
Freedom Focus Photography
Nicole Begley
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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Best episodes
Top 10 Freedom Focus Photography Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Freedom Focus Photography episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Freedom Focus Photography for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Freedom Focus Photography episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Special - Defeating Overwhelm
Freedom Focus Photography
02/16/22 • 84 min
Don't miss this LIMITED time replay of the Defeating Overwhelm Training! We are sharing 7 actionable steps that you can take RIGHT NOW to get out of overwhelm and into action.
If you would like to watch this replay, visit this page.
Or, if you're on the go - pop in your earbuds and enjoy this replay. It will be available through Thursday, February 24th at 11:59pm EST.
If you want to learn more about Elevate - simply GO HERE .
Are you a pet photographer who has built a solid portfolio, but STILL isn't booking enough clients? Crack the code to booking clients who can't wait to spend money with you! ENROLL IN ELEVATE TODAY!
Still building your business? Learn more about Elevate FOUNDATIONS here.

Business Pillar 5 - Workflow
Freedom Focus Photography
07/20/21 • 18 min
087 - When it comes to mapping out your workflow, think of it as an investment of time and brainpower that your future self will effusively thank you for. Because once you have your workflow mapped and the pieces in place, you won't need to reinvent the wheel every time a potential new client appears. Stress drops significantly; scaling your business becomes possible.
And while it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of automation, in this episode I share specifics of the very analog system that served me well for years. No need to get fancy—you just need to get this done!
What to Listen For:
- What I mean by workflow, and why you need to map one out
- The 3 distinct parts of the process (and the easiest place to start)
- How to use the "magazine rack" CRM system
- The single most forgotten step at the end of your process
- Why you'll want to recruit an "inquiry buddy"
- ...And an exciting new course coming to the HOD Academy!!
Trust me when I say this: Future You really, really wants Present You to make this a priority!
Resources From This Episode:
- Spreadsheet of CRM software options (download available for Academy members)
- Episode 79: Business Pillar #1 - Legal & Admin
- Episode 81: Business Pillar #2 - Branding
- Episode 83: Business Pillar #3 - Website
- Episode 85: Business Pillar #4 - Pricing
- Dubsado, Honeybook, and Sprout Studio
- JotForm, ToDoist, Trello and AirTable
- Episode 40: Inquiries that Convert, with our Elevate Coaches
- Episode 45: Using Video to Book More Clients, with Andrew Hellmich
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Hair of the Dog Facebook group
- Hair of the Dog Elevate coaching program
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

Best Of - Using Video to Book More Clients with Andrew Hellmich
Freedom Focus Photography
03/22/22 • 50 min
135 - How do you create a personal connection with potential new clients, when their inboxes are overflowing and they're unlikely to answer the phone? According to Australian photographer and podcast host Andrew Hellmich, the secret to standing out is video.
In this engaging episode, Andrew shares a long list of ideas, resources, and insider tricks for using video to boost your business. And don't worry—his ideas are as simple to execute as they are brilliant. Leave your DSLR on the shelf, and start leveraging the power of quick-and-easy videos to fill your calendar.
What To Listen For:
- The importance of putting a face to your personal brand
- A simple strategy to build relationships with local businesses
- Who you should invite to crash your videos (your viewers will thank you!)
- How to leverage short, simple videos to rank higher in search
- What it means to use a “dog-whistle headline”
- Ways to repurpose your video content for maximum mileage
After listening to this episode, there's no doubt you'll be convinced of the value of using video. But if you're feeling awkward or unsure about the execution side, you'll want to join Andrew's Daily Vlog Challenge. It's a safe space for getting comfy with video, and you'll be amazed at how much you'll improve in just 21 days!
Resources From This Episode:
- PhotoBiz Xposed
- Nicole's appearance on Andrew's podcast
- Brian Bossamy on Andrew's podcast
- BombBomb (video email with built-in GIFs)
- Loom (screen and video recording software)
- Bonjoro (desktop recorder and mobile app)
- Rev (video transcription service)
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Free Hair of the Dog Community
- Hair of the Dog Elevate
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

