Freedom Focus Photography

052 - This week's guest is pet photographer Lisa Asp, a self-described print competition addict. Lisa started out behind the camera in a Sears Portrait Studio, and went digital back before Photoshop thought to introduce layers. These days, she's director of Animal Image Makers—you might know them from their fantastic annual conference—and also the recent winner of a Grand Imaging Award at this year's Imaging USA 2021!!!     Our conversation this week covers the whats, whys and hows of print competition, and—we hope—will leave you excited to dip your toes into the print comp waters. I promise, you won't drown!    What To Listen For: How to get started with print competitions—and why you should get started!The pitfalls of entering images of your own pet, no matter how cuteThe difference between "merit" and "loan," and other lingo demystified AIM's awesome new category this year (I can't wait to see the entries!) How to become an accredited professional of animal imagery But wait...there's more! Lisa put together a lil' guide to accompany this episode, called "Top 5 Tricks for Kicking Ass in Print Competition." To get it, text HOTD to (844) 738-8647. Spoiler alert: It might come with a super-sneaky special bonus discount on AIM registration, just for Hair of the Dog listeners like you. 😉 Resources From This Episode: Animal Image Makers (Virtual) Conference, April 15-18, 2021Animal Image Makers CredentialingAIM on FacebookAIM’s Facebook GroupAIM on InstagramProfessional Photographers of America (PPA)12 Elements of a Merit ImagePrintCompetition.comMichelle Parsely's "Preparing for Competition" courseTangerine House of DesignTangerine House of Design on FacebookLisa's InstagramHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair 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.

051 - Turns out, returning guest Charlotte Reeves and I have a *lot* of thoughts when it comes to camera gear! Not surprising, I guess, for two pet photographers who've been shooting for a collective 25 years. 😯 Join our lively conversation and get the lowdown on the latest gear options, plus stories about scammers, soggy dogs and my enormous man-hands.  What To Listen For: What to consider when choosing your camera bodyHow to build up your kit if you're just starting outThe lenses we couldn't live without—and the one that I'm drooling over!Which lens brands tend to require micro-adjustmentsThe advantages and disadvantages of using a lens adapterPractical ways to use Animal Eye AF (and when you should avoid it)If you've found yourself frustrated that you can't nail your shots, well, it might be a matter of needing more practice. But it might also be that the gear you have isn't suited to the job you're asking it to do. After listening to this episode, you'll be well-equipped to make better decisions about buying (or selling!) your gear.     Resources From This Episode: Learn Pet Photography (home of the Free Daily Tip series!)Charlotte Reeves PhotographyCharlotte's Working with Natural Light courseCharlotte's RealShoots seriesHOD Podcast Episode 17: Location Scouting Secrets w/CharlotteHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair 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.

050 - In this week's episode, I share one of my favorite business analogies: When you only offer digital files to your photography clients, it's like a baker selling a wedding cake but telling the harried couple to go ice it themselves.  Even if you're handy with a Wilton buttercream, you'll get something out of my conversation with Eugene Nagaweicki of nPhoto professional print lab. Together we talk about the whys, whats and hows of moving from digitals-only to a product-based photography business.   What To Listen For: Why you want to sell clients on the "heated seats"A misconception people have about digital filesThe danger to your reputation that comes with selling digitalsEugene's insight on the consistently best-selling productsHow to avoid leading your clients into this common pitfallEugene also has a rockin' deal on product samples for our podcast listeners—tune in for details!Resources From This Episode: nPhoto LabnPhoto Lab on FacebookHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair 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.

049 - STOP! Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, DO NOT listen to this podcast until you've heard episode 48 from last week!!!Alrighty, that said...welcome to the second half of our New Year's goal-setting series with mindset coach and all-around rock star, Heather Lahtinen. If you're ready to drop the excuses and create the life of your dreams, this is the episode that will help you get clear on exactly what that looks like.What To Listen For: What your ice cream-eating strategy says about your approach to lifeThe future-paced question that will bring your goals into sharp focusA healthier nighttime ritual than, say, bingeing Black Mirror on NetflixWhat it means to set SMART goals, and the critical importance of a "domino goal"How most people view goals—and why you need to look at them differentlySpoiler alert: You'll also hear why I haven't hit ANY of my goals for the last several years...and why I feel no shame about that whatsoever!    Resources From This Episode: Goal-Setting Worksheet Atomic Habits, by James ClearThe Miracle Morning, by Hal ElrodThe Power of Habit, by Charles DuhiggThe 12-Week Year, by Brian MoranHair of the Dog Academy on InstagramNicole's Instagram pageFlourish Academy websiteFlourish Academy podcastFlourish Academy on FacebookHair of the Dog Academy (doors opening soon—get on the waitlist here!)Hair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate programJOIN 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.

