Freedom Focus Photography

• A Candid Chat with Vanessa Joy

  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 recognize and avoid problem clients, and why niching down is everything.What to Listen For:Why so many photographers struggle with pricing and how to fix itThe difference between running a business and just being a photographerHow to handle red flag clients without feeling guiltyThe biggest marketing mistake photographers make and how to fix itWhy Instagram is not the magic solution to getting more clientsThe importance of relationships in your marketing strategyThe power of charitable marketing and how to make it work for youHow to break free from the cycle of overwork and underchargingWhy niching down is more important than ever in 2024How to make strategic business decisions instead of just reactingIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your photography business—whether it’s marketing struggles, pricing fears, or dealing with difficult clients—this episode is a must-listen. Vanessa and I share our biggest lessons from years in the industry, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start growing the business of your dreams. Hit play, take notes, and let’s get to work!Important Links Mentioned in This Episode:Master pet photography at Hair of the Dog Academy → www.hairofthedogacademy.comBreak free from price competition & sell with confidence → www.freedomfocusformula.comBook more clients with Elevate → www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateMaster commercial pet photography → www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialFollow Vanessa Joy on Instagram → @VanessaJoyVanessa Joy's Website → https://vanessajoy.com/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.

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• The Art of Pricing

  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 science of pricing and the art of pricing.Why pricing psychology is key to increasing your sales averages.How to structure pricing to move clients from "I should be responsible" to "I’m getting a great deal!”.Why high-end artwork options help sell your mid-range options (and why some clients go all in!).The psychology behind pricing digital files (and why they should always be priced higher than your session average).How to use a bonus schedule to encourage higher spending on artwork.Creative ways to include digital files in your pricing without capping your sales.Why small tweaks to your pricing structure can double or triple your average sale.Your pricing isn’t just a list of numbers—it’s a tool that guides your clients to the best decision (for them and for your business!). By mastering the art of pricing, you’ll create an irresistible buying experience that feels natural, not pushy.✨ Need help figuring out your ideal sales average? Download the Session Profit Planner at www.freedomfocusformula.com/target and use code PODCAST to grab it for free!�� Subscribe to the show for more pricing strategies, business insights, and client psychology tips to help you grow a profitable, sustainable photography business!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.

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• Cost of Goods Sold Demystified

  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 real definition of cost of goods sold (COGS) and why it's not what you think.Why photographers often underestimate their true costs.How to calculate your COGS per session to ensure profitability.The industry standard percentage for COGS and why you should stay below it.The difference between general expenses and cost of goods sold.How home-based and retail studio pricing models compare.Why albums should be priced 10x their cost.The biggest mistake photographers make when pricing prints.How selling single prints and digital files can hurt your profit margins.The one thing you should do right now to check your pricing health.Understanding your cost of goods sold is the key to running a profitable photography business—whether you’re part-time, full-time, or growing to the next level. Now, it’s time to put this into action!💡 Ready to make pricing easier? Get access to the Session Profit Planner at freedomfocusformula.com/target and use the coupon code PODCAST for free access!DM me on Instagram (@nicolebegleyofficial) and let me know your COGS and session profit goals!Important Links:Session Profit Planner: freedomfocusformula.com/target (Use code PODCAST for free access!)Master pet photography at Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comJoin Freedom Focus Formula and stop undercharging – www.freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateLearn commercial pet photography – www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialAre 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.

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  15:43
• Four Stages of Growth

  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—without feeling salesy or pushy.What to Listen For:The four levels of photography business growth: Swift, Stork, Eagle, and PeacockWhy earning $2,000+ per client is the fastest path to a six-figure incomeHow to avoid burnout from serving too many low-paying clientsThe key differences between selling photography and selling an experienceTransitioning from digital-only packages to profitable product-based offeringsThe hotel analogy that makes pricing levels crystal clearAvoid staying too long at this level, which can stall your business growthThe mindset shift required to confidently raise your pricesWhat makes a $5,000 sale feel effortless for top-tier photographersWhere are you in your photography business journey? Are you still stuck offering low-cost digitals, or are you ready to soar into those $2,000+ average sales? No matter your level, this episode will help you map out your next steps. Want more guidance? Visit freedomfocusformula.com for resources that will help you grow your business with confidence and clarity. 🎯 Don’t forget to subscribe and catch the next episode of our 10-part pricing series!IMPORTANT LINKS:Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy: hairofthedogacademy.comReach consistent $2,000+ sales with Freedom Focus Formula: freedomfocusformula.comBook more clients with Elevate: freedomfocusformula.com/elevateLearn commercial pet photography: hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialAre 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.

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  15:42
• The Hidden Reason You're Stuck

  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 stuckWhy your brain sees growth as a threat, even when you want itThe five most common ways photographers block their own successThe real reason you procrastinate on marketing and pricing updatesThe powerful mindset shifts to rewire your beliefs around successHow tracking small wins helps retrain your brain for successThe number one coaching event that will help you break through your biggest blocksSuccess 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. And if you want a taste of this work, join us for Coach Week!📅 Coach Week is happening on February 25-27 at 2 PM EST. It's totally free, packed with mindset shifts and live coaching that will change the way you see your business. Don’t miss this chance to experience the power of coaching for yourself!🔗 Sign up now at hairofthedogacademy.com/coachweek 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.

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