Photo Fuel

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

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.photo Full 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.com The Client Experience Blueprint: https://npsphotography.com/the-client-experience-blueprint-waitlist Contact Pages That Serve: Create Connection and Confidence: https://npsphotography.com/contact-pages-that-serve The Focussed Path Retreat: https://npsphotography.com/the-focused-path-retreat/ Connect with Leah:  IG: @leahoconnell.photo Website: 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/mentoring Find me on instagram @leahoconnell.photo  

Here it is - THE PRICING TALK. Since I believe storytelling is one of the best avenues of learning, I'm broaching this with simply my experience - which, let's be honest, after 10+ years in business I've seen and tried just about everything. I'm talking —$50 sessions with CDs in plastic sleeves, IPS out of my tiny starter Hawaii apartment, every combination of session fee + collection model imaginable, and eventually moving to an all-inclusive digital model with print credit and a la carte sales. We're talking numbers, collection details, logistics - so much that this is just Part 1. This episode is packed with real numbers, honest reflections, and plenty of takeaways for you to apply to your own business.Whether you're just starting out or rethinking your pricing strategy, stick around to the end for tips on how to build a pricing model that actually works for you—your style, your life, and your goals.  Next week in part II we'll dive into the past five years, where I made big shifts, grew my family + 2 more kids, and faced new challenges (hello, pandemic) and how pricing changes fit into the scheme of things when developing a life and a business you love.   // LINKS MENTIONED //  Episode 30: MY STORY -  https://leahoconnell.com/ep-30-my-story-the-roots-experience-failures-inspirations-that-shaped-my-photography-business-paying-it-forward/   Homestyle Accelerator Group: https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle The LEARN page with free resources - https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn  Photo Fuel Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/  

In this episode, I'm kicking off a series on pricing and workflow with a short and sweet entry point around setting your mindset for this kind of work. Pricing tends to bring up a lot of fear and questioning and imposter syndrome and I believe this one question - why not? - is the key to getting out of your own way and staying dedicated to curiosity, trial and error, and building the business you're excited to run.    // LINKS MENTIONED //  The big picture workbook: https://www.leahoconnell.com/bigpicture The Homestyle Accelerator: https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle Free resources to learn from me: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn     // CONNECT WITH LEAH //  instagram: @leahoconnell.photo  

Happy new year and welcome to Q1 where it's known in the family photography world as kindof a dead zone for bookings and shoots. For wedding photographers, this it usually the start of a busy season of bookings, but in our world I've noticed that no matter how I slice it, things tend to slow way down.   If you've listened to the last few episodes, you've probably noticed it's been heavy on the reflections and questions so I thought maybe it was time to give you a few answers. Today I'm sharing a behind the scenes peak into my plans and projects for this month.   You'll get the zoomed out look at the tools I use to capture ideas, prioritize them, and choose what's most important next. Then we'll get into specifics with how I'll be spending my time this month and planning on utilizing the slow season as a family photographer well.   //   LINKS DISCUSSED //  Big picture workbook: https://leahoconnell.com/bigpicture Episode 33: My 3-Part Process for EOY Goal Setting and Reflection (*free download for a personal meeting agenda) Trello For Photographers course: https://leahoconnell.com/trello-for-photographers How I use Trello in my business blog post: https://leahoconnell.com/how-i-use-trello-for-my-photography-business-2/ Kat Schmoyer - Trello for Beginners https://katschmoyer.com/productivity-trello-beginners/ The Firefly Letters (my weekly newsletter)  Photographers only email list: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn Homestyle accelerator waitlist: https://leahoconnell.com/homestyle Episode 7 with Morgan Miles: Marketing, Privacy, and Social Media Blog post: Do i need instagram for my photography business?    All my free resources to support you: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn

Wait, this is a family photography podcast - why are you talking about journaling? Writing and photography are so intertwined - they are both practices centered around noticing. I think the best thing you can do to become more tuned-in and capable of noticing is to record and reflect, so whether that's with a camera or a pencil, the goal is the same. Presence, depth, understanding, processing.  The purpose of journaling it to build a habit of noticing, capturing, and valuing the small, mundane moments that can become powerful stories. And stories are fodder for the final product - the transformation we offer others, the ways we connect with people, the way we live our lives.   In this episode, I'm sharing 3 different ways to journal so you can pick a method that suits you best and gives you a new tool to better your artistic toolbox.    // Links mentioned //  The Artists Way by Julia Cameron  My favorite notebook for bullet journaling Video introducing the original form of Bullet Journaling 1:1 Mentoring Storyworthy book Storyworthy video intro

As you're taking some time over the next month to think big and set goals and get down to business on your business, I want propose a temporary pause to think past your gut reactions about what you “need” to do and how you're going to “get back on the horse.”    Not every question is going to pull a thread for you, but the right questions just might lead you down a path of discovery that you've been waiting for. These 3 questions I'm going to pose to you today come straight from my Big Picture Workbook - they're 3 of the 10 questions that I use in that resource to help instigate discovery for your personal direction. Even if you've already downloaded and worked through that, I think these three in particular are worth revisiting regularly.      // Links mentioned //  Episode 33: EOY meeting  Times article about thinking in the shower The Big Picture Workbook 1:1 Mentoring Right Track Audits Group Coaching (The Homestyle Accelerator) Waitlist    

