Photo Fuel | Family Photography Education

6 Unique Ways to Nurture Your Family Photography Clients

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=leahPhoto 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
 

Back to School Reboot | Business Q&A

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
 

The benefits of being an introverted photographer, switching careers, shooting multiple genres, and more with Caitlin Alohilani 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
 

4 Tips for How to Shoot in Any Home (In-Home Photography Series Part 3)

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
 

What's in my bag (In Home Photography Series Part 2)

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

If you're nervous about light, try this! (In-Home Photography Series Part 1)

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.

Why I Don't Do Fall Minis (+ what works for me instead)

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*
 
 
 

Pursuing a love of art, business, and people with Rachel Larsen Weaver

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

Newsletters : What I learned from One Year of The Firefly Letters

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
 

Discovering what you were created to create with Morgan Williams

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: www.leahoconnell.com
Newsletter / The Firefly Letters: https://www.leahoconnell.com/newsletter
Private FB group for photographers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyphotogs.behindthescenes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo/
Email: leah@lofirefly.com