Explore every episode of the podcast Freedom Focus Photography
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Road to Confidence | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:48:44 | |
316 - What if the secret to unstoppable confidence wasn’t about never failing but being willing to feel embarrassed along the way? In this week’s conversation, Heather and Susie unpack what it really takes to believe in yourself, even when the road gets rocky. Literally. What to Listen For
Confidence isn’t a one-and-done achievement. It’s a practice. And sometimes, the biggest leaps forward come from the moments that feel the most uncomfortable. If you’ve been waiting to “feel ready” before raising your prices, booking higher-end clients, or finally going full-time—this episode is your permission slip to do it anyway. Listen now, take messy action, and see what happens when you stop letting fear drive. Coach week starts TODAY! Join us here: https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweek More Resources
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| When “Doing It Right” Still Fails | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:33:29 | |
315 - You did it all right, the call flowed, you connected, you nailed the pricing talk, and then… nothing. In this episode, Heather and I unpack what to do when a client ghosts you even after your best effort, how to stay curious instead of crushed, and why “doing it right” doesn’t guarantee a yes (and why that’s actually a good thing). What to Listen For:
Doing everything “right” doesn’t promise a yes but it can teach you exactly what you need to grow. In this episode, learn how to shift from frustration to curiosity, follow up with confidence, and build resilience that leads to more bookings. Want hands-on coaching? Join us for Coach Week, Nov 11–13 at 2pm ET. It's totally free, with replays included. Sign up here - https://www.freedomfocusformula.com/coachweek Additional Links:
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Why Bookings Feel Hard with Heather Lahtinen | 02 Sep 2025 | 01:40:45 | |
306 - If you’ve ever wondered why inquiries go silent or potential clients disappear, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: the real reason isn’t your pricing, your competition, or even the economy. In this week’s episode, Heather breaks down the surprising truth behind why clients aren’t booking—and how you can turn it around starting today. What to Listen For:
Booking clients isn’t about fancy contests or a secret strategy—it’s about uncovering the real reason behind the “no’s” and shifting into action that works. Heather’s insights will surprise you, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it. 👉 Don’t miss the rest of the 4 Clients in 4 Weeks Challenge—replays are available now, and you can still join us live for the final two calls. Additional Resources
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Offline Photographer with Heather Lahtinen Part 1 | 28 Nov 2023 | 00:35:44 | |
219 - You spoke up and we listened. You all loved The Coaching Journals with Heather Lahtinen, Christi Baker and Monica Adalsteinsson that we're bringing them back. Christi and Monica are off soaring like eagles after six months of intensive coaching with Heather and the Elevate program. Today, we're introducing a spinoff series, called The Offline Photographer, and it's inspired by the challenges of the same name that Heather is currently holding in Elevate. These challenges are designed to make you a networking, marketing boss, getting you out into your community to talk all things pet photography. Heather is picking a photographer in the challenges each month to interview and share their journey. This month, we're hearing from Laura Wombwell of Hamilton, Ontario, who's making a name for herself with quirky fantasy composites and dramatic portraits. 4:24 The genius behind Laura's fundraising event 9:56 The delicate balance between charity work and business 21:19 How to overcome the fear of rejection 26:49 Why we need to retrain our brains and share our passion 35:23 Heather drops a new challenge on Laura Guys, I am super excited to see where Heather takes this new series with her Elevate photographers. I'm confident she is going to get even more members of our community flying! What's your takeaway from Laura's coaching? Comment on the 'Gram. Connect with Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Split Pea Soup and Photo Feedback with Heather Lahtinen | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:32:42 | |
218 - I completely get it if you see the word "soup" and here "NO SOUP FOR YOU" in your head. It means you might be old enough to remember Seinfeld on NBC every Thursday night. Or maybe you've seen that episode on Prime video. Heather and I are talking about soup on this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast. No, not chicken soup for the soul. Split pea soup. More specifically, the split pea soup Heather's daughter made the annual soup cook-off fundraiser at their church. It was awful. And Heather had to find the right way to tell Ella. Together, we turn it into a mindset shift for you in learning how to take feedback on your photos … and equally as important, to whom you should be listening for feedback that will help you grow your craft. What to listen for 4:38 The ethical dilemma of saying something 11:19 How to serve a "critique" sandwich 16:59 Whose feedback is most valuable to you 26:47 My friend hates my skirt and that's OK 28:39 How to evaluate that feedback and move forward Feedback and personal growth are so important as a pet photographer and as an entrepreneur but your value as a pet photographer -- heck, as a human -- is not calculated by the opinions of people who don't matter. See? Your mom was right! Now do me a favor and give me some feedback on this episode. Comment on the 'Gram. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Rock your Financial Goals with Heather Lahtinen | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:40:31 | |
217 - I’m going to take a stab in the dark at something. I’m guessing you’re pretty stoked when you hit a big revenue goal in your pet photography business. Who wouldn’t be, right? Cha’ching! BUT ... What are you making that number mean? ESPECIALLY if you miss a revenue target — or if you were to have your revenue dip?!? 😱 If you’re human, you might feel like you failed or that your business is broken or you’re going to end up losing it all and living in a van down by the river. * Shout out to Chris Farley for the motivational speaker! Today on the podcast, we’re talking about goals — but not any goals. We’re talking about NRVs, or non-revenue victories — and how they’re critical for your success. What to listen for 1:55 How revenue-related goals can lead to unrealistic expectations 9:17 Why security and stability come from within, not from sales 20:19 How Heather and I define success and security 28:56 The non-revenue victories you might look for 29:57 The connection between NRVs and The Gap and The Gain You guys! We can challenge the traditional notion of success and work toward a more fulfilling approach that includes celebrating our personal experiences and the relationships we build in our businesses. For me, it's all about freedom and flexibility in my schedule … the freedom to head to the barn and ride my horses, the flexibility to leave my office and take my kids on a trip to South America. What does success actually look like to you? What are your NRVs? Comment on the 'Gram. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Dog Sports 101 with Brian Batista | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:44:57 | |
216 - Let me be quite clear: There are no cats at a Fast CAT event. Not a single feline to be found, I swear! Nope, Fast CAT — fast coercing ability test — is all about dogs. Dogs of every size, dogs of every color, dogs of every breed and dogs of every origin. In fact, FastCAT, which is essentially the 100-metre dash for dogs, might be the most inclusive events on the planet. So how much fun would it be to travel around the United States photographing Fast CAT competitions? We get to find out in this week's Hair of the Dog podcast when I sit down with Brian Batista of Brian Batista Photography. Based out of Birmingham, Alabama, Brian left behind a 24-year career in information technology to chase dogs with his camera. What to listen for 3:56 Why Brian learned to create a safe space for rescue dogs 9:15 When he got addicted to dog sports and photography 15:05 How to get started in dog sports photography 19:24 The challenges of managing event photography 34:43 If you don't like road trips, this may not be the gig for you There's so much more than Fast CAT when it comes to dog sports photography. You can get into dock diving, lure coursing, flyball or agility … and all of it brings the biggest grin to Brian's face. Are you interested in this niche of pet photography? Tell me on the 'Gram.
