Freedom Focus Photography

042 - You've seen her as the 'Pupparazzi' on Nat Geo WILD. You've drooled over her signature, sapphire-sky pet portraits. Your coffee table might even be adorned with her brand-new book, Dogtography. And now it's time to buckle up, because this week's episode features a mile-a-minute conversation with my dear friend, the inimitable Kaylee Greer. You'll hear all about her journey from self-described lost soul to (my words here!) pet photography's ultimate rock star. What To Listen For: How she found her passion at the ripe "old" age of 24The fortuitous timing of Kaylee's storytelling debutWhat the devil on her shoulder constantly whispers in her earWhy Kaylee tries to limit her media inputsThe designer jeans you'll never catch her wearing (and why they matter)Give yourself the gift of an undistracted listen, because Kaylee drops pearls of wisdom at a rapid-fire rate—and you won't want to miss a single one!Resources From This Episode: Dogtography (Kaylee's new book!)Dog Breath PhotographyDog Breath Photography on InstagramOutliers, by Malcom Gladwell Barka workshop seriesHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate coaching 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.

041 - Just two years into her pet photography business, Courtney Bryson is already turning a profit—and that's despite living in a tiny, no-stoplight town an hour from the closest major market! In this episode, Courtney shares her journey from selling prom gowns to photographing Pomeranians, and how her boutique sales background informs her business philosophy. What To Listen For: The magical alchemy of working with rescue dogsBuilding and servicing a client base when you're in a small marketWhat many pet photographers' websites fail to do—but Courtney's nailsWhy it's not your job to act as the "purse police" The new direction that's rapidly expanding her client baseCourtney attributes much of her success to her business background, and to investing further in her business education. If you're looking for some high-level business coaching and support to take your own biz to the next level, check out our Elevate program, opening soon for 2021 enrollment!Resources From This Episode: CM Bryson PhotographyCM Bryson Photography on FacebookCourtney's InstagramHair of the Dog Elevate coachingHair 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.

040 - If you've been around Hair of the Dog for a while, you've probably heard me beat the drum for leads and sales. Leads and sales. The most critical things you can focus on in your business! But...how do you actually move a prospect from the "lead" column to a done-deal sale? Successfully navigating the inquiry process is the first big step. This week, you'll hear back-to-back conversations with Elevate coaches Kim Hartz and Marika Moffitt, on bridging that gap between getting the lead and actually booking the session. What To Listen For: Nicole's favorite phrase to use during client communicationHow to handle the inquiry process during these strange COVID times Ideas for your inquiry questionnaire (and how to leverage the responses you get) Why you should never explain your prices—no, seriouslyThe oversized importance of getting an itty-bitty commitment Kim and Marika have different approaches to the inquiry process, and you'll benefit from hearing both of them share their carefully refined systems. Get ready to take some notes! Resources From This Episode: Kim Hartz PhotographyKim Hartz on FacebookKim's InstagramPet Photography EDU course 17hats client management systemDirtie Dog PhotographyDirtie Dog on FacebookMarika's InstagramHair of the Dog ElevatePodcast Episode 8 (The Magic of Collaboration)Podcast Episode 15 (The Key to Client Inquiries)Podcast Episode 33 (Community Over Competition)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.

039 - In 2018, Brazilian-born pet photographer Natália Brochini was preparing to start her business when she was beset by health problems. Fast-forward to her recovery the following year, when the opportunity arose to travel abroad for seven months. When Natália landed back home in Houston this March, she was finally ready to get her photography business up and running. And then...COVID.  In this episode, I chat with Natália about her skill-building travel project, the about-to-launch jitters that every new photographer faces, and how to book those nerve-wracking first few clients.    What To Listen For: How to improve your technical skills, if you don't have a dog to practice with One essential tip for improving your confidence going into a shootIdeas for planning (and using) a "shot list" for each sessionHow to leverage introductory specials to build your businessIf you're just getting started as a pet photographer, this episode will be oh-so-relatable. And if you're starting out and are hungry to learn, check out the à la carte courses available in the Hair of the Dog Shop—30% off through Thursday, November 12th!  Resources From This Episode: Natália Brochini Pet Photography (soon to be live!)Natália Brochini on InstagramHair of the Dog Shop (30% off courses and templates through 11/12)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.

038 - Once you've established your pet photography business, the idea of starting over in a new market can be daunting. But fear not, mobile photogs: It's not as tough as you might imagine! In this episode, I talk with Allison Shamrell about her cross-country move to San Diego, and what went into establishing herself as one of the city's most successful photographers. We also discuss the ins and outs of finding studio space for your business, including the one question you must ask before signing a lease. What To Listen For: Common fears and misconceptions when moving your businessHow to establish yourself in a new market, even before you arriveIdeas for location scouting when you're not familiar with an areaThe difference between "awareness marketing" and "make-the-phone-ring" marketingWhat to look for in a studio space (and what to avoid) Whether there's a move in your future or not, you'll want to listen this week as we cover ground from market research to relationship-building to the free software I'm obsessed with (and you will be, too!). Resources From This Episode: Allison Shamrell PhotographyAllison Shamrell Photography on FacebookAllison's InstagramProfessional PoochTrello & Monday (organizational tools)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.

