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Leah O'Connell Photography

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Seasonal Booking and Creative Growth in Family Photography with Lyndsay McNiff

I'm Leah!

I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys.  A nostalgia nerd, writer, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and savoring small.

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

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Lyndsay McNiff of Lyndsay Hannah Photography. This one’s packed with the kind of perspective that only comes from learning through the doing (for a very long time!) and so much knowledge about creative growth in family photography.

We talk about what it really looks like to fill a calendar season by season—not just chasing bookings, but shaping a business that fits your life. Lyndsay shares so many real-life insights about the early years of running a family photography business, from finding her footing with marketing to figuring out her offers, and how she has grown a reputation and repeatable business in her local area.

We also get into ideas around creative evolution—like how your style shifts over time. Lyndsay shares how learning off-camera flash changed the game for her in-home sessions and the horrible session experience story that set the whole thing off. Since then, Lyndsay has also grown from family photography into adding brand photography as well, and working with associates to support her demand.

Whenever we’re talking about sustainability and growth in family photography, we obviously have to touch on boundaries, too. Lyndsay’s tactical perspective on scheduling sessions with flexibily for both her clients and her own family is so insightful and might offer an alternative to the classic advice you’ve heard before.

If you’re somewhere in the middle of building your business—or honestly, just figuring it out season by season—this one’s going to meet you right where you are.

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple

// LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE //



Connect with Lyndsay: 
Website: https://lyndsayhannahphotography.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsayhannahphotography/
Off-camera Flash for Beginners Course: https://lyndsayhannahphotography.com/off-camera-flash-for-photographers

Connect with Leah: 

Mentoring: https://www.leahoconnell.com/mentoring
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell_photo
Free Resources: https://www.leahoconnell.com/learn

You may also like:

Episode 82: Growth, Redefining Risk, and Betting on Yourself with Annemie Tonken

Episode 39: My History of Pricing as a Family Photographer

Episode 26: Seasons of Business, Marketing with Intention, & Choosing Education Wisely with Sabrina Gebhardt



Hi, I'm Leah -
lifestyle 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.  My life's work is about honoring people and telling stories.

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

I'm a mom of 3 who loves mornings and words. I rely heavily on black coffee and a sense of humor.

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Essay-style stories from my life on motherhood, creativity, and simple joys + my favorite recommendations and special offers. 

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