Freedom Focus Photography

142 - If Instagram's current "best practices"—post every single day, and make it a Reel!—make you want to drop-kick your phone off a tall bridge, take heart. Rachel Doran of Tell Your Tails is on the podcast this week to help you find the fun in using Instagram to grow your business.Rachel specializes in content marketing for pet businesses, and knows the importance of consistently showing up for your audience. But she's also here to remind us that consistent can take many different shapes, depending on your goals.    What To Listen For:The first question to ask yourself when deciding between social media platformsHow to keep up with the ever-evolving Instagram gameRachel's #1 tip for creating great contentExamples of how you can use Instagram Reels to your advantageWhy Nicole's feeling excited about Instagram again If you're an early adopter, you've probably been cranking out social media video content for some time now. But if you've shied away from Instagram's video features, this week's challenge might just give you the nudge you need! Resources From This Episode:Tell Your Tails websiteTell Your Tails on InstagramNicole's official Instagram accountHair 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.

141 - Belfast-based photographer Graham Crichton hates talking to people. But he knows what it takes to run a successful photography business—wildly successful last year, in fact. So when it's time to schmooze with clients, have drinks with his competition or build community connections, Graham's ready to turn on what he calls show mode. Hear how Graham Crichton Photography grew to where it is today, and the direction he sees for his studio's future. You'll also get his spicy take on bad reviews—he lives for them, improbable as that may seem!    What To Listen For:Which referral-program model is most effectiveGraham's top-selling product, and why you shouldn't rule it outHow to ensure voucher winners get in touch The single most important question to ask potential clientsWhat Graham's best-spending clients have in commonWhether you're like Graham and me—business people who take photographs—or you consider yourself an artist first, you'll enjoy this week's lively chat! Resources From This Episode:Graham Crichton PhotographyGraham Crichton Photography on FacebookGraham's 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.

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 daysHow Kim maps out her year, to keep things on trackWhat you can expect to pay for outsourced editing workThe magical words to use when guiding your clientsAnd 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 HartzEpisode 97: Getting Started with Off-Camera Flash, with Kim HartzKim Hartz's websiteEvolve Edits retouchingDenise Duffield-Thomas money-mindset blogTweek calendar appHair 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.

139 - This I know to be true: It costs more (and hurts more) to deal with legal problems in your business than to prevent them from occurring in the first place. That's why Rachel Brenke of TheLawTog encourages you to get your legal pups in a row as soon as possible. This week, Rachel shares the elements you need in place to cover your bases. We discuss a few what-if scenarios, grumble about insurance companies, and explore the psychology of client confidence.    What To Listen For:The 3 essential components of your contractRetainer, deposit or session fee—does it matter what you call it? The reality of copyrighting your photosWhat about registering your trademark—yay or nay? How to handle the thankfully rare, totally horrible dog-abusive clientAs a Hair of the Dog listener, you'll save 10% off any of The LawTog’s photography-specific contracts—just use the code HAIROFDOG10. Protect yourself legally and keep some cash in your pocket? Winner winner, chicken dinner! Resources From This Episode:The LawtogThe Professional Photographer's Legal Roadmap (it's free!)The Lawtog on FacebookThe Lawtog 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.

138 -  You know you get them, those annoying spam emails asking you to join different lists that are supposedly free - but then only remain free long enough to get you signed up and then they change to a paid model.  Well, this isn't it. I'll admit I was skeptical at first but after talking to Bonnie I realized that this is not like all of the other 'start free then charge' listing sites.  She's a photographer herself and is building a platform that will serve other photographers and potential clients.Check out this quick episode to learn more and if you are ready to create your free listing, you can do so here.  Resources From This Episode:Happily Ever PhotoHappily Ever Photo on FacebookHappily Ever Photo on Instagram 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.

