We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Maxwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
When I first started my photography business, I hadn’t contemplated leaving behind a legacy. My initial hope was simply to be remembered as a good fly-on-the-wall photographer. However, as time has passed, I’ve realized that my deeper aspiration is for people to see the love and admiration I have for the individuals or couples I photograph.
Even if I don’t have a prior relationship with my subjects, I strive to convey my genuine appreciation and highlight their beauty through my creative style. While I can’t predict how people will remember me after I’m gone, I hope they’ll recognize that my photography is a gift I was given by the Lord. I live by God’s grace, and I use this gift to share love and kindness with others, just as I have received it.
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?
From a young age, I found myself fascinated by photography. My earliest memories involve capturing images of my dolls, family members, and landscapes, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for the subject that I had no idea would become my life long passion. I initially learned the basics from my mother, who was an enthusiastic hobby photographer. Throughout high school, my passion evolved into a focused interest in portrait photography. I enjoyed bringing out the personalities of my friends through my lens, offering free sessions just to see their smiles and to refine my skills.
As a graduation gift, my mother presented me with my first camera, a Nikon D3500, replacing the Nikon D3100 I had been using. This moment marked a significant step in my professional journey. Facing the uncertainty of college and my future, I sought guidance and ultimately decided to embark on a mission trip to Africa with Mercy Ships. This experience was transformative. While on the ship, I continued to share my photographs on my photography account, which led to an incredible opportunity: I was invited to job shadow a photojournalist. Witnessing these professionals capture profound and moving images solidified my decision to pursue photography as a career.
Upon returning to the United States, I enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Photography. Balancing school, part-time customer service jobs, and working as a second shooter photographer for weddings was challenging but rewarding. My commitment to my craft was evident as I continued to build my business, often accepting clients at minimal fees to gain experience. My first solo wedding in 2022 marked a milestone where I began to charge what I felt reflected my experience and value, a significant step in my professional journey. This wedding remains a cherished memory and a testament to my growth.
Currently, I juggle two part-time jobs alongside running my photography business, focusing on weddings, engagements, maternity, and portrait sessions. Weddings and portraits are particularly dear to me as they allow me to infuse personal elements into each shoot, creating truly authentic images.
I take pride in my resilience and commitment to my dream of becoming a full-time wedding photographer. Despite the challenges and competition, I remain dedicated to my unique vision and brand. My guiding principle, “You make my camera look good,” reflects my belief that the essence of photography lies in showcasing the inner beauty of individuals, rather than following trends. My journey has been a testament to my passion, hard work, and faith, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and growth I’ve experienced.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound ability to connect with others on an emotional level. As a photographer, I find immense fulfillment in capturing and conveying the essence of people’s stories and emotions through my lens. Each image I create has the potential to evoke a range of feelings and memories, allowing individuals to see themselves and their experiences in a new light.
The true magic happens when my work resonates deeply with others, whether it’s a bride seeing her wedding photos for the first time, a family cherishing a portrait of their loved ones, or even someone simply appreciating the art of photography. Knowing that my work can have a lasting impact, evoke joy, and preserve precious moments is incredibly gratifying.
Moreover, the creative process itself is rewarding. The opportunity to explore new ideas, experiment with techniques, and continuously evolve my craft keeps me engaged and inspired. It’s a constant learning and self-expression journey, where each project presents a new challenge and a chance to grow. This ongoing evolution and the personal satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life are what makes being an artist so fulfilling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The Emotional Investment: Photography is deeply personal for me; it’s not just about capturing images but about conveying emotions and telling stories. I remember vividly the moment I received my first review and cried—not only from relief but also because of the emotional effort I poured into each job. My work reflects my dedication and creativity, and I understand that while I may have personal favorites among my photographs, not everyone will see them the same way. The time and emotional investment I put into capturing each moment makes me particularly sensitive to how my work is received.
The Unpredictable Nature of Success: Starting a full-time photography career has its share of uncertainties. I am still learning this process, and one key lesson is that success often hinges on building relationships and word of mouth. While marketing plays a role, many of my gigs have come through family members of couples I’ve photographed or friends of friends. As I’m still in the early stages of my business, the path to success remains quite unpredictable. This ongoing unpredictability can be challenging, as achieving recognition and financial stability involves a mix of skill, timing, and networking, with a fair amount of uncertainty along the way.
The Continuous Learning Curve: Photography involves mastering both artistic techniques and the challenges of an ever-changing digital landscape. While some photographers adapt to current trends, I prioritize classic photographic principles and draw inspiration from established masters in the field. The challenge today is the constant need for content creation and social media engagement. This includes documenting everything from new equipment and behind-the-scenes moments to creating TikToks and Instagram posts.
Peter McKinnon, a well-known photographer, has also highlighted these marketing difficulties, noting how the rapid evolution of platforms like Instagram has impacted many artists. When I started my business, balancing these demands with my core work was a steep learning curve. Despite the challenges, I try to remain dedicated to the art of photography while adapting to the digital marketing landscape.
The Financial Realities: The financial aspect of starting a photography career can be daunting. In the early years, it’s common to invest significantly in equipment, marketing, and other expenses, often outpacing the income earned. This financial strain can be stressful and usually necessitates balancing other jobs to maintain stability while building my business. These financial challenges are an integral part of the journey, making it essential to remain resilient and adaptable.
The Joy of Impact: One of the most profoundly rewarding aspects of being a photographer is witnessing the emotional impact of my work. Photography has the power to encapsulate more than just a moment in time—it can capture the essence of an experience, much like scents or sounds can evoke deep memories. For instance, capturing the moment when a bride walks down the aisle and her groom sees her for the first time in her stunning white dress can be incredibly moving. The tears in his eyes as he realizes he’s made the right choice, the way their hands meet as they transition from fiancés to husband and wife, and their shared misty-eyed understanding that they are beginning a new chapter together—these are the kinds of profound emotions that I strive to convey in a single shot.
When I can capture these intimate, heartfelt moments and see how much they mean to my clients, I know I’ve accomplished something truly special. Knowing that my photos can evoke such powerful emotions and preserve these core memories is what makes my work deeply fulfilling and drives my passion for photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://victoriamaxwellphotography.squarespace.com
- Instagram: victoriamaxwellphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.maxwell.5055
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@victoriamaxwellphotography
- Other: Portfolio:
https://vicgrace16c628.myportfolio.com/welcome
Image Credits
The photo taken of me was photographed by: Cassy Karyshyn