As we're approaching the end of the year, maybe you're looking for a good book to kick back within the new year. So today I'm sharing 5 of the most influential books that have shaped my business, art, and life. Most of them are not even classified as "business books," but somehow, they top the list of books that have shaped the way I do business, how I think, and how I aspire to grow as a person. All of those things influence how I show up with and for people, + the art I create and how I bring it into the world.  // Links mentioned //  Episode 21: 4 simple copy tips to elevate your website Free resources - leahoconnell.com/learn Blog posts with book recommendations:  favorite books of 2023 favorite books for creatives and small business owners my 2024 book list what I read in 2022 and my 2023 book list   Connect with Leah : IG: @leahoconnell.photo Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Free Photo Fuel FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/

It's time to start winding down your business from 2024 and whew, that's an exciting time right? But before you can move onto goal setting and projects, this last month of the year is a beautiful time to take the pulse of your business. It's the imperative FIRST STEP to any kind of planning for the future.    Making time for this process of reflection and study of what the heck actually happened this year in your business - and it can also be really fun, too!    In this episode I'm sharing my process of holding an EOY meeting with myself. I'll take you behind the scenes of that process, the agenda, the questions i ask, and the metrics I tackle - so if you've never done this before you have a place to start and if you have you may find that you can pull some ideas from this to add in or tweak your current process.    // FREE pdf from the episode: GRAB THE MEETING OUTLINE HERE. //   Other links mentioned:  episode 26 with Sabrina Gebhardt RIGHT TRACK AUDITS: https://www.leahoconnell.com/righttrack    

How do you find joy photographing your own holidays when your job is as a family photographer? How can you distinguish photographing in your regular life as fun, creative fuel vs obligation or "work?" (even if you love your work!)  I hear a lot of guilt from photographers around not making photos at home “enough.” So in this episode, I want to dispel that and bring back the fun, ease the guilt, and just give a friendly reminder about the big picture.    Get ready for 5 tips for photographing and honoring your holidays with intention and joy.      // Timestamps //   00:00:22: Recognizing the blur of personal photography and photography 'work' 00:01:01: Addressing guilt with not doing "enough" 00:03:12: Reevaluating what makes a photo "worthy" 00:04:00: Disrupting visual influences 00:05:47: Tip 1 - Distinguish personal photography from work 00:06:42: Tip 2 - Name what matters 00:08:09: Tip 3 - Play with different gear 00:12:15: Tip 4 - Try a timed approach 00:13:53: Tip 5 - Be a memory-keeper with other mediums     // Links mentioned //  episode 12 with Rachel Larson Weaver epsidoe 8: Resetting inspiration in your personal life Photography and Play - Erin C. Garcia // photographs drawn from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, https://a.co/d/dBbD8tM  Jessica Todd Harper's Here: https://a.co/d/eareauL Sierra Madre Photography - website | instagram    Free resources to connect and learn with me: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn  

In this episode, I'm sharing a run-down of the 4 categories of investments that serve as umbrellas for all the things you *could* purchase to support your business growth. 1. Software 2. Brand 3. Gear 4. Education Each has several subcategories, too, so we'll walk through how to determine what will serve your business well AND I'll give you some recommendations to narrow down the scope.   Of course, I also want to share a little more about The Homestyle Accelerator as well because I am so excited about the potential of this program and our conversations to support you in a direct way with the growth of your art and business. Enrollment opens TODAY (Nov. 25 2004) so you can check out all the details and enroll (or get on the waitlist for next time) at https://leahoconnelll.com/homestyle // Links mentioned //  Software:  Honeybook: https://www.honeybook.com Sprout Studio: https://www.sproutstudio.com Pic-time: https://www.pic-time.com Pixieset: https://www.pixieset.com Cloudspot: https://www.cloudspot.io Kartra: https://www.kartra.com Mailchimp: https://www.mailchimp.com Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/O75MQU Brand:  Tonic: https://www.tonic.site Davy and Krista: https://daveyandkrista.com/home Elizabeth McCravey: https://www.elizabethmccravey.com Carly Schematic Design: https://schematicdesign.co/ Greenchair Stories: https://www.greenchairstories.com Moo: https://www.moo.com Gear:  B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com Adorama: https://www.adorama.com KEH: https://www.keh.com (secondhand) MBP: https://www.mbp.com (secondhand) Education: (check out the wonderful offers from these former guests on Photo Fuel) Rachel Larsen Weaver: https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com Morgan Williams: https://morganwilliamsphoto.com/ Sabrina Gebhardt: https://www.sabrinagebhardt.com In person retreat/conference for 2025 The Reset Conference: https://www.theresetconference.com The Homestyle Accelerator! my 6 week small group coaching program - all the details here: https://www.leahoconnell.com/homestyle    

