Photo Fuel | Family Photography Education

Micro Pivots - You don't need to burn it all down

What if you didn’t need to burn down your photography business to feel better in it?
In this solo episode of Photo Fuel, we'll explore the idea of micro-pivots—small, intentional changes that can bring more clarity, energy, and alignment to your work without rebranding, quitting, or announcing a brand-new niche.
This conversation is for family photographers who still love what they do, but feel a quiet sense of restlessness. Maybe sessions feel heavier than they used to. Maybe your creativity has shifted before your business has caught up. Or maybe you just know something needs to change—but you don’t know what yet.
We talk about:
What micro-pivots are (and what they’re not)
Signs you may be craving a small shift, not a big overhaul
Creative, structural, and offer-based micro-pivots you can try
How to experiment without risking your income or identity
Why sustainable change often happens quietly
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to evolve without starting over, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical ways forward.
 
// LINKS MENTIONED //
 
Episode 61: From Families to Brand Photography with Nicole Hodgson
Episode 59: Messy Action, The Artful Pivot, and Creating from the Inside Out with Brooke Schultz
Episode 56: The Missing LInk to your Photography Marketing with Michelle Franzetti
 
The Micro-Pivots Journalling Workbook : https://leahoconnell.myflodesk.com/pivot
 
// CONNECT // 
Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo
 
 
 

From Families to Brands | How Nicole Hodgson Reinvented Her Photography Business

In this episode, we’re kicking off a short series all about pivoting, evolving, and exploring new creative seasons as a photographer. It’s so easy to stay siloed inside the same family photography conversations, hearing the same strategies and the same voices. But there is so much to learn from photographers who step outside the familiar and build something new.
Today’s guest—Nicole Hodgson—is the perfect guest to kick it off.
Nicole is a former marriage and family therapist turned lifestyle brand photographer based in Northern California. She began her business photographing families, but over time, her sessions started filling with women who were also building businesses of their own. That pattern nudged her toward a new direction, and eventually, a full pivot into brand photography.
In this warm and candid conversation, we talk about:
The early signs that her niche was shifting
The first steps she took to bring a new direction to life
The identity work behind rebuilding a business from the ground up
The honest pros and cons of family photography
How her past career shaped her perspective as an artist and entrepreneur
The confidence it takes to be the face of your brand
The power of journaling for capturing new ideas and having confidence with executing on them
Nicole shares her approach to a new pricing model for brands vs what made sense for her family clients and the financial logic behind marketing to brands versus families—an incredibly helpful lens for anyone curious about expanding their services.
Whether you’re considering brand photography, navigating your own pivot, or just wondering what else is possible in this industry, this episode is a reminder that your identity, your opportunities, and your creativity are bigger than any niche.
// LINKS MENTIONED // 
Rebrand with Maddie Peshong: https://www.maddiepeschong.com/brand-photography
Episode 18: The benefits of being an introverted photographer switching careers, shooting multiple genres, and more with Caitlin Alohilani 
Free Resources for Family Photography Education: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn
 
// CONNECT // 
 
Nicole Hodgson 
Website: www.nicolehodgsonphotography.com
Instagram: @nicolehodgson.photography
 
Leah O'Connell
Website: https://www.leahoconnell.com
Instagram: @leahoconnell.photo
 

My 2025 Photography Business Tech Stack | The Big 4

This episode is releasing on the week of Thanksgiving, which is also a big time for holiday deals and making purchases for your business. This is a short and sweet chat to share my Top 4 Essentials as far as software for running my business. This powerful combo is the nuts and bolts of my marketing, sales, communication and delivery - the tech stack of dreams. 
If you're thinking of upleveling your tooling or getting started with some client experience systems to scale your work, listen in to learn more about what each tool does, why I chose it, how they connect to one another, and what to consider most if you’re shopping for smarter systems this season.
 
// LINKS MENTIONED //
Episode: 25: Navigating Black Friday for family photographersEpisode 31 : Your Black Friday Investment Plan
Episode 46: Why I switched to Honeybook and how it’s going: (on spotify)(on apple podcasts) 
Honeybook referral link: https://share.honeybook.com/leah9738526
Pictime referral link: https://leahoconnell.pic-time.com/referral
Flodesk referral link: https://flodesk.com/c/PHOTOFUEL
Showit referral link: https://showit.com/r/jt922s
The Photo Fuel Retreat & Mastermind: https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat

Messy Action, The Artful Pivot, and Creating from the Inside Out with Brooke Schultz

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?! Inside the Photo Fuel Retreat for Family Photographers

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
 

Back To School Ask Me Anything | Family photography, school photos, burnout, submissions + more

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 
 
School Photography Course Interest : Sign up here
THE PHOTO FUEL RETREAT & MASTERMIND: https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat

The Missing Link to Your Photography Marketing with Michelle Franzetti

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

Set the Table: how to stop expecting your clients to perform for you and make anyone feel welcome

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
 

Strategic, Seasonal Booking and Creative Evolution in Family Photography with Lyndsay McNiff

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

The Four Fall Photography Pitfalls & How to Avoid them, + A Pre-Fall Peptalk

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