Where to find Brian CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Secrets of SEO with Inkpot Creative | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:46:28 | |
215 - So many of us are heading into the "offseason" right now, which means it's time to spiff up our websites and plan for 2024. OK, OK … take a little break after you fulfill all your client orders but then it's time to get down to brass tacks. One of the things you might want to put on your to-do list is working on your SEO. Search. Engine. Optimization. It isn't as hard you might think. The No. 1 thing you need to focus on is putting your personality, your unique experience and your style on display for your website visitors. For real, you guys! That is what will attract people to your website and keep them there. KP and Jessie of Inkpot Creative join me this week on the Hair of the Dog podcast and they stress how your experience and style set you apart from other photographers in your area. They also run down specific tactics with SEO, like keywords, listicle blog posts (what the heck are they?), image resolution and size, video, and all the things. What to listen for 6:42 Why you should focus on local SEO 16:16 How to blog your way to SEO success 24:10 How to optimize the images on your website 26:57 Why AI content is OK but you need to personalize it 29:36 How to use call-to-action buttons effectively 37:49 The right way to use video on your website SEO and websites are an ever-evolving method of reaching our potential clients. I love the way KP and Jessie simplify it all for us. Do you feel like your website is holding you back? Comment on the 'Gram and let me know. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Navigating Thought Spirals with Heather Lahtinen | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:50:24 | |
214 - I screwed up. You guys, I'm human and I'm not (too) embarrassed to admit that I made a mistake. And I'm baring it all in this week's episode of The Hair of the Dog podcast. Here's the gist: I made some pretty serious assumptions about a client I booked last Christmas. I sold him a gift certificate as a gift for his girlfriend. I assumed -- because he is an acquaintance, not a cold sale -- that I didn't have to go through my entire process with him, that I knew what his giftee's budget was and that she would go above and beyond in sales what the gift certificate was worth. Nuts. I was staring down a potential $,5000 sale for wall art and an album … and it went over like a fart in church. Self-doubt hit me hard, and our good friend Heather Lahtinen of Flourish Academy walks me through my thought process and out of my negative space. What to listen for
I share these moments to help you think through not only your communication processes with your client but also the way our thoughts and emotions can lead us to get stuck in unnecessary worry and anxiety. What's keeping you stuck? Hit reply or comment on the 'Gram and let me know. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Secret to Building Value for your Photography | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:27:24 | |
213 - Do you know what some of my favorite moments are? CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| How Fear is Holding You Back with Heather Lahtinen | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:37:17 | |
212 - To fear is human. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Coaching Journals - Part 6 of 6 | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:51:31 | |
211 - I can't believe we are at the end of this journey.
Has it been six months of The Coaching Journals already? Good grief, where has the year gone?
For the last six months, Heather Lahtinen, our head guru at Elevate and Flourish Academy, has been sharing her coaching sessions with two Elevate students on the Hair of the Dog podcast. This week's episode is the final episode and Part 6 takes us into the wrap-up stage.
Christi and Monica aren't just ready to fly … they're already flying!
Shortly after Christi of Christi Baker Photography in Atlanta started this journey with Heather, our head guru at Elevate and Flourish Academy, she learned she was – drum roll if you haven't been following – PREGNANT! And Heather has been guiding her through the process of simplifying and streamlining her pet photography business so she can take maternity leave.
Meanwhile, Monica at Pup and Me Photo in Phoenix has been disappointed in her bookings lately and struggling with her self-confidence. In this final episode, Heather helps Monica explore her thoughts related to clients saying no and not perceiving the value of her services.
With Heather's guidance, Monica leaves The Coaching Journals on a happy note, understanding the importance of guarding one's heart and mind and celebrating her healthy decisions and boundaries.
What to listen for 5:09 What Christi has been up to in her third trimester 7:39 How she's planning ahead for 2024 22:59 The changes Christi made to reframe her perspective 26:20 The challenges Monica has been facing 33:45 How rejection helps build character 46:48 Why it's OK to say "no" to a client CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Don't Listen to This! | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:00:55 | |
This week's episde was recorded specifically to tell you...don't listen to this week's podcast! Today is the first day of our live Hair of the Dog Summit V online, so we're currently over there, soaking up all the trainings from our fantastic summit speakers. Won't you come join us? What To Listen For:
But if you're late to the party and the live summit's already over, don't worry. You can purchase all the recordings here, to keep forever and listen to at your leisure! CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Stop Playing it Safe! | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:25:36 | |
305 - You might think you’re avoiding certain business moves because they’re “not the right time” or “too complicated.” But what if the real reason is that you’re avoiding a feeling? In this conversation, Heather shares her own breakthrough about risk, safety, and the emotions we’re unwilling to feel — and how that awareness can change everything. What to Listen For:
Growth always comes with some risk — but most of the time, the “danger” is just how you think you’ll feel if something doesn’t work out. When you expand your capacity to feel those emotions, you stop hesitating and start taking aligned, confident action. Listen now to learn how to shift your self-concept, stretch your risk tolerance, and step into the identity of the photographer — and business owner — you want to become. Resources
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Making the Best of Things with Heather Lahtinen | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:33:12 | |
210 - I’m Nicole and I'm an ENTJ on the Myers-Briggs and that means I struggle with the stuff that doesn't excite me – and despise things that aren’t efficient.
Like life stuff. Hanging out at a soccer tournament all day long when my son is playing in one game. One game! Aren't there other things I could be doing? What could I be knocking off my Hair of the Dog Academy to-do list instead of sitting here on a chair watching kids that aren't mine?
It feels unproductive. It feels like I could be doing something more worthwhile.
I know you get like that too. Frustrated, agitated … you might even get a little snarky with the people around you.
But my friends, those are thoughts and those thoughts can be transformed. Right? Right! You can shift your thinking to put yourself in a place that helps you enjoy these tasks more.
Our friend Heather Lahtinen – head coach at Elevate and Flourish Academy – puts me on the hot seat on this week's Hair of the Dog podcast and explores my processes in shifting from frustration to a more positive mindset.
