Freedom Focus Photography

298 - Raise your hand if you've ever thought: "There must be a right way to run this business—and I just haven't found it yet." This episode unpacks the very human urge to follow a blueprint...and why YOUR success might actually be waiting inside the one thing you’ve been avoiding.

What to Listen For:

• The lie we believe about there being one “right way” to build a business
• Why doing “everything right” can still...

297 - What do you do when someone close to you—like a spouse, a friend, or a parent—doubt your photography business? In this powerful coaching session, we dive into what it means to seek approval, how to set emotional boundaries, and why your success doesn’t hinge on anyone else’s validation.

What to Listen For:

• Why seeking approval is such a common (and tricky) mindset trap
• How to protect your confidence when others don’t believe...

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 problem
• The sneaky thought that cr...

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 know
• Why contracts should be your f...

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 busine...

293 - Michelle Crandall hit a $10,000 month in her pet photography business—but instead of popping champagne, her brain flipped out. 

If you’ve ever downplayed your wins or feared that success makes you “unrelatable,” this is the episode you need. Heather Lahtinen is chatting with Michelle to unpack the emotional roadblocks around money mindset for photographers—and how to finally overcome them. Once and for all.

What to Listen ...

292 - Feeling like you "should be further along by now?" You're not alone—and you're not behind. 

Join me and Heather as we dismantle the myth of the perfect timeline and explore what it really means to build a business you love, at your own pace.

What to Listen For:

• Why there's no such thing as “behind” in business
• The invisible “timeline” trap and how it messes with your mindset
• What it really takes t...

291 - Feeling lost in the ever-changing world of SEO? Or wondering if using AI for your website is going to get you smacked down by Google? 

You’re not alone—and this week’s episode with SEO pro Connor Walberg is packed with answers. We’re talking about how to use AI ethically and effectively to boost your rankings, create better content, and stop stressing over your blog strategy.

What to Listen For:

• What E-E-A-T is and why Googl...

290 - Let’s talk luxury, artistry, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. 

In this episode, I chat with Amy and Tavis Guild about their journey into creating Guild Canvas, why offering high-end art matters, and how photographers can shift their mindset—and their pricing—by focusing on prestige. Warning: You might just throw out all your old samples after this episode.

What to listen for:

• Why Guild Canvas isn’t “just” a canvas—and what t...

289 - What if the secret to building a successful photography business wasn’t more hustle—but more joy?

In this uplifting and radically honest episode, I'm joined by J. Nichole Smith, branding guru and joy-first evangelist, to explore what happens when you choose joy over fear—in both your life and your business.

If you've ever worried about raising your prices, selling to clients, or marketing during uncertain times—this c...

288 - What if I told you that your assumptions about what a client can spend have nothing to do with reality—and everything to do with your mindset? 

Ever looked at a client’s house, car, or outfit and thought, “They’ll never spend that much”? Or maybe the opposite—expecting a huge sale based on their zip code? In this episode, Heather and I break down why judging your clients' wallets is a dangerous game—and how it’s probably ...

287 - What do you do when someone in your market is offering free sessions and $15 files? You listen to this episode, that’s what.  

Deep breath, my friend. In this episode, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation about how to thrive in a saturated market—even when someone is giving away sessions practically for free. If you’ve ever doubted whether clients will pay more, this is for you.

What to Listen For:

• Why low-cost photograp...

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

What to Listen For:

• Why pricing low as a part-time photographer sets you up for burnout
• The big m...

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

284 - Ever send your pricing to a potential client only to hear... crickets? 😬 You’re not alone! 

Many photographers assume price is the problem, but more often, it's the way value is communicated. In this episode, we’re diving into how to stop clients from ghosting you and start booking more sessions with a strong website presence and an inquiry response that converts.

What to Listen For:

✔️ Why pricing isn't the real reas...

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...

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 a...

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 so...

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 ...