for lifestyle family photographers
Love what you do and how you do it.
Being a family photographer is about so much more than learning to take pretty pictures. With equal parts art and business, I want to help you find clarity, take action, and have joy in making a living photographing families.
You don't have to do it alone.
I made a pact to myself - (and families everywhere) while my head was stuffed in an Easter bunny costume.
I was standing creepily behind crying kids on a spring-themed backdrop in my mall studio job and knew that if I got the chance, I would do things differently.
I've spent the last 20 years building a business I'm proud of. I love what I do, how I do it, and who I do it for...and that's the gold I want to pass on to you, too.
With a masters degree in education, I’m equally as obsessed with teaching as I am about art. My goal is to help other photographers cut through the clutter and feel on fire about their work all around.
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This 20-minute detailed video walks you through a full family session at home - including tips for what to do when things aren't as expected, how to incorporate meaningful activity, playful prompts, and more.
Get empowered to tackle your next home family session!
Watch me work!
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
how i can help
Trello for photographers
If you're feeling scattered, unorganized, and ready for a system that helps you figure out what you need to do next... this is that system. 1 hour to the clarity and direction you need to thrive.
1:1 Mentoring
The in-depth support to tackle your big blocks and level-up to bring new clarity and excitement to your work as an artist and business owner. Virtual and In-person options!
(mini-course)
the Photo Fuel Podcast
Through stories and interviews tailored to family photographers, we'll tackle topics on skills, mindset, marketing 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)
I feel like we think the same, except Leah's the version of my brain that is already organized. She blows it out of the park everytime. So thankful for this information!"
"This was GOLD.
- Victoria
She is responsive, helpful and super supportive!! She gives action steps for you to actually apply her teachings.
Leah is an amazing teacher -clear and educational, without being overwhelming.
-Jennifer
When leaving your time with Leah, expect to feel motivated with tangible tasks to move forward on. She is a breath of fresh air and will push you to think outside the "mainstream box" on business and photography.
outside the "mainstream" box on business and photography.
Leah is authentic, wise, and honest - she holds nothing back when mentoring her clients and deeply cares.
- Autumn
Right-track audits
A custom video recording with review, advice, and positive reinforcement tailored to empower your next steps with confidence.
Right-track audits
Choose your audit
Portfolio Audit
Step back from the work you're close to and see the gold in yourself you may be missing. Discover your strongest images that are getting buried, get fresh eyes on your messaging, and build momentum on what you've already got going for you.
Gallery Audit
Gain gentle and constructive perspective on your strongest images within up to 2 recent galleries. I'll include culling recommendations and tips, and outside eyes on your unique super powers that are shining through. Your video will include ideas to improve lighting, posing, and direction, but also acknowledge where you're already on the right track.
You'll walk away with confidence in sharing your best work, a more aligned body of images to attract your ideal people, and gentle ideas to refine your future work in the direction of making more art with the same visual strength.
Either way...
Within 1 week, I'll record & send a personalized video for you to watch in your own time (no scheduling required!). You can watch forever as many times as you need amen. Your video will include a custom review, encouragement, and constructive perspective to help you to break through your ceiling and make your next moves with confidence.
Receive your audit video
This gives me some context on your current business + your goals, vision, and hangups. It will help me tailor my feedback to what's most helpful in growing the business you're actually after. You'll also attach your media for me to review.
fill out the intake form
Raise your hand for support and I'll be there with bells on. Use the contact form to let me know which audit you're interested in and I'll reply with a proposal and the steps to book online.
Reach out
how it works
- A bite-sized way to dip your toe into working with a mentor
- Asynchronous feedback (no coordinating complicated schedules!)
- Watch and learn as many times as you need
- Focussed feedback on your imagery - the backbone of it all!
- Open, honest, and gentle feedback with a trusted source (hi, it's me!)
- Completely confidential
Right-track audits | $65
reach out to schedule
Introductory offer
I'm baby farm-to-table sartorial helvetica, migas marfa paleo chambray normcore 8-bit bushwick roof party truffaut banjo actually. YOLO health goth jean shorts forage farm-to-table flannel.
"Think Katie's work is just for women? Think again. I'm a man (obviously), and my business tripled, too!"
tripled his revenue
Joshua
one-on-one Mentoring
You know your camera. You know you love photographing families. You know you want to make this really work... and you're not willing to sacrifice your sanity, personal life, or passion to see it come to life. You've been climbing alone long enough - mentoring can help you level-up and break through to your next best self as an artist and business-owner.
Mentoring for family photographers
You could be ready for mentoring if:
you're drawn to
sessions at home but feel like it's a huge pivot and your clients would never go for it.
You're OVERWHELMED BY
a huge influx of clients in one season (cough, fall) but need your sanity back with better pacing throughout the year
You're NOT SURE HOW TO
build a business that's sustainable and life-giving. You're on track to burnout (or in the thick of it) instead.
You're Confused about
how to reach clients who you really connect with - you're over social media and the quick content grind, but aren't sure how to market without it)
refined workflows that get you working more efficiently and moving in the right direction for your goals
clear vision and direction for your unique purpose, market, and art
peace with a plan for heart-led, personal, direct marketing strategies
confidence shooting with families in any home
THE KIND OF RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT:
- Two 90-minute recorded calls within 90 days
- Written recap/action plan after each call
- Unlimited Voxer support in between calls to troubleshoot, empower, and clarify so you can keep going towards your goals and see real change
Virtual mentoring | 750
Questions? Reach out!
* In-person half-day workshop options are available for those who are close enough to come work together in Charlottesville, VA - reach out for more details on shooting, culling, editing, and planning in-person sounds more your speed!
Let's meet for (virtual) coffee
step 1
Every mentoring relationship starts with a no-strings-attached call to see if we're a good fit and how I can help. 30 minutes on zoom to break the ice and talk shop. I'll answer any questions you have and we'll go from there!
schedule an intro call
The Photo Fuel for family photographers private facebook community
Field your questions and gain like-minded community with other family photographers. Here, I give regular trainings, 5 min portfolio reviews, and more to bring you momentum and support.
- charis
“The mentoring calls I did with Leah were by far the most helpful thing in gaining clarity and focus for my business in the last year”
Free audio lesson
3 Tips for endless natural posing variety in family photos
Extend the life of the poses and prompts you already use and with these go-to techniques to make more interesting, natural photos and have your clients feelin' all the feels!
download
Check out the books I got my hands on in 2022 and the 2023 book list I have on tap ahead.
Blog: My 2023 Book List
A podcast for lifestyle family photographers blending lessons on business, creativity, and capturing the heart of families with soul and skill - join the list for updates!
The Photo Fuel Podcast
Learn from me | free
- Alima
“I was feeling burnt out and discouraged but was too overwhelmed to get started. [leah] laid it all out in such a clear and concise way! So GOOD!