As the person in your earbuds each week bringing you photography education and industry stories, I felt it was time to give you a little more context about my history and experience getting to this place.  I don't have a fancy background or any official qualifications or fancy job history. My business has grown slowly and humbly - but maybe that's exactly the kind of realness you need?   Failure after failure ultimately revealed something hidden and beautiful - a career that I love, that supports my family, and allows me to live in my purpose of creating light to the world.  Get ready for a touch of nostalgia as I share about my early inspiration and training in mall portrait studios along with - the setbacks that left me jobless and wandering after college the random people i met along the way who sparked the fire how I taught myself alongside the mentors and courses I've learned from the life circumstances that influence my style with both lifestyle and documentary approaches how I've grown my business over the course of having 3 babies the plateaus and breakthroughs I've experienced in my work what accountability and feedback has done for my business and why I believe it's the true secret sauce to success   If you're interested in joining the Homestyle Accelerator small group coaching program for family photographers with a focus on in-home photography and simplified, warm businesses - get on the waitlist at https://leahoconnell.com/homestyle  Enrollment opens Nov. 25 through 29 or until spots are filled!   // Other resources mentioned // Emily lucarez course: https://www.creativelive.com/class/lifestyle-family-photography-emily-lucarz Kirstin lewis class on Creativelive: https://www.creativelive.com/class/family-photography-creating-a-successful-business-kirsten-lewis Brooke shultz: https://brookebschultz.com/love-soaked Rachel Larsen Weaver : https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com/  

You likely have passion and excitement to create beautiful photos, but have you ever found yourself working behind the computer and thinking what the heck am I doing? Am I even doing the right thing? Am I doing the things that are actually going to help? Am I completely wasting my time? Today's guest is Lydia Fine, and our conversation circles around this idea of imposter syndrome with a sprinkle of support and the value of education and mentorship. Lydia is actually a student of mine and we've worked together in mentoring several times, so she shares a little bit about that experience and the unique gap that one-to-one mentoring filled for her in her personal and professional growth. Lydia grew up as a farm girl, she earned a marketing degree and an MBA, and she has two kiddos with her husband. She runs Apollo and Ivy Photography focused on families, seniors and newborns. // Topics we discuss // The difference between affirmation in the formal workplace vs entrepreneurship How affirmation and lack thereof affects us (and clients loving their photos isn't the same thing!) The reasons Lydia reached out to me for coaching and how it was the missing link in her growth Different types of education she recommends looking to for specific problems The role of coaching in confidence building through risk assessment The questions that helped Lydia uncover her strengths When it's time to invest in one to one or group coaching and when you're better served with things like courses The value of slow growth How to choose the right coach for you   // CONNECT WITH LYDIA //  Website: www.apolloandivy.com Instagram: @lydia_apolloandivy Lydia's freebies:  How to get clients with google reviews: https://apolloandivy.myflodesk.com/google-reviews The 3 client emails you're not sending yet: https://apolloandivy.myflodesk.com/3-emails Instagram Reel Series: Google Business Profile Tips for Photographers: https://instagram.com/lydia_apolloandivy   // CONNECT WITH LEAH //  Homestyle Accelerator Group Coaching : https://leahoconnell.com/group Leah's website: https://leahoconnell.com Leah on Instagram: @leahoconnell_photo

Whether you're winding down your fall season or you're still in the thick of the season, not *everyone* experiences that "busy fall" photographers like to talk about. Maybe you're reflecting on what this fall looked like for you and instead of being filled with clients sessions, it was kind of stale. Maybe you weren't as busy this fall as you usually are, or you're just getting started and you've never had a busy fall yet. Maybe you've moved to a new city, or you're on maternity leave, or just going through a lull - but when you go to Instagram and you see everyone doing sessions and sharing fall work and editing cues and whatever, it can be discouraging. SO in this episode I'm sharing four things that you can do to capitalize on the fall energy and build momentum, even when your work que is slow.  Through personal stories and advice, we'll create excitement around the slower seasons to use them well with the big picture in mind.      // LINKS DISCUSSED // Ultimate list of freebies : https://leahoconnell.com/learn The Firefly Letters: https://leahoconnell.com/newsletter Episode 5: 6 shifts that helped me grow my photography business

Ever had a heart-stopping moment when you realize your camera is dangling too close to the ocean or you check your camera back 100 times on the way to a session because you irrationally think you forgot all your gear? Or show up to the wrong house?  Or loose images from a session? As a family photographer with over 15 years of experience, I've had my share of irrational fears and horrifying experiences, too. In this episode, I'm candidly sharing not just my personal stories of mishaps and embarrassing moments, but the invaluable lessons learned from these experiences. This spooky season, let's acknowledge that fear is an inherent part of our creative journey and so is facing that sometimes those fears come true. Can you show yourself you'll be alright, even if you mess up? This episode is a humorous twist on the ideas that keep us up at night, and hopefully will lead all of us into feeling a little less alone.    // connect with Leah //  Photo Fuel facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/ https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn (free resources to help you grow) https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring (1:1 mentoring) https://www.leahoconnell.com/group (group coaching + course interest list)

