In this episode, I chat with the wise and wonderful Brooke Schultz — photographer, educator, and creative force behind Heartful Magazine— for a deep dive into the art and evolution of a career in family photography.   Brooke Schultz is a Utah based family photographer + industry educator who helps family photographers create their own unique style instead of mimicking trends. She is the founder of the Love Soaked method for family photographers and her work has been featured by Oprah, Martha Stewart, Kodak, Rangefinder, Parents and more. Her work across mediums from podcasting to music to writing explores what it means to live a wildly creative life in art and everyday living through intention, fun, and ingenuity.   We go through so many topics in today's conversation, but Brooke generously shares how she first discovered lifestyle family photography, what it means to take messy action, and why naivete can be one of your greatest creative assets. We unpack what it means to develop a signature style, why your story and values must be part of your work, and how to balance serving clients with honoring your own artistic fulfillment.   If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, comparison, or feeling like your clients are running the show, this conversation will help you find your footing as both an artist and a leader. It weaves between practical and big-picture in the best of ways.    🗝️ In This Episode How Brooke transitioned from digital weddings to soulful in-home family sessions The power of messy action and why your early “bad” images matter Why your personal story is the foundation of your style The truth behind the phrase “the only sustainable art is selfish” What it means to “set the temperature” and lead sessions with confidence Why being the calm, grounded presence your clients crave is part of your job How personal growth and artistic growth go hand-in-hand   // LINKS MENTIONED //  Connect with Brooke: Website | Instagram        - The Emotive Bootcamp: https://brookebschultz.com/emotivebootcamp        - Heartful Magazine: https://heartful.brookebschultz.com/ Dr. Becky Kennedy — mentioned in connection to “sturdy leadership” Connect with Leah: Website | Instagram         - The Photo Fuel Retreat and Mastermind: https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat

WHAT EVEN IS A MASTERMIND?!In today's episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my upcoming Retreat + Mastermind: what it is, who it’s for, how it works—whether or not it could be your next best yes if you're ready to step into a new chapter of growth for your business and art. We’ll explore: Why doing solo courses and tutorials work great until they don't anymore. How hands-on work and meaningful real-time feedback can create a shift in your work (so you quit memorizing poses and start seeing beauty and opportunity). What the retreat/mastermind includes Who this experience is made for and when you might not be quite ready for it  How this experience is different from other retreats and masterminds in the photography world The common hesitations—“Is it worth it?” “Am I experienced enough?” “How will this fit my life and family?”—and honest answers to each My personal stories from retreats and masterminds in my own career journey and how they shaped me, because I'm not blowing smoke - I know from experience Even if the Photo Fuel Retreat isn't for you right now, this episode is full of insight into next-level education and what it looks like so when you *are* ready to take that step in your career, you know what to look for.  Head to https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat for all the details in and make sure you're on the waitlist for first dibs when spots open later this week (Nov 2025). As always, reach out any time with your feedback or questions via email or IG @leahoconnell.photo to chat about if this next step is right for you.Let’s re-ignite your creative fire, align your business with your life, and make work that fuels your creativity, your art, your business, and your people. //CONNECT WITH LEAHwebsite: https://www.leahoconnell.cominstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo  

This week's Photo Fuel is time to get candid and answer some of your direct questions! From the reality of avoiding burnout (is it even possible?!) to the behind-the-scenes of school photography, I've got some THOUGHTS. We’ll talk about setting yourself up for success in your first years, film vs. digital (gasp) how to handle feedback or rejection when it comes to things like magazine submissions,  and stick around until the end of this episode becaaaaause—I have a big announcement! The very first Photo Fuel Retreat is coming to Virginia in the Spring of 2026!    Whether you’re just starting your family photography business or you’ve been at it for a while and are looking for perspective and some relatable honesty about the industry, this AMA episode has something for you!// LINKS MENTIONED // Episode 5: 6 Shifts that Helped Me Grow My BusinessEpisode 30: My Story - The roots, experience, failures, and inspirations that shaped my photography business + paying it forwardEpisode 42 : 3 Times Photographers Should Shoot for Free + a case for generosity    THE PHOTO FUEL RETREAT & MASTERMIND: https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat

