We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bridget Haggerty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bridget, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Photography has been a part of my life since I was 12 years old, but I didn’t fully commit to a creative path until years after earning my BFA in Photography.
Before art school, I hadn’t quite decided to become an artist. For five years, I worked on the technical side of photography—setting up print stations, managing event photographers, marketing, running sales contests, and taking occasional freelance gigs. Although I was surrounded by photography, I rarely had the chance to create. Over time, I became increasingly unhappy with my job, realizing that while I was in the photography industry, I wasn’t actually making anything myself.
After a string of tough events—a stressful period at work, a hard breakup, and family issues—I finally took a week off, my first break in years. That time away allowed me to reset, and for the first time in ages, I picked up my camera just because I wanted to. I spent the week wandering, photographing the beach, the downtown streets, and whatever caught my eye. I felt a spark I hadn’t felt in a long time.
This brought me back to a photograph I took in seventh grade: a dried seed pod on a stem I’d found while exploring the woods behind my house. I remember looking at that image and asking myself, “How do you make a good photograph?” That question sparked years of curiosity and growth, from high school through college and beyond.
In 2018, on that vacation, I reconnected with that same sense of creative curiosity. I realized I had spent years in the shallow end, afraid to fully dive into a life of creativity. But now, photography felt new again—something to enjoy rather than just a job. Rediscovering that joy was a turning point, and though it took time to get here, I’m grateful I found my way back to the thrill of simply creating, exploring, and capturing the world through my lens.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello! I’m Bridget Haggerty, a conceptual photographer and educator with over a decade of experience in both the art and business of photography. My journey into this industry began with a fascination for storytelling through visuals; I’ve always been drawn to photography for its unique ability to challenge truth. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work in many creative spheres: event, portrait, and fine art photography. I also teach workshops that empower other artists to find their voice.
In addition to client work, my fine art photography explores themes that blend surrealism with a sense of ethereal mystery, often delving into concepts of identity, impermanence, and transformation. I create images that evoke curiosity and invite viewers to interpret the unseen layers of each piece, whether through double exposures, dreamlike compositions, or intricate, symbolic details. My art seeks to challenge perceptions, exploring the beauty and complexity of human emotions and behaviors. These works aim to provide a space for introspection and connection, inviting viewers to engage with their own stories and perspectives and challenge their truths.
I also dedicate a part of my career to educating and inspiring other photographers. Through my workshops, I provide practical techniques and creative experiments, to help both beginners and hobbyists explore the fantastical side of photography. I strive to make complex techniques accessible and fun, encouraging my audience to experiment and push the boundaries of what photography can be.
What sets me apart is a commitment to collaboration, flexibility, and open energy on set. I work closely with clients, models, and assistants to create an environment where creativity can flow freely, and improvisation is welcomed. This collaborative approach allows us to develop a shared vision and create something truly unforgettable together.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I see in my clients and students—the confidence and joy that comes from seeing themselves or their work through a new lens. For anyone interested in bringing a unique artistic vision to life, I invite you to connect with me. Whether it’s for a portrait session or a creative workshop, my goal is to make every experience empowering and enjoyable.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Unlearning the idea that “inspiration strikes” and instead making creativity a habit has transformed my work and reignited my passion for photography.
In college, studying photography meant constantly generating new concepts—sometimes twice a week, or focusing on longer-term projects. But often, I didn’t feel inspired, so I’d work with half-formed ideas that left me questioning my identity as an artist. I thought that real artists were struck by flashes of inspiration and had fully formed visions from the start. Without that, I felt like I was just going through the motions.
After graduating, burnout set in. With no deadlines pushing me to create, I took a break and went almost a full year without taking photos for myself. When I finally wanted to start again, it felt like I was out of practice and had to start from scratch. The fear of making “bad” photographs—even ones no one else would see—stopped me from picking up my camera. I realized this was a form of creative block.
Through connecting with other artists who’d gone through similar struggles, and after some reflection, I began incorporating creative playtime into my routine. During this time, I’d let myself do anything creative—whether it was finger painting, coloring with crayons, or taking a photograph without any specific goal in mind. This unstructured, playful approach allowed me to explore ideas without pressure, and eventually, my creativity flowed more freely.
Letting go of the need to create the “best” photograph on the first try and dedicating time to creative play has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey. It has made me a more open, fearless artist and has helped my work evolve in ways I never expected.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I didn’t know how to find opportunities for work, I created them.
Today, I’m grateful to have built lasting relationships with several repeat clients and collaborators. Many of these partnerships began with me taking a chance and persevering through a lot of rejection. I started by reaching out to businesses and clients with collaboration ideas, pitching projects, and sending cold emails. For every 10 or 20 messages I sent, I’d receive a handful of rejections—or more often, no response at all—but every so often, I’d get a positive reply. Those positive responses became the foundation for some of my favorite and most meaningful collaborations.
For example, I reached out to a local designer whose work I’d seen featured in The New York Times, and we ended up working together on a series of shoots for her incredible designs. I was able to photograph NYFW runways after contacting another photographer for advice. And by volunteering at artist talks, I gained invaluable feedback on my portfolios. Each of these experiences began with a simple email or message and turned into opportunities that shaped my career.
Rejection is still a frequent part of my journey—I submit my art to shows, and I don’t always get accepted, even when a show feels like a perfect fit. Yet I continue creating, sharing, and putting my work out there. Over time, I’ve come to see resilience as a shared experience. I now “pay it forward” by creating and sharing opportunities not just for myself but for other artists as well. Through every “no,” I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring rejection; it’s about continuing to open doors, both for myself and for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bhaggerty.com
- Instagram: @bhaggertyphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhaggertyphoto/
- Youtube: bhaggertyphoto
