We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Madore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

My start up is a very unusual story, that I believe helps me encourage others. I was starting a venue and collaborated with a local photographer. This photographer had become somewhat of a friend over the last year, so I believed we would make a good team since my property had so much opportunity for photography. Long story short, she ended up scamming a lot of people and left me hanging there. I felt SO bad for the people and I’ve never been in this kind of situation before, so I didn’t know what to do other than try to make it right for the people she wronged. I offered to redo their photos since I had a camera, but I let them know by NO means at all was I a professional. At this time, I still didn’t even know how to use a camera. I loved taking photos and My husband got me the camera to start taking photos of my small children so I was lucky to have a camera to be able to offer a solution. The clients took me up on my offer, and my generosity and honesty is what I believe started my career as a photographer. People started calling me left and right, and my photos weren’t even good! I was bombarded and that forced me into a position to learn. 6 years later and I am now a full time photographer and I love what I do, and the stories and memories I get to capture for others happiness is so rewarding. My advice is to just start! Your work doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Someone will want your style!

Christina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As I already shared about my start up, I’ll share what sets me apart. I think some people like the photographer who blogs and has a lot of literature, but I’m simple. I show up, try to make them laugh, get to know them and shoot. I get home and work on their photos. I keep it simple and I try not to make it a big deal or overwhelming. Some people get really stressed about their yearly photos so my goal is to not be pushy or melt their brains with more information than they need. IF my clients need direction, of course I give it. Another thing, is I don’t usually talk about myself much on my page or do long posts and captions. I use my social media as more of a portfolio. I do not advertise, my business comes from word of mouth, so please, share!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are several rewards to being a creative business owner. A few of my favorite things is that I get to stay home with my children, I get to make my own schedule and the people I get to meet and places I get to see are irreplaceable experiences.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective thing that has worked for me has been word of mouth. Do things that stand out for people to share your business. Make your clients your friends!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moonflowerphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonflower.photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonflowerranch
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonflower-photography-eufaula-2?hrid=3wcdMzkRZWP7OD6LqGeH3w&osq=moonflower+photography

Image Credits
Moonflower Photography by Christina Madore