Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

for photographers, podcast

Ep 30: My Story – The roots, experience, failures, & inspirations that shaped my photography business + paying it forward

I'm Leah!

I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys.  A nostalgia nerd, educator, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and having kitchen dance parties. 

Education and articles for family photographers

TOp categories

FAQ's and guidance for stress-free family and newborn sessions 

Essays, letters, favorites

Highlighted family and newborn photography sessions

As the person in your earbuds each week bringing you photography education and industry stories, I felt it was time to give you a little more context. In this episode, I’m sharing about my history and experience getting to this place in my photography business and as an educator.

I don’t have a fancy background or any official qualifications or a wild job history. My photography business has grown slowly and humbly – but maybe that’s exactly the kind of realness you need?  

Failure after failure ultimately revealed something hidden and beautiful – a career that I love, that supports my family, and allows me to live in my purpose of creating light to the world. 

Get ready for a touch of nostalgia as I share about my early inspiration and training in mall portrait studios along with –

  • the setbacks that left me jobless and wandering after college
  • the random people i met along the way who sparked my fire for photography business
  • how I taught myself alongside the mentors and courses I’ve learned from
  • the life circumstances that influence my style with both lifestyle and documentary approaches
  • how I’ve grown my photography business over the course of having 3 babies
  • the plateaus and breakthroughs I’ve experienced in my work
  • what accountability and feedback has done for my business and why I believe it’s the true secret sauce to success

If you’re interested in joining the Homestyle Accelerator small group coaching program for family photographers with a focus on in-home photography and simplified, warm businesses – get on the waitlist at https://leahoconnell.com/homestyle 

Enrollment opens Nov. 25-29, 2024 or until spots are filled!

If enrollment is full or closed, make sure to get on the waitlist for when the next round opens up:

// Other resources mentioned //

Emily lucarez course: https://www.creativelive.com/class/lifestyle-family-photography-emily-lucarz

Kirstin lewis class on Creativelive: https://www.creativelive.com/class/family-photography-creating-a-successful-business-kirsten-lewis

Brooke shultz: https://brookebschultz.com/love-soaked

Rachel Larsen Weaver : https://www.rachellarsenweaver.com/

family photography podcast episode with leah oconnell

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Hi, I'm Leah.
Family photographer, writer, educator.

I’m  one of the first to meet your newborn baby, the one who won't judge your clothes baskets and unmade beds, and the one who can capture the way your husband looks at you with a twinkle in his eye after 12 years of marriage. I believe in honoring people and telling stories.

I believe art has the power to light up the world in dark places, starting at home.