Photo Fuel | The Vision, Art, and Business of Family Photography

Leah O’Connell
  • 4.8 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is a podcast specifically for family photographers all about the swirl of vision, art, and business. Through stories, interviews, and nearly 20 years of experience in the family photography industry, host Leah O’Connell will help pack your creative toolbox and build confidence to fuel your sessions, your business, and your life. We’ll tackle family photography education with topics around the logistics and the skills, along with mindset, marketing with alignment, and more. This podcast will help you fan your own flame towards doing more of what you love and loving how you do it. Free, full, and fun family photography education every Monday - grab your Photo Fuel and let’s get creating.

  1. APR 13

    Thoughtful growth & the power of mentoring with Lydia Fine

    Have you ever wondered what working with a mentor actually looks and feels like over time? Lydia Fine is back as our first-ever returning guest. She's a purposely part-time photographer with a full-time marketing career and two kids, and over the past few years she and I have worked together across just about every format. In this episode, she breaks down exactly what that journey has looked like: the doubts going in, the breakthrough that changed how she thought about her business, the numbers, and what it's meant for her life outside the business. We also get into the harder questions — when someone is actually ready for mentoring, how to choose the right person, and what you have to be willing to bring to it. Lydia now mentors other photographers herself, specifically around systems and marketing strategies for part-time photographers, so her perspective comes from sitting on both sides of the table.   Find It Quickly: 2:30 - Where Lydia started: lack of confidence, scared to raise prices, feeling alone in decision-making 7:00 - The first doubt: was mentoring worth the cost if she was just making $15k a year? 9:00 - The 2024 breakthrough: you don't have to compete on photos alone 15:00 - How she helped me form my Voxer coaching package around making micro decisions and the in-between moments 21:00 - "Like a therapist for my business" 26:00 - The numbers: revenue doubled, then grew another 50% 30:00 - From $300 sessions to $1,025 to $1,850 (and her first $2k+ booking) 33:00 - When is someone ready for mentoring? 38:00 - How to choose the right mentor — and what to avoid 43:00 - Intentional rest, boundaries, and how support has helped her be a more present parent Mentioned in this Episode: PhotoFuel Retreat & Mastermind: www.leahoconnell.com/retreat 1:1 Mentoring: leahoconnell.com/education Illuminate Courses: illuminateclasses.com Connect with Lydia: Photography Instagram: @lydia_apolloandivy Education Instagram: lydiafine_forphotographers Mentoring with Lydia: https://www.apolloandivy.com/for-photographers/photography-business-mentor/

    36 min

  2. MAR 30

    Stop Posing, Start Playing

    The last thing you as a photographer want is for your family photo sessions to feel stiff or overly posed. That's why I believe in exploring the idea of creative play inside your sessions. We just hosted the very first Photo Fuel Retreat and Mastermind, where we got to do exactly that. We not only found ways to bring more of each photographer into their businesses, but we also got to play with how they can break through the technicality of our work and bring more honesty and personality into it. That's what creates beautiful images for your families. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to move beyond rigid posing and into something more alive and collaborative. Listen in as I share how curiosity (both about yourself and your clients) can completely transform the energy of your work.   Ready to reconnect with why you started and fall back in love with your business? The Photo Fuel Retreat is an intimate, in-person experience designed for family photographers who care deeply about storytelling, sustainability, and doing work that actually feels good. Think of it as your space to slow down, think deeply, and build real connection—with your craft, your values, and a small circle of like-minded creatives. Join the Waitlist: leahoconnell.com/retreat   Find It Quickly: 1:29 - Why Sessions Feel Stiff 3:28 - Curiosity Over Perfection 6:10 - Curiosity with Yourself 7:09 - Breathe and Notice 10:36 - Curiosity With Your Subjects 13:37 - Trust the Unscripted 15:50 - Practice and Experiment   Mentioned in this Episode: The Photo Fuel Retreat: leahoconnell.com/retreat

    20 min

  3. MAR 16

    Why I Started a Retreat for Family Photographers—The Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind

    What if the next step in scaling your business isn’t just about adding something new, but about building something that finally matches what you’ve believed all along? For a long time, I thought being a photography educator meant I needed a shop full of templates, mini-courses, and downloadable resources. While I've found that courses and digital products have their place, what I was longing for in my educational offerings went deeper. It needed real, in-person connection: Enter the Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind. In this episode, I’m sharing how Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind became what it is today (and all the iterations that led to it). Listen in to hear how I started my educational offerings with digital products and found my way to building an in-person, immersive experience for family photographers who want real transformation, not just more information.   Find It Quickly 01:06 - Digital Products Felt Shallow 01:55 - Mentoring to Group Coaching Lessons 03:55 - Retreat Idea Takes Shape 06:13 - The Seed Planted Years Ago 07:26 - A Retreat That Changed Me 09:30 - Why Online Learning Falls Short 13:09 - Designing the MVP Retreat 14:30 - No Styled Shoots Real Sessions 17:20 - Community Over Competition 18:54 - Slow Impact Over Scaling   Mentioned in this Episode: Join The Photo Fuel Retreat Waitllist: leahoconnell.com/schools-waitlist  Brooke Schultz's Love Soaked Retreat: brookebschultz.com/love-soaked Ep 18 with Caitlin Alohilani Photography: leahoconnell.com/photo-fuel-episode-18-the-benefits-of-being-an-introverted-photographer-switching-careers-shooting-multiple-genres-and-more-with-caitlin-alohilani-photography/ Episode 9 with Mary Catherine Wickman: leahoconnell.com/connecting-with-clients-by-owning-your-story-photo-fuel-ep-09/

