Today I’m joined by Nicole Begley, former zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer, educator, and the founder of Hair of the Dog Academy and Freedom Focus Formula. Nicole runs multiple businesses, helps pet photographers master both craft and business, and still finds time to run a non-profit supporting wildlife conservation.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Why many photographers lose clients during the inquiry process and how to fix it
• How to follow up without feeling pushy
• Creating urgency in a niche without fixed timelines (like pet photography)
• The one question that reveals what your client really values
• Why premium sales start with your own belief in your value
• The real path to consistent $2K–$3K sales (and why you don’t need $10K sales to thrive)
• Simple, sustainable marketing strategies that work
• When and how to start outsourcing in your business

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Pet Photographers Journal on your favourite podcast app and leave a 5-star review so more pet photographers can find us.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Websites: ⁠⁠Freedom Focus Formula⁠ and ⁠Hair of the Dog Academy⁠
• Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @⁠⁠nicolebegleyofficial⁠⁠ and @⁠⁠hairofthedogacademy⁠⁠
• Nicole’s Free Charitable Marketing Guide: ⁠freedomfocusformula.com/charitable-marketing⁠

Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠⁠⁠Apply here⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Ina

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠⁠⁠
• Email: ina@inajphotography.com
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: ⁠⁠Join the Waitlist⁠⁠

Feeling stuck competing with $150 sessions? In this episode, Ina redefines what luxury really means in pet photography, and it's not what you think. Discover how to position your business as a premium experience without needing a commercial studio or gold foil packaging, and learn the mindset shifts that helped Ina's clients invest $2,000-$6,000 regularly (with one $11,000 sale!) all from her home studio.

• Why luxury isn't about expensive packaging or fancy studios
• The difference between problem-solving marketing vs. building desire (crucial for luxury positioning)
• The real reason clients invest in premium pet photography
• 5 practical steps to add luxury touches to your client experience without breaking the bank
• How to separate your money beliefs from your clients' reality
• Why "charge your worth" advice can actually be dangerous

Audit your client experience (not your price list!) and ask:

• Where can I add something small but memorable?
• How can I simplify my communication?
• What would make my clients feel more confident and excited?
• Where can I build trust sooner in the process?

Want to Be Coached Live?Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?⁠Apply here⁠

Connect with Ina

• Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠
• Email: ⁠ina@inajphotography.com⁠
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: ⁠Learn More⁠
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: ⁠Join the Waitlist⁠

If this episode shifted how you think about positioning your business, screenshot this episode and tag ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠ on Instagram, I'd love to hear what resonated with you!

And if you found this valuable, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It truly helps other pet photographers discover the show.

In this episode, I’m joined by J. Nichole Smith, brand architect, creative strategist, and founder of Joy First World. We explore what branding really means beyond logos and colours, how to stand out in a saturated pet photography market, and why emotional connection is the key to building a business that lasts.

We talk about:

• Why “pet photographer” isn’t a niche anymore
• How to build desire instead of just selling information
• Using your brand to confidently raise prices
• The psychology behind visual branding
• Growing your business through commercial pet photography
• What the future of the pet industry might look like

J. Nichole Smith

• Website: joyfirstworld.com
• Instagram: @joyfirstworld and @jnicholesmith
• Joy First Podcast - Listen here
• Brand Personality Quiz: Take the Quiz
• Commercial Pet Photography Academy: Join Here

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

⁠Apply here⁠

• Instagram: ⁠@inaj.thepetphotoceo⁠
• Email: ina@inajphotography.com
• Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More
• 12-Month Marketing Workshop Waitlist: Join the Waitlist