Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Waldrop.
Hi Maggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story isn’t your typical photography story, I don’t recall having a camera in my hand when I was young or a burning desire to be a business owner. In a way, photography chose me. I ran a small retail booth with a relative who is a wedding photographer. We worked well together and she saw that I was reliable, teachable and a trustworthy partner. She called me one day and asked if I had any interest in helping her with her photography business and because I love to help. I jumped at the opportunity to learn something new. We worked shoulder to shoulder for a solid two years, where she mentored me and taught me everything she had learned and taught herself. I have since stepped out on my own to capture Weddings and Families across the upstate. I am a photographer that was created out of a desire to help and to serve and show others that they are special and deserve to feel and see themselves as loved and beautiful. I try to pay close attention to detail and stolen glances across the room. I want to capture the poses but more importantly I want to capture the heart.
I have always loved and admired old/ timeless things and over the course of time I have come to find that love stories are the most timeless story ever told. Love started before time ever existed. and every wedding, to me, is the perfect picture of the greatest love story ever told. The story of God who lovingly pursues us, loves us and wants a relationship with us above anything else. God knew before he created us that he loved us endlessly, and we have a longing in your heart only he can fill. The wedding day is a picture of that perfect relationship. The Bride dressed in white anticipating the Groom’s arrival, the guest are prepared for this union and you just can’t wait to get down the aisle. That is the exact picture of Christ, waiting for his bride ( the church) to come and be taken home and live together endlessly.
My passion as a photographer is to share the greatest love stories ever told.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road of photography has been a mixture of struggles and successes. My biggest challenge in photography has been the battle of comparison. Too often we look to others for validation and ideas instead of remembering who and why we started this journey for in the first place. Learning a new skill set and broadening my workload is also an obstacle that I have had to learned to balance. I am a Wife and a Mother before I am a photographer and keeping the family/work life separate and intertwined has been a learning curve for me but one that I have welcomed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Maggie Waldrop Photography is known for a relaxed environment with laughs and playful prompts that bring out the best in everyone. My goal with each session is for people to leave happier than they arrived. Many times when someone pulls out a camera people become stiff and uncomfortable, I want to bridge that gap at every session. Family sessions should not have to be dreaded by everyone. As a family photographer I bring the giggles, the silliness AND the snacks. Most kids will work for food and if skittles is what I am known for then I count that as a win.
As a mom I want my kids and husband to enjoy the time in front of a camera so I do my best to set up small moments instead of stiff poses to ensure everyone is laughing and comfortable.
As a Wedding Photographer MWP is known for being calm and collected amidst the chaos of the day. I know that wedding day can bring on so many emotions, I aim to be the brides support team and work with her, which allows her to enjoy her time as a bride, making the memories of the day smooth and stress free. My ability to handle chaos, and smile in the hard or uncomfortable moments is what sets MWP apart from the rest.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5 to 10 years I would love to see Maggie Waldrop Photography span across the 50 states. I absolutely love the US and traveling. It is my dream to capture love stories in National Parks and beaches across America, while also having my home base remain in my small town.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggie.waldrop.photography.llc?igsh=OHdqNnQ2eG5ueXhh&utm_source=qr
