The Flagship Programs
Not sure where to start? Scroll down for free resources and beginner-friendly options.
Hair of the Dog
Academy
Build the skills, confidence, and consistency to create powerful pet portraits you’re proud of.
Freedom Focus
Formula
For family + pet photographers ready to turn their skills into consistent income and regular $2,000+ artwork sales.
Commercial Pet Photography Academy
For pet photographers ready to grow beyond client work and start serving brands and businesses.
Grab a Free Resource Here!
Everything below is designed to help you get started. Just pick one and begin!
Steal My Top 10 Poses
Stop guessing what to do at your pet photography sessions — these are the 10 poses Nicole uses in nearly every single dog session. Grab the free guide and show up to your next shoot with a plan.
Session Profit Planner
Stop picking prices out of thin air. This free planner shows you the exact average sale you need to build the business you actually want, because guessing is not a pricing strategy.
Explore Commercial
Think commercial photography is out of reach? This free secret podcast breaks down exactly who hires pet and equine photographers, what the work looks like, and what it pays.
Ready to Take Your Editing Further?
A curated collection of editing tutorials from the world's leading pet and equine photographers designed to help you refine your workflow, strengthen your style, and create more consistent results.
Learn, Watch, and Listen
Dive into free videos and podcast episodes designed to help you improve your photography and grow your business.
The Podcast
The podcast for photographers who are done undercharging and over-working — real talk on pricing, sales, mindset, and building a business that actually pays you. If you're ready to stop winging it and start running a real business, this is your podcast.
YouTube Channel
Your go-to YouTube channel for leveling up your pet photography skills — with a little business talk thrown in for good measure. Come for the dog photography tips, stay for everything else that makes you a better photographer and a smarter business owner.
Travel. Learn. Create.
Step into immersive workshops where travel, photography, and growth come together.
Camargue Escape
Mouriès, France - Sept 2026
Five days in the south of France photographing horses and dogs alongside equine photography legend Shelley Paulson. Yeah, it's as good as it sounds. This one sold out fast, jump on the waitlist so you're first in line next time.
Hair of the Dog Expedition
Galápagos Islands - Jan 2027
Photograph incredible wildlife in the Galapagos alongside Australian pet photography legend Alex Cearns, all while supporting global conservation. Sold out, but pop on the interest list if you want to hear about the next one.
Barktic Circle
Norway. September 2027.
Our next Barkadventure with Nicole Begley, Kaylee Greer, and Charlotte Reeves. Registration opens early summer 2026. This one will likely sell out fast too, so you already know what to do.
Experience you can trust
Master Photographer. Photographic Craftsman. Speaker at Imaging USA, Shutterfest, ClickAWAY, Shutterhound, and more.
I've been in business since 2010, photographed over 1,000 dogs, taught thousands of photographers, and been mentoring since 2015.
This work isn't theoretical, it's built on real experience, real results, and real understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable photography business.
Mark Weber
M.Photog, Cr, M.Artist, CPP
I’ve had the privilege of watching Nicole Begley make a tremendous impact on the professional photography community. She has an exceptional ability to break down marketing and sales into clear, actionable strategies that photographers can confidently implement in their own businesses. Her teaching goes far beyond theory — it’s practical, relevant, and rooted in real-world experience.
Judith Conning
Jude Conning Photography
I've never had the confidence and belief in myself to charge the prices I should and my business had stumbled along for YEARS! The Freedom Focus Formula allowed me to double my prices and II didn't flinch when saying the price and it resulted in a $2,500 + sale! Thank you Nicole.
Rachel McCready
Furtographer
I love Hair of the Dog Academy because Nicole speaks my language. She shows the dirty, tricky, funny, and beautiful side of dog photography. She shoots in real places—spots that look just like the parks and paths many of us have access to—and shows how to make them look magical. That’s something I’ve really taken to heart. I’ve learned to see the magic in a small park or an otherwise unremarkable location.
Rebecca George
Rebecca George Photography
This course didn’t just teach me about commercial pet photography-- it opened up a whole new vision for what my business --and my life-- could look like. Nic and Nicole bring this incredible balance of real-world expertise and genuine encouragement, making even the scariest parts -- like pricing, pitching, and contracts -- feel doable and exciting instead of overwhelming.
Stay Connected!
Get practical tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and resources to help you grow your skills and your business.
Craft. Profit. Purpose.
Educational resources for pet and portrait photographers.
All Welcome Here
Photography is for everyone.
