Freedom Focus Photography

152 - If Denise Duffield-Thomas took out a billboard, I suspect she'd paint it with this message in G-I-A-N-T letters: You're allowed to make money doing what you love! Denise, a money-mindset mentor based in Australia, joined me to explore how our stories around money are formed, and how they impact our businesses—sometimes many decades later. If you're struggling to reconcile having a fun career with having a lucrative career, this episode's for you.    What To Listen For:Why undercharging and overdelivering actually lessens your impactThe Hollywood trope that set you up to struggle as a creative entrepreneurHow your birth order might be impacting your money mindsetWhat we all learned about politeness—and now need to unlearnHow your cultural ethos can influence your businessWant to go beyond our 45-minute convo? Pre-order a copy of Denise's upcoming book Chill and Prosper before July 19th, and you'll get a boatload of free bonuses! Resources From This Episode:Denise Duffield-ThomasChill and Prosper (with special pre-order bonuses)Hair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

151 - Megan DiPiero is a force of nature. After building her Florida-based photography business into a $500k/year success, Megan shifted gears to start helping other photographers achieve similar results. Now, inside her coaching sphere, photographers regularly earn $10,000—or more—from a single session. Instead of asking How can I get more clients?, according to Megan, you should be asking How can I get better sales? In this episode, you'll hear why she encourages photographers to provide a luxury service, and what that really means.     What To Listen For:The two viable market segments, and the one that's dying outWhat it actually looks like to provide a luxury serviceWhy your clients secretly prefer paying higher prices (!)The huge advantage introverts have in networkingHow to build your biz with gift credits—and the key phrase that makes it workFor more of Megan's energy and expertise (trust me, you're going to want it!), I highly recommend downloading the audiobook version of She Sells: The Empathy Advantage—Megan's free gift for Hair of the Dog listeners like you. 🎁Resources From This Episode:She Sells (free audio version)Megan DiPiero CoachingRise to the Top! with Megan DiPiero (free Facebook group)The Introvert's Edge, by Matthew PollardHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

150 - This week's podcast is a big ol' party, as I catch up with pet-photography legends Kaylee Greer and Charlotte Reeves, my partners in leading the most fun workshops on the planet. You'll hear about the previous "Barka" photography retreats we've led together, and how we've revamped things to make them even better for future students. We didn't hold anything back in this jammed-full-of-laughs conversation: Hit play to hear about rooftop monkey ragers, bulldogs in the bathtub, Kaylee's pantsless car ride, the crush-worthy chef, and the one and only Lady Meatball.   What To Listen For:Why Charlotte and Kaylee cried before the first Barka beganHow Barka retreats have changed over the yearsThe exclusive new content just for retreat participantsWhat you can expect to learn on a Barka retreatThe one thing we won't take responsibility for (you can blame the chef)Sad you missed the storied Barka retreats of years past? Well, that's silly. Stop being sad and snag a spot in one of this fall's Barkelona retreats!!! You'll find all the details here.Resources From This Episode:Barkelona Retreat detailsHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

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 marketThe problem she had converting inquiries—and how she solved it How two unique offerings keep her calendar filled year-roundThe bold move Kristen made with her websiteWhat the future has in store for Kristen Murray PhotographyWhether 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 MurrayKristen Murray PhotographyKristen Murray on InstagramKristen's Facebook photography pageSquarespace 101 (included with Academy membership)Hair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

148 - Can you believe it's been three months since I had Heather Lahtinen on the podcast? This week we make up for lost time with an episode stuffed full of productivity hacks. You'll hear about click-saving automations, what Heather's buying in bulk on Amazon, and the insane editing goal she sets for herself.   What To Listen For:What the IBTF model is, and how it can help youMy personal brand of self-sabotage (we all have one!)How Heather reaches productivity-ninja status Why you should always have at least one frogThe new AI-based tool to help cull your imagesSince we're limited to just 10 links below, be ready to jot down the other great books and resources Heather and I discuss this week. It's a jam-packed episode! Resources From This Episode:Hair of the Dog Summit waitlistHeather's approach to Inbox Zero (a free training)Eat That Frog, by Brian TracyThe Big Leap, by Gay HendricksEpisode 136: The Key to Increasing WealthFlourish Academy Episode 210: Analog LifeAlfred (productivity app for macOS)Logitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming MouseHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