What to listen for 5:18 Where my frustration with unproductive time surfaces 12:48 How I can make the most of my unproductive time 16:31 Why changing your environment can help shift your thinking 25:30 Determine what you are dreading in your life 30:33 Can you trust yourself to get all the things done? Oh my friends, you can maximize your time but you have to work on shifting your thoughts to a new perspective. And once you get there, you can free yourself from dread and find more creative space in your brain. Comment on the 'Gram and let me know what you dread and how you're changing your thoughts around that task. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Photography Memberships with Annemie Tonken | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:40:56 | |
209 - Annemie Tonken had to take a break once and get back to business. Guys, we're talking about a "major surgery and three months on crutches" kind of break.
That's when she came up with her idea to get her family photography clients into a membership service. Newly divorced, she needed to stabilize her income and make her business more resilient.
One day, UPS dropped off her recurring shipment of air failters and it was an aha moment like she's never had! She realized people often forget to schedule their annual family photography sessions. Why not get them signed up to a subscription so they never forget?
Brilliant! Annemie joins me on the Hair of the Dog podcast this week to give us all the details – and FWIW, this doesn’t just work for family photographers. We have an Elevate member making this work with her pet photography business.
What to listen for 9:38 Why Annemie shifted her perspective on running a photography business 12:40 How she launched her membership program to her clients 17:18 The pros and cons of her subscription model 23:25 How to set your membership up for success 32:27 Why it's important to know your numbers before you start
Interested in learning more about how to create a membership model? Listen to this podcast episode and then get registered for this year’s Hair of the Dog Summit, going down Sept. 26-27 and Annemie is sharing all the important deets.
Have you signed up yet? Grab your ticket now!
Where to find Annemie
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Coaching Journals Part 5 | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:57:08 | |
208 - What is stopping you from reaching your goals? What are your thoughts behind "I can't"?
You know, those thoughts that can paralyze you into inaction -- not only in your pet photography business but also in your life.
Both Monica Adalsteinsson of Pup + Me Photo and Christi Baker of Christi Baker Photography get challenged by their thoughts, and each has different fears and anxiety behind those thoughts. Monica and Christi are back for this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast, The Coaching Journals, Part 5.
Monica and Christi are sharing their Elevate journey with business and mindset coach extraordinaire Heather Lahtinen. This month, Heather walks them through planning for their pet photography businesses and how it can bring consistency and stability to their businesses and their lives.
Monica finds herself limited by the fear of returning to Corporate America (ugh!) while Christi struggles with maintaining an excellent customer experience while taking maternity leave.
What to listen for 6:13 Monica's anxious thoughts about not hitting her August goals 9:56 The clarity she found by creating a 12-month marketing calendar 17:13 How more intentional thoughts can wipe away fear and anxiety 27:52 Christi's motivation to keep tweaking her customer experience 30:35 Her move to a hybrid IPS process with online galleries 38:01 How to reframe "tweaking" as "experimenting"
The thoughts you're having that are limiting you, that are leading to stress and anxiety … can you plan your way out of them?
You bet you can! You know what else happens when you plan? You open time and space in your life to be more creative and inspired, and nothing about that sounds wrong. Connect with Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Soul Aligned Marketing with Lucy Baum | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:54:27 | |
207 - The idea of work-life balance is a myth.
What to listen for 7:42 Why we shouldn't take it personally when someone says "no" to us 10:03 How Lucy's five-pillar approach to marketing aligns with the five koshas 18:29 The power of listening to your intuition 31:55 How to turn fear into something positive 46:58 What is stopping you from advancing in your business
Where to find Lucy CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Authentic Social Media with Deb Laflamme | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:45:57 | |
206 - Commitment is a four-letter word to some people I know. She fills us in how to stand out in the crowd, why you should create a content strategy and why video needs to be a big player in your social media game.
What to listen for 9:22 Why it isn't really the algorithm's fault 17:30 How to make it easier for your dream client to choose you 21:48 What content sets you apart from the competition 30:04 Why you need to stop hiding behind your gear 32:45 What clients need to learn about you Our social media feeds can't just be filled with amazing photos of pets. They need to educate your dream client on why they should pick you.
What do you need to change in your social media posts to start climbing your relationship ladder?
Where to find Deb CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Coaching Journals Part 4 | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:50:12 | |
205 - Let's talk inquiries this week.
How are you getting them? Where are they coming from? How many become paying clients?
It is so incredibly important that you are clear on the answers to these questions because this data will help you streamline your process and focus your energies on what works for your pet photography business.
Heather Lahtinen of Flourish Academy and our head guru at Elevate brings us this month's installment of The Coaching Journals for this week's Hair of the Dog podcast episode. Heather talks through inquiries with Monica Adalsteinsson of Pup and Me Photo and Christi Baker of Christi Baker Photography.
Monica is wondering whether she can get more clients through the door with discounts and special offers, while Christi needs to manage clients and prepare for maternity leave.
What to listen for 7:00 How Monica used the gap and the gain process when she missed June's revenue goal 12:00 Why August's inquiry numbers are making her feel stuck 14:31 The thoughts that are keeping Monica from offering special promos 35:01 How Christi can scale up her business while taking time off 21:17 The data Christi needs to know to make it all come together 49:01 Heather's trick for getting previous clients to work with you again
If you're just doing shoots and taking but not tracking your numbers, you're not effectively working toward growing your pet photography business.
No matter what your vision of success is -- and that looks different for everybody -- it's crucial to know where you are and how got here so you can take steps forward! Connect with Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| What's Holding Photographers Back from Email Marketing with Heather Lahtinen | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:36:15 | |
204 - Have you ever sent an email and felt immediately deflated when a couple of people hit that ol' unsubscribe button? Have you ever had a little panic attack and thought, "I'm bothering these people and I suck at this." Let's take a deep breath right now and remember that when people say "no" to you, it's about them and their story, not about you and your story. Aaaaaaand let's also consider those people who didn't unsubscribe. They are actual humans who WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. On this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast, Heather Lahtinen and I tackle the subject of email marketing and why you need to start a list and connect with it. What to listen for 2:08 The power of your email marketing Starting an email list and keeping those potential clients engaged is a marketing non-negotiable for your photography business. Don't let fear hold you back. Eat the frog and get to emailing your people! Comment on the 'Gram and let me know what's holding you back. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Personal Finance for Photographers with Colleen Patel | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:40:19 | |
203 - Budgets and financial planning are fascinating subjects, aren't they? I mean, who doesn't want to get lost in a world of numbers and spreadsheets and interest rates and taxes? Now that you're on the edge of your seat … Haha! Oh my friend, I get it. Talking about financial health seems so dry and it's easy to tune out but bear with me for a few minutes. Or 40 minutes. That's all you'll need to listen to this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast during which I sit down with Colleen Patel, a financial coach who works with busy women to master their financial health one small step at a time. What to listen for 8:00 Why we need to take more interest in our finances Colleen reminds us that it's A-OK to treat ourselves occasionally and I am here for it. Anyone else hear chocolate martinis or a trip to the Bahamas calling? Is budgeting a four-letter word for you? Comment on the 'Gram and let me know. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Should Photographers Request Tips with Heather Lahtinen | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:31:41 | |
202 - To ask for tips or not to ask for tips? That is not the question. Of course it isn't. It's never that obvious with Heather Lahtinen. Do you leave a spot on your invoices for clients to tip you? I don't. And I'm going to tell you why in this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast but – and this is a big but – it's never as simple as what’s “right or wrong.” It's about the thoughts and emotions you're attaching to the idea of asking your clients for tips. Our mindset is such an important part of our business strategy and Heather invites us to explore our thoughts around why we make certain decisions, like asking for tips.
