Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madison Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

My whole life I have been enchanted by stories. From films to novels, I have lost myself in far off worlds time and time again. The story of how I came up with the idea for my creative services business, Peach & Honey, is deeply intertwined with my passion for romance, art, cinematography, and storytelling. Allow me to paint the picture for you, so you can truly understand the context, circumstances, and emotions that led me to embark on this journey.

From a young age, I was captivated by the power of visual mediums to evoke emotions and tell compelling stories. I spent countless hours engrossed in films, admiring their ability to transport viewers to different eras and immerse them in enchanting narratives. The charm and allure of vintage aesthetics resonated with me, and I longed to bring that same feeling of nostalgia and timelessness to my own work.

As I grew older, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of photography and videography. I realized that these mediums allowed me to freeze moments in time, capturing the essence of a person or a relationship in a single frame or a series of moving images. It was through this realization that I began to toy with making this a real business.

I envisioned a business that would specialize in intimate wedding photography and videography, focusing on capturing the love stories of couples in a vintage and nostalgic manner. I wanted to go beyond traditional wedding photography and create visual narratives that would transport couples and viewers alike to a different time, evoking a sense of romance, beauty, and emotion, while still maintaining timelessness.

The decision to pursue this was not made lightly. I knew that starting a creative services business would require dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of my craft. I spent countless hours honing my skills, experimenting with different cameras, lenses, and editing techniques to develop a signature style that would set me apart.

But it wasn’t just my passion for art that fueled my belief in the potential success of Peach & Honey. I also recognized the growing demand for unique and personalized wedding experiences. Many couples were seeking an alternative to the cookie-cutter approach to weddings, longing for something more intimate and authentic. When I was looking for my own wedding photographer years ago, it was incredible difficult to find someone who saw the same magic that I could. I saw an opportunity to fill this gap in the market and offer a truly tailored and artistic service that would resonate with couples who shared my vision.

The logic behind my confidence in succeeding lay in the combination of my passion, the market demand, and my commitment to my couples. I knew that by leveraging my artistic sensibilities, technical expertise, and dedication to storytelling, I could deliver an exceptional experience that would exceed the expectations of my clients.

The emotions that drove me to pursue this were a mix of excitement, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. I felt a genuine connection to the craft of capturing love stories, and I wanted to use my skills to create lasting memories for couples on one of the most important days of their lives. It was this emotional connection, coupled with my belief in the power of art and storytelling, that propelled me forward and solidified my conviction in the potential success of Peach & Honey.

And so, with a heart full of passion and a mind fueled by creativity, I set out on my journey to capture love stories in a vintage and nostalgic way. Each wedding I document is an opportunity to weave together romance, art, cinematography, and storytelling, creating visual masterpieces that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Madison, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Madison, and I am an intimate wedding photographer and videographer. I was born in Canada and moved to the USA when I was 20 years old, bringing with me a lifelong passion for capturing moments through the lens of a camera. Photography has been a part of my life since my early days, even back to elementary school when I would eagerly document classroom moments with disposable film cameras.

At Peach & Honey, I offer a range of services that encompass both digital and film mediums. I believe in the power of various cameras, including polaroids, 35mm film, and Super 8mm film, to create a unique and nostalgic aesthetic. By blending documentary, cinematic, and editorial styles, I strive to create stunning wedding photos and films that tell a captivating visual story.

What sets Peach & Honey apart is my ability to authentically connect with couples and capture the true essence of their wedding day. I believe that it’s not just about how a wedding looks, but how it feels. Through my work, I aim to evoke emotions, transport viewers to a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere, and make each photograph feel like a scene from a movie. I want to capture the magic and romance that can be found in the subtle details, the stolen glances, and the fleeting moments of love.

One of the cornerstones of my brand is the passage of writing titled “Italy, summer 1985” by Jenny Tang. This passage inspires and guides the aesthetic and feeling I strive to convey in my work. It beautifully encapsulates the dreamy and nostalgic qualities I aim to capture for my clients, bringing their love stories to life through timeless images and films.