147 - With two photographers for parents, Erin Bonilla learned early in life how to work a camera. And while her photography skills are plenty impressive, they're not what's behind the stratospheric success of Bonilla Pet Studio.Here's how jaw-dropping Erin's growth has been: She no longer shoots or sells her own work, yet consistently has six-figure months. Find out how this week, as we nerd out over knowing your numbers, hiring help, building scalable systems and managing your mindset.   What To Listen For:How Erin built a business to run without herThe common branding pitfall of photography businessesWhich metrics Erin tracks (including the #1 critical driver for success)How to flip the script on your fear of rejectionErin's winning affirmation around income and wealthWhether you identify more as an artist or an entrepreneur, you'll find loads of inspiration in this week's episode!Resources From This Episode:Bonilla Pet StudioUp Your Follow-Up webinarThe Road Less Stupid, by Keith J, CunninghamTraction, by Gino WickmanThe Big Leap, by Gay HendricksYou are a Badass at Making Money, by Jen SinceroSecrets of Closing the Sale, by Zig ZiglarHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

146 - As the self-proclaimed Discount Queen, energy healer Emily Aarons was perpetually broke. Constant fights with her husband about a lack of financial contribution, combined with a new kiddo to support, led Emily to finally shift her business model—terrifying though it was. But learning to "do it scared" put Emily in a position to support other female CEOs going through the same financial struggles and mental money-blocks. This week, we discuss what it means to put on your blinders and go for big air. You'll hear about gratitude and bonus goats, and get your own signed, notarized Certificate of Worthiness. What To Listen For:Why most people (including maybe you? 🤔) don't set goalsThe question you need to answer—from your heartHow the money you charge changes the energy of a session (for better or worse)The generational curse that lives in your DNAWhat it means to market from a place of abundanceBe sure to listen to the end, when Emily rattles off an idea for creating income quickly while serving procrastinating clients. It's brilliant!Resources From This Episode:Emily Aarons (you'll find free meditations to increase your wealth)Emily Aarons on InstagramSensitive is the New Strong, by Anita MoorjaniHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

145 - For many of us, seeing our photography on a dog-food bag or in a Ruffwear catalog would be a dream come true. If the enormous ego boost wasn't satisfying enough, how 'bout that high-dollar payday?! Not so fast, compadre. This week, J. Nichole Smith and I deliver some real talk on the world of commercial animal photography—and why it might not be for you. Or maybe it is! Find out what qualities make for a successful commercial photographer, and if it's something you want to, ahem, shoot for.  What To Listen For:How to know if you're ready for commercial workWhat the data says about the most successful pet-related imagesThe best type of small business to start working withHow to handle the financial exposure of large commercial shootsWhen you need to enlist a contract lawyer (and when to skip it) Think commercial work is in your future? Eager to learn more? Join me and Nichole for an upcoming free training on June 8—we're spilling the secrets other photographers in the biz don't want to share!  Resources From This Episode:FREE Hair of the Dog commercial photography trainingEpisode 65: The Power of Color and Why, with J. Nichole SmithHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

144 - Seasoned pet photographers know that one of the keys to a successful shoot is patience. Canadian wildlife photographer Jesse Villamaire has it in spades, and it's coming in handy as he and his fiancée Susan expand their successful Follow Me North brand to include the pet genre. Join me this week as Jesse shares his approach to photography, connecting with pet owners, and staying focused on serving.  What To Listen For:The keys to capturing memorable wildlife shotsHow Jesse responsibly shares his photoshoot locationsThe go-to gear to have in your bagHow the other Rule of Thirds will bring your images to lifeWhy ignorance-by-design is serving Jesse wellYou might be inspired to get creative with your pet-photography packages after hearing about Follow Me North Pets' session options. They definitely got me thinking! Resources From This Episode:Follow Me North PhotographyFollow Me North PetsFollow Me North on InstagramFollow Me North Pets on InstagramHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.

143 - Longtime listeners will remember Seattle photographer Marika Moffitt from her earlier appearances on the podcast, under the brand Dirtie Dog Photography. A series of personal events in the past year rocked Marika's world, prompting her to rethink her reasons for being in business. Follow along this week as Marika talks about the birth of Soul Dog Creative, the new brand that reflects her deeper purpose. We also chat about the journey from part-time to full-time photographer, connecting with your clients, and offer advice for those of you just starting out.    What To Listen For:A common roadblock to starting your business—and how to avoid itThe first step in determining your ideal clientWhy Marika built her entire business around just one single productHow to access your internal search engineThe project that expanded Marika's customer baseIf you're a new business—or a not-yet business—you'll find plenty in this episode to inspire you. And if you've been around a while and are considering a rebrand, you definitely don't want to miss this week's podcast!Resources From This Episode:Soul Dog Creative on InstagramMarika's soon-to-be-reborn websiteSoul Dog Journey Project (52 weekly prompts)Episodes 8, 33, 40 with Marika MoffitEpisode 142: Let's Make Instagram Fun Hair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog ElevateJOIN 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.