We all have that inner voice—quiet yet powerful—nudging us toward something extraordinary. We can choose to trust its wisdom or retreat to the safety of the familiar, where outcomes are predictable. But true magic lies beyond that voice. By embracing your intuition, you can shatter limiting beliefs, change your life’s course, and achieve more than you ever dreamed. That’s what happened when I picked up my first camera. Today, I want to share how photography shapes personal reflection and public representation through the duality of my life as an entrepreneur and photographer who inspires women to push past discomfort and listen to their inner voice. You can have it all.

How Photography Shapes Personal Reflection and Public Representation My Journey Essay

How It Began

Hi, I’m Judith Hill Levenson. I spent 14 years in economic development, helping to shape the Nashville skyline and promoting the city as a prime location for businesses. While my role was fulfilling, something was missing. I needed an outlet for my creativity and personal growth. At 30, I picked up a camera for the first time, driven by a growing sense that I needed to explore something new.

That small and intuitive spark led me to fall in love with photography. It was through this new passion that I began to see my true value—by capturing and showcasing the value in others. I dedicated my weekends to mastering photography, turning it into a side hustle. For five years, I operated a home studio, gradually building a business from a simple idea into a thriving venture.

Leaving my comfortable corporate job was daunting, but my intuition and newfound passion guided me, helping me move away from my comfort zone slowly. But not all stories have rosy beginnings, and I want to keep it real with you. Straying away from tradition or societal expectations and declaring what you want isn’t always easy. But it's always possible to embrace the badass within you and go for what you want.

How I Overcame My Fears

Transforming from a corporate professional to a full-time portrait photographer was a journey fueled by equal parts fear and passion. Here’s how I faced the duality of my emotions and built a successful business that resonates deeply with my soul and clients. If you’re navigating a similar transition, these insights may help you, too:

Embrace the Call: When something feels like your true calling, explore it, even if fear is a constant companion. Taking that leap of faith can lead to incredible rewards.
Start Small, Dream Big: I began working weekends in a small corner of my townhouse, gradually learning and perfecting my craft. Don’t be discouraged by starting small; every step forward is progress.
Overcome Fear: Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them paralyze you. Use them as motivation to propel you in your desired direction, even if society tries to tell you otherwise. You know yourself better than anyone. Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.
Build Your Brand: I realized I could either be a means to an end with my service or I could build a desirable brand. I chose the latter, creating a luxury brand that reflects my values and fulfills me deeply. Know your target audience and niche and create a business that embodies these values.
Focus on Client Experience: Your brand’s success depends on the experiences you offer. Build a brand that attracts clients and delivers exceptional value, leading to word-of-mouth referrals and outstanding results.
Approach Business Holistically: Integrate your personal values and passion into your business. This authenticity will make your brand stand out and resonate more profoundly with your audience. As a result, the like-know-and-trust factor will shine through naturally.

How I Evolved

As a portrait photographer and creative entrepreneur, I’ve witnessed firsthand how nurturing a passion can lead to extraordinary growth. I started with a simple idea, planted the seed of my dream, and faced obstacles head-on. Over time, this commitment to my craft blossomed into a vibrant expression aligned with my soul’s desires and intuition.

Here’s how you can do the same:

Plant Your Seed: Identify your passion and take that initial step, no matter how small. This might mean starting a side project or exploring new interests.
Overcome Your Fears: Embrace the uncertainty and discomfort that comes with pursuing your dreams. It’s normal to have fears, but facing them is crucial for growth.
Nurture Your Vision: Stay focused on your purpose and the value you want to bring. Cultivate an abundant mindset and let it drive your actions.
Watch Your Passion Bloom: As you grow and refine your approach, you’ll see your efforts paying off. My revenue doubled in the first year and continues to grow by 20-30% annually.
Build Sustainably: Approach your business as a whole person, integrating your values and passions. This creates a brand that’s not only profitable but deeply fulfilling.

Today, I run a full-time studio and am grateful for the courage to follow that inner voice. My story is a testament to the power of listening to your intuition and pursuing your passions. You can transform your life into something truly extraordinary.

That’s why I’m committed to helping others escape burnout, reframe their mindset, and build resilient, sustainable businesses that reflect who they are and what they want for themselves. Whether you’re looking to leave a 9-to-5 job or elevate your life, my goal is to show you the path to a fulfilling, dream-driven life. Let’s lift each other up and make whatever is calling your soul a reality.

Book a free consultation with me (I’ll coach you to receive the magic).

How the Artist and Entrepreneur Converged

Being both an artist and an entrepreneur is about embracing the duality within us—where creativity and business intersect to create something exceptional. As an artist, I find joy in capturing the beauty and essence of others, and as an entrepreneur, I channel that passion into continuing to build a thriving business.

This duality mirrors how photography can change the way we see the world, revealing perspectives we might otherwise miss. Just as I balance these roles, you too can embrace every facet of your identity. You are not confined by any single label; you are a powerful blend of all your passions and pursuits. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a boss, a parent, a business executive, or a creative soul, your potential is boundless.

Remember, you are everything you aspire to be—confident, strong, and unapologetically yourself. Celebrate your individuality and embrace your many roles with pride. Life is meant to be lived fully, celebrated fiercely, and captured beautifully. So, how does photography change the way we see the world? Like life, it allows us to be our own masterpieces, revealing the depth and richness of our true selves. Listen to your voice and embark on your journey.

Also, don’t forget:

Listen to Your Inner Voice: Trust your intuition and follow your passion.
Start with a Plan: Begin with manageable goals and expand as you gain confidence.
Face Fears Head-On: Recognize and confront your fears rather than avoid them.
Build a Strong Brand: Create a brand that reflects your unique identity and values.
Prioritize Client Experience: Focus on delivering exceptional service to encourage referrals.

Photo by Cat Ford-Coates - the day I decided to experience what my clients experience....it's more than the photos, it's self love and healing.

How You Too Can Follow Your Voice

Does this sound like you? You’re an independent high achiever, learning to embrace and value yourself fully. You’re self-aware, self-sufficient, and have no time for drama—whether that means enjoying a solo meal or a solitary happy hour: you're content beating to the rhythm of your own drum. You’re also on a journey to fall in love with yourself, aiming to feel beautiful, confident, and strong in your photos—epic even.

You live on your own terms, striving to be your best and wanting to see yourself at your best. You embody both femininity and strength, refusing to be confined by any box. As an entrepreneur, a boss, a mom, a business executive, an athlete, or an artist, you’re unafraid to indulge in life's pleasures and seize every moment.

If this resonates with you, booking a photoshoot is more than just capturing your image; it's an opportunity to listen to your own voice and celebrate your unique journey. Let's create images that reflect your true essence, showcasing the life you live unapologetically, and illustrating how photography shapes personal reflection and public representation.

“In one picture, you can learn so much about a place, a moment in time, and certainly about a person. Yet, so many people fail to put up a picture of themselves that is, well, "them". Part of that problem is finding the right photographer. It is important to find someone who not only had the eye for their subject but also can dig down and reveal their soul. For me, that person has been and continues to be Judith Hill at Judith Hill Photography in Nashville TN.” — Julie Pinkerton

Let’s walk towards the possible and extraordinary together.

How Photography Shapes Personal Reflection and Public Representation My Journey Essay