Freedom Focus Photography

Building on the ideas from Episode 298, Nicole and Heather are here to bust the myth of the “perfect way” to run your photography business.  What if your business felt light, easy, and exciting again? Let’s dismantle the myth of the “right way” to build your photography business and reveal how to create a business model that works for you – not against you. What to Listen For Why there is no singl...

298 - Raise your hand if you've ever thought: "There must be a right way to run this business—and I just haven't found it yet." This episode unpacks the very human urge to follow a blueprint...and why YOUR success might actually be waiting inside the one thing you’ve been avoiding. What to Listen For: The lie we believe about there being one “right way” to build a business Why...

297 - What do you do when someone close to you—like a spouse, a friend, or a parent—doubt your photography business? In this powerful coaching session, we dive into what it means to seek approval, how to set emotional boundaries, and why your success doesn’t hinge on anyone else’s validation. What to Listen For: Why seeking approval is such a common (and tricky) mindset trap How to protect your co...

296 - What do you do when you're doing all the “right” things… and it still feels like nothing’s working? This week’s episode is a raw and honest look inside a coaching call with one of our Elevate members—and how we used a mindset model (powered by a custom GPT!) to unravel thoughts that were keeping her stuck and spiral-y. What to Listen For: Why your “social battery” might not be the real...

295 - Let’s face it—legal protections are rarely top-of-mind when we’re just starting out. But trust me, ignoring them could cost you thousands.  In this episode, I sit down with photographer-turned-attorney Rachel Brenke to unpack the 3-2-1 legal checklist that every photography business needs to thrive and stay protected. What to Listen For: The 3-2-1 legal framework every photographer needs to...

294 - The way you talk about your business—especially to yourself—can shape your results more than you think.  In this episode, Heather and I expose two phrases that seem harmless but are actually stalling growth, crushing confidence, and leading to inaction. We’ll show you what to say instead, so you can take your power back and start seeing real progress. What to Listen For: How to recognize lan...

293 - Michelle Crandall hit a $10,000 month in her pet photography business—but instead of popping champagne, her brain flipped out.  If you’ve ever downplayed your wins or feared that success makes you “unrelatable,” this is the episode you need. Heather Lahtinen is chatting with Michelle to unpack the emotional roadblocks around money mindset for photographers—and how to finally overcome them. O...

292 - Feeling like you "should be further along by now?" You're not alone—and you're not behind.  Join me and Heather as we dismantle the myth of the perfect timeline and explore what it really means to build a business you love, at your own pace. What to Listen For: Why there's no such thing as “behind” in business The invisible “timeline” trap and how it messes with your...

291 - Feeling lost in the ever-changing world of SEO? Or wondering if using AI for your website is going to get you smacked down by Google?  You’re not alone—and this week’s episode with SEO pro Connor Walberg is packed with answers. We’re talking about how to use AI ethically and effectively to boost your rankings, create better content, and stop stressing over your blog strategy. What to Listen...

290 - Let’s talk luxury, artistry, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.  In this episode, I chat with Amy and Tavis Guild about their journey into creating Guild Canvas, why offering high-end art matters, and how photographers can shift their mindset—and their pricing—by focusing on prestige. Warning: You might just throw out all your old samples after this episode. What to listen for: Why Guild Canva...

289 - What if the secret to building a successful photography business wasn’t more hustle—but more joy? In this uplifting and radically honest episode, I'm joined by J. Nichole Smith, branding guru and joy-first evangelist, to explore what happens when you choose joy over fear—in both your life and your business. If you've ever worried about raising your prices, selling to clients, or ma...

288 - What if I told you that your assumptions about what a client can spend have nothing to do with reality—and everything to do with your mindset?  Ever looked at a client’s house, car, or outfit and thought, “They’ll never spend that much”? Or maybe the opposite—expecting a huge sale based on their zip code? In this episode, Heather and I break down why judging your clients' wallets is a d...

287 - What do you do when someone in your market is offering free sessions and $15 files? You listen to this episode, that’s what.   Deep breath, my friend. In this episode, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation about how to thrive in a saturated market—even when someone is giving away sessions practically for free. If you’ve ever doubted whether clients will pay more, this is for you. What to...

286 - If you’ve ever said, “I’m just doing this on the side,” and used that to justify your low prices… this episode is your wake-up call. We’re pulling back the curtain on the actual math of part-time profitability, common mindset traps that keep you stuck, and how to finally price your sessions like the legit business owner you are. What to Listen For: Why pricing low as a part-time photographer...

285 - If the word “sales” makes you feel a little… icky, you’re not alone. Many photographers dread the sales process, fearing they’ll come off as pushy or make their clients uncomfortable. But here’s the thing—sales should be about service , not pressure. Tune in to learn how to confidently guide your clients through a seamless, enjoyable sales experience that results in higher sales and happier...

284 - Ever send your pricing to a potential client only to hear... crickets? 😬 You’re not alone!  Many photographers assume price is the problem, but more often, it's the way value is communicated. In this episode, we’re diving into how to stop clients from ghosting you and start booking more sessions with a strong website presence and an inquiry response that converts. What to Listen For: ✔...

283 - Do you ever feel like your competition is everywhere , and you’re just another photographer fighting for attention? We’ve all been there.  In this episode, Vanessa Joy shares how she’s built a photography business that stands out, attracts high-paying clients, and actually brings her joy. We’re diving into marketing strategies that work (without spending all day on Instagram), how to recogni...

282 - If you think setting your prices is just a math problem, think again! While pricing formulas help ensure profitability, the real magic happens in how you structure and present your pricing.  Today, we’re unpacking the art of pricing—how to design your pricing to nudge clients toward your most profitable options without ever feeling sales-y. What to Listen For: The difference between the scie...

281 - Pricing your photography services shouldn’t feel like a guessing game! But if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect your hard work, it might be time to look at your cost of goods sold (COGS) . In this episode, we’re breaking down what COGS really means for your photography business and how to price your products profitably—without the overwhelm. What to Listen For: The r...

280 - Ever feel stuck in your photography business, wondering how some photographers are booking high-end clients while you’re grinding for low-paying gigs?  In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, Nicole Begley kicks off a 10-part pricing series by unveiling the four levels of photography business growth. Learn how to move from budget-friendly shoots to luxe, high-end sales—with...

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...

278 - Ever wonder what tools, products, and software I absolutely cannot live without in my photography business? From the best print labs to time-saving editing software, I’m sharing all my favorite things in this episode.  No, I’m not giving away a car (sorry, Oprah vibes not included!), but I am giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the must-have tools that make my photography business run smo...

277 - What if you could streamline your photography sales process, save time, and still hit $6K average sales?  This week, I’m chatting with Courtney Bryson of CM Bryson Photography, who’s mastered a unique approach to client sales. Living in a town of just 800 people, Courtney has found innovative ways to serve her clients through boutique, high-touch experiences—even without in-person meetings. ...

276 - Are you ready to fill your marketing jar? This week, I’m chatting with Dayna Schaaf from This Can ’ t Be That Hard about how to create a powerful marketing plan tailored to your photography business. We’ll cover everything from big-picture campaigns to maximizing social media, so you’ll leave with a clear, actionable strategy to grow your business this year! What to listen for: What the “mar...

275 - Do you really believe you’re capable of building the photography business of your dreams? In this powerful episode, Nicole and Heather explore why your self-concept and your commitment go hand-in-hand, and how subtle mindset shifts can help you overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of failure.  If you’re ready to ditch the safety net and bet on yourself, tune in for the tools and...