Sabrina Gebhardt is a long time photographer who's made it her mission to coach family photographers through bettering themselves and building thriving photography businesses. Sabrina is doing all kinds of work in the education space for photographers right now, but she is also photographing families and has been for 14 years. In this episode, we talk about -the ebb and flow of business and balance -the art of hustling in a healthy way and keeping that big picture view of the whole year  - the pitfalls of a scarcity mindset during slower seasons  - and continuing education and choosing the container and coach wisely to suit your needs   Sabrina is an expert on this because she's not only participated in all the types of education herself, but she now has created and runs opportunities from free guides, to online courses, to 1:1 mentoring, to small group support, and of course the Root to Rise Retreat and Mastermind.  // connect with Sabrina //  Website: https://www.sabrinagebhardt.com Instagram: @sabrinagebhardtphotography // connect with Leah //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: @leahoconnell.photo The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter 1:1 Mentoring: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring  

Can Black Friday be about more than just superficial discounts? In today's episode, I'm talking through the complexities of Black Friday sales, especially for family photographers looking to maintain their artistic integrity and profitability. Rather than crafting a sale for your services, I want to propose some more creative thinking about how you might use this time of increased buyer attention to set yourself apart in a positive and productive way with 4 specific ideas to get you going (or walk away!). We'll challenge the idea that slashing prices is the only way to engage customers and explore how taking cues from Trader Joe's stable pricing approach might be the game-changer your business needs. // Join our private Facebook group to continue this engaging conversation and prepare for a successful, value-driven black Friday! //    Links:  Episode 12: Newsletters - what I learned from 1 year of The Firefly Letters  1:1 Mentoring : leahoconnell.com/mentoring Course + group coaching wait list : leahoconnell.com/group Free download: Gift certificate template // https://www.leahoconnell.com/gifts Advertising print materials: moo.com Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/  

This episode is airing originally in the fall, and because this podcast is specifically for family photographers, I'm assuming a lot of you are in your busiest part of the year. You're travelling to a lot of shoots. Even if you don't have a ton of work right now, every time you do go to a shoot, it feels especially important. If you are finding yourself in the dead center of tons of editing or in the car going back and forth to client's homes, I want this episode to serve as a tool to recenter.    Whenever you're feeling swirly or like you're running out the door from your own personal whirlwind and you just need something to help plug you back into your purpose, I hope you'll play (or replay!) this episode and discover peace and potential that will rev you up to create a phenomenal experience for the families who've hired you.    // connect with Leah // Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: @leahoconnell.photo Waitlist for the mastermind + retreat: https://www.leahoconnell.com/group The Big Picture Workbook Freebie: https://www.leahoconnll.com/bigpicture    

Have you ever known you needed to make a change for your business but felt scared about what it would cost you?  Have you ever resisted taking risks or making investments or choices that you knew deep down were good choices but felt scary?  That's the backstory of this episode - why I knew it was time to change my business name and how I went about making the shift after 11 years of operating and creating content on the internet under a different name. The history of my longstanding previous name (Firefly Photography) The turning point for feeling the nudge to change it  Making business personal on purpose Simplifying branding by returning to the basics Llogistics about changing a name and implications for things like SEO    // Links discussed // Group Coaching : leahoconnell.com/group Free downloads: leahoconnell.com/learn Fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/  

SEO expert Melissa Arlena is on the show today with her experience and best practices for moving your photography business to a new city, establishing brand presence online with SEO, and ways you can set yourself up for success.    We talk about things like:   How she excels and books as a photographer with a specific, repeatable look Tips to transition your business between states Tweaks to your keyword targeting Changes to how google reads keyword differences How do do keyword research and choose the best ones to get you “found” Tips for how to understand what your target clients are looking for as topic starters for blog content The purpose of local-specific blog posts for seo and client interest Studying and understanding analytics How long you can expect SEO work to take when moving to a new city How we can utilize AI to better utilize our time and tools The future of search behavior   This is a meaty episode - get your pens ready!    // Connect with Melissa:  // Website: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/ SEO facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pictureperfectrankings On instagram: @pictureperfectrankings   // Connect with Leah //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: @leahoconnell.photo The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter    

Something that always comes up in the audits I do, in any mentoring call I've done in the last 2 years, and in conversations all the time with photographers is COPY - specifically, for your family photography website. In this episode, I have four simple copy tips for your family photography website that will take under an hour to tweak. Even though they're simple, they make such a huge difference in your ability to attract and hold the attention of your dream clients and move through your customer journey and into that contact form.    We talk about things like:  The ‘fluff test' What you “about” page is really for  How to use the magic combination of personal vision, your favorite images, and customer feedback to write your website Better calls to action Logistic and design quick tips to support your copy and make sure people actually read it // Links discussed // Right track audits: https://www.leahoconnell.com/righttrack Episode 10 - Website Work: https://leahoconnell.com/ep-10-website-work/ Episode 20- 6 ways to Nurture your Family Photography Clients https://leahoconnell.com/ep-20-6-ways-to-nurture-your-family-photography-clients/ The Big-Picture Workbook: https://www.leahoconnell.com/bigpicture  