What to Listen For 6:12 Why we might feel threatened when a client is upset 10:44 The assumptions I make in deciding not to ask for tips 16:26 When it's OK for me to accept gifts from clients 20:04 The importance of aligning pricing with your customer experience 26:11 What we need to believe to be comfortable with our decisions Comment on the 'Gram and let me know if you ask your clients for tips or if there are any decisions you've made that have left you feeling a little icky. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Coaching Journals Part 3 | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:47:07 | |
201 - Are you taking action every day? There's so much happening in The Coaching Journals with our friend Heather Lahtinen this month. We're on Month 3 of our chance to listen in on Heather's coaching sessions with Monica Adalsteinsson of Pup + Me Photo in Phoenix and Christi Baker of Christi Baker Photography in Atlanta.
Monica is super excited (and we are thrilled for her too!) that she's hitting all the goals she's set for this year and she believes the actions she takes every day are pushing her business forward. Her art gallery project didn't get as many applicants as she wanted, though, and she and Heather talk through ways to improve the process and strategies for future projects.
Christi, on the other hand, oh boy. Christi has some huge news to share. She and Heather discuss how life and her business will change with this news.
What is the news, you ask? Oh, I'm not giving that away. You're just going to have to listen to this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog Podcast.
What to listen for 2:28 Heather and Monica celebrate Monica's recent wins 11:14 How you can add value to get an easy "yes" 15:28 What thoughts are keeping Monica from setting deadlines for clients 24:31 What life changes Christi is facing 29:05 How she can create her life schedule with this new chapter in her life 33:51 Why Christi needs to protect her boundaries now more than ever
Oh man, it is so much fun to watch these two pet photographers take action, strategize and move their businesses forward. I just know there are bits and pieces we can all identify with.
Comment on the 'Gram and let me know what your takeaways are from this episode of The Coaching Journals. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Self-Concept = Sales Confidence | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:36:24 | |
304 - The fastest way to change your photography business? Change the way you see yourself. In this episode, Heather and I break down the self-concept shifts that help you introduce yourself confidently, market without second-guessing, and invest in your growth like a CEO. If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, struggled to get results from courses, or shamed yourself for “not doing enough,” this conversation will free you up to start making real progress. What to Listen For:
Shifting your self-concept from “I’m just a photographer” to “I’m a professional, resourceful business owner” changes everything. When you start thinking like an investor instead of a consumer, every decision becomes about extracting value and creating results—fast. Listen now to discover how to step into your CEO role, trust your ability to figure things out, and start building the business (and life) you actually want. Resources from this episode:
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| 7 Lessons from 200 Episodes | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:26:31 | |
200 - If you've been reading these emails or listening to the Hair of the Dog podcast for a while, you know there are two things that I look for every day:
My friend, today, I am celebrating episode No. 200 of the Hair of the Dog podcast and I am incredibly grateful that you are along for the ride.
Now hang on … if I'm being absolutely truthful, I get bored doing the same thing over and over again, so hitting 200 episodes is a particular milestone for me. With the podcast, though, I get to talk to so many different people about so many different things that it doesn't get repetitive.
And I have the systems in place to make it all come together smoothly. But now I'm starting to give away what this week's episode is all about!
You know I love taking lessons from everything and applying that learning to how we operate our pet photography businesses. After publishing 199 podcast episodes up to this one, I've come up with seven lessons that we can apply to our entrepreneurial lives.
What to listen for 2:08 What's coming up in the Hair of the Dog Academy 9:54 Why systems are essential for running your business 12:08 How to look for tasks to outsource 17:56 Your business is nothing without you and your personality 20:39 Why you have to have fun at what you're doing 22:43 Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Finding your Style with Emily Abrahams | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:48:53 | |
199 - Have you ever looked at another photographer's locations and thought, "Ugh, I wish I lived there!"
Like Charlotte's ooey-gooey sunset light on the beaches of Brisbane, Australia? Or Alicja Zmysłowska's majestic mountainscapes?
Don't they make you wanna turn around and kick your spot right in the shin?
What if you took a different look at where you live? What if you try to see the beauty in unexpected places? Or maybe even embrace the unbeauty of it all?
I wrangled Emily Abrahams of Inspawration Photography onto the Hair of the Dog podcast this week and we have a great chat about the importance of choosing unique locations and unleashing our individual personalities.
Because that, my friend, is how you find your style, what makes you stand out from the crowd in this ever-growing profession of pet photography.
What to listen for 4:51 Why you gotta go where your heart takes you 9:57 What Emily looks for in a location 13:55 How to pull the elements of a location together for a cohesive image 22:49 If I had to choose just two lenses for the rest of my life … 26:01 Why you must take a different look at where you live
Epic scenery is great to have but is it an absolute necessity for a pet photographer? No.
After all, if it wasn't for the lack of epic-ness (it's a word, I swear) in Pittsburgh, I never would have found my zone of genius, shooting with an urban vibe.
Or Emily might not have learned she loves to play with textures, shapes and colors, transforming the mundane into magical backdrops.
I challenge you to have a listen to this week's podcast, go out and take a different look at your location, and then head to the private Hair of the Dog community to share what you've seen. Connect with Emily CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Not Everyone Needs a 10K Sale | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:26:46 | |
198 - Have you ever cruised through the Hair of the Dog community on your Circle app and thought, "How are all these *&^%!es getting $10K sales and I'm not"? First things first, it is great to have a goal to hit a $10,000 sale but let's settle one thing right now: It's also OK to not have them consistently. Or even to have had one at all!
Settle in because this week's Hair of the Dog podcast episode is all about the myth of the five-figure sale. Did you know that the fastest way to build a six-figure business is by having consistent $2-3K sales?
That's right. I said $2K. A measly $2,000. Or even less. In the episode I’m giving you permission to charge a few hundred bucks.
