Brighton Diaries
VOL.4
BETTY MAGUIRE
BRIGHTON DIARIES
VOL.4
BETTY MAGUIRE
BRIGHTON DIARIES
Betty Maguire
Meet Betty Maguire, a Brighton-based photographer and art director whose signature aesthetic embraces minimalist design. For the fourth volume of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Betty about her unconventional journey into photography, her considered approach to choosing who she works with and her three top spots to visit in Brighton.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Brighton Diaries
Betty Maguire
Meet Betty Maguire, a Brighton-based photographer and art director whose signature aesthetic embraces minimalist design. For the fourth volume of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Betty about her unconventional journey into photography, her considered approach to choosing who she works with and her three top spots to visit in Brighton.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was your career in photography born?
My photography career started in a very unconventional way, I originally trained as a contemporary dancer and never thought I’d become a photographer. I always felt like it was too late to start and the only people who made it had been doing it since they were very young, but I’ve always loved the process of creating an image. I spent time learning everything there is to know about starting a photography business and I now work on lots of projects that combine movement, photography and fashion – all of my main interests.
Describe your typical working day.
The thing that I love about being freelance is that no day is the same, whether I’m on a shoot, deep in an edit or doing admin from a coffee shop – there is so much variation to the business that it keeps things exciting. I try to incorporate some consistency in my days through movement – I’ve recently been loving yoga as a mind and body nourishment.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
Sometimes you feel like you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, especially when starting out, however you really have to take a step back and analyse whether that opportunity is right for you and your business. Definitely feel empowered to say no to the things that don't feel right in your gut.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
Being self-taught brings a whole load of challenges, from learning practical camera and editing skills, to how you market yourself, build relationships and handle finances. Things have challenged me in various ways, but learning to sit in the discomfort and know that it’s okay not to know everything before you start is a huge lesson I’ve learned.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was your career in photography born?
My photography career started in a very unconventional way, I originally trained as a contemporary dancer and never thought I’d become a photographer. I always felt like it was too late to start and the only people who made it had been doing it since they were very young, but I’ve always loved the process of creating an image. I spent time learning everything there is to know about starting a photography business and I now work on lots of projects that combine movement, photography and fashion – all of my main interests.
Describe your typical working day.
The thing that I love about being freelance is that no day is the same, whether I’m on a shoot, deep in an edit or doing admin from a coffee shop – there is so much variation to the business that it keeps things exciting. I try to incorporate some consistency in my days through movement – I’ve recently been loving yoga as a mind and body nourishment.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
Sometimes you feel like you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, especially when starting out, however you really have to take a step back and analyse whether that opportunity is right for you and your business. Definitely feel empowered to say no to the things that don't feel right in your gut.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
Being self-taught brings a whole load of challenges, from learning practical camera and editing skills, to how you market yourself, build relationships and handle finances. Things have challenged me in various ways, but learning to sit in the discomfort and know that it’s okay not to know everything before you start is a huge lesson I’ve learned.
What do you love about Brighton?
I love this city so much – it’s where I grew up and I feel so grateful to have spent my formative years here. The main things I love are the classics: the sea, the lanes and most importantly the amazingly creative and liberal people.
What do you take into consideration when selecting who you work with?
I have three main points that I look to fulfil with potential clients: that they are female-founded or led; that they are sustainably focussed; and that our visual aesthetic and creative align. Of course, it’s a luxury to find clients who hit all three points and this is not always the case, but I always make sure one of those is ticked off.
Wardrobe staple?
It has to be an oversized suit for me, I practically live in them.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
My favourite pieces are the Melon Utility Jacket paired with the Mildren Utility Trousers. I love a set and this is so comfy yet put together. I love chucking on a matching set when I am in a rush to get ready but want to look like I’ve got my life together.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe?
It massively affects my purchasing behaviour and wardrobe curation. I shop mostly secondhand or from considered brands, and I truly think that’s the way forward.
What’s next for you?
As my business grows, I’m really excited to develop new relationships with brands and businesses that align with my values and creative interests. I’m incredibly lucky to have made a passion into a career and I’m enjoying the process of growing within that.
What do you love about Brighton?
I love this city so much – it’s where I grew up and I feel so grateful to have spent my formative years here. The main things I love are the classics: the sea, the lanes and most importantly the amazingly creative and liberal people.
What do you take into consideration when selecting who you work with?
I have three main points that I look to fulfil with potential clients: that they are female-founded or led; that they are sustainably focussed; and that our visual aesthetic and creative align. Of course, it’s a luxury to find clients who hit all three points and this is not always the case, but I always make sure one of those is ticked off.
Wardrobe staple?
It has to be an oversized suit for me, I practically live in them.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
My favourite pieces are the Melon Utility Jacket paired with the Mildren Utility Trousers. I love a set and this is so comfy yet put together. I love chucking on a matching set when I am in a rush to get ready but want to look like I’ve got my life together.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe?
It massively affects my purchasing behaviour and wardrobe curation. I shop mostly secondhand or from considered brands, and I truly think that’s the way forward.
What’s next for you?
As my business grows, I’m really excited to develop new relationships with brands and businesses that align with my values and creative interests. I’m incredibly lucky to have made a passion into a career and I’m enjoying the process of growing within that.