Today we want to introduce you to the talented Maggie Williams, who is an Unraveled instructor and community member. Her work is emotive, moody and authentic. She tells stories as they are in her imagery, and sugar-coats nothing. You will find depth and feel deeply when admiring her work.

For more inspiration from Maggie:

Instagram | Website

Here is Maggie, Unraveled…

What inspires your art?

Like many photographers, my children were the original source of inspiration.  They’re the reason I bought my first entry-level camera, which I started bringing with me to doula clients’ births.  It was there in birthing spaces where I found my passion for documenting the challenges and joys of parenthood. 

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I’m a Canon girl.  I started with a refurbished Canon 6D which I still really love--it holds such a special place in my heart! But my current primary body is a 5D Mark IV and I almost exclusively use my Sigma 24mm 1.4 lens for births. My 35mm is my go-to lens for most other projects.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Dance is my other favorite form of expression.  While I was never the top student in dance classes, dancing always brought--and continues to bring--me great joy.  Dance parties are a common occurrence in my home.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

My favorite way to end a day is with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in bed.  Preferably snuggled up with my husband, enjoying a comedic sitcom. And always with a hot water bottle on my feet. 

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I don’t often listen to music while editing anymore.  Occasionally I throw on a rerun of a favorite show, but, more often, I listen to a podcast.  A handful of favorites are “Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer,” “I Weigh with Jameela Jamil,” “Unlocking Us with Brene’ Brown,” and “The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber.”

What is your favorite book?

Oh! There are too many.  I love anything written by Glennon Doyle and Liz Gilbert.  Memoirs by female comedians like Mindy Kaling, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler are always fun re-reads as well.

Name one movie that inspires you.

....Mamma Mia inspires me to sing and dance!

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

Self portraiture was a god-send for me.  Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to talk myself into committing to a self portrait project, but it almost always ignites my soul and creativity.  As for self doubt, I spend some time scrolling through my Instagram feed.  Seeing my favorite images side-by-side is always satisfying and reminds me that I am, in fact, an artist.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Realizing (and remembering) that I’m actually an artist.  Through grade school, I was an excellent art student who could follow all the rules and complete projects meeting the correct specifications.  Yet, for the most part, I felt like I lacked original creative vision.  In between my efforts to master the technical side of photography, slivers of my innate creativity would reveal itself.  As I’ve become a more proficient photographer, I’ve also learned how to be more intentional and artistic in my work, to allow my creativity to show. 

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

Keziah Kelsey. Hands downs. Her work speaks to me every single time. Not only that, she’s an incredible educator and human being who has inspired me to cultivate a spirit of abundance in my life and my work.  Go take all her courses in the Academy immediately!