In this episode of Photo Fuel, I’m joined by Michelle Franzetti for a conversation that will knock your socks off, make you laugh, and make you think. It's part marketing lesson, part mindset shift, and all about building a family photography business that actually works in today’s world. Michelle shares how her background in marketing shaped the way she approaches her photography business, and why age-old principles still matter more than any algorithm tweak. We dig into what 2025 requires from small businesses, how to create a marketing plan that’s more than just “share and hope,” and the importance of designing seasons in your marketing so you have rhythm, clarity, excitement, and traction. Michelle talks about why in-person connections are so powerful, even when they aren’t directly related to photography and what the real criteria is for a "successful" gathering.  We talk about: Michelle’s unexpected entry into marketing and how it shapes her business today A simple but timeless take on marketing: be interesting & connect with people What 2025 demands from small businesses (and how to adjust) Why posting and hoping is not a plan—and what’s missing from the equation How marketing seasons can keep you focused and motivated The overlooked magic of in-person connections Why hosting meaningful & FUN gatherings can fuel both your community and your business longevity  This is a thoughtful, energizing conversation for any photographer who wants marketing to feel more human and more effective. // LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE //Connect with Michelle: Website: https://franzettiphotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_franzetti/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Michelle_Franzetti Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/558214206287176 Connect with Leah: Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo Voxer Coaching: https://www.leahoconnell.com/voxer The Firefly Letters (weekly longform newsletter) - https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter

Today's episode is coming in short and sweet with a pep talk / tough love about a trend I've been seeing in the family photography industry. If you've been frustrated about working with families who aren't showing up and looking or acting the way you hoped, you need to take a listen. Have an open mind and humble spirit for this one, friends. We are the vision casters and it's time we set a table that is welcoming.    **Two 1:1 and/or Voxer mentorships open for the last quarter of 2025. If you want extra support in real time through your fall family photography season, learn more about mentoring at https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring   Free Resources for family photographers: https://www.leahoconnell.com/education   // CONNECT WITH LEAH //  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Mentoring: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring  

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Lyndsay McNiff of Lyndsay Hannah Photography. This one’s packed with the kind of perspective that only comes from learning through the doing (for a very long time!) and so much knowledge about creative growth in family photography.   We talk about what it really looks like to fill a calendar season by season—not just chasing bookings, but shaping a business that fits your life. Lyndsay shares so many real-life insights about the early years of running a family photography business, from finding her footing with marketing to figuring out her offers, and how she has grown a reputation and repeatable business in her local area. We also get into ideas around creative evolution—like how your style shifts over time. Lyndsay shares how learning off-camera flash changed the game for her in-home sessions and the horrible session experience story that set the whole thing off. Since then, Lyndsay has also grown from family photography into adding brand photography as well, and working with associates to support her demand. Whenever we're talking about sustainability and growth in family photography, we obviously have to touch on boundaries, too. Lyndsay's tactical perspective on scheduling sessions with flexibily for both her clients and her own family is so insightful and might offer an alternative to the classic advice you've heard before. If you’re somewhere in the middle of building your business—or honestly, just figuring it out season by season—this one’s going to meet you right where you are. // LINKS //Connect with Lyndsay: Website: https://lyndsayhannahphotography.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsayhannahphotography/Off-camera Flash for Beginners Course: https://lyndsayhannahphotography.com/off-camera-flash-for-photographersConnect with Leah: Website: https://www.leahoconnell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell_photoFree Resources: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn

Fall photography season can feel like a whirlwind. Once you're in it, it's full steam ahead. Sure it's typically the most profitable for family photographers, but it can also be the most overwhelming. In this episode, I'm candidly breaking down four common fall pitfalls that can derail your season, plus practical strategies to set yourself up for success.  The four traps we unpack are The Overbooking Trap Forgetting about Marketing  Systems Chaos & Creative Blocks Plus, I won't leave you spinning - this episode wraps with a pre-fall pep talk to remind you are the BOSS. Trusting yourself to make those choices is where the real power lies. Let's prep for fall together by getting ahead of the mess and choosing to be in charge.    // LINKS MENTIONED //Ep 28: 4 Ways to Build Momentum when you're *NOT* busy in the fall The Complete Guide to Flodesk for Family Photographers: https://leahoconnell.com/the-complete-guide-to-flodesk-for-family-photographers/ Try Flodesk for 50% off - https://flodesk.com/c/PHOTOFUEL Try Honeybook: https://share.honeybook.com/leah9738526   Other CRM's options for photographers: Iris Works CloudspotDubsadoSprout Studio Shootproof