Now don’t get all crazy. I’m also laying out when it’s OK to charge a few hundred bucks and when it’s not … as well as when you actually might want to go for those $10K sales.
What to listen for 4:56 The photography police aren't coming to get you for your choices 7:46 What you need to know before deciding your pricing strategy 13:35 The fastest way to a six-figure business 16:18 Why you don't need a lot of clients to be successful 21:35 How to differentiate your messaging for your pricing
I was once where you are, wondering how my business was going to get me to where I was living life on my own terms. It's important to realize we're all at different stages of our entrepreneurship and not every pet photographer needs to be chasing those super high-end, super lux sales … at least not right away.
Everything we do in creating an incredible experience for our clients is a stepping stone toward the business you want to have. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Gap and Gain with Heather Lahtinen | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:57:21 | |
197 - Heather Lahtinen is not fearless. I know, right? It's hard to believe. However, earlier this month, while we converged in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five pet photographers wanting to up their game at Progress Lab, I learned one of Heather's greatest fears.
Snakes.
Heather, Jessica Wasik and another photographer were driving to our next location when …
Holy sh*t. There's a snake on the car. On the windshield. Staring Heather down like he wanted to come through that glass and eat her.
She called me. Screaming.
And you know Heather doesn't swear (much) but all I heard was Samuel L. Jackson yelling "mothereffing snakes on the mothereffing plane."
When the dust settled (or more accurately, when they pulled over and let the snake slither away), Heather learned a new perspective for her coaching clients: that you have to face whatever terrifies you. And the more you do that, the less terrifying it becomes.
In this week's Hair of the Dog podcast episode, Heather and I talk through those terrors we all face and relate them to one of our favorite books, The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan.
According to Heather, we must tackle those scary, negative thoughts in our heads (the gap) and make a choice to focus on the progress we're making (the gain).
It can't be that hard, right? Wrong. We know it can be. Join us for this episode and we'll make it less scary. What to Listen for: 15:31 How to stop playing the comparison game 21:12 The consequences to hanging out in the gap 25:20 Why negative thoughts are a part of being human 44:46 How to find your winning vibe 50:17 The good and the bad of a $5K sale
You guys, there is so much goodness to get out of The Gap and the Gain, so Heather and I are hosting a Power Hour centered around our key takeaways from the book. Register here for this unique event during which we'll examine how we can harness the power of the Gain and let the Gap slither into the darkness. The replay will be available in the community. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Coaching Journals Part 2 | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:51:32 | |
196 - It's time to check in with Heather and The Coaching Journals. Two lucky members of the Hair of the Dog Elevate program – Christi Baker of Christi Baker Photography in Atlanta and Monica Adalsteinsson of Pup + Me Photography in Phoenix – won six months of one-on-one coaching with Heather.
But there was a catch! They had to agree to share their sessions with you, our Hair of the Dog podcast listeners.
In part 1 last month, we heard Christi's and Monica's goals and the challenges they were facing.
This month, listen to the stories Monica tells herself about feeling ghosted by clients who should be ordering their artwork and how quickly Heather turns those inhibiting thoughts into action.
And Christi is trying to adjust her workflow for calendar contest sessions while maintaining the boundaries she has set for building a successful pet photography business. Heather guides her through ways she can best communicate with her clients.
What to Listen For 6:56 How we know if our thoughts are good or bad for us 16:50 Why you should overcommunicate with your clients 25:31 The steps Monica can take to become more visible in her community 42:26 How Christi can surprise and delight her clients while keeping her boundaries in place 48:16 What to do with clients who don't always respect your time
Is it a little crazy to think setting boundaries allows you to free yourself for more success? Not at all.
In fact, Heather reminds us just how those limits can help us be unlimited.
You guys, there was so much meat in this sandwich! Listen to this episode and you will pick up ideas on how to improve your business processes and your mindset. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Are DSLRs Dead with Robby from YM Camera | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:40:44 | |
195 - DSLRs are dead. Long live the DSLR!
What to listen for 4:25 What Nikon and Canon have stopped developing 13:09 The best mirrorless body for pet photography 20:03 Why you might want to stretch your initial budget 27:42 The difference in dynamic range from DSLR to mirrorless 29:34 Is Godox really all that and a bag of chips Even though I've made the switch to mirrorless with my R5, I've been holding onto my EF lenses and using Canon's adaptor. However, after this conversation, Robby is making me give serious consideration to taking the leap and going all-in. What about you? Are you hanging on to your DSLR for a while longer? Or have you dipped your toes into mirrorless? CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Partnerships and Podcasts with Urban Dog Studio | 30 May 2023 | 00:55:18 | |
194 - Have you heard the old saying, "It's a marathon, not a sprint"?
The one they have with each other.
Then they published a book together and now they're capitalizing on the relationships they've built in their community with a podcast … to create even more relationships!
They're interviewing pet industry experts and business owners in their area to inform and entertain pet lovers of Tampa and the surrounding areas.
While they're connecting people within their community, they're also creating buzz about Urban Dog Studio – their pet photography business.
Laurie and Knicki join me on the Hair of the Dog podcast this week to share their journey from Day 1 to this wild moment where they're terrified to put themselves out there but they're just going to eat the frog and do it.
What to listen for 5:19 Why a book project was the right place to start 28:49 Getting into the ears of your ideal client 37:23 What needs to happen before you launch your podcast 40:46 How Knicki moves past the fear of putting her voice out there
You guys, podcasting is easier than you think it is. We're almost 200 episodes in to the Hair of the Dog podcast. Can you believe it?!?!?
It's such a fun way to make connections in your community and get the word out about your business. This episode should give you the confidence to eat the frog, too … whether that frog is starting a podcast of some other marketing plan you've been avoiding. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Serving the LBGTQ+ Community with Lisa Peterson | 23 May 2023 | 00:31:27 | |
193 - Pride Month is coming up. For the entire month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the freedom to be themselves. You might be tempted to post an image on Instagram of a dog with a rainbow bandana and proclaim yourself to be LGTBQ+ friendly. #ally #pridemonth #equality #loveislove Please don't do that, says Lisa Peterson of Pawsh Photography in Minneapolis, my guest on this week's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast. Lisa, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, shares her unique insights and experiences as a gay woman, shedding light on the importance of inclusive marketing strategies from posting about Pride Month to website language and model calls to diversify your portfolio. What to listen for 4:58 How we develop unconscious biases toward different communities 11:50 How Lisa broke out of her blissful lack of awareness 13:46 Why it's vital to be consistent and respectful of the LGBTQ+ community 16:04 How to conduct a model call to make your portfolio more inclusive 23:19 How (not) to pose gay couples This is such an important conversation, one that touches my heart deeply. Lisa gives us some tips that will not only make us more inclusive as pet photographers but also help us be better humans in general. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The Coaching Journals pt. 1 | 16 May 2023 | 00:46:32 | |
192 - Welcome to the Coaching Journals! Today, we're launching a new podcast series in which we're airing coaching calls between Heather Lahtinen and two members of the Hair of the Dog's Elevate community.