137 - Jeff Brown may have the most unique photographer origin story I've heard yet. And while he's made his share of goofs—like forgetting to load the film while photographing Prince Phillip—these days, he puts his hard-won business knowledge to work as The Photographers' Mentor. Join me this week to hear what Jeff learned while building multiple 6-figure photography businesses, and how you can find similar success. What To Listen For:Why focusing on financial goals is a mistakeWhat led other photographers to resent Jeff and his business partnerThe power of binary goals and deconstructing goalsThe one critical thing Jeff does every Sunday nightHow to leverage joint ventures in your marketingIf you struggle to get through your to-do list, you'll especially appreciate Jeff's hacks for getting things done (and you might just appreciate his journal, linked below). Resources From This Episode:The Ambitious Photographer's JournalThe Photographers' MentorThe Photographers' Mentor on LinkedInJeff's Facebook pageHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog CommunityHair of the Dog Elevate 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.

136 - Have you lost count of the Netflix- and Hulu-like subscriptions bleeding you dry every month? Do you ever just pay your credit card bill, without—gasp!—actually reviewing the charges? If you're flying a littttle fast and loose with your finances, this episode's for you. This week I'm talking about a critical, non-negotiable habit to adopt IF you want to increase your wealth and successfully manage your money.  What To Listen For: The visceral reaction that almost kept me away from my new obsessionHow zero-based budgeting worksYNAB's four big rules (they'll dramatically reduce your money stress)What it means to "age your money"The benefit of online banks for certain savings accountsAnd, extra bonus, you'll get a free month of my new favorite budgeting tool with the link below. 👇🏻 If you're a full-time pet photographer—with the variable income that comes with the territory—you'll benefit hugely from this system! Resources From This Episode: YNAB signup link (with bonus free month) Personal CapitalHair of the Dog AcademyFree Hair of the Dog communityHair of the Dog Elevate 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.

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 brandA simple strategy to build relationships with local businessesWho you should invite to crash your videos (your viewers will thank you!)How to leverage short, simple videos to rank higher in searchWhat 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 XposedNicole's appearance on Andrew's podcastBrian Bossamy on Andrew's podcastBombBomb (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 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.

134 - If your eyes glaze over when talk turns to taxes, you're in for a happy surprise this week. Tiffany Bastian, a high-energy accountant and tax pro specifically for photographers, makes today's episode a whole lot of fun. Even I—a self-professed numbers-nerd—learned some new things from our in-depth conversation. With Tax Day just a month away, you'll definitely want to listen up and take good notes! What To Listen For: The very first tax-related move to makeHow not to get screwed by this Harry Potter/Hogwarts trickWhy you want to be an S-corp—and when to make the switchThe things you think are deductible that aren't actually deductible 😳How to know if your "letter from the IRS" is a scamYou'll also find a bunch of helpful freebies on Tiffany's website, like her state-by-state guide to sales tax. Like Tiffany says, "You can't play the game if you don't know the rules." Listening to this episode is a great place to start!Resources From This Episode: Bastian Accounting website Bastian Accounting on FacebookHair of the Dog online community hubElevate Coaching Program Waitlist Hair of the Dog Academy 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.

133 - This week I'm sharing the results of my time audit, something I mentioned a few episodes back. Heather's along for the ride, helping to make sense of the numbers—and the meaning behind them. Join us as we talk about deep work versus admin, time-scarcity versus abundance, and the Stuart Smalley-style affirmation we could all benefit from.             What To Listen For: A mantra to help shake off time-related stressThe hardest change for your business to makeWhy Nicole is adding yet another thing to her calendar …And why Heather thinks Nicole is delusionalThe ideal work-session length for max productivity Where your best ideas will usually come fromYou'll also hear about big changes to the Elevate program, and Heather's new offer to give you a personalized, firm-but-loving kick in the arse.Resources From This Episode: Episode 127: Find More TimeJohn Acuff Podcast, Ep. 57: Get a Grip on Your CalendarFlourish Academy Rx (your personalized plan from Heather) We Should All Be Millionaires, by Rachel RodgersHair of the Dog online community hubElevate Coaching Program Waitlist Hair of the Dog Academy 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.