We were lucky to catch up with Madaline Feine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Madaline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change the timing of when I started my business—I truly believe I started it at the right moment in my life. I launched my photography business in 2022. At that point, I had just stepped into motherhood and was navigating huge life transitions. I was craving something that was mine—something creative, fulfilling, and flexible—and photography gave me exactly that.

Starting earlier might have given me more time to build experience, but I don’t think I would have had the same emotional connection to the work. Motherhood helped shape my perspective and pushed me to see beauty in everyday moments. That lens influences how I shoot and what I capture for my clients today.

Starting later would have meant delaying something I already knew I was passionate about. I might have waited for the “perfect” time—which, as many business owners know, never really comes.

So, looking back, I’m proud of when and how I started. It was born out of passion and a real need for balance and purpose, and I think that authenticity has played a big part in the way my business continues to grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Madaline Feine, the heart behind Feine Moments Photography. I’m a motherhood, family, and wedding photographer based in Minnesota—and also a wife, a mom of two daughters, and someone who’s always had a deep appreciation for real, fleeting moments.

My journey into photography started like many others—with a camera in hand and a passion for storytelling. But it wasn’t until 2022, shortly after becoming a mom, that I realized I wanted to turn that passion into a business. There’s something about becoming a parent that shifts how you view time and memory, and I found myself longing to capture the moments I knew would slip by too fast. That longing turned into a calling, and Feine Moments Photography was born.

I specialize in capturing honest, emotive, natural images—whether that’s the glow of a new mother during a maternity session, the laughter of a young family playing in a field, or the subtle glances exchanged during a wedding ceremony. My work is rooted in connection and sincerity. I don’t want my clients to just look good in their photos—I want them to feel something when they see them.

What sets me apart is my approach: I bring a mix of professional guidance and gentle presence to every session. I know what it’s like to feel a little awkward in front of the camera or worry about kids cooperating, and I’ve built my brand around making those worries disappear. Clients often tell me I have a calming presence, and that I capture the in-between moments they didn’t even realize they wanted.

I offer a range of photography services including wedding coverage, motherhood and maternity sessions, family sessions, and fresh 48 sessions. I also create custom packages for clients who want something more personal.

One thing I’m really proud of is the community that’s formed around my business. I’ve met so many incredible families and couples, and I’m honored every time someone trusts me to document a part of their story. I don’t take that lightly—it’s personal for me.

More than anything, I want potential clients to know that I’m here to serve. I’m not just showing up with a camera—I’m showing up with heart, intention, and a commitment to delivering images that mean something now and even more in 10, 20, 50 years.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that everything had to be perfect before I could start or share my work. I used to believe that if my brand wasn’t polished enough, if my gear wasn’t “pro” level, or if I wasn’t fully confident in every single shot, then I wasn’t ready. That mindset held me back for a while.

When I first started my photography business, I was constantly comparing myself to others who had years of experience, high-end equipment, and huge followings. I’d overthink every post, every session, every tiny detail—because I thought that’s what made a business successful.

But eventually, I realized that done is better than perfect—and real connection beats perfection every time. My clients weren’t looking for flawless—they were looking for someone who could make them feel comfortable, capture authentic moments, and deliver memories they’d treasure.

The backstory is simple but important: I started sharing even when I felt a little nervous. I showed up to sessions with the mindset that I was there to serve, not to prove anything. And the more I let go of perfectionism, the more confident, creative, and connected I became.

Unlearning that “perfection first” mentality is what truly allowed my business to grow—and it’s something I remind myself of often.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships—both online and in person. Social media, especially Instagram, has played a big role in helping me showcase my work and personality, but it’s the personal connection that really turns followers into clients. I try to be consistent in sharing not just my portfolio, but pieces of my life, behind-the-scenes moments, and what it’s like to work with me.

Word of mouth has also been incredibly powerful. I pour a lot of energy into making each session a warm, positive experience, and clients who feel seen and cared for tend to share that experience with others.

And lastly, offering model calls and promotional sessions in the beginning and currently has helped me build a strong portfolio, get my name out in the community, and connect with people who might not have found me otherwise. It wasn’t just about filling my calendar—it was about creating lasting impressions.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.feinemomentsphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feinemomentsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feinemoments

Image Credits

Feine Moments Photography LLC