You may have heard the concept that keeping a client is always easier than booking a new one - and there's a reason for that! Nurturing your existing family photography clients means making them feel seen and heard beyond the session itself. When you can find unexpected or particularly thoughtful ways to do that, you capitalize on the opportunity to not just build relationship, but to foster relationship that will continue to snowball.  The statistics from current research about nurturing lead generation and conversion are pretty staggering. This is a piece that can't be ignored, but nurturing your family photography clients is actually a really fun way to market and a beautiful way to run a business.  In this episode, I'm sharing 6 things I've done or currently do to nurture family clients and ways you can integrate these or similar ideas into your client nurturing strategy, too - whether you have 2 or 200 of them!    // Links mentioned //  Moo: (postcards for birthdays) https://www.moo.com Sprout Studio: (client galleries) https://www.trysproutstudio.com/?via=leah Photo Fuel Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/ Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/O75MQU The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter Free Audio Training on Posing tips for endless variety (and access to my photographer specific email list) - https://www.leahoconnell.com/posing Interest list for group coaching + retreat: https://www.leahoconnell.com/group Right track audits : https://www.leahoconnell.com/righttrack Article on Lead and Client Nurturing Statistics  

I asked my private facebook community what's got them stuck in business and what problems they're mulling through right now and the responses were so wide. Sometimes just talking through a problem and getting new perspective is the push we need to reimagine and tackle it so in this episode, I'm addressing 4 questions from the group with my take. Sometimes my opinions are counter-cultural to industry standard, but I'm giving it to you straight. We're talking about issues like: How to develop a newsletter people want to read Addressing a crisis of style (documentary vs lifestyle, how to get people to book a different style, etc.)  How to integrate portfolio building into existing sessions Social media's role in marketing as a new photographer and how to book and/or grow without it Whether to include pricing on your website or not ... and all kinds of other nuggets along the way.   If you want to be a part of the FB community and conversations like this along with tons of free video content and training, come join us!   // Links // Ep 12: What I learned from 1 year of the Firefly Letters Ep 5 : 6 shifts that helped me grow my family photography business Ep: 7: Marketing, Privacy, and Social Media with Morgan Miles  My newsletter: The Firefly Letters Newsletter for photographers - leahoconnell.com/posing or leahoconnell.com/walkthrough Photo Fuel Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photofuel/ Group Coaching and Retreat Interest List: https://www.leahoconnell.com/group   // Thank you to the photographers who contributed questions for this episode! // Susannah Raye Photography Kari of  Mack, Micah, and Olly Photography Debbie Camba Photography Sadie Peterson Photography  

Our guest today is Caitlin of Caitlin Alohilani Photography. Caitlin is a family, wedding, and branding photographer based in Los Angeles, California. She was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawai'i, and credits much of her photographic eye, approach, and values to her upbringing in the islands and the eternal “aloha spirit.”  In this episode touch on:  How she made the leap to full time photography out of her OT career How her fearlessness and enthusiasm for the craft early on was a superpower The ways our alternate work paths play into our art and thinking about how broad skills assist this niche career The connection between a therapeutic relationship and the work we do as photographers in connecting with our clients The differences and strengths of introverts as photographers and business owners  How intuition and emotionally regulating people plays a nuanced role in the success of a shoot The blending of a brand through multiple genres What Caitlin learned about business and marketing for photography from her own recent wedding / We also talk about the strengths of being an introvert and she gives some really incredible insight into what it's like to grow a personal brand as an introverted personality   Caitlin recently got married and at the end, she shares some really helpful tips about what she learned from being on the other side of that experience and her insights are things that resonate with all of us!  // Connect with Caitlin // https://www.caitlinalohilani.com https://www.instagram.com/caitlinalohilaniphoto https://www.instagram.com/caitlinalohilanifamilies   // Links discussed // Do Less - Kate Northrup Oura Ring  3 Tips for Endless Posing Variety in Family Sessions Gallery Walkthrough video  Group Coaching waitlist  

I asked in a group once what was everyone's favorite thing about in-home sessions and someone responded with something like - I know this is shallow, but I only like them if they're  a well decorated home, have interesting architecture, or have great light - otherwise not so much.    The truth is that even when you're showing your best and favorite work, you may get hired by people who you don't vibe with. They might have homes that are not your "aesthetic" or are "boring" or "tough." So what happens then? How do you still given them the same vibes that your brand is known for, the same quality images, no matter what?    In this episode, I'm sharing 4 tips to take with you on your in-home sessions to create inspiration and feel inspired even in an uninspiring space.   We touch on:  Why it's important to be able to shoot in diverse environments, even when they're not your favorite. How to find the golden nuggets Ideas for using the outdoors spaces you have available at home How to creativity utilize your angles /// Links mentioned in this episode /// Images from the home renovation session : https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo/  Episode with Rachel Larsen Weaver    Mentoring with Leah: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring Group Coaching Info and Wait list: https://www.leahoconnell.com/group  