    23 min

  4. MAR 2

    How to Break Through a Growth Plateau in Your Photography Business

    Have you ever looked at your work and thought, This is fine… but something feels off? In this episode, I’m talking about the sneaky middle season no one prepares you for—the growth plateau. It’s not burnout or failure. You’re seeing success, booking clients, and producing solid work. Deep down, though, you know what got you here isn’t going to get you there - wherever there may be for you. I’ve been hearing this over and over in mentoring conversations lately. Photographers who feel bored, invisible, resentful about pricing, creatively flat, or just quietly craving something more—but they can’t quite name it. Listen in as we explore what might be holding you back.   Ready to reconnect with why you started and fall back in love with your business? The Photo Fuel Retreat is an intimate, in-person experience designed for family photographers who care deeply about storytelling, sustainability, and doing work that actually feels good. Think of it as your space to slow down, think deeply, and build real connection—with your craft, your values, and a small circle of like-minded creatives. Join the Waitlist: leahoconnell.com/retreat   Find It Quickly: 00:26 - The Sneaky Middle: Understanding the Growth Plateau 03:21 - Signs You’re on a Plateau 07:29 - Plateaus as Transition Points: Steady Seasons vs. It’s Time to Change 09:56 - Breaking Through: Better Questions, Discomfort, and Taking Creative Risks 13:35 - Self-Coaching Prompts: Find What’s Boring, Safe, and What You’re Avoiding 16:37 - Why Support Systems Matter 21:00 - The Retreat Details   Mentioned in this Episode: The Photo Fuel Retreat: leahoconnell.com/retreat

    26 min

  5. FEB 16

    Kids Photography Camps, School Photos, and Creative Offers to Support Your Business with Rebecca Hunnicutt

    Building a photography business doesn’t always mean choosing just one lane and staying there forever. For many photographers, the most sustainable paths are layered, seasonal, and shaped by the realities of life. That’s exactly the story of my guest today, Rebecca Hunnicutt, a lifestyle family photographer based in Portland, Oregon. Rebecca and I first connected in real life at Reset Conference, and in this conversation we dive into the many branches of her work—from family photography to school photography to teaching both photographers and kids. We talk about how school photography became not just a revenue stream, but a strategic and sustainable foundation that supports her family work, and what it really looks like to juggle multiple niches.   Make School Photos a Part of Your Photography Business If you've been thinking about adding school photography to your offerings, the Picture Day course is exactly what you need. Learn how to market, book, photograph, and deliver outdoor school photography for local daycares and schools to fuel your family photography business and boost your income. Join the Waitlist: leahoconnell.com/schools-waitlist   Find It Quickly: 01:53 - Meet Rebecca Hunnicutt 03:02 - Rebecca's Photography Journey 04:22 - The Intersection of Family and School Photography 06:54 - Teaching Photography to Kids 08:49 - Challenges and Rewards of Photography Camps 10:49 - Balancing Multiple Photography Ventures 15:08 - The Importance of Seeing Differently 18:59 - Exploring New Ideas for Photography Courses 20:10 - Balancing Multiple Business Angles 20:58 - Challenges of Managing School Photography 23:06 - Streamlining Family Photography Operations 26:58 - Innovative Customer Service Solutions 29:57 - Future Goals and Personal Motivation 30:42 - The Joy of Travel Photography 33:36 - Creative Solutions for Business and Personal Life   Mentioned in this Episode: Photo Fuel Retreat Waitlist: leahoconnell.com/retreat School Photography Course Waitlist: leahoconnell.com/schools-waitlist Airtable: airtable.com Photography Education: elenasblair.com   Connect with Rebecca Website: hunnicuttphotography.com Instagram: instagram.com/rebecca.hunnicutt.photography Instagram: instagram.com/rebecca.hunnicutt.education

