Today we’d like to introduce you to Judith Soule.
Hi Judith, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’d love to tell you that I’ve always had a passion for photography and possessed an intrinsic NEED to create magic with my camera… Alas – that would be a lie.
Our story actually starts with desperation.
It was 2009: I was going through a pretty terrible divorce, had two tiny kiddos, and was faced with the question: “how am I going to keep a roof over our heads?”
I was faced with a decision: go get a “real job” and put my kids in daycare 10 hours a day, or find a way to make photography (then, only a hobby) “work”.
I put my nose to the grindstone and decided I was going to try photography.
At that point, I felt like I did not have anything else to lose – so why not give it a go?
I’d love to tell you that it was all unicorns pooping rainbows, and people were just flinging money at me, but that’s not quite how it worked out.
There was a lot of hustle, a lot of long nights, a lot of time away from friends and family.
At that time, I had the mentality that I wasn’t too good for anything.
If an opportunity arose that I was able to take on and get paid to do it – I said yes.
That led to quite a lot of “interesting” opportunities (like being the official photographer for a go-go competition).
But I kept improving my craft and learning about the business and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. I found that I had a knack for business, and that was a big boon in making my business grow.
When I started out, I would take photos of anything that a client was willing to pay me for – whether it was in my wheelhouse or not. But I soon learned that I had a passion for certain types of photography, and in 2011 started narrowing down the types of photography I offered to clients.
In 2012, I was brought on as a photography instructor at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and that has been an incredible experience! I love getting to work with students who have such a passion for photography and learning the craft. One of the best parts of my job is getting to see that “lightbulb” moment where everything connects and they get it!
At the end of the day, I was not successful because I was the best photographer, I attribute my success to the fact that I simply HAD to make it work. My kids were depending on me, and failing was simply not an option.
These days, I am enjoying a well-established business and get to work with some of the best clients ever!
We specialize in creating bright, joyful images for people who don’t like having their picture taken (which, let’s face it – is most of us!). I focus on serving wedding clients, couples, and small business owners and showing the world their magic!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the road is ever smooth for entrepreneurs – especially in the beginning.
One of the most difficult parts in the beginning of my journey was simply not knowing where to start. Back when I began the business, social media wasn’t really a thing – Pinterest and Instagram weren’t even born yet!
The photographic community was very closed, and there were not very many resources available.
Add to that, there were very few help manuals for a mom of small kids to learn how to start her own business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was born and raised here in Virginia Beach, VA and love living in a beach town! Clients know me for my bubbly, over the top personality and know that if we do a beach session, they will come away with some AMAZING sunset colors in the pictures.
One thing that sets me apart from the sea of other photographers is the fact that I can guarantee to get real, genuine smiles out of anyone. There are so many clients who say, “I’m terrible at taking pictures” or “I’m not photogenic” – but then we get them loosened up and having fun and end up creating pure MAGIC together!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success has definitely changed over the years. Currently, my idea of success is having enough money in the bank to be able to do what I want.
But even more importantly, success is having the ability to spend time with the people that matter most and not letting money be a deciding factor in whether we do something or not.
I want to be able to take my little family on trips, make memories together, and experiencing adventures together.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.judithsfreshlook.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshlookphotog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshLookPhotog/
Image Credits:
© Fresh Look Photography