Elevate is our next-level program where you get one-on-one contact with Heather and her team of coaches. In six months, you will learn how to set goals, take specific actions to benefit your business, get feedback, and refine and repeat.
We invited our Elevate members to enter to win extra personal coaching sessions with Heather, which would be turned into podcast episodes so you can pick up some juicy bits to propel your own business forward.
Our winners are (drum roll, please) Christi Baker of Christi Baker Photography in Atlanta and Monica Adalsteinsson of Pup + Me Photography in Phoenix.
Heather embarks on a six-month journey with Christi and Monica to work with them on mindset, business processes and all the magic Heather creates with her coaching clients.
Tune into the Coaching Journals to hear Heather help Christi and Monica set goals and meet them.
What to listen for 3:41 How many clients a month Christi needs to hit her revenue goals 8:38 The brain games she's playing to keep her from moving forward 14:39 Why we get stuck on the negative connotations of "selling" 26:43 How Monica is refining her client membership program 38:14 Why talking to more people nets more conversions 40:15 Where Monica is getting stuck and how Heather helps
Friends, this is just the beginning for Christi and Monica … and you! I am so stoked to see where our two photographers are going to take their businesses after these sessions with Heather.
And if you're interested in learning more about Elevate and how it can take your business to new levels, all the details are right here. Get ready to fly. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Crisis Management with Heather Lahtinen | 09 May 2023 | 00:41:30 | |
191 - I received this email shortly before we left for spring break in Belize earlier this month: Dear Nicole, We’re canceling your Airbnb because we -- whoopsie! -- double-booked and you're out, sucka. OK, sure, I'm paraphrasing but that is what happened. And you know what? I was a wee bit frustrated. OK, not frustrated. I was legitimately pissed off. But I had two choices in moving forward: I could stay pissed off, scorch the earth and cancel the entire vacation or I could take a deep breath, get some perspective and get moving on an alternate plan. Guess what? Belize was an amazing vacation. What to listen for 1:52 The full thought process from anger to Zen with my Belize trip As my business mentor James Wedmore says, our businesses will only grow to the level of problems that we are willing to deal with. What, my friend, are you willing to deal with to grow your pet photography business? CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Why “Proven” Doesn’t Always Work | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:42:15 | |
303 - When you're stuck between following your gut or trusting a “proven” system, what do you do? In this episode, Nicole and Heather unravel the real question behind the question—and it’s not what you think. We’re talking friction, experimentation, and how to confidently build a business that fits you. What to Listen For:
What if your business isn't broken—it just wasn’t built for a formula? In this powerful episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, Nicole and Heather explore what happens when a proven strategy doesn’t deliver and how to stop chasing “easy” and start building a plan that actually works for you. We’re diving into the messy middle, where growth lives, and why friction isn’t something to fear—it’s something to follow. Click through and start rewriting the rules. Additional Resources:
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Ninja Productivity with Heather Lahtinen | 02 May 2023 | 00:55:25 | |
190 - Think about it for a second. What is stealing your time? OK, I'm going to stop you right there because that's your big problem: thinking about it.
Our friend Heather Lahtinen, the master of productivity and top dog at Flourish Academy, recently learned that the best way to get things done is less thinking – more doing.
If you give yourself too much time and flexibility to do one task, you're also giving yourself time to cultivate self-doubt and avoidance. And you're painfully limiting the amount of time you have left to get everything else done.
Imagine if you set a timer to work on that one project for just one hour, eliminating all distractions like your phone and Facebook and your kids and … and … and .... Would you get it done?
Heather joins me on the Hair of the Dog podcast this week to talk about the discipline you need to set your pet photography business up for success.
What to listen for 11:44 Why you should you schedule your free time first
Do you want more on productivity and time management? Of course you do! Heather and I are hosting a FREE Power Hour on Wednesday, May 10, to share some hacks that will help you get the important tasks done while still having time for other aspects of your life. This is for photographers at all stages of their journey and it’s an actual workshop – meaning teaching < working. By the end of the hour, you’ll have learned how to optimize your time and achieve more with less effort.
While anyone can join us live by registering here. You do have to be a member of the free Hair of the Dog community to catch the replay. JOIN US HERE. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Take Back Your Time with Sara Monika | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:47:36 | |
189 - It's time for a reality check. Yes, you can do it all but do you have to? No! Guys, my life changed the day I figured out all the things in my business that I didn't want to do. Could I do them? Yes. Were they filling me with joy and satisfaction? No. Were they letting me spend time with my family and take all the trips I love to take?
Oh hell to the no.
Sara Monika, a documentary wedding photographer and photography educator in Ontario, Canada, figured it out too. She realized she wasn't taking as many clients as she could because she was too busy working on the nitty-gritty details of running her business.
Sara joins me on the Hair of the Dog podcast this week and shares eight of those nitty-gritty details that you can outsource to a virtual assistant.
What to listen for 9:08 How $15/week can buy back 3 hours of your time 18:25 Why doing less actually earns you more 38:10 The mythical balance between business and a personal life 41:15 How to find your own virtual assistant
Some many of the recurring tasks in our business can be taught to a virtual assistant. Sometimes they even do it BETTER than us! (I speak from experience for that -- all the amazing graphics you see in HOD land are created by my incredible overseas team). When you start to get some help in your business, you not only free up time to GROW your business, you also get to take a little time off.
Where to find Sara
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Shelley Paulson | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:59:48 | |
188 - Do you feel like you're just faking it sometimes?
When you think to yourself "I am not good enough" or "I'll never be as good as Blabla," you are hearing imposter syndrome take over in your brain.
And let me tell you, I do it too.
I have left sessions wishing I had planned better, realizing I missed that shot or thinking I screwed the whole thing up.
My good friend Shelley Paulson does it too – and she's been in the business for almost 20 years! Shelley, one of the OG equine photographers, is my guest on the Hair of the Dog podcast this week and we're talking about imposter syndrome.
Shelley started in the business in 2004 by photographing her own horses and quickly became one of the most sought-after equine photographers in the U.S.
Yet she still struggles with feeling like she's faking it.
Shelley and I take a deep dive into those feelings and talk about the strategies we use to silence those "you suck!" voices in your head.