In this week’s episode of Photo Fuel, I sit down with Annemie Tonken—photographer, educator, and host of the This Can’t Be That Hard podcast—for a thoughtful, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to run a sustainable photography business in a changing world. This conversation goes beyond productivity hacks or pricing formulas, because while all those logistics are so important, they are secondary to the heart and brains of your business. So today we’re talking about things like how handle discomfort and failure, the parallels between business and parenting, and how to find peace and momentum even when things feel hard. We talk about things like: Addressing risk and ego in entrepreneurship How to push through discomfort without heading toward burnout Finding strength and opportunity amidst market shifts How to raise your prices or shift your editing style with confidence Building predictability in a seasonal or uncertain market How to find peace, empowerment, and creative fuel in tough times // LINKS //  Connect with Annemie: Annemie’s Website: thiscantbethathard.com Revenue on Repeat:  https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/revenue Connect with Leah:  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Education + *NEW* Voxer Coaching https://www.leahoconnell.com/education Join The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter Join the Email List for Photographers - https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn    

We’re now over 50 episodes into the Photo Fuel Podcast, and I’m coming to you from the messy middle with some real talk. In this episode, I’m sharing a big update on the future of the podcast and why I’m choosing to step back from weekly episodes—for now. If you’ve been tuning in regularly, you know I’m all about sustainable business practices and aligning your creative work with your actual life. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own quarter-end reflection around creating educational content and the red flags that have me pausing.  + 5 questions you can add to your own regular checkpoints to make sure you're growing in the right direction.   Whatever your dreams and visions were for the first part of the year, I hope you'll give yourself grace to consider the full picture.      // LINKS MENTIONED //  Episode 6 - The Key Ingredient to your success Episode 8 - Resetting your inspiration when you don't feel like shooting The Shop - https://www.leahoconnell.com/shop Learn Page - https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn // CONNECT WITH LEAH //Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter  

One of the biggest questions that comes up for clients when preparing for their session is "what do I wear?" As the photographer, it's good service to help them with that!  But that doesn't mean you have to become a full-on stylist, stock a client closet, or put them in a cookie cutter formula of "what looks good." Of course, full styling is an option that serves some photographers and clients very well! It's all about your goals and the type of images you're marketing. But if you want to empower your clients to make clothing choices that feel natural and genuine to their actual style and make them feel great just being themselves... this episode is for you.    I'm coming in with 6 tips to help your clients decide what to wear without *TELLING* them what to wear. This episode is quick and actionable to encourage you that providing great customer experience can look a lot of different ways (and so can your clients!).    // LINKS MENTIONED //    connect with Leah: www.leahoconnell.com 1:1 mentoring: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring THE SHOP: https://www.leahoconnell.com/shop IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo        

Extended family sessions can feel like a whole different ballgame compared to standard family shoots—more people, more potential, and more opinions! In this episode, I’m sharing why I actually love extended family sessions and how you can approach them with confidence and creativity. We’ll cover: Why photographing at home makes a difference and how to make it work My philosophy on pricing extended family sessions Balancing posed portraits with candid, natural moments Navigating group dynamics, including when tension arises Activities that help families relax and connect naturally Tips for keeping it fun, intentional, and drama-free Whether you already love extended family sessions or they make you nervous, this episode will give you practical strategies to create beautiful, meaningful images—no matter the size of the group.    // LINKS MENTIONED // THE SHOP: https://leahoconnell.myflodesk.com/wnln59l5yj   Blog posts about extended family sessions: A backyard large extended family session Extended family photos at home with all adults An extended family session at home (with Thanksgiving dinner + backyard baseball!)   // CONNECT WITH LEAH //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com/education Learn for free: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo  