In part two of the In Home Photography Series, I'm getting more technical and sharing exactly the gear (and tools!) I use for running my lifestyle family photography business.  Buckle up for a light, fun episode of recommendations and go behind-the-scenes of what it takes to run my business.    /// Links Mentioned /// Gear: Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 lens Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E Brevite backpack (the jumper) Coiro duel camera harness Software:  Sprout Studio - CRM // 20% off first year Trello - project + weekly/monthly planning tool Blog post about how I use trello Mini Trello course Flodesk get 50% off your first year  The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter  Freebie on posing for photographers list: Freebie with gallery walkthrough video for photographers list Wave - bookkeeping Backblaze - cloud backup Adobe - Lightroom + Photoshop for culling + editing Pixellu/Smartslides (starter plan)- creating client slideshows Stripe - payment processing Showit - website + blog // get a month free   Connect with Leah:  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo education: Https://www.leahoconnell.com/education

We're kicking off a series all about in-home family photography and this week, it's all about the one little trick I do that's made all the different with getting more comfortable in a variety of homes.  If you've been nervous about lighting in home settings or the inability to location scout - this one's for you! Links mentioned:  Blog post : "tips for family photos with your dog" - https://leahoconnell.com/tips-for-family-photos-with-your-dog/ BTS of a full gallery walkthrough -  https://leahoconnell.com/walkthrough In-Person Mentoring Sessions: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring Group Coaching Program Waitlist: https://www.leahoconnell.com/group   ///   We're going weekly! (00:00:00) Backstory about in-home family photography and finding your style (00:01:02) Leah shares an experience from a photography retreat, contrasting a beautiful home with a cluttered, colorful one. Finding Inspiration in Different Environments (00:02:03) Discusses how different spaces can inspire photographers and the importance of entering environments with reverence. Addressing Nervousness About Lighting (00:03:01) Leah identifies common fears photographers face regarding lighting in unfamiliar home settings. Preparation leads to Confidence (00:04:00) Stresses the importance of preparation and confidence to combat nerves during in-home shoots. Problem-Solving in to take this further (00:05:13) Since you can't do location scouting in a home, what can you do instead? (00:06:11) Discusses the variability of shooting locations and how preparation can help photographers feel more in control. The Two Gives and an Ask Method (00:07:06) The Secret Trick (00:08:09) Addressing Challenges and Troubleshooting During Shoots (00:11:01) Discusses the unpredictability of shooting conditions and how to adapt to unexpected challenges. Building Rapport with Clients (00:13:59) Emphasizes the importance of relatable communication and breaking down social barriers with clients. Mentoring and Coaching Programs (00:15:45) Details about Leah's in-person mentoring sessions and a future group coaching program for photographers.

Right about now, many of you in the family photography world are probably starting to think about planning and marketing for your fall mini sessions. But do you *have* do them?? I am a family photographer exclusively and I do not offer fall mini sessions. Actually I don't offer mini sessions at all. If you feel stuck hating fall mini sessions because you think you *have* to offer them or need the quick cash, consider this alternative perspective.  Mini sessions can be a great way to get started, get practice, and develop your skills. But at a certain point, you can decide if it's something that's really aligned with your business goals... or not. That's what we're digging into today - My 3 main arguments against doing fall mini sessions and a few ideas for how to supplement your business income or calendar instead.    Links mentioned: QT albums: get 20% off your first order with code FUEL20 or a free studio sample - just reach out and mention Photo Fuel and they'll get you hooked up with your album sample The Big Picture Workbook: https://www.leahoconnell.com/bigpicture Mentoring with Leah : https://leahoconnell.com/mentoring   SIGN UP FOR THE GROUP COACHING WAIT LIST! *coming 2025*      

What a treat in today's episode - we have the legend Rachel Larsen Weaver with us. Rachel is an artist-educator and photographer joyfully living on the Maryland beaches of the Chesapeake Bay. A mother to five and creator of moments, her enthusiasm for details and self-love are infectious, infusing creative sessions with a buoyant reverence for the simplest pleasures. Her portfolio and practice is fat-affirming, mindful, and genuine, focusing on the life and light of clients. Co-founder of NOW, NOW School, and creator of #FindingMyselfInPortraits and the original Long Form Sessions, Rachel travels the country documenting mothers, bodies, and details.   In this episode we cover topics like:  Learning from the things that don't work How to craft your sweet spot offers by listening to what makes you unique  The foundations of Rachel's signature long-form sessions How newsletters support your offers more just than sales Rachel's concept of “all work is personal” Why it's important to have variety with your influences Contentment and growth Seeing people with a loving gaze How seeking presence in your daily life supports your art The courage of curation WOW - it's a packed one!    // connect with Leah //  Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: @leahoconnell_photo The Big Picture Workbook: https://www.leahoconnell.com/bigpicture The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/education   // connect with Rachel //  Website: www.rachellarsenweaver.com Instagram: @rachel.larsen.weaver Rachel's 4x4 - https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com/the-4-x4 Rachel's long-form sessions: https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com/longform

It's pretty well understood that newsletters are a great form of marketing - anyone who's had success with it will tell you that it is, but until you find your voice and your magic sauce with creating one, you're likely to feel some dread around starting one, writing consistent emails, and generally feel a lot of resistance. Like many things in business marketing, it can bring thoughts of “am I being annoying?” or “is anyone even reading this?” or “what's the point.” So if you've felt like this around newsletters at any point, this episode is for you.    In June I reached a personal goal of sending a newsletter every week for one year and through that process of committing to a specific form of consistent marketing, I learned so much and today I want to share some of that with you - we're going to address 7 big takeaways I've gathered from that challenge.   // Try out Flodesk at 50% off with the code: https://flodesk.com/c/O75MQU   // Connect with Leah //   Join the Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo The Big Picture Workbook: https://www.leahoconnell.com/bigpicture  

