Episode 59: Messy Action, The Artful Pivot, and Creating from the Inside Out with Brooke Schultz
In this episode of Photo Fuel, a family photography education podcast, I’m joined by the wise and wonderful Brooke Schultz — photographer, educator, and creative force behind Heartful Magazine — for a deep dive into the art and evolution of a career in family photography.
Brooke has built a career that’s as intentional as it is imaginative. She’s a Utah-based family photographer and industry educator who helps photographers create their own unique style instead of mimicking trends. As the founder of the Love Soaked Method, Brooke’s philosophy centers around connection, emotion, and artistry — and her work has been featured by Oprah, Martha Stewart, Kodak, Rangefinder, Parents, and more.
Beyond photography, Brooke’s creativity spills into podcasting, writing, and music — all woven together by a throughline of making motherhood deeply seen.
The Power of Messy Action
Brooke shares how she first discovered lifestyle family photography and why she believes that messy action is essential to developing your photography style.Those early, imperfect images? They matter because of the process even more than the way they turn out.
We talk about the courage it takes to create before you’re ready — and how naïveté can actually be a powerful creative advantage.
Creating From the Inside Out
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is Brooke’s reminder that your personal story and values aren’t distractions from your art, but a powerful source that guides your signature style.
When you create from the inside out, your style naturally becomes more cohesive, intentional, and sustainable. Brooke explains why the phrase “the only sustainable art is selfish” isn’t about ego, but about alignment — making work that lights you up so that you can keep showing up for others with genuine energy and inspiration.
Leading With Confidence and Calm
We talk about what it means to “set the temperature” in your sessions and be the grounded, confident leader your clients are craving. When you show up as a calm, sturdy presence, your families feel safe enough to be real, and that authenticity translates directly into your images.
Your energy sets the tone. The more you’re rooted in yourself, the more natural connection you’ll draw out from your clients.
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Also in this episode:
- How Brooke transitioned from digital weddings to soulful in-home family sessions
- The power of messy action — and why your early “bad” images matter
- Why your personal story is the foundation of your style
- The truth behind the phrase “the only sustainable art is selfish”
- What it means to “set the temperature” and lead sessions with confidence
- Why being the calm, grounded presence your clients crave is part of your job
- How personal growth and artistic growth go hand-in-hand
Photo Fuel is a family photography education podcast that is all about coming back to your creative core and sustainably developing the vision, art, and business you crave.
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// LINKS MENTIONED //
Connect with Brooke
Mentioned in this episode
- Dr. Becky Kennedy — on “sturdy leadership”
Connect with Leah