What to listen for 11:25 The amplification of the comparison game due to social media 14:12 Why defining your personal interpretation of success is crucial 23:24 What affirmations can bring success to your session 38:59 How constructive feedback can help move you forward in your craft 50:31 The magic of practicing gratitude and how it rewires your brain
Where to find Shelley
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| 3 Strategies for Smoother Sales with Karinda Kinsler | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:48:30 | |
Like Nicole, Karinda Kinsler's soul dies a little whenever a client doesn't order artwork. Since we know how defeating that feels, today's podcast is here to help you avoid that experience.
No "yes, no, maybe." No client walking away feeling uninspired and insecure.
What to listen for 7:07 The significance of starting off on the right foot with pricing 13:14 How understanding your client's personality is the first key to sales success 23:29 Strategies to manage your client's insecurities during her reveal session 31:35 The correlation between a big "love" pile and a $6,000 album sale 40:47 The impact of the way you shoot and how that affects how you sell
Where to find Karinda
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| What's New in Commercial Pet Photography with J.Nichole Smith | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:41:31 | |
186 - If you're a regular listener to this podcast, you know I'm a big fan of gratitude and acknowledging our wins.
And holy cow, am I full of wins and gratitude today. J. Nichole Smith and I are still soaring from all the wins we counted at Global Pet Expo, where we re-introduced the pet industry to Animalhaus Stock Photography.
Global Pet Expo is one of the biggest pet-industry trade shows and to get in, you have to be either an exhibitor or a buyer. It is seriously exclusive and we were granted access to more than 1,000 pet-related businesses from around the world.
The response was overwhelmingly positive! Not only were they super excited about the stock photography available on the site but there was also one big clincher for many of those businesses: our new match-making service where we make it SUPER easy for them to hire commercial pet photographers by matching them with alumni of our Commercial Pet Photography Academy (more details on that soon).
As if that wasn't enough, we also invited three photographers from our recent class of Commercial Pet Photography Academy alumni to join us and kick-start their own commercial photography aspirations.
On today's Hair of the Dog podcast, Nic and I take you behind the scenes of Global. We chat about all those wins and the future of the commercial pet photography industry.
What to listen for 8:19 The three ways pet-related brands can work with Animalhaus 14:21 The surprising thing pet brands know they need in their images 18:20 How our guest photographers booked clients at the show 26:43 Why you should explore commercial pet photography 32:14 Why you shouldn't explore commercial pet photography
Are you ready to expand your pet photography business and break into the world of commercial pet photography? Join us for the Transform Your Business with Pet Photography training series with a private podcast and live workshops.
We get started on April 12 but you can register now. CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Turning Dread to Motivation with Heather Lahtinen | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:43:31 | |
185 - Do you know what Occam's razor is? Basically, it's the principle that the simplest explanation is most likely the right one.
Take our friend Heather Lahtinen, for example.
She looked at her YouTube channel, realized she needed to update a bunch of videos and got struck by an intense feeling of dread. It would be a time-consuming task, especially with an old iMac that makes Photoshop feel like it's running through a vat of molasses …
Turns out one question helped Heather dig deep and she came up with an exciting new solution.
*Heather says hello to her shiny new Mac mini M2 friend!*
Heather is my guest on the podcast this week and we’re diving into the ways we can take all the tasks on our ‘Dread List’ and get motivated to actually tackle them.
What to listen for 7:46 The that task I dread the most 13:53 How outsourcing can be a possible solution 28:04 How one question led Heather to her breakthrough 33:32 Why you need to connect with a future vision of your business 42:00 Templates, workflows and automation … YES! (visualize my fist-pump)
Now, guys, Heather and I aren't saying you have to run out and buy a new computer or new gear to start tackling your "Dread List." But we do want to challenge you to find simple ways to motivate yourself and make those tasks a little more fun. After all, what if it could be easy?
Then you might find yourself knocking those tasks off your list like a boss!
Where to find Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| The 5 Biggest Mistakes with Kaylee Greer | 21 Mar 2023 | 01:15:10 | |
184 - Get your sparkle pants on. This episode is going to be a doozy. There are few pet photographers who don't know who Kaylee Greer is. The brilliantly creative mastermind behind Dog Breath Photography and the author of Dogtography, Kaylee's energy is 24-7 overflowing and infectious.
Listen to this woman giggle and your day instantly gets better.
Here's the thing, though: She has struggled with her business – pricing, setting boundaries, comparing to the competition, all the things! -- just like you have. Er … just like we have.
That's right. We. Because I've been through it all, too.
Both Kaylee and I understand the complications of believing in yourself and launching your pet photography business. We get it.
So, today we're bringing you the top five biggest mistakes we both made when we were starting out.
What to listen for 9:17 Kaylee shares all the details about Shutterhound: The Conference 28:03 Why it's important to set clear boundaries in your business 35:17 You aren't too expensive. You offer a premium service. 43:43 Why not every inquiry is your ideal client 54:36 Look beyond pet photography for inspiration
I think we all know that success doesn't come without its fair share of mistakes and lessons learned. By sharing our mistakes, Kaylee and I hope we can help you either avoid them or overcome them if you're already experiencing the same struggle.
And P.S. don't miss the early bird pricing for the Shutterhound conference in Las Vegas, Sept. 5-6. It is going to be magical. I'll be there with my sparkle pants and I'm throwing out my old presentations to bring you ALL NEW stuff.
Where to find Kaylee
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Heather Changes My Life in 20 Minutes | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:26:56 | |
183 - Do you ever have those days when you just don't feel like there's enough time to get everything done? Yeah, me neither. LOL! LIES! Some days, I feel like my to-do list looks like Santa's list in those kids' Christmas movies. Yours probably feels pretty similar.
That feeling like I never have enough time? That's a limiting belief -- and it doesn't serve me to work from a place of stress and lack. To help me change this belief, there's no one better in the world than Heather Lahtinen.
For this week's podcast episode, I turned myself over to Heather, my good friend, the head honcho at Flourish Academy and the leader of our Elevate program. I needed her help to work through some time management frustrations.
We hit "record" so we could share it with you, we set a timer for 20 minutes and Heather completely changed my life.
What to listen for 10:38 How my frustrations lead me to question all of my life choices 16:13 Why only certain interruptions throw me off 20:54 The way we start shifting this belief 26:38 The simple reframe that has completely CHANGED MY LIFE
It turns out five hours a day are exactly what I need to get everything done.
No, that's not right. Not need. Want.
Take a listen to this coaching call and you'll see exactly what I mean by that.
Where to find Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Let's Get some Press with Zoe Hiljemark | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:48:56 | |
182 - I know it's nice to think you can just put up a website, post a few times on Instagram and get found by tons of clients. I sure wish it was that easy.