Creating a standout brand and an unforgettable client experience is key to building a thriving photography business, and Christine has mastered both. In this episode, she shares how her bold, playful branding attracts her dream clients and how she ensures stress-free, enjoyable sessions through thoughtful preparation and communication. From detailed prep guides to surprise gifts and heartfelt follow-ups, Christine’s client experience strategies go the extra mile. In this episode she gives us all the details for her process from start to finish.  We also dive into the importance of finding community, trusted mentorship, and staying inspired through playing with your camera just for fun! Whether you're looking to refine your workflow, strengthen client relationships, or elevate your brand, this episode is packed with insights to help you refine your family photography business with purpose.    // CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE //  www.christinedammann.com IG: @christinedammannphotography Christine’s freebie for glowing google reviews: https://christinedammann.com/google-freebie   // OTHER LINKS MENTIONED // Christine's Brand design by Bella Maven: https://bellamavenstudio.com/   // CONNECT WITH LEAH //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com/education Learn for free: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo   COMING SOON - THE SHOP: leahoconnell.com/shop

🎉 Happy One-Year Anniversary to Photo Fuel! 🎉 This week marks a full year since I launched this podcast, and I want to celebrate with a special Q&A episode! I asked my email list to send in their biggest questions—about photography, business, motherhood, and more—and wow, you guys delivered. In this candid, coffee-chat-style episode, I’m answering:📸 How to handle tricky toddlers in family sessions🎤 Behind the scenes of the Reset Conference💡 My biggest accomplishment in business 📱 How to approach social media as a new photographer👩‍👧‍👦 How my business changed after having kids Thank you for being here—this milestone wouldn’t be possible without you! 💛   // Links & Resources Mentioned//📌 Lovesoaked Course (Affiliate)🎧 Free Audio Training: 3 Tips for Endless Posing Variety🎟️ The Reset Conference💬 Book a Free 1:1 Mentoring Call → leahoconnell.com/call📊 Right Track Audits → leahoconnell.com/righttrack Enjoying the podcast? If you’ve been loving Photo Fuel, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts with why you love the show! And always feel free to DM me (@leahoconnell.photo) to let me know what you'd love to see more of on the show in the next year!

Around Black Friday last year, I made a big decision to switch my CRM from Sprout Studio to HoneyBook—a huge move after nearly five years with the same CRM. One of my big goals for Q1 was managing this migration myself, and in this episode, I’m sharing how it’s going so far.  I’ll walk you through:✨ Why I decided to make the switch (and why this isn’t a Sprout Studio takedown!!!)✨ My top three favorite things about HoneyBook as a newbie user✨ What made the transition challenging and what I’m still figuring out✨ Thoughts on HoneyBook’s pricing and features compared to Sprout If you’ve been considering a CRM switch, or if you just want to refine your client experience, this episode is packed with insights! Plus, if you want to try HoneyBook, you can grab 30% off your first year with my link below + in the full show notes.// LINKS MENTIONED // TRY HONEYBOOK: https://share.honeybook.com/leah9738526 TRY PICTIME: https://leahoconnell.pic-time.com/referral TRY SHOWIT: https://showit.com/r/jt922s Grab coffee with me! Schedule a free 20 minute call to talk business and see if/how I can help: https://www.leahoconnell.com/call// CONNECT WITH LEAH //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo  

The client booking call—also known as a discovery call or inquiry call—is one of the most debated steps in the photography client experience. Some photographers swear by it as a way to increase bookings and build trust, while others feel it creates unnecessary barriers. So, do you really need to require a phone call before a client books? In this episode, we’re breaking down:- The pros of booking calls, including stronger client connections, simplified planning, and a high-touch experience.- The cons of booking calls, like scheduling challenges, added barriers for busy clients, and hidden pricing concerns.- Alternatives to phone calls that still create a smooth and aligned client experience—without the hassle. If you’ve ever wondered whether to include (or ditch) phone calls in your workflow, this episode will help you decide what fits best for you and your business!// LINKS MENTIONED //  https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter Honeybook: https://share.honeybook.com/leah9738526 Showit: https://showit.com/r/jt922s // CONNECT WITH LEAH // Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photoFull Show Notes and Written Recap of the Episode: https://leahoconnell.com/should-you-incorporate-a-phone-call-in-your-photography-client-experience/

