LAUNCHING: MADDIE WATERS
Current Employer:
Maddie Waters Photography
Time at the company:
5 years
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Photographer and owner of Maddie Waters Photography.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I specialise in Wedding Photography but also enjoy covering events, portrait shoots, newborn shoots and more.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
I think when I was really little I wanted to be a vet - which is pretty standard! But then as I got a bit older and went to school and college I realised how creative I was, and learnt that I really enjoyed photography.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have ad A level in Photography and a 2:1 degree in Graphic Arts: Photography from Southampton University.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Not to see being self-critical as a bad thing, as being a perfectionist with my work will only help me continue to grow and develop into a better photographer. At the same time, believing in myself and having the confidence to charge enough for what I do.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
I don't really have one single role model, I definitely have a few. My Step Mum (Melanie Waters) is a huge inspiration to me in terms of always working to be the best you can be, and being successful. She has recently been appointed as the CEO of Help For Heroes, and was previously the Chief Executive of The Royal British Legion, Poppy Factory. She works endlessly, and is so passionate about her work, she is great inspiration to me and just shows that hard work, commitment and dedication goes a long way. I also follow and am inspired but lots of different photographers daily.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
That it is based around such a happy time in someone's life. Weddings are such a wonderful thing to be a part of and I feel privileged every time I photograph one. Aside from that, I love that I can work for myself and have flexible working hours when I am editing.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
The flip side to having your own business is that when it's busy, my social life takes a back seat and my work totally comes first. I often don't have much of a life in the summer months! I would like to find a slightly better work life balance in the future ... I am working on it!
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Married, hopefully with a little one, shooting maybe 20-25 weddings a year but charging a little more as I will be more experienced. I would love to be shooting some destination weddings, so I am keen to grow this side of my business. In 5 years I would love to be shooting maybe 2 destination weddings a year!
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes, I am totally myself when I am photographing people.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Me! So the very top!
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Yes.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Average. Good at some times of the year and bad when it's peak season!
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Approachable, friendly, personable, confident but not cocky, assertive, organised, creative.
ANY WORDS OF WISDOM?
I really think that if people work hard in life and take chances that good things happen. Always aim high and stay positive!