Replay - Ep. 140 - Managing Life and Business with Kim Hartz
Freedom Focus Photography
08/27/22 • 59 min
As you might have heard by now, the Hair of the Dog Summit is coming back from Sept.13-15. But in the meantime, I thought it would be really fun to replay some of the podcast episodes of some of our Summit speakers.
In this replay, we bring you another incredible episode from one of our regular coaches inside the Academy, Kim Hartz of Kim Hartz Photography.
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140 - Chances are, you have a lot on your plate. Maybe you're running a business, or working in a full-time job. You might be parenting small humans or be the primary caretaker of pets. Or maybe—bless you, dear listener—you're doing all of the above.
So how do you keep all those balls in the air, without losing track of things or feeling overwhelmed? That's what my conversation is about this week with Kim Hartz, photographer extraordinaire, Academy and Elevate coach, wife and busy mother of three.
What To Listen For:
- Why we're feeling nostalgic for the early-COVID days
- How Kim maps out her year, to keep things on track
- What you can expect to pay for outsourced editing work
- The magical words to use when guiding your clients
- And a challenge for you, from Nicole—do it this week!
Regardless of your specific responsibilities, you'll appreciate this week's real-talk and life-management recommendations!
Resources From This Episode:
- Episode 15: The Key to Client Inquiries, with Kim Hartz
- Episode 97: Getting Started with Off-Camera Flash, with Kim Hartz
- Kim Hartz's website
- Evolve Edits retouching
- Denise Duffield-Thomas money-mindset blog
- Tweek calendar app
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Free Hair of the Dog Community
- Hair of the Dog Summit (Sept.13-15)
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

The Offline Photographer with Heather Lahtinen Part 1
Freedom Focus Photography
11/28/23 • 36 min
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.
Ish.
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.
What to listen for
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
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

Are You Actually a Professional Photographer with Mark Rossetto
Freedom Focus Photography
10/08/24 • 43 min
263 - Feeling the line between hobbyist and professional is a little blurry? Well, you're not alone!
In this episode, I'm chatting with Mark Rossetto about what truly defines a professional photographer and how you can elevate your business—yes, even if you're part-time.
Get ready to dive deep into everything from pricing strategies to creating unforgettable client experiences that will have you standing out from the crowd.
What to Listen For:
- The evolution of photography businesses since the 2000s
- Do you still need a studio space to be considered professional?
- The crucial difference between a hobbyist photographer and a professional photographer
- Why part-time photographers can (and should) charge premium rates
- The myth of digital-only photographers and how to add more value to your offerings
- How creating a premium experience can set you apart in a crowded market
- Why photographers need to think beyond just taking pictures
- Practical tips for offering a high-end service, even when working from home
- The importance of product offerings in elevating your business
- How to make your first $10,000 sale (even if you’re just starting out)
Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or looking to elevate your business to the next level, this episode has the insights you need to make it happen.
Start thinking beyond just taking photos—it's about creating an unforgettable experience for your clients and presenting yourself as the professional that you are.
Ready to level up?
Listen to this episode now, and don't forget to subscribe for more tips on growing your photography business!
Resources From This Episode:
- Mark Rossett Photography Business Coaching
- Professional Photography Business Network (PPBN)
- Master the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy - www.hairofthedogacademy.com
- Stop competing on price, sell without feeling pushy, and reach consistently $2,000+ sales in the Freedom Focus Formula - www.freedomfocusformula.com
- Crack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate - www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
- Discover the world of commercial pet photography in the Commercial Pet Photography Academy - www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

Selling Artwork to Businesses with Michael Puck
Freedom Focus Photography
04/13/21 • 48 min
061 - Photographer Michael Puck feels deeply indebted to the dog who saved his life. And his ambitious pay-it-forward plans, combined with decades of experience as a "people scientist," have led to a dramatically different—but wildly successful—pet photography business model. What's more, he's inviting you, dear listener, to try it out for yourself.
What To Listen For:
- Lessons learned from leading a Human Insights department
- The incredible social catalyst effect of dogs (the stats are eye-opening!)
- What it means to pull versus push when making sales
- How to leverage your existing connections to avoid cold calling
- The biggest obstacle standing between you and a $10,000 sale
To get a more in-depth look at how Michael—a self-described "average pet photographer"—has shot and sold massive wall-art installations (and increased his average sale by 400%), be sure to grab his free email course linked below!
Resources From This Episode:
- K9 Photo free eCourse
- Global Dog Art Gallery (beta version)
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Hair of the Dog Facebook group
- Hair of the Dog Elevate
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

REPLAY - Ep. 149 - Getting to 6-figures with Kristen Murray
Freedom Focus Photography
08/18/22 • 41 min
As you might have heard by now, the Hair of the Dog Summit is coming back from Sept.13-15. But in the meantime, I thought it would be really fun to replay some of the podcast episodes of some of our Summit speakers.
Kristen Murray is one of them and she's been on the podcast two times. Listen to the most recent one again in this replay episode!
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149 - Longtime listeners might remember a June 2020 interview with Kristen Murray, celebrating giving her two weeks' notice to be a full-time pet photographer. Two years later, I caught back up with Kristen to see how things are going.
The short answer? Things are awesome! Last year she hit six figures, making more and working less than back in her 9-to-5 life. Find out how in this week's episode!
What To Listen For:
- How Kristen reached a critical mass of awareness in her market
- The problem she had converting inquiries—and how she solved it
- How two unique offerings keep her calendar filled year-round
- The bold move Kristen made with her website
- What the future has in store for Kristen Murray Photography
Whether you're hoping to shift to full-time or happy shooting on the side—or you're already a full-time photographer—you'll benefit from Kristen's experience and experiments with her business.
Resources from this episode
- Episode 19: Leaving 9 to 5, with Kristen Murray
- Kristen Murray Photography
- Kristen Murray on Instagram
- Kristen's Facebook photography page
- Squarespace 101 (included with Academy membership)
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Free Hair of the Dog Community
- Hair of the Dog Summit (Sept.13-15)
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Join our free pet photography community
- More pet photography resources here
- Connect on Insta
- Ready to get serious about your pet photography? Join us inside Hair of the Dog Academy!
- Check out my gear and my favorite books.
- Grab my book! Pet and Horse Photography for Everybody

