We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madelynne Jameson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madelynne below.
Alright, Madelynne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I recently moved across the country from NYC to LA! I went to college in New York City and had lived there for over 8 years. While working my corporate beauty job I had started to pursue photography as a side gig. I wasn’t feeling creatively inspired or at home in New York and knew I needed a change. After a trip to LA for my boyfriend’s birthday, we agreed we couldn’t stay in New York anymore and moved to LA 6 months later. I kept my remote job in LA but ended up getting laid off two weeks after the move. I decided to take that as a sign to pursue my photography career full time. It’s a risk being a creative and taking yourself out of a situation where you’re comfortable. But it’s also a risk to stay somewhere where you can’t grow. I’m terrified of the future but I’m just as excited to see what opportunities come to me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Based in Los Angeles, photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I stumbled upon my love for film when gifted my first point and shoot camera in 2020. Film became my favorite hobby and I brought my camera with me all over the world. I quickly fell in love with the beauty of film, a love that grew when my grandfather passed his Pentax ME Super down to me.
In the years since, I’ve practiced using analog cameras to capture life’s little moments of beauty. When I quit my corporate job in March of 2023, I knew photography was something I wanted to pursue as a career. I used my time between jobs to photograph friends and build my portfolio. Through my lens, I hope to empower others and help them to see glimpses of natural beauty in everyday moments.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Growing your platform on media can be absolutely terrifying and feel impossible at times. The best advice I can give is to stay consistent. Never give up. Keep posting. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’m not sure if it’s a lesson, but imposter syndrome.
I didn’t go to school for photography. I taught myself everything I know with the help of some YouTube tutorials along the way. I’d never considered myself an artist or creative. let alone a photographer.
I’d grown up as a dancer, playing in the band and orchestra, loving beauty and fashion, but never once considered those things could make me an artist.
Art is subjective. It is what you make it, literally. Don’t let anyone define you but yourself. I am an artist because I make art. I am a photographer because I take photographs. It’s really that simple.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madelynneonfilm.com
- Instagram: @madelynneonfilm
Image Credits
Personal image of me was taken by Madison Turiczek.