48 - "It's like Monday on steroids!"  In case you haven't already guessed, I *love* the new year. And this week, podcast regular Heather Lahtinen and I talk about making this new year your best year yet. In the first of a two-part series on setting goals, we chat about how reflecting on the past year can set you up for future success.What To Listen For: A 5-question process for evaluating 2020 (c'mon, it wasn't all bad)The advantage of being proactive instead of reactiveWhy you'll want to keep last year's calendar handyThe one person that *everyone* should have in their lifeHeather's optimistic take on 2020—plus her impressive new muscles!After listening, download the Goal-Setting Worksheet below, carve out some quiet time, and put yourself in a positive mindset. Then get to it—I promise, it'll be time well spent.  Resources From This Episode: Goal-Setting WorksheetYour Best Year Ever, by Michael Hyatt90X Goal PlannerHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate programJOIN 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.

047 - Five days into the new year, and we're still doing a happy dance that 2020 is over! Finally, we're blessed with a blank slate and a fresh chance to realize some BIG dreams in the year ahead. But sometimes, despite all the optimism of a new year, reaching for audacious goals can trigger your fears. This week, Dorie Howell of In-Person Sales Mastermind joins me to talk about tackling fear, doubt, discomfort and indecision—the four horsemen that, if left unchecked, can stomp unceremoniously all over your business. What To Listen For: The two types of entrepreneurs (which one are you?)What you should ask yourself before taking any actionThe one thing your clients desperately want more of in 2021!How the latest iPhone cameras actually help your business  What to do when you're stuck in indecisionLearn how fear is a good sign, timelines are optional, and why it's time to say no to your grandma's ravioli—metaphorically speaking, of course. Resources From This Episode: IPS MastermindIPS Mastermind on FacebookIPS Mastermind on InstagramDorie's personal InstagramHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate programJOIN 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.

046 - The podcast addicts in the crowd might recognize the voice of this week's guest, Kirstie McConnell, co-host of Australia's Pet Photographers' Club podcast. After a whirlwind year (including marriage and an intercontinental move!), Kirstie shares—from her new home in an Italian olive grove—how she wound down one business and started a very different one. What To Listen For: Why Kirstie hates the "my business is my baby" philosophyThe forward-thinking decision to make when you're just starting outAn addiction you might be suffering from, without even realizing itHow COVID allowed Kirstie (and maybe you?) to reflect on a critical question Her single best piece of advice for making your 2021 successful And if you've resolved to take better physical care of yourself in the new year, you'll want to hear all about Kirstie's new endeavor—tailored specifically for you.Resources From This Episode: The Pet Photographers' ClubThe Pet Photographers' (Virtual) Conference, Feb. 4-6, 2021Pilates with KirstiePhotoBizX podcastE-Myth Revisited, by Michael GerberHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate programJOIN 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.

045 - 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 giving 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 mileageAfter 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 he's giving away spots to FIVE lucky winners! Be sure to listen 'til the end for details.Resources From This Episode: PhotoBiz XposedDaily Vlog ChallengeNicole'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)Enter to win a free spot in the Daily Vlog Challenge!Hair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair 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.

044 - This week, I welcome back my business-bestie and fellow Hair of the Dog coach, Heather Lahtinen. As always when Heather's on the podcast, it's a lively episode that encourages you to ask yourself big questions. This time we're talking about what determines whether or not you'll succeed as a pet photographer—no big deal, right? 😉      What To Listen For: The enormous difference between being interested and being committedWhy you should factor hedonic adaptation into your business plans Deep thoughts on the topic of comfort, from someone who regularly chooses miseryWhat's going to save you when—not if, but when—the going gets hardThe excuse Heather will eviscerate, if you ever try it with her :) If after listening to this episode you're ready to double-down on your commitment to growing your pet photography biz, head over to the Hair of the Dog Elevate application. Enrollment is open for just a few more days—and there's no better place for getting the support you need to build the business you want. Resources From This Episode: Hair of the Dog Elevate (enrollment ends Thurs, 12/17!)Innercise, by Jon AssarafHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupFlourish AcademyJOIN 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.

043 - Here's something they don't teach you in school: how to write a compelling, high-converting website for your business. And without that critical copywriting know-how, trying to conjure up words for your website can cause your brain to melt. It's painful. In this week's episode, I chat with fellow pet photographer and copywriter for the pet industry Kim Wishcamper. She shares some essential ingredients for an effective website, and gives us real-world examples of what to write to win over potential customers. Loads of actionable info in this episode! What To Listen For: A simple way to reduce your bounce rateThe subtle shift in your website copy that makes a dramatic differenceSpecific examples of sentences edited to be more powerfulWhy no one cares about your styrene-mounted prints!Which punctuation marks to embrace and which to avoid (yep, it matters)Formatting tips to make your visitors linger longerYou'll also find a handy checklist linked in the show notes below, with tips from our convo plus a few extras. Use it to audit your website and see which copy improvements you can make.   Hungry for more high-level help with copywriting and the other critical pieces of your business? Join me, Kim and five other (ridiculously talented) coaches inside the Hair of the Dog Elevate program for laser-focused support on building the business of your dreams. Applications open now!Resources From This Episode: Checklist for an Irresistible Website (free download)Lint Roller ProductionsKim's InstagramBuilding a StoryBrand, by Donald MillerHair of the Dog Elevate (enrollment now open!)Hair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupJOIN 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.