    36 min

  6. FEB 2

    Analog Marketing for Family Photographers

    If you have ever felt overwhelmed by how loud and crowded it feels online with the constant posting, optimizing, and trying to stay visible, you are not alone. Over the past few years, I have found myself quietly moving toward something slower, more personal, and more sustainable: analog marketing. This shift started with my newsletter, The Firefly Letters. It became a space where I could be more honest, more thoughtful, and more myself than anywhere else online. That small decision to write more intimately led to something bigger: a deeper interest in creating real, human connections that extend beyond the screen. That's when I made the shift from marketing as a performance to marketing with intent. In today's episode, I'm sharing how I've gone analog in my business and what that looks like for this year. Listen in as I highlight a few ways you can incorporate analog marketing into your own business!   A Creative Reset for Family Photographers Ready to reconnect with why you started and fall back in love with your business? The Photo Fuel Retreat is an intimate, in-person experience designed for family photographers who care deeply about storytelling, sustainability, and doing work that actually feels good. Think of it as your space to slow down, think deeply, and build real connection—with your craft, your values, and a small circle of like-minded creatives. Join the Waitlist: https://leahoconnell.com/retreat   Find It Quickly: 01:37 - Embracing Analog Methods in Marketing 04:22 - Introduction to Photo Fuel 04:47 - Analog Marketing Method 1: Snail Mail 08:41 - Analog Marketing Method 2: Hosting Local Gatherings 17:10 - Analog Marketing Method 3: Outdoor School Photography 20:08 - Analog Marketing Method 4: In-Person Education Retreats   Mentioned in this Episode: Photo Fuel Retreat Waitlist: https://leahoconnell.com/retreat School Photography Course Waitlist: https://leahoconnell.com/schools-waitlist The Firefly Newsletter: https://leahoconnell.com/newsletter Free Resources: https://leahoconnell.com/learn   Connect with Leah Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo

    28 min

  7. JAN 19

    Your Prices Aren’t the Problem (It’s Just January)

    Does your quiet January inbox have you spiraling about your prices? You’re not alone. This time of year has a way of bringing out the darkest corners of our business fears.  Questions like, “Did I price myself out of my market?” or “Will I ever get inquiries again?” swirl in the silence of a post-holiday lull. If we can learn to spot the pattern, we can break the cycle and make better decisions for the long game.   Get Clear on Your Big Picture: If you’re feeling swirly about your business right now, it’s probably not because you need a new strategy—it’s because you haven’t slowed down enough to see the big picture. The Big Picture Workbook walks you through 10 thoughtful prompts to help you zoom out, get clear on your direction, and make confident decisions as a family photographer. You can print it or journal digitally and revisit it anytime you need grounding. Download Now: https://leahoconnell.com/bigpicture   Find It Quickly: 00:24 - Understanding Pricing Anxiety 02:25 - Seasonal Nature of Family Photography 04:34 - Data-Driven Decision Making 11:59 - Client Communication and Feedback 15:50 - Financial Strategies and Adjustments 20:30 - Mentoring and Support Options   Mentioned in this Episode: Big Picture Workbook: https://leahoconnell.com/bigpicture Photographers-Only Email List: https://leahoconnell.com/newsletter Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind Waitlist: https://leahoconnell.com/retreat Voxer Coaching: https://leahoconnell.com/voxer   Connect with Leah Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo

    24 min

  8. JAN 5

    One Step at a Time: Curiosity, Generosity, and the Creative Life with Dave Herring of VeryGood Co.

    Dave Herring is a photographer, educator, and founder of Very Good CO. He’s also a creative nomad and a long time friend. In this episode of Photo Fuel, I chat with Dave about how curiosity led him to a whole new career as a photographer and educator. From leaving the East Coast and relocating his family to California with no concrete plan, to working with brands like Leica and Hasselblad, Dave shares how paying attention to what felt meaningful—and staying generous along the way—shaped his career and a life that supports his ultimate measure of success: being in charge of his time. We talk about blending past experience into creative work and how free content and generosity have become foundational to his business. This conversation is packed with stories that will inspire you and leave you feeling hopeful for all that’s possible. Even though Dave is primarily a landscape photographer, this episode offers new perspective we all need on the value of metrics, making decisions in your business, and what it really means to make art your work—one thoughtful step at a time.   // LINKS MENTIONED // Blog Post: "Generosity changed everything:" https://dave.online/writings/how-generosity-changed-everything Very Good CO: shopverygood.com Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/ STEPHEN SHORE Photo books: Stephen Shore by STEPHEN SHORE - Book: 9781633450486 | Rizzoli Bookstore // CONNECT WITH DAVE //  Dave’s youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidherring DAVE’S WEBSITE: Dave.online // CONNECT WITH LEAH // Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo

    37 min
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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

This is a podcast specifically for family photographers all about the swirl of vision, art, and business. Through stories, interviews, and nearly 20 years of experience in the family photography industry, host Leah O’Connell will help pack your creative toolbox and build confidence to fuel your sessions, your business, and your life. We’ll tackle family photography education with topics around the logistics and the skills, along with mindset, marketing with alignment, and more. This podcast will help you fan your own flame towards doing more of what you love and loving how you do it. Free, full, and fun family photography education every Monday - grab your Photo Fuel and let’s get creating.

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