Freedom Focus Photography

[REPLAY] This episode originally aired January 2025. 

274 - You’ve heard it before: “People do business with those they know, like, and trust.” But Tracy Goodwin is here to flip that script. 

According to Tracy, trust isn’t enough anymore—it’s all about connection and authenticity. In this episode, we dive deep into how your voice shapes the client experience, influences their decisions, and can even increase your income by...

320 - Ever walked away from an event or promotion feeling like you “should” have done better? In this episode, Susie had a goal, didn’t hit it, and instead of spiraling… she transformed it into . If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “cut out” for this business, this episode is for you.

What to Listen For

• The mindset shift that turned “I only sold two” into “This was wildly successful.”
• Why numbers don’t tell the full story and...

319 - Scrolling Instagram and feeling like every photographer in your area is booked solid… except you? This episode breaks down what’s really happening when photography competition triggers that spiral — and how to shift your mindset so you can get back to serving, creating, and growing.

What to listen for:

• The surprising emotional chain reaction your brain creates when you see photographers who look “busy” online
• Why compet...

318 - Your images are gorgeous… but your website? That might be another story.

 In this episode, I’m walking you through a practical photography website audit so you can spot the gaps that are turning dream clients away—often before they ever inquire. We’ll talk design, messaging, mobile, SEO, and what to fix first to book more high-value sessions.

What to listen for:

• The simple copy test that instantly reveals if your messaging i...

317 - Ever worry you sound “salesy” when talking about your pricing? In this episode, we dive deep into sales energy—what it is, why it matters, and how it can completely change your client experience. Inspired by Heather’s real-life adventure at a used car lot, you’ll learn why the words you say matter far less than the energy behind them.

What to Listen For

✔Why a “used car salesman vibe” has nothing to do with selling
✔ The su...

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

• The powerful mindset shift that helped Susie finally believe in herself
• Why confidence comes after action, not before it
• How a muddy 4x4 adventu...

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:

• Heather’s 3 phases of the client journey and why phase 3 is the “Wait… wh...

314 - Ever felt a twinge of guilt when offering products after a model call or charity session? You’re not alone. In this week’s episode, Heather and I dive into one sneaky thought that’s quietly killing your photography sales, the fear of pulling a “bait and switch.” We’ll talk about what that really means, why your brain might think you’re doing something shady, and how to shift your mindset so you can confidently sell without he...

313 - Let’s be honest, marketing your business can feel terrifying. 🙈

The thought of putting yourself out there? Instant heart palpitations. But what if visibility didn’t have to feel like self-promotion? In this week’s episode, Nicole and Heather uncover the fears that keep photographers hiding behind their cameras and how to shift your mindset so visibility feels like service, not bragging.

What to Listen For

• The real reason ph...

312 - Do you ever feel like the odd one out because you’re not chasing six-figure revenue? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. 

This week, we dive into how to uncover your true motivation, avoid resentment, and create a photography business that fuels your soul while still honoring your time and value.
 
 What to Listen For:

• A simple test to know if money is your main driver—or just fuel for your mission
• The h...

311 - What would make someone walk away from a $250K legal career to photograph dogs? 

For Kelly McNamara, it wasn’t a midlife crisis, it was clarity. In this episode, Heather sits down with Kelly to uncover the unexpected tools (including an AI version of Heather!) that helped her trade courtroom stress for creative freedom and build a business that lights her up.

What to Listen For

• The $250K “golden handcuffs” keeping Kelly stuc...

310 - Ever tried buying a black-tie dress online and decided “hard pass” once you saw the return policy? Yep, same. 

In today’s episode, we turn that frustration into a masterclass on your photography client experience. Where’s the friction? What’s confusing? And what tiny tweaks convert more inquiries into bookings (without feeling pushy)? Let’s make your process easy. 

What to Listen For:

• The dress-shopping disaster that exposed...

309 - What do limited releases, “cooked” plush waffles, and personalized packaging have to do with your photography business? Everything. 

Heather and I break down how experience design turns ordinary products into premium purchases—and how you can copy the right pieces for your studio.

What to Listen For

• A secret that instantly makes clients crave what you offer.
• Why putting limits on access can actually increase demand.
• The one li...

Today I’m chatting with my friend Adam Goldberg of AGoldPhoto, a studio pet photographer, shelter-dog hype man, and the brain behind “Second Shot.” He started in shelters back in 2013, built a thriving studio, and is now circling back to his roots with a model that funds adoption photos through brand sponsors. It’s smart, generous, and wildly scalable.

If you love the idea of photographing rescue pets but struggle to find the time w...

Ever wonder what separates a $500 sale from an $8,000 sale? In this episode, Heather sits down with three Elevate photographers, Marcie Fry, Katie Carmickle, and Jessica Wasik, who each closed an $8K sale in the same week. You’ll hear their journeys, the marketing that worked, and what ACTUALLY made this sale possible.  Spoiler alert, it wasn’t a specific pricing strategy.

What to Listen For

• How three different photographers each...

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:

• The simple reason clients don’t book (and why it’s not your pricin...

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:

• How your self-concept influences your willingness to take risks
• ...

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 sta...

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:

• The real question photographers are asking when they’re unsure about pricing
• Why friction-free strategie...