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Flourish Academy PodcastAuthor: Heather Lahtinen
Our purpose at the Flourish Academy is to leave people better than we found them. We hope to inspire and motivate you to reframe your thinking in a way that serves you. Our hope is that you will reply with, "wow, I never thought of it that way." Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Podcast Ep 435 - The Proudly Disorganized Six-Figure Photographer
Episode 435
Monday, 12 October, 2026
You don't have to be organized, fearless, or have everything figured out to build a successful photography business. In this episode, Heather interviews Sarah DeRemer, a Los Angeles-based dog photographer who has built a thriving business by leaning into what she loves most: photographing dogs and connecting with the people who love them. Sarah shares how passion, word of mouth, social media, self-trust, and the courage to raise her prices have shaped her success—even as a proudly disorganized creative. If you're a photographer who struggles with overthinking, comparison, pricing fears, or feeling like you're doing business "wrong," this episode will remind you that you can build a profitable photography business without becoming someone you're not. You can explore Sarah's incredible work on her website or connect with her on Instagram. Key Takeaways: You don't have to be like everyone else to succeed. Build a business around your personality, strengths, and priorities instead of copying someone else's approach. Passion is a business asset. Sarah's genuine love of dogs helps her connect with clients, create meaningful work, and build lasting relationships. Personal relationships matter. Networking, word of mouth, and authentic interactions can be powerful drivers of photography bookings. Show people what working with you looks like. Sharing your work, behind-the-scenes content, and enthusiasm helps potential clients get to know you before they book. Outsource strategically. You don't need to excel at every task. Hiring help with emails and reminders has allowed Sarah to focus more of her energy on photography. Raising your prices can be scary—and worthwhile. Sarah moved from a $500 session to packages reaching $2,950, despite fears that clients wouldn't pay more. Not everyone is your client, and that's okay. You can price your work according to the value you provide without trying to accommodate every budget. Stop holding on to someone else's opinion. One person's belief about what clients will pay doesn't determine what your ideal clients are willing to invest. Choose opportunities that align with your goals. Sarah has become more intentional about the events and clients she pursues, focusing on the relationships most likely to support her business. You don't need to do everything at once. Focus on the actions that matter most now rather than trying to fix every part of your business simultaneously. Self-trust develops through action. You can experience doubt and still make a decision, test an idea, and learn from the outcome. Reconnect with your joy when you're overwhelmed. Taking a breath, stepping outside, or returning to the work you love can help you regain clarity. Build a business that supports your life. Success isn't just about revenue; it's also about creating a career you genuinely enjoy. What if you could build a successful photography business without becoming the perfectly organized, endlessly confident person you think you need to be? What if your passion, your personality, and the things that make you different are actually your greatest business advantages? Discover how one dog photographer overcame pricing fears, trusted herself, and built a thriving business by doing more of what she loves. Press play and learn why you don't need to become someone else to create the photography business—and the life—you really want. How to Support the Podcast: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please like, share, and leave a review. If you like the content, please share with your friends by posting on social media so that we can reach and impact more people. Join our next free coaching workshop: www.getcoachedbyheather.com Connect: Heather Lahtinen: Website, Facebook, Instagram
