Artists featured in the monthly Member Spotlight are selected from our online Members' Gallery. If you wish to be considered for the Spotlight in the future, send us a note!
Lisa Waddell - August 2025
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Kentucky then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. From there I moved to Houston, Texas. I am a retired special education teacher and currently live about 30 miles north of Houston with my husband and two rescue dogs.
Why did you become a photographer?
I chose photography because it chose me. Since we found each other it continues to be the most fulfilling way for me to express myself creatively and it feeds my soul. My love of photography carries over into the work I do for a local non-profit, Assistance League of Montgomery County (TX). I serve as one of the photographers at our various community events and help educate our members on basic photography skills. My photographs have also been used as a fundraiser for another local non-profit.
Who or what inspires your work? / Do you have a mentor?
In my photography practice I am continually inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty. I am also influenced by the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi which, very loosely, means finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. My subject matter, seascapes, is also highly inspirational to me. The water is my muse. I love that, literally and figuratively, it’s bigger than me. It can be meditative, thought provoking, mesmerizing and, sometimes, downright scary. I am very respectful of the water and its power especially since I am a non-swimmer!
Why did you join TPS and how long have you been involved? Favorite aspect of being a member?
I joined TPS over 10 years ago in order to create a connection with other photographers. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in various member shows over the years.
Please describe your photography and/or working process.
My working process is easy since my subject matter always features the beach and big bodies of water (primarily the Gulf of Mexico). My husband and I visit Galveston, TX every 4-6 weeks and I take lots of photos! When we return home I edit them at my leisure. For me, editing is as important to the creative process as actually taking the photo. I use my iPhone for both shooting and editing. I use just a few apps, specifically Snapseed and Lightroom. Some photos I print for myself and others and I am a prolific participant on social media.
Best photo advice you ever received? Your own words of wisdom for aspiring photographers?
Some of the best photo advice I’ve read is from Chris Davies, the creator of The Intentional Artist. He wrote “as artists we often seek validation, an assurance that our work resonates with others. But our primary focus should be on creating the best work we can, pouring our heart and soul into it. Once it’s completed we release it into the world. The right audience will find it and appreciate it when the time is right.” I also love a statement made by Michelle Lloyd of United Art Space. She said “suddenly your seemingly simple subject matter becomes a reflection of your life experience, your values and your unique perspective on the world.” Her words resonated with me especially in terms of my body of work. It crystalized why shooting these seascapes is so very important to me.
