We were lucky to catch up with Debbie Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been able to earn a full-time living since 2018 from my photography work, but it was definitely a journey, and it didn’t happen overnight. When I first started, I was juggling photography alongside a full-time state job for 8 years.

The turning point came when I realized that photography families, kids, and babies wasn’t resonating with me anymore and I realized that I LOVED photography just 1 woman. I realized I wasn’t just taking photos of her; I was helping women over 40 rediscover their confidence and see their worth reflected back at them.

One of the biggest milestones was launching the 40 Over 40 Movement. It gave me purpose and a clear audience to serve.
It’s been a beautiful journey, full of lessons and growth, and now I get to do what I love every day—empowering women through photography and celebrating their unique beauty.

Debbie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi there! My name is Debbie, and I’m a women’s empowerment photographer based in Christiansburg, Virginia. I specialize in photographing women over 40, with a focus on helping them rediscover their confidence, embrace their beauty, and celebrate themselves through transformational photoshoots and color analysis. My work is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated, no matter her age, shape, or size.

When I got my first big camera in 2009, I started photographing anything and everything. People would ask me to capture their families, kids, newborn babies, and high school seniors. I never dreamed it would turn into a business.

Over time, I began to notice how many women, especially those over 40, struggled to see themselves in a positive light. That realization inspired me to focus on posing women in ways that made them feel confident and beautiful, and everything changed. The women I photographed would light up when they saw their pictures. They’d say things like, ‘This is the first time I’ve felt beautiful in photos!’

Hearing those words changed everything for me. From that moment on, I’ve been passionate about showing women they are worthy and already beautiful. With the right posing, lighting, and a little encouragement, I aim to help every woman I photograph see the best version of herself.

The heart of what I do is the 40 Over 40 Movement, a transformational experience featuring women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. It’s more than just a photoshoot; it’s an opportunity for women to tell their stories, step out of their comfort zones, and finally see themselves the way their loved ones see them.

What sets me apart is the level of comfort and empathy I bring to every session. I know that many of my clients feel nervous about being photographed—they worry about looking awkward, stiff, or highlighting perceived flaws. I guide them every step of the way, from a custom Color Analysis, wardrobe planning, and flattering posing that celebrates their unique beauty. I create a safe, judgment-free space where they feel supported, pampered, and empowered.

One of the things I’m most proud of is hearing clients say things like, “You captured my ME!”. Knowing I’ve helped someone see themselves in a new, positive way is what drives me every day.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The core mission driving my creative journey is to empower women over 40 to rediscover their confidence, embrace their unique beauty, and celebrate themselves unapologetically. Through my work as a photographer, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where women can let go of self-doubt and see themselves through a lens of love and appreciation.

So many women spend years behind the camera, avoiding it because they don’t feel photogenic or worry about their perceived flaws. My goal is to change that narrative. I want every woman who steps into my studio to leave feeling seen, valued, and radiant—perhaps in a way she’s never experienced before.

It’s not just about taking beautiful photos (although that’s part of it); it’s about the transformation that happens during the process. It’s the moment she looks at herself in the mirror after being pampered and styled and says, “Wow, is that me?” It’s hearing her share her story with pride and seeing her carry that renewed confidence into her personal and professional life.

At the heart of it all, my mission is to remind women that they’re already enough, just as they are, and to give them tangible proof of that through stunning, empowering portraits.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A big lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that running a business, especially a photography business, has to fit into a 9-5, Monday-through-Friday structure. Early on, I thought that success meant having a rigid schedule and steady, predictable income, just like a traditional job. But owning a creative business, especially photography, isn’t like that—it has its highs and lows, its ebbs and flows, and it can really play with your emotions.

There were definitely days when I questioned myself and even thought about quitting and going back to my old job because things felt tough. The uncertainty and the pressure to always perform can be overwhelming. But over time, I realized that my worth isn’t tied to how much money I make or how much work I can pack into a week. I came to understand that my value comes from the impact I have on others—the way I help women see their own beauty and embrace their confidence through the photos I capture.

I sought counseling and hired coaches to help me navigate this journey, and those resources have been invaluable. I’ve learned that my business doesn’t define my self-worth. There will always be ups and downs, but as long as I stay true to my purpose—helping women feel beautiful, empowered, and seen in their photos—that’s where my fulfillment lies.

Even on tough days, I now know I can’t go back to a 9-5 because doing so would mean not fulfilling my true calling. I wouldn’t be doing what I love or serving the women who need my work most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fiftylovephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiftylovephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiftylovephotography

Image Credits

FiftyLove Photography