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 businessWhy doing “everything right” can still leave you stuckHow a health setback led to a major mindset breakthroughThe difference between trying harder and trying differentlyThe role of forced experiments (and how to create them without a crisis)How to manage your mind when you're not seeing resultsWhy belief matters more than immediate proofA strategy Heather committed to for a full year before seeing resultsHow to know if it’s time to change direction or double downThe ultimate mindset shift: “This is still working for me—even if I can’t see it yet”Three powerful lessons every photographer needs to hear (especially if you're stubborn 😉)There’s no single blueprint that guarantees success in this business—but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes the best breakthroughs happen when we ditch the rules and try something unexpected. If this episode sparked something for you, share it with a friend and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an aha moment.Keep experimenting. Keep going. You’ve got this. 💪Want more support like this? Learn how Elevate can help you go from stuck to thriving at www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!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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When Your Partner Doubts Your Business with Heather Lahtinen
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 trapHow to protect your confidence when others don’t believe in your visionThe real reason someone might criticize your pricing or businessWhat to do when your spouse calls your business a “failure”How to stop trying to change people—and find peace insteadWays to approach hurtful comments without internalizing themWhy compassion can be your superpower—even when it’s hardThe surprising impact of letting others have their own journeyHow boundaries and encouragement can coexistOne of the best mindset tools you’ve probably never used (and how this student’s husband is using it!)When those closest to you don’t support your business, it stings. But you don't need their permission to succeed. Your approval is enough—and your journey is yours. If this conversation resonated, consider joining us inside Elevate for the support and tools to keep going strong: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateAre 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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Hello Business Spiral with Heather Lahtinen
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 problemThe sneaky thought that creates a business spiralWhat the phrase “was it worth it?” actually signalsHow mindset—not circumstance—is what creates burnoutThe power of noticing your unintentional thought loopsHow to build an intentional thought model that fuels actionWhy venting to your spouse (hi, we’ve all been there) isn’t the same as self-coachingWhat “graspy tasks” look like—and why they keep you stuckHow to feel empowered even when your latest experiment flopsA new thought you can borrow the next time things don’t go as plannedIf you’ve ever found yourself spiraling in comparison, frustration, or burnout, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with a practical tool to shift your mindset quickly—so you can get back to creating momentum in your business.Want more support like this? Learn how Elevate can help you go from stuck to thriving at www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!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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Contracts, Copyright & Clients with Rachel Brenke
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 knowWhy contracts should be your first legal priority—even during model callsWhat needs to be in your contract (and what to avoid at all costs)The real difference between a retainer and a depositHow your contract impacts client trust, satisfaction, and confidenceWhat clauses to include to protect your business in legal disputesHow to use copyright to protect your creative work—and when you should sell itHow AI tools like Photoshop and ChatGPT affect copyright protectionWhen and how to trademark your business name—and why it might save you from rebranding nightmaresFrom contracts to copyright and everything in between, Rachel lays out the essentials every photographer needs to run a legally sound and profitable business. Don’t wait until you’re in legal hot water—take proactive steps now to protect your art and your livelihood.🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more business-savvy insights!Rachel’s Links: The LawTogRachel's Law Firm – Eden LawThe LawTog Facebook GroupAdditional Resources:Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy – www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price and reach consistent $2,000+ sales – www.freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate – www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateDiscover the world of 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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What You Say Matters with Heather Lahtinen
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 language that disempowers your business mindsetWhy follow-up isn’t “pushy”—it’s professionalHow internal dialogue affects your ability to growWhy that unexpected success might be more repeatable than you thinkWhat really happens when clients don’t respond (hint: it’s not personal)Why waiting for clients to prove their interest is holding you backHow to shift your thoughts to feel confident following upWhat it means to own your results—and your progressWhy these mindset shifts create higher conversions and more joySmall shifts in language can lead to big changes in your business. When you stop giving your power away with these sneaky phrases, you’ll show up more confidently, follow up like a pro, and finally start seeing the growth you’ve been craving. 🎧 Listen now and reclaim your momentum.👉 Want coaching that helps rewire your brain and your business? Come join us inside Elevate: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateMORE RESOURCES:Get coached by Heather: www.getcoachedbyheather.comFreedom Focus Formula: www.freedomfocusformula.comElevate Program: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateHair of the Dog Academy: www.hairofthedogacademy.comCommercial Pet Photography Academy: 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.
Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, the essential audio hub for portrait photographers eager to launch and elevate their businesses to achieve their ideal version of success. Hosted by Nicole Begley, a former zoological animal trainer turned accomplished family and then pet/equine photographer, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your photographic passion into a thriving business.Since making the leap into photography in 2010 and quickly scaling her business to six figures, Nicole has dedicated herself to guiding photographers like you to transform their businesses from low-profit, high-stress operations into a profitable, sustainable businesses by teaching how to confidently price your services, sell products, and attract higher-paying clients. Join Nicole and a vibrant community of like-minded photographers on the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast. Together, we'll explore the paths to a profitable photography business that supports the life you've always envisioned.
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