Freedom Focus Photography

Updated: 24 Jun 2025 • 303 episodes
www.hairofthedogacademy.com

Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, the essential audio hub for portrait photographers eager to launch and elevate their businesses to achieve their ideal version of success.  Hosted by Nicole Begley, a former zoological animal trainer turned accomplished family and then pet/equine photographer, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your photographic passion into a thriving business. Since making the leap into photography in 2010 and quickly scaling her business to six figures, Nicole has dedicated herself to guiding photographers like you to transform their businesses from low-profit, high-stress operations into a profitable, sustainable businesses by teaching how to confidently price your services, sell products, and attract higher-paying clients.  Join Nicole and a vibrant community of like-minded photographers on the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast. Together, we'll explore the paths to a profitable photography business that supports the life you've always envisioned. 

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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 spi

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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 prote

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 pow

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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 roadb

31 min
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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 businessThe

38 min
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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, cr

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