail pet supply stores under her umbrella brand. In this week's episode, Holly offers advice on creating magn...

033 - Being a pet photographer can be a lonely business, working from home at something your friends and family might not understand. Creating connections with others in the industry offers both a source of inspiration, and a path to feeling less isolated. This week, I welcome Seattle pet photographers Holly Cook and returning guest Marika Moffitt, who've joined forces to prove that the benef...

032 - Buckle up, listeners! This week I welcome back my dear friend Heather Lahtinen, personal-development badass and coach inside Hair of the Dog's Elevate program. Today Heather and I talk about an affliction common to so many pet photographers: Imposter Syndrome. Find out exactly what it is, why it arises, and learn 10 powerful strategies for overcoming this limiting set of beliefs.     Wh...