Developing a family photography business is rarely a straight path. Like most careers, it's likely that there are some steps that are calculated and some that take us completely by surprise. That's what happened to my guest on the show today, the lovely Morgan Williams, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina.   She focusses on in-home photography with families and newborns and teaches other photographers how to create the work they were created to create, but before she could do that for others, she had to figure out how to do it for herself.   In this conversation we talk about how and why she made the switch from almost exclusively photographing weddings to exclusively photographing families and newborns. We also dive into what it's like to build a business while raising babies and I believe that every time an artist that gets a little more real with what that looks like in their own story, the more we all collectively sigh a little relief in camaraderie knowing we are not alone.      Links discussed:  Preserving everyday magic: in-home family photography group coaching program Flourish retreat and mastermind (a 6 month mastermind designed to show you how to discover your unique creative purpose and flourish in all areas of your life!) Lit up course (in-home lighting course) Family posing guide(a guide to creating authentic family imagery)   // Connect with Morgan // Website: morganwilliamsphoto.com Instagram: instagram.com/morganwilliamsphoto Morgan's podcast: Life in Full Frame   // Connect with Leah / / Website: https://www.lofirefly.com Instagram: @fireflyphoto_leah The Big Picture Workbook: https://www.lofirefly.com/bigpicture The Firefly Letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter

If you have “work on my website” on your to-do list for this quarter or this year, today's Photo Fuel is on point for you.  Whether you're looking to improve it, working with a designer, using a template, or DIY-ing the whole darn thing, in this episode we're talking through 2 major mistakes I see photographers (cough, me too!) make when tackling this project and what to do instead to prep yourself for an enjoyable and effective website glow-up.    // Links Mentioned in this episode // Right-track audits: https://www.lofirefly.com/righttrack Showit code for 1 month free: https://account.showit.com/r/firefly // or code firefly at checkout The Big-picture workbook: https://www.lofirefly.com/bigpicture     // connect with Leah //  Website: https://www.lofirefly.com Instagram: @fireflyphoto_leah The Firefly Letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/education  

When DC photographer Mary Catherine Wickman posted on instagram about her fears around being 35 and a family photographer without kids, her followers rallied around her in support, encouragement, and their own stories of relatability. In this episode, we talk about that caption - why she shared it, what happened, and what she (and all of us) can learn from it.    Read the post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AsIgNOcUj/   We also touch on:  The way our vulnerability helps us connect in deeper ways with out clients and other photographers The “age ceiling” in family photography and how we're finding it's a complete myth The sacrifices of going from part time to full time What it's like to look around at what you've built and say ‘this is good.' The value in participating in non-photography-related creative mediums   // CONNECT //  Mary Catherine Wickman : www.marycatherinephotography.com | Instagram: @marycatherinephoto   Leah O'Connell: Website: https://www.lofirefly.com Instagram: @lofirefly.com  The Firefly Letters : https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter The Big picture workbook: https://lofirefly.com/bigpicture    

What do you do when you're being hired to make family photos, but you don't feel like picking up a camera? When you don't feel inspired by making photos of your own family? When you feel tired or bored with life but you're preaching about joy in little moments and soaking up the precious people you love? The natural burnout of parenthood and relationship has a unique way of seeping into our work as family photographers because the two are so closely intertwined. In this episode, I'm going to share 3 things I practice to get re-inspired by my own life - and they have nothing to do with taking pictures.  Ironically, they often lead to an ignited passion for photographing again and a realignment in my personal life with my contentment, delight, and art that spills over into my work.    + ((17:40)) 6 practical experiments *with* your camera that you can try to introduce play and get awake to your love for photographer again.      // Links and sources mentioned // Wildly Creative Life Podcast // When you don't feel like creating anything:  Wildly Creative Life Podcast // Can't find any motivation: Try this instead Book Rec: Do less: A revolutionary approach to managing time and energy for ambitious women    Rachel Larsen Weaver's self portrait guide   Artifact uprising:  15% off orders with code FIREFLYPHOTO15 QT Albums: 20% off first order with code FUEL20   The big picture workbook: https://fireflyphotography.myflodesk.com/bigpicture   // Connect with Leah //   •The Firefly Letters - https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter •Website: https://www.lofirefly.com •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ •Mentoring: https://www.lofirefly.com/education    

