Messy Action, The Artful Pivot, and Creating from the Inside Out with Brooke Schultz

In this episode, I chat with 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 Schultz is a Utah based family photographer + industry educator who helps family photographers create their own unique style instead of mimicking trends. She is the founder of the Love Soaked method for family photographers and her work has been featured by Oprah, Martha Stewart, Kodak, Rangefinder, Parents and more. Her work across mediums from podcasting to music to writing explores what it means to live a wildly creative life in art and everyday living through intention, fun, and ingenuity.

 

We go through so many topics in today's conversation, but Brooke generously shares how she first discovered lifestyle family photography, what it means to take messy action, and why naivete can be one of your greatest creative assets. We unpack what it means to develop a signature style, why your story and values must be part of your work, and how to balance serving clients with honoring your own artistic fulfillment.

 

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, comparison, or feeling like your clients are running the show, this conversation will help you find your footing as both an artist and a leader. It weaves between practical and big-picture in the best of ways. 

 

🗝️ 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

 

// LINKS MENTIONED // 

Connect with Brooke: Website | Instagram

       - The Emotive Bootcamp: https://brookebschultz.com/emotivebootcamp

       - Heartful Magazine: https://heartful.brookebschultz.com/

Dr. Becky Kennedy — mentioned in connection to “sturdy leadership”

Connect with Leah: Website | Instagram 

       - The Photo Fuel Retreat and Mastermind: https://www.leahoconnell.com/retreat