Today we’d like to introduce you to Linsey Hess.
Hi Linsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into photography began in 2012 after the birth of my daughter. Like many new parents, I found myself documenting every little moment of her life, and somewhere along the way, I discovered a true passion for storytelling through images. My husband at the time encouraged me to invest in a “real” camera, and that decision opened a door I never expected.
I began learning everything I could and had the opportunity to study under an incredible East Tennessee photographer, Kristy Vest, who helped me grow both creatively and technically. Soon after, I made the decision to officially create my LLC and began taking on small photography sessions. Those sessions eventually grew into weddings, which became my greatest passion.
Early in my journey, I also had the opportunity to work with another entrepreneur, Whitney Rife of The Retail Therapist, photographing clothing and content for her retail business. Watching her build a successful brand showed me the power of entrepreneurship and helped shape the way I viewed my own creative business.
After my divorce, I stepped away from photography for several years. From 2018–2020, my camera stayed mostly packed away while I focused on other parts of my life. Then COVID happened, and it changed my perspective in many ways. It also gave me the push to finally take a leap I had been considering for years.
After 12 years as a teacher, I made the difficult decision to leave my career and pursue photography full time. It was a risk, and many people questioned the decision, but it turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made. As the world began opening back up, people were eager to reconnect, celebrate milestones, and create memories again — and my business grew.
In 2023, I decided it was time to invest even more deeply into my dream. I cashed out my teaching retirement and used that investment to build a professional website and elevate my brand. That year became a turning point. My business grew tremendously, and I earned nearly $50,000 in rural Appalachia — more than I had ever earned as a teacher.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients and organizations, including Ballad Health hospitals, YES! Magazine in New York City, and many others. I’m incredibly proud that I’ve been able to build a successful creative business while staying rooted in Appalachia.
This region has shaped my work in countless ways. Appalachia is rich with history, resilience, beauty, and stories — and I believe that comes through in my photography. I’m passionate about capturing people as they truly are: their connections, their milestones, and the moments that become part of their family history.
Today, I continue to photograph weddings and sessions on a limited basis, allowing me to be intentional with my work. I love what I do more than ever, and I’m grateful that a passion I discovered through my daughter grew into a business that has allowed me to create a life I’m proud of.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while building my business was balancing motherhood, a full-time career, and entrepreneurship during some of the hardest seasons of my life.
After my divorce, I became a single mother while continuing to work full time as a teacher and trying to grow my photography business on the side. There were many seasons where I was stretched thin, learning how to manage my responsibilities while still pursuing something I truly loved.
During that time, I also experienced a difficult personal relationship that challenged me in ways I never expected. It was a season that forced me to rediscover my own strength, independence, and the importance of building something that was truly mine.
Looking back, those challenges became some of the greatest catalysts for my growth. My photography business became more than just a creative outlet — it became a source of stability, confidence, and a way to create a better future for my daughter and myself.
The hardships I experienced pushed me to work harder, believe in myself, and take ownership of my dreams. When I eventually made the decision to pursue photography full time, I wasn’t just building a business — I was building a life I had worked incredibly hard for.
Being rooted in Appalachia has also shaped that journey. This region has taught me the value of perseverance, community, and telling honest stories. Those same qualities are at the heart of my work today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is centered around storytelling. I specialize in weddings, families, portraits, and children, with a focus on creating images that feel authentic, emotional, and true to the people in front of my camera.
While I love creating beautiful photographs, what I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of the people who started as clients have become some of my closest friends. Being invited into people’s most meaningful moments — weddings, growing families, milestones, and everyday memories — is something I never take for granted.
One thing that sets my work apart is my background as a teacher. Teaching gave me a unique ability to connect with people, especially children and families. I understand how to create a comfortable environment, bring out genuine emotions, and help people feel seen. I think that translates directly into my photography.
My style is very natural and candid. I’m not interested in creating moments that feel forced or overly posed. I want to capture the laughter, the small details, the quiet moments, and the real connections that tell the story of someone’s life.
I’m also deeply inspired by Appalachia and the place I call home. This region is full of beauty, history, resilience, and incredible people with stories worth preserving. I feel lucky that my work allows me to document those stories and show the heart of Appalachia through my lens.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing and evolving while staying true to the heart of my work. I’m excited to continue serving my clients, capturing meaningful moments, and building a photography business that allows me to have both creative fulfillment and a life I’m proud of.
Family will always be at the center of that. I’m remarried now, and my husband and I have a blended family of five. Being a mother is one of the most important parts of who I am, and it’s also what led me to photography in the first place. My daughter’s milestones are what started this journey, and I’m looking forward to capturing her high school years, as well as the important moments and memories we create as a family.
Another goal I have for the future is to expand more into travel photography. I love exploring new places, discovering the stories behind them, and documenting the beauty and character of different landscapes and communities. I think travel photography is a natural extension of what I already love about my work — capturing moments and preserving stories.
As my family grows and my business continues to evolve, I’m excited to see where photography takes me. I never want to stop learning or exploring new creative opportunities — who knows, maybe I’ll even discover a love for sports photography one day!
Ultimately, I hope to continue creating meaningful work, staying connected to my Appalachian community, and building a business that supports the life and family I’ve worked so hard to create
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linseyhessphotography.com
- Instagram: @linseyhessphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Linseyhessphotography