Through my photography and videography, I aim to solve the problem of creating truly personalized and artistic wedding coverage. I understand that many couples are seeking an alternative to generic and stiff wedding photography, desiring a more intimate and genuine representation of their special day. By combining my technical expertise, artistic vision, and commitment to storytelling, I provide a tailored experience that captures the unique essence of each couple’s love story.

What I am most proud of is my ability to forge meaningful connections with my clients. I invest time in getting to know them, understanding their vision, and ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. This allows me to capture their authentic emotions and create images that truly reflect their personalities and the love they share.

Peach & Honey is more than just a photography and videography service. It is a journey, an experience, and an artistic collaboration. I am deeply passionate about what I do, and I pour my heart and soul into every project. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and understood, and I strive to deliver images and films that exceed their expectations.

I offer a unique and nostalgic approach to wedding photography and videography, blending various mediums and styles to create enchanting and dreamlike visuals. I am proud of my ability to authentically connect with my clients and deliver images and films that feel like scenes from a movie.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I would have to constantly struggle to make money from my creative pursuits. In the early stages of my business, I carried a fear that people wouldn’t fully understand the value of my art and wouldn’t be willing to invest in my services. This mindset hindered my confidence and limited my potential.

However, as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I realized the importance of shifting my mindset and embracing a more positive and abundant perspective. I delved into the practice of manifestation and mindfulness, incorporating these principles into both my personal life and my business.

Through consistent manifestation practices and a focus on mindfulness, I began to experience incredible transformations. I discovered that by aligning my thoughts, beliefs, and actions with the success and abundance I desired, I could overcome the limiting belief that making money from my creativity was a constant struggle.

As I became more confident in the value of my work, I started attracting clients who appreciated and recognized the unique qualities I brought to the table. Investing time and energy into cultivating self-belief and self-worth allowed me to communicate my value effectively to potential clients and helped me establish a thriving business.

The growth of my confidence over the years has been remarkable. By letting go of the belief that I had to fight for every opportunity and instead embracing a mindset of abundance, I opened myself up to new possibilities. I now approach my business with a sense of purpose, passion, and unwavering confidence, knowing that my art has value and that there are clients who are eager to invest in my services.

Unlearning the lesson that making money from my creative endeavors would be a struggle was a transformative process. It allowed me to step into my power, cultivate a positive mindset, and build a business that thrives on the value I provide. I continue to practice manifestation and mindfulness, using these tools to nurture my confidence and attract abundance in all aspects of my life and business.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is that my passion and work are not simply hobbies. Being a creative professional, I pour immense effort and dedication into every aspect of my business. It is not just about indulging in a hobby or pursuing something I enjoy; it is a full-fledged commitment that requires hard work, perseverance, and constant growth.

As the lead in every aspect of my business, I take on multiple roles, including photographer, videographer, editor, marketer, social media manager, and entrepreneur. I am responsible for creating a remarkable client experience, managing projects, handling finances, and continuously honing my craft. The success of my business relies on my ability to balance the creative and business aspects, often necessitating long hours and relentless effort. I am also a mother to two young boys, and balancing both can be a struggle at times – especially if I am traveling for work.

Furthermore, as a creative, I have a deep emotional attachment to my work. Each project represents a piece of my soul, an expression of my unique perspective and artistic vision. The highs and lows of the creative process can be intense, with moments of great satisfaction and fulfillment juxtaposed with self-doubt, critique, and the constant pursuit of improvement.

While I absolutely love what I do, it is essential to understand that it does not come without challenges and sacrifices. The creative journey is a labor of love that requires perseverance, continuous learning, and the ability to navigate both the artistic and business aspects of my profession.

By shedding light on these aspects, I hope to offer insight and enlightenment to non-creatives who may not fully grasp the dedication and emotional investment that goes into being a creative professional. It is my hope that this understanding will foster appreciation for the work we do and help others recognize the importance of supporting and valuing the creative endeavors of individuals in their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.peachandhoneycreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_peachandhoney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peachandhoneyphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonamiller/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_peachandhoney

Image Credits
All photos by Peach & Honey Headshot taken by SMMG Photography, edited by Peach and Honey