037 - If you’re familiar with this podcast, it won’t surprise you to learn that regular guest—and force of nature—Heather Lahtinen accomplishes more before 8am than many of us do all day. This week, Heather joins me to talk all about morning and evening routines: why we should create and stick to them, the huge benefits of doing so, and how to make it feel e-a-s-y.  Aaaand you’ll hear me commit to busting my worst morning habit—maybe it's one you can relate to??   What To Listen For: What it means to "bookend your day" - and why you should be doing itIdeas for what to include in your morning practiceHow a regular routine can increase your self-confidence and self-esteemExamples of affirmations to set the tone for your dayWays to outsmart your own self-sabotaging brainWe'll also dispel some common myths, and show how taking control of your day means ultimately winning at life. And who doesn’t want that?! 💪🏆Resources From This Episode: The Course in Miracles Experiment, by Pam GroutThe Miracle Morning, by Hal ElrodFlourish AcademyFlourish Academy on FacebookHeather's Instagram 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.

036 - In the spirit of our current open enrollment window for the Hair of the Dog Academy, this week I take you behind the scenes to share the "tail" of two photographers. You'll eavesdrop on some recent one-on-one laser coaching sessions, an Academy resource for helping members work through any business issue that they're wrestling with.  Listen in on my conversations with a new Academy member overwhelmed by a long things-to-do list to get her biz up and running, and another pet photographer celebrating ten successful years in business (break out the party hats!!). What To Listen For:How to approach your to-do list when getting started in businessQuestions to ask yourself before organizing model callsA handy organizational tool for recruiting portfolio-building pupsHow to leverage a business milestone to generate new leadsStructuring a contest to maximize excitement—and expectationsIf you're not yet a member of the Hair of the Dog Academy, now's the time to check it out—enrollment closes this Thursday at midnight! And if you already belong to the Academy, consider this a reminder of yet another awesome resource that's part of your membership. Schedule your own laser coaching session today inside the Academy's online hub! Resources From This Episode: Airtable free spreadsheet programHair of the Dog podcast episode 35Hair of the Dog Academy (open for enrollment through 10/22)Hair of the Dog Elevate programHair 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.

035 - Feel like you need to learn alllll the things before you can start your business? Like you need every single duck lined up in an orderly row before you can hang your shingle? Well, my friend, this episode's for you. Today I'm stripping things down to the bare minimum. Cutting away all the nice-to-haves and this-can-come-laters. Listen to find out exactly what you need—and what you don't—to get started with your pet photography business.  What To Listen For: Important things to look for when it comes to insuranceWhy you need a contract—even if you're shooting for freeMy recommendations for website platforms The decisions you need to make about how you'll sell your workOne huge source of friction for potential clients—and how to address itIt's not the most glamorous part of being a pet photographer, but setting up your business properly from the get-go will save you a world of trouble down the road. Listen, learn, and start checking things off your list. Then you'll be ready to enjoy the world's best job, knowing that your business is built on a solid foundation.Resources From This Episode: What You Need to Get Started (downloadable checklist)The Points Guy Hair of the Dog Unleash Your Style free 5-day challengeHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate coaching 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.

034 - Calgary pet photographer Holly Montgomery gets bored easily. And she'd rather spend time alone than chatting with clients. But despite what could be considered two liabilities, Holly's managed to create a wildly successful pet photography business. She also owns two retail pet supply stores under her umbrella brand. In this week's episode, Holly offers advice on creating magnetic branding to attract your ideal clients, and also shares some insights on how photographers can build strategic retail partnerships.   What To Listen For: How Holly found success by ignoring the industry's "best practices" What all pet photographers say on their website — and why you shouldn't say itThe secrets to getting paid just for being your authentic self Brilliant insider tips for approaching potential retail partnersThe compelling case for giving your work away for freeThis week, Holly proves there's more than one way to skin a cat approach your business. Join us for this info-packed episode!   Resources From This Episode: Brindleberry AcresBrindleberry Acres on FacebookHolly's Instagram accountHair of the Dog Unleash Your Style free 5-day challengeHair of the Dog AcademyHair of the Dog Facebook groupHair of the Dog Elevate coachingJOIN 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.

033 - Being a pet photographer can be a lonely business, working from home at something your friends and family might not understand. Creating connections with others in the industry offers both a source of inspiration, and a path to feeling less isolated.This week, I welcome Seattle pet photographers Holly Cook and returning guest Marika Moffitt, who've joined forces to prove that the benefits of community outweigh any thoughts of competition. Their shared passion for pets has led not only to collaborative projects, but also to a deep, fur-filled friendship. What To Listen For: Why the fear of "competition" learning your secrets is misguidedHow to approach connections from a place of abundanceWhat sort of work Marika and Holly are creating togetherThe responsibility experienced pet photographers have to the industry   What it means for your community at large when you come together Listen 'til the end for Marika's call to action, a hot tip on finding the dessert you didn't know you needed, and an exciting (if slightly premature!) announcement-slash-yet another great reason to join the Hair of the Dog Academy! Resources From This Episode: Dirtie Dog PhotographyDirtie Dog on FacebookMarika's InstagramHolly Cook PhotographyHolly Cook Photography on FacebookHolly's InstagramSeattle Dog Photography InstagramThe Limelight Pet ProjectSeattle Pet Collective podcastHair of the Dog Podcast - Episode 8 (The Magic of Collaboration)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.