Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Waddell.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I chose photography because it chose me. Since we found each other almost 20 years ago it continues to be the most fulfilling way for me to express myself creatively and it feeds my soul. In my practice I am continually inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of simple, subtle and unobtrusive beauty. I am also influenced by the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi which, very loosely, means finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.
I currently own a small fine art photography business. I am also honored to say that I have won various awards for my work; have been juried into exhibitions nationally and internationally; and have seen my work used in varied promotional materials.
My love of photography carries over into the work I do for a local non-profit, Assistance League of Montgomery County (TX). I serve as one of the photographers at our various community events and help educate our members on basic photography skills. My photographs have also been used as a fundraiser for another local non-profit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Mine has been an evolutionary journey and I simply go where the road leads me. I was on the local “show circuit” and part of an artist co-op for a number of years. It was a wonderful experience but one I left behind shortly after Covid took over our lives. Today I am happy to be “a good human being who makes art” a most wonderful description I read in Austin Kleon’s book Keep Going. I love this particular phrase because it is a reminder to me to do good things in both art and life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a fine art photographer I proudly use the camera I always have with me which, currently, is the iPhone 15 Pro Max. My most favorite subject, and the one I am most known for, is seascapes and my signature style is one of simplicity and minimalism. The water is my muse. I love that, literally and figuratively, it’s bigger than me. It can be meditative, thought provoking, mesmerizing and, sometimes, dangerous. I am very respectful of the water and its power especially since I am a non-swimmer. Living near the gulf coast of Texas allows me ample opportunity to be inspired!
I post regularly to my social media accounts and consider my images to be tiny gifts to all who see them…a respite in this very crazy, chaotic world in which we find ourselves. Receiving lovely comments about my images and selling the occasional print are things I never take for granted. I am delighted by the worldwide friendships forged through photography and social media. Despite its less than stellar reputation, and without doubt there is a lot wrong with social media, I have found there is a lot of good content there as well.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Since it was discovered in the late 1820s photography has always been a popular means of expression. In these past almost 200 years the innovations have been nothing short of mind boggling. I do not foresee this progression changing anytime soon. I am also savvy enough to know that the debates about said progress will also continue! It is my hope that everyone will remember the point so succinctly stated by Jaymes Dempsey of The Digital Photography School when he says “you don’t need incredible gear to get incredible photos. But you do need to be an incredible photographer to get incredible photos.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lisa_marie_waddell
- Facebook: Lisa Waddell