It isn't. You have to actively market your pet photography business to get found.
One of the best ways to do that, according to Zoe Hiljemark, is local PR.
Public relations. AKA earned media.
We're talking about getting your name and work out there in your community through local news media, from newspapers to TV stations and social media influencers.
Zoe specializes in public relations and marketing for professional photographers, helping people like you be highly visible and have a thriving business … with lots of clients!
Zoe is my guest on today's podcast and we are talking about leveraging your story, the universal appeal of pets and your amazing images to get some buzz.
What to listen for 4:31 The moment Zoe realized the importance of professional photography 14:08 How to determine your "hook" 20:13 Why there's no time like the present to get earned media 30:20 Who to send your pitch to 35:43 The press release isn't dead but … 42:33 Thinking beyond traditional news media
Guys, getting your story into local media outlets helps establish you as an expert in your field. A feature in the local newspaper or lifestyle magazine can do wonders to showcase your knowledge and skill as a pet photographer.
You build trust within your community and get the attention of potential clients.
Make sure you listen to this episode with Zoe and find the confidence to put yourself out there.
People love pets. People will love your work. People will love you. But they need to know about you first. Where to find Zoe
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Hacking your Mind for Success with Johl Dunn | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:51:35 | |
181 - Oooh, sometimes don't you want to just punch something? It's so easy to get frustrated when you're running a business, especially a photography business where you get to wear all the hats … photographer, marketer, accountant and on and on. There are more constructive things we can do, though, to ease our stress load and take action in our business. Johl Dunn joins me on this week's podcast episode to talk about the ways we bind ourselves up in fear, which prevents us from taking action. If you haven't heard of Johl yet, he's The Mindset Coach and his mission is to help photographers like us achieve success by living with a more positive mindset. His approach centers on three key aspects -- mindset, motivation and action --- and, in this episode, Johl gives us all kinds of juicy tidbits on how to hack those into your life. What to listen for: 10:55 How decisive action and fear go hand in hand 14:02 Tools to help you take that action 25:55 The limiting beliefs that are holding you back 36:10 How one small thought can turn into something great 42:39 Get started with your conscious commitment Johl's right. Life is too short to be stuck in our fears and not chase our dreams. He recently closed his multi-six-figure portrait studio business to chase his dream, going all in on his coaching business. What is your dream to chase and how can you manifest that reality? Where to find Johl CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| When Life Happens with Heather Lahtinen | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
302 - This episode dives into the sneaky little phrase we all use—“life happens”—and why it may be holding you back more than helping you cope. Heather shares a coaching conversation that will change how you handle disruptions, delays, and the real-life rollercoaster of being a business owner. What to Listen For:
Running a photography business isn’t about perfectly sticking to plans—it’s about how you think when plans go sideways. This episode is your permission slip to drop the guilt, ditch the drama, and approach challenges like the boss you are. Additional Resources:
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| Tax Deductions and Retirement Savings with Tiffany Bastian | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:53:22 | |
180 - You've heard the old cliché about death and taxes, right? They're the only two certain things in life.
And neither one is pleasant.
But Tiffany Bastian is, and she makes one of those certainties less painful. The taxes, of course.
Tiffany is the founder of Bastian Accounting, an organization that works exclusively with photographers, helping them get and stay tax compliant. Her group provides online course education and full-service accounting, tax preparation and business formation.
Tiffany has more than 15 years of experience in the tax and accounting world. She has an master's in business administration in accounting and she's a Certified Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She's also an IRS Enrolled Agent.
On today's episode of the Hair of the Dog podcast, Tiffany gives us a pretty detailed overview of what you can use as a tax deduction for your pet photography business … and what you can't.
I just know there's so much inside this episode that you aren't claiming on your taxes yet. With tax season just around the corner, it's time to figure it out.
What to listen for: 5:08 The key to writing off your OWN photo shoots 12:36 Are dog treats a deductible expense? 27:16 How to calculate your home office deduction 38:00 Changing money due to Uncle Sam into a retirement contribution 50:00 Why hiring a tax adviser actually saves you money
Look, you can't just grab a drive-thru coffee on your way to a shoot and call it a write-off. Nor can you claim the gift of a canned ham. Wait … what? Yeah, that's what I said. Make sure you listen to find out what that's all about. Where to find Tiffany
CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| A Marketing Strategy No One is Doing with Heather Lahtinen | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:29:29 | |
179 - There is no such thing as "competition." Every pet photographer has a different style, a different approach, a different attitude toward doing business. That's why it's OK to make friends with other photographers in your area. Heather Lahtinen and I both run educational websites to make you a better photographer and a better businessperson. Sure, you could say we're competitors but we make it work and send each other clients. Just like Heather did when she was one of the most successful wedding photographers in Pittsburgh. You can employ this strategy in your community, too, setting up a referral system with other photographers.
What to listen for: 4:37 Partnering with the competition is not an outlandish idea 12:10 The importance of working with photographers you trust 20:11 Your market isn't as saturated as you think it is 26:33 How Heather and I define our "partnership"
It is OK to be friends with the competition! It's even better if you can start sending each other clients when you know one might not be the right fit for you. Get started on making those connections now. Where to find Heather CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||
| DSLR vs Mirrorless with Charlotte Reeves | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:48:28 | |
178 - Do you know what the biggest difference between DSLR and mirrorless is? There's no mirror!
But really, when you make the switch to mirrorless, you might even be holding your shutter release button down and thinking the whole time "I got a lemon! This thing isn't doing anything." Meanwhile, you just loaded 8,362 images onto your memory card because you didn't hear a thing.
Haha! Can a memory card even hold 8,362 images?
Seriously, though, you guys, there are some major differences between your digital single lens reflex camera and the new mirrorless systems. I brought onto the podcast today Unleashed Education's gear guru Charlotte Reeves to break it all down for us.
Charlotte, also of Charlotte Reeves Photography in Brisbane, Australia, is a graphic designer turned award-winning photographer. She is a master of natural light, especially backlight, and has an eagle eye for the teeniest of distractions in an image.
What to listen for: 2:52 Charlotte's struggle with GAS … gear acquisition syndrome 10:14 The differences between DSLR and mirrorless 18:22 The mind-blowing mastery of animal eye detection 25:31 The benefits of the flippy screen 32:31 Why you don’t have to ditch your DSLR right now
Where to find Charlotte CONNECT + LEARN MORE: Explore all things photography education at nicolebegleyedu.com Ready to build a profitable photography business? Visit freedomfocusformula.com Master the craft of pet photography at hairofthedogacademy.com Follow along on Instagram - @nicolebegleyofficial | |||