We were lucky to catch up with Waddell Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Waddell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

So as a young child I was always very observant. To make a long story short, My favorite uncle is a photographer and he always had this childlike personality about him which made me want to be around him more. He enjoys life! He taught me some of the basics in photography and video and I took it and ran with it and researched more as well as watched and worked with him and self taught myself on my own and went to college and learned too. Knowing what I know now as far as speed I’d honestly would just say I wish I was born a little bit earlier in life. I feel like life (let’s say the 80’s) was more interactive and fun then and had a lot of really cool opportunities. It was more authentic then. With social media there’s no competition. Anyone (or even anything) can post anything and call themselves “creatives” which in a sense, ruins it for those of us who actually WORK with the craft, have a degree, etc. I can really say that’s an obstacle. There’s no authenticity anymore. Some of the skills I found essential would be learning the camera basics, along with computer knowledge, manual shooting & filming, and really knowing how to edit. Always have a Vision in mind.

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?

My name is Waddell Richardson. I’d describe myself as a very animated God fearing creative. I’m a photographer, digital filmmaker, graphic designer, and podcaster. I aspire to work in modeling/advertising photography and television production. I got into the industry like 2009, let’s say I didn’t have anything but a dream then as most kids do. However when I dream I STRIVE to make it come true. Folks saw I was serious about it, and the opportunities began to flow .. looking back they REALLY believed in me. Of course I provide whatever photography needs a customer needs to be met. Such as weddings, portraits, events, etc. I think what sets me apart is my spirit. Being around authentic, kind and happy people can definitely make a difference in your path. It definitely helps me enjoy what I do better and means more to me than people realize. I’m most proud of first, how far I’ve came. I never compare my work to anyone. I’m proud of how people are inspired by my spirit and journey and like what I do. And I’m proud of the outcomes because of all of it. I’d say I’d like people, followers, fans etc. to know that I’m not going to judge you for being you. I think you as a person makes the world a better place. I’d rather be around people that’s happy being themselves than those who try to be something they’re not.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

YES! Absolutely! My goal is to live at the beach and enjoy life a little more to a fuller extent there. Not to say I don’t enjoy it now, but the beach to me is a spiritual place! It’s so much more peaceful there and I feel like there are A LOT more opportunities and inspiration for creatives versus where I live now. There are more open minded people and a lot more joy and peace, and room for being adventurous. As stated perviously I aspire to work in Modeling/Advertisement Photography & Television Production.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Yes. I think they struggle to understand the work that goes into the craft and how to keep going. Even if what I post gets 3 likes, I’m happy because it’s my work and if I’m satisfied then I’m good. I had a vision and I made it happen. I’d say somewhere along the way as the world became what it is, people have lost their spark in life. They feel like they can’t enjoy it for whatever reason and have become “narrow minded”. People now are confided to social media or a device where there is no real interaction. They don’t like positive things or see bigger or brighter pictures in life. With my journey it’s all based on interaction, getting to know people, learning about them and in a nutshell if I can .. make them feel better about themselves. I think people who aren’t in a positive place for whatever the case may be struggle to understand how someone like me can be so happy and joyful and continue to enjoy my work (in spite of the response) and life the way I do despite what I’ve gone through. Life happened but you can definitely have brighter days. The right people eventually come along. So I must keep going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waddyrichardson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waddell-richardson-08538427a/?profileId=ACoAAEQK52UB9V0IJIDrj9bfuHAAImUFtputfUA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@waddyrichardson

Image Credits
Photography Photographed By: Waddell Richardson