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 costing you real money. What to Listen For: The real reason y...

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 photographers aren’t a threat to your high-end businessThe mindset ...

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 burnoutThe big mindset lie that says “if it’s fun, I shouldn’t charge much”Why y...

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 For: ✔️Why the “let me think about it” objection happens—and how t...

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 reason clients ghost you ✔️ The #1 thing you must have on your ...

283 - Do you ever feel like your competition is everywhere, and you’re just another photographer fighting for attention? We’ve all been there. In this episode, Vanessa Joy shares how she’s built a photography business that stands out, attracts high-paying clients, and actually brings her joy. We’re diving into marketing strategies that work (without spending all day on Instagram), how to recognize and avoid problem clients, and why niching down is everything. What to Listen For: Why so ...

282 - If you think setting your prices is just a math problem, think again! While pricing formulas help ensure profitability, the real magic happens in how you structure and present your pricing. Today, we’re unpacking the art of pricing—how to design your pricing to nudge clients toward your most profitable options without ever feeling sales-y. What to Listen For: The difference between the science of pricing and the art of pricing.Why pricing psychology is key to increasing your sale...

281 - Pricing your photography services shouldn’t feel like a guessing game! But if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect your hard work, it might be time to look at your cost of goods sold (COGS). In this episode, we’re breaking down what COGS really means for your photography business and how to price your products profitably—without the overwhelm. What to Listen For: The real definition of cost of goods sold (COGS) and why it's not what you think.Why photographers ofte...

280 - Ever feel stuck in your photography business, wondering how some photographers are booking high-end clients while you’re grinding for low-paying gigs? In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, Nicole Begley kicks off a 10-part pricing series by unveiling the four levels of photography business growth. Learn how to move from budget-friendly shoots to luxe, high-end sales—without feeling salesy or pushy. What to Listen For: The four levels of photography business gro...

279 - Have you ever caught yourself procrastinating, undercharging, or shying away from marketing your business? It’s not laziness—it’s Success Intolerance. In this episode, we uncover why success can feel unsafe and how to rewire your brain to embrace the next level of your business. What to Listen For: What success intolerance is and why it keeps photographers stuckWhy your brain sees growth as a threat, even when you want itThe five most common ways photographers block their own succ...

278 - Ever wonder what tools, products, and software I absolutely cannot live without in my photography business? From the best print labs to time-saving editing software, I’m sharing all my favorite things in this episode. No, I’m not giving away a car (sorry, Oprah vibes not included!), but I am giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the must-have tools that make my photography business run smoother and more profitably. What to Listen For: The one product I highlight in every client c...

277 - What if you could streamline your photography sales process, save time, and still hit $6K average sales? This week, I’m chatting with Courtney Bryson of CM Bryson Photography, who’s mastered a unique approach to client sales. Living in a town of just 800 people, Courtney has found innovative ways to serve her clients through boutique, high-touch experiences—even without in-person meetings. Tune in to learn how her hybrid video sales method is transforming her business and wh...

276 - Are you ready to fill your marketing jar? This week, I’m chatting with Dayna Schaaf from This Can’t Be That Hard about how to create a powerful marketing plan tailored to your photography business. We’ll cover everything from big-picture campaigns to maximizing social media, so you’ll leave with a clear, actionable strategy to grow your business this year! What to listen for: What the “marketing jar” is and how it can transform your strategy.Why social media isn’t your only (or best) ...

275 - Do you really believe you’re capable of building the photography business of your dreams? In this powerful episode, Nicole and Heather explore why your self-concept and your commitment go hand-in-hand, and how subtle mindset shifts can help you overcome imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of failure. If you’re ready to ditch the safety net and bet on yourself, tune in for the tools and insights to make it happen. What to Listen For: The link between commitment and self-conc...

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 up to 90%! This is a must-listen for any photographer looking to overcome fear of rejection, feel confident in pri...

273 - Are you ready to supercharge your photography business? This week, I’m chatting with Tanya Smith, a portrait photographer and educator who went from struggling with $600 shoots to building a system that generated almost $400K in just one year. We’re breaking down the most effective marketing strategies—think partnerships, in-person connections, and consistent follow-ups—that photographers can start using today. If you’re tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, this episode is ...

This episode originally aired on August 2024. 256 - In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, join me as we welcome back Kerry Jordan. She bravely opens up about a major block that’s been affecting her work for decades - a feeling of being disingenuous selling luxury artwork to private clients and being particularly uncomfortable with the sales process around upselling products after the session. She knew that this was rooted in a belief of some kind - but aft...

This episode originally aired on July 2024. 250 - Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! In this special episode, we're kicking off a three-part series dedicated to one of the most exciting and requested topics: travel hacking. If you've ever dreamed of traveling for free or at a fraction of the cost, you're in the right place. Today, we'll explore how to leverage credit card points to maximize your travel rewards, whether you’re aiming for luxurious trips or frequ...

This episode originally aired on March 2024. Welcome to another episode of the Creative Freedom Rebellion - a podcast series within the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, hosted by Nicole Begley and J. Nichole Smith, AKA Nic. Through the past 10+ years of mentoring pet photographers, we’ve noticed that the “why” of many pet photographers falls into one of three buckets. The love of art, the goal of lifestyle, or the love of dog. It’s important to dive into these differences becaus...

272 - Do you need to perfect your photography skills before diving into business? Or can you grow both at the same time? Shelley Paulson, one of the leading equine photographers in the world, joins me for a deep-dive debate on what comes first: business growth or mastering your craft. We share personal stories, mentor tips, and strategies to help photographers create a balance between technical excellence and entrepreneurial success.What to Listen For:The difference between the craft-fir...