REPLAY - Ep. 015 - The Key to Client Inquiries with Kim Hartz
Freedom Focus Photography
08/20/22 • 39 min
As you might have heard by now, the Hair of the Dog Summit is coming back from Sept.13-15. But in the meantime, I thought it would be really fun to replay some of the podcast episodes of some of our Summit speakers.
In this replay, we bring you another incredible episode! This time from one of our regular coaches inside the Academy, Kim Hartz of Kim Hartz Photography.
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015 - One soft, squishy golden retriever pup was all it took for Kim Hartz to abandon a promising career start as a food and general portrait photographer. Fast-forward ten years and Kim not only specializes in pets, but she's also the educator behind the much-loved Pet Photography EDU, a technical course nested within the Hair of the Dog Academy.
In today's episode, Kim joins me to talk about client inquiries, branding, and how to reliably turn leads into sales.
What To Listen For:
- The $18,000 mistake Kim made when first starting her business
- The value in having a sounding board outside the photography industry
- Why you should require a phone number from every new lead
- A common error pet photographers make in thinking about their target market
According to gazillionaire Jeff Bezos, "Your brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room." Kim's advice in this episode might not lead to Bezos-style bucks, but it will help ensure that your every client interaction reinforces the positive branding message you need to make it big!
Resources From This Episode:
- Kim Hartz Photography
- Kim Hartz Consulting
- Hair of the Dog Academy FREE pricing masterclass
- Hair of the Dog Academy
- Free Hair of the Dog Community
- Hair of the Dog Summit (Sept.13-15)
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Join our free pet photography community
- More pet photography resources here
- Connect on Insta
- Ready to get serious about your pet photography? Join us inside Hair of the Dog Academy!
- Check out my gear and my favorite books.
- Grab my book! Pet and Horse Photography for Everybody

My Must-Have Tools
Freedom Focus Photography
02/11/25 • 23 min
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 consultation (and why it’s a must-have!)
- My new “classic collection” print option that’s stunning and affordable
- The editing software that’s saved me hours (and how to get 1,500 free edits!)
- Why I’m switching my album vendor (and who I’m moving to!)
- The press print company I trust for my marketing materials
- A behind-the-scenes look at my photography studio’s new workflow
- My secret to pre-designing albums in under 10 minutes
- How to streamline client onboarding with this all-in-one studio management tool
- The scheduling software update I’m super excited about
That’s a wrap on my list of must-have photography tools and products! Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow, upgrade your print offerings, or save time on editing, I hope you found some game-changing ideas in this episode.
Got a favorite product or tool you swear by? Shoot me a DM on Instagram @NicoleBegleyOfficial and let me know!
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our upcoming 10-part pricing series—you won’t want to miss it!
Important Links Mentioned:
- Hair of the Dog Academy – Master the craft of pet photography: www.hairofthedogacademy.com
- Freedom Focus Formula – Sell without feeling pushy & reach $2,000+ sales: www.freedomfocusformula.com
- Elevate Coaching Program – Crack the code to booking more clients: www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevate
- Commercial Pet Photography Academy – Learn the world of commercial pet photography: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercial
- Imagen.ai – AI editing software for photographers: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/imagen
- CloudSpot – Online galleries & studio management: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/cloudspot
- Pixellu SmartAlbums – Easy album design: www.hairofthedogacademy.com/pixellu
Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!
JOIN THE PARTY:
- Connect with us on Instagram
- Explore valuable pet photography resources here
- Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers.
- Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that.
- Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Freedom Focus Photography have?
Freedom Focus Photography currently has 307 episodes available.
What topics does Freedom Focus Photography cover?
The podcast is about Leisure, Photography, Hobbies, Photography Business, Visual Arts, Podcasts and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Freedom Focus Photography?
The episode title 'Photography with Purpose with Travis Patenaude' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Freedom Focus Photography?
The average episode length on Freedom Focus Photography is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Freedom Focus Photography released?
Episodes of Freedom Focus Photography are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Freedom Focus Photography?
The first episode of Freedom Focus Photography was released on Feb 20, 2020.
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