Leah O'Connell

Charlottesville family photographer

for photographers, podcast

Episode 32: Photographing the holidays and making personal “work” more fun

podcast with tips for photographing the holidays when you're a family photographer
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

How do you find joy in photographing the holidays for your personal memories when your work is as a family photographer? How can you distinguish photographing in your regular life as fun, creative fuel vs obligation or “work?” (even if you love your work!) 

I hear a lot of guilt from photographers around not making photos at home “enough.” In this episode, I want to dispel that and bring back the fun, ease the guilt, and just give a friendly reminder about the big picture. 

Get ready for 5 tips for photographing and honoring your holidays with intention and joy. 

// Timestamps //

00:00:22: Recognizing the blur of personal photography and photography ‘work’

00:01:01: Addressing guilt with not doing “enough”

00:03:12: Reevaluating what makes a photo “worthy”

00:04:00: Disrupting visual influences

00:05:47: Tip 1 – Distinguish personal photography from work

00:06:42: Tip 2 – Name what matters

00:08:09: Tip 3 – Play with different gear

00:12:15: Tip 4 – Try a timed approach

00:13:53: Tip 5 – Be a memory-keeper with other mediums

podcast with tips for photographing the holidays when you're a family photographer

// Links mentioned // 

episode 12 with Rachel Larson Weaver

episode 8: Resetting inspiration in your personal life

Photography and Play – Erin C. Garcia // photographs drawn from the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, https://a.co/d/dBbD8tM 

Jessica Todd Harper’s Here: https://a.co/d/eareauL

Sierra Madre Photography – website | instagram 

Free resources to connect and learn with me: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn

You might also like:

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

Episode 23: How (and why) I Changed My Business Name

Episode 15: If you’re nervous about light, try this! (in home photography series)

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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.