Todays episode features a must-listen conversation for every family photographer! Morgan Miles is my guest and not only is she an incredibly talented family photographer, she is a full time marketing professor and studies consumer psychology at San Diego State University where she's been teaching for over a decade. She has incredible insight into the growing trends of marketing in general and how it uniquely applies - at one point she brings up how she can't think of another career that has the same marketing challenges as family photographers, and one of the reasons for that is privacy.   Topics we touch on: Predictions about the future of marketing with client images How AI plays a role in safety concerns The shift with clients requesting privacy on social media Naming your own values and boundaries around sharing personal work and your own family online as part of your marketing Managing consent and client expectations or request for privacy Safety tips for respecting our clients and kids  Ideas for sharing personal work if social media isn't something you want to engage in at all Defining your personal and brand voice with authenticity  The power of education to accelerate your growth   // NOTES + LINKS REFERENCED // Blog post - "Do I need instagram for my photography business?"  Click photo mini classes - Pew Research Article on privacy: SAS survey:  Enzuzo article on privacy statistics   Morgan's bio:  Morgan is a mom to two, a marketing professor, and a lifestyle family photographer based in sunny San Diego, CA. She studied art and photography in college but didn't pick up a camera again until she was pregnant with her first child and has now been in business for four years. She is fascinated by the complexity of the parenthood journey and seeks to capture it in a way that feels both beautiful and authentic. // Connect with Morgan // Website: https://www.morganmilesstudio.com INstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmilesstudio/   // Connect with Leah // The Firefly Letters - https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter Big picture workbook (free) : https://fireflyphotography.myflodesk.com/bigpicture Website: https://www.lofirefly.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ Mentoring: https://www.lofirefly.com/education Private FB group for family photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/   

85% of photographers quit within the first 2 years and a lot of those people don't actually want to quit. I believe there's one key factor that you've gotta have to succeed as a family photographer and it's totally possible or everyone. But it can't be taught and you can't buy it and you can't make it... yet it's the real bones behind your success in this field. In this episode we'll touch on comparison, the real reason why we share our work, and how to build something you're actually proud of.    // NOTES //  Episode 5 - 6 shifts that helped me grow my photography business : https://shorturl.at/bqQSX The Firefly Letters - https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter Lessons in Chemistry TV series - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13911628/ Big picture workbook (free) : https://fireflyphotography.myflodesk.com/bigpicture     // CONNECT WITH LEAH //   Website: https://www.lofirefly.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ Mentoring: https://www.lofirefly.com/education Private FB group for family photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/     

A lot of times, when people share their business origin stories, we get the beginning hardship and grind then fastforward to the end when it all worked out and they have a happy healthy business. But there's a lot of the story that gets skipped and it's important to learn from both the hurdles and the shifts that helped that growth along the way.    In this episode, I'll share the 6 major shifts that have made an impact in the growth of my family photography business over the last decade. Walk away with fresh ideas for an open mindset and avenues that could support and accelerate your ability to love what you do and how you do it.      The Big Picture Workbook (10 prompts for better clarity and direction in your business) https://fireflyphotography.myflodesk.com/bigpicture     Other things mentioned in this episode:  Sprout Studio (get 20% your plan with this link): https://www.trysproutstudio.com/?via=leah Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ The firefly letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter My school photography page: https://www.lofirefly.com/schools Episode 1 : Uncover your miission and values as a family photographer     Connect with Leah: Website: https://www.lofirefly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ Mentoring: https://www.lofirefly.com/education Private FB group for family photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/    

I recently got a question in my private facebook group about investing in your family photography business that I thought was worth pulling apart a little -   "How do you know what to invest in and if you can/should? Might be a question for a CPA but haven't gotten to that level quite yet…Especially for newbies who aren't making a profit yet, investment in business is scary and a bit guilty feeling...at least for me"   This episode will talk about how "spend money to make money" doesn't quite cover the elephant in the room when it comes to investing as solo-preneurs. Look for insights on:  -what to invest in aka types of education like online vs in-person, gear and tools, etc. -when to invest -how to gain confidence when investing -the real cost of not investing in your business if you're serious about it.      Connect with Leah:  Website: www.lofirefly.com Newsletter / The Firefly Letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter Private FB group for photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ Email: leah@lofirefly.com    

As a family photographer, it's pretty common to have a standard checklist running through our heads of the “must-have shots.” It might be something - each parent with each kid, kids together, individuals, etc... Those baseline must-haves are important, but how do we go deeper? I'm proposing a part 2 to the basic session checklists as a way to take it up a notch. If you're bored with the same old shots or are looking for a way to feel more creative while you're in a session, this is for you!   Mentioned in this episode:  Helen Keller's article in the Hong Kong Standard: https://shorturl.at/BQZ37   Connect with Leah:  Website: www.lofirefly.com Newsletter / The Firefly Letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter Private FB group for photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/ Email: leah@lofirefly.com  

What's the point? Why do you want to photograph families? What is the driving factor keeping you in this work? What keeps you coming back when it's hard and you want to quit?  In this episode, we'll talk about - why it's important to define your values - how it can help you influence decision-making  - a helpful exercise to drill down into what really matters and how you can use that knowledge to fuel more *fun* and excitement in all areas of your business   Mentioned in this episode:  Origins of The 5 Whys Concept: https://www.mindtools.com/a3mi00v/5-whys The Firefly Letters: https://www.lofirefly.com/newsletter   Mentoring with Leah : https://www.lofirefly.com/education   Connect with Leah: Website: https://www.lofirefly.com   IG: https://www.instagram.com/fireflyphoto_leah/   Private FB group for family photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/