Your client experience is more than just delivering a beautiful gallery—it’s the foundation of a thriving, relationship-driven photography business. In this episode, we break down the four key stages of client experience: Attracting, Nurturing, Serving, and Continued Connection.   A solid client experience isn't necessarily about extreme high touch details or expensive gifts (it can be, but it doesn't have to - nor do those always make sense!). Whether you're starting from scratch or looking for ways to tweak your processes for more alignment, this episode is packed with both specific examples and overarching ways to think about client experience from a new angle.  // LINKS MENTIONED // THE HOMESTYLE ACCELERATOR : https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle   THE FIREFLY LETTERS: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter   EPISODE 20: 6 unique ways to nurture your family photography clients. https://leahoconnell.com/ep-20-6-ways-to-nurture-your-family-photography-clients/   TRY HONEYBOOK: https://share.honeybook.com/leah9738526      

What happens when you have to rebuild your photography business in a brand-new location? How do you create an intentional client experience that blends your own skills and capacity with your market needs? In this episode, guest Natasha Sewell helps us explore the challenges and strategies of moving a photography business while maintaining (and improving) your client experience. Pivots can be scary and hard, but Natasha shares first hand experience with making it work, and growing even more passionate in the process. We talk about how she shifted her shooting style from posed newborns in studio to lifestyle in-home sessions, re-established her brand in a new market, and refined her process to attract and serve her target people in a new area.  Whether you're planning a move or just want to refine your client experience, this episode is packed with specific examples and ideas about how to create a seamless, sustainable business from wherever you are.    // LINKS MENTIONED // Connect with Natasha: IG: instagram.com/npsphotography Website: npsphotography.comThe Client Experience Blueprint: https://npsphotography.com/the-client-experience-blueprint-waitlistContact Pages That Serve: Create Connection and Confidence: https://npsphotography.com/contact-pages-that-serveThe Focussed Path Retreat: https://npsphotography.com/the-focused-path-retreat/Connect with Leah:  IG: @leahoconnell.photoWebsite: https://www.leahoconnell.com The Homestyle Accelerator Waitlist: https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle

In this episode, I'm tackling a controversial topic: shooting for free. When is it worth it, and how can it benefit your growth as a family photographer? I’ll share three instances where free shoots are a great move, plus, I’ll offer tips for handling free sessions with professionalism, creativity, and control (despite the free price tag). Whether you're just starting out or years into your photography career, this episode will inspire you to rethink the value of generosity and creativity.   // LINKS //  Full show notes: https://www.leahoconnell.com/ Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo Mentoring / book a free discovery call -  https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring  

This week, I'm addressing a question from the Photo Fuel Facebook group about pricing around the common concern -  how do I “convey the value.”    In this episode, we'll address how to structure a package so it feels good in your gut and your wallet, what to include in it and what to leave behind. I’m going to give you 3 main points to consider when thinking about your package structure and setting your pricing, no matter where you are in business. If pricing is giving you a headache and you feel torn between following trends and advice and wrestling with your own ideas among all that, this episode is your next best thing.    // LINKS MENTIONED //  TONIC templates: https://tonicsiteshop.com/showcase/?_showcase_collection=add-on-templates TONIC newsletter: https://tonicsiteshop.com/tonic-vip/ Right Track Audits : https://www.leahoconnell.com/righttrack FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/ Susannah Treadway: https://www.instagram.com/susannahrayephotography/    

In this episode, we’re diving back into my pricing journey and picking up where we left off in Part I. Over the past decade, I’ve experimented with session structures (IPS, virtual, print credits, collections - you name it), along with team fluctuation, revised brand vision, and big mindset shifts. From beginning to scale a team, to navigating 2020, to restructuring again - and navigating having three babies through all of it - I have finally found alignment in pricing and this episode is packed with lessons learned through it all. You’ll hear about: Why my pricing and created a bottleneck for growth and how I overcame confidence hurdles to change it How major life changes pushed me to refine my process. The systems and strategies I implemented to increase revenue while keeping my business lean and family-focused. My recent shift to an all-inclusive model that’s simplified my workflow and delighted my clients. Plus, I’ll share practical takeaways about adapting your pricing to align with your values, avoid client confusion, and create a more sustainable business. If you’re a family photographer wondering how to navigate your own pricing evolution, this one’s for you. // Links & how to connect //  Part 1: History of pricing Part 1  Big picture workbook : https://leahoconnell.com/bigpicture Right track audits: https://leahoconnell.com/righttrack 1:1 mentoring : https://leahoconnell.com/mentoringFind me on instagram @leahoconnell.photo