Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

Love what you do and how you do it.

With equal attention to art and business, I want to help you find clarity, peace, and joy through photographing families (and getting paid to do it).

Want to get started with some deeper learning right away? Click here for my file cabinet of free resources. 

education for family photographers 

LISTEN ON ITUNES

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

WELCOME TO Photo Fuel

Podcast for Family Photographers

Insightful, down-to-earth episodes about the swirl of vision, art, and business in the family photography genre. Between solo teaching and guest interviews, you'll pack your creative toolbox with confidence, skills, and inspiration to fuel your work and your life. 

the

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 as equally 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.

"quiet marketing"





 underground strategies that get you booked without shouting in the void 

Sustainability




building pricing, collections, and workflows built to support your strengths, personality, and lifestyle

In-home lifestyle photography



develop your skills - from the technicalities of lighting and posing to prepping and engaging with clients for relaxed, timeless vibes amidst the unique challenges of home sessions

For those who are ready to get unstuck. 2 90-minute calls over the course of 2 months, + personal Voxer access for whenever the ideas and questions strike. Gain a coach in your pocket to launch a new style, raise your prices, gain confidence, and build towards your dreams.

1:1 Mentoring 

Deep work

An asynchronous way to dip your toe into mentoring.  After sharing where you'd like feedback - your brand presence overall or on specific photo galleries - you'll receive a customized video recording with constructive advice and actions tailored to empower your next steps with confidence.

The Right Track Audit

Mini mentoring

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Each round gathers 6 students for 8 weeks to dig deep on in-home family photography skills, marketing, and crafting an intentional, exciting business. 

A small group coaching container that's equal parts training, workshopping, individual feedback, and community support.

The Homestyle Accelerator

Next Enrollment opens Feb 26th. hop on the waitlist for the next round!

Lydia - Apolo and Ivy

"If you need guidance, whether it's artistic guidance for the actual photography or the business backend, Leah delivers it. You'll feel supported and well cared for throughout your engagement, since communication continues on Voxer between calls (and her responses are really well thought-out, so you know she's not just riffing to check "reply to this person" off her list).

Mentoring with Leah is an experience that will help you not only build and grow your business, but also your self-confidence"

“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."

- Alima

align my workflow with my values, remove unneeded parts of my client experience, and dial in my offerings. I'm excited about gaining the confidence to significantly raise my prices. Since doing so, I've already booked one family session and have leads for two more creative branding sessions! I have much more clarity on the unique value  I offer my clients, and I have a clear marketing focus for each quarter of the next year. 

"Leah helped me look at my business from top to bottom...

- Paige

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

Stay in touch

Choose from a selection of free downloads I've made just for you to support you, from vision casting your business to upleveling your skills in home sessions. And you know the drill - I'll stay connected from there will first updates on new things, podcast episodes, offers, and general virtual encouragement. 

Yes, please