We recently connected with Maddy Mullahey and have shared our conversation below.

Maddy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m pretty much self-taught. My photography journey started on YouTube in 2020, going down a rabbit hole of videos on lighting, composition, software, etc. I used my friends to model and just kept shooting. I began posting my work on Instagram and TikTok to connect with other creatives. This led me to work on partnerships with Kodak and Adobe Photoshop. Building community is what really sped up the process for me. I was sharing my learning experiences online, attending photo events and gallery openings in my community. I kept myself open to collaboration reaching out to local models and small businesses. That’s the biggest thing, don’t hesitate to reach out to people! After connecting with photographer, Gina DeSimone, I had the opportunity to interview for a position under her wing at Urban Outfitters. Now I work there as a full-time photographer! Even though I’m working as a full-time creative, I still feel like I’m at the beginning of my photography journey. That’s what I love. There’s always more to learn. There’s always room for growth. I plan collaborations and test shoots outside of work all the time. Those projects are great ways to meet new people, experiment, and build your portfolio. People won’t hire you unless they’ve seen you do it! (or something similar) That’s why it’s important to keep shooting and creating the type of work you want to be hired for.

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?

Hi, I’m Maddy and I’m a Philadelphia/NYC-based fashion photographer. I work full-time for the Men’s Studio at Urban Outfitters, freelancing for brands and local businesses in between. I focus on using light and composition to craft timeless images. My work reflects curiosity and attention to detail. I’m always looking for new ways to frame what I see and capture the energy that makes each brand unique. Recently, I’ve enjoyed scanning, collaging, and altering photos to express myself further.

My creative journey started as a child actor. I was working professionally on the Shrek 1st Broadway National Tour and the Mary Poppins Broadway National Tour. You may have seen me in a Toys R Us commercial too! I began acting at 8 years old, so I was invested in the entertainment industry for a long time. Once COVID hit, I had the opportunity to explore some of my other interests. Growing up, I always had an interest in photography. I was directing iMovie trailers, playing with a green screen in my basement, and making my friends model for me. I always had the eye for it, but I finally started teaching myself the technical skills, and it just stuck.

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

I think it’s the people and creatives I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I love collaborating with a team. I love bouncing ideas. It’s amazing to see how we elevate each other’s work. Especially at Urban Outfitters. The people I work with every day make me excited to grow. That’s probably one of the most rewarding parts about being a creative in general. To inspire and to be inspired.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

It definitely required some resilience to make the leap from acting to photography. Pursuing acting professionally, especially as a kid, strengthened my character. When you’re auditioning, you’re constantly told no for a plethora of reasons. One day I’m too short, the next I’m too tall. Most times you’re left wondering. It was a really fun time though. I was on Broadway, singing, dancing, and traveling the country. But I worked my ass off at the same time. I’ve learned that opportunities flow when you’re leading with joy and doing what you love. I had a weird amount of faith in myself. I knew that I could work hard, get rejected, and still dream big because I had already done it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @maddymullahey.jpg

Image Credits

0- Personal Photo
Photographer: Gina DeSimone

1- Test Shoot BTS
Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
BTS Photographer: Kate Oelmann
Styling: Kate Oelmann
Model: Kayla Mastronardo
Styling + AD: Rachel Fausnaught

2- Champion x Urban Outfitters
Photographer: Gina DeSimone
BTS Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
Design: Ethan Dupont
Tech: Sean Kane
AD: Steph Iselin
Styling: Maura Kemp, Aidan Scurti
HMU: Kristi Wilczopolski
Production: Christine Lee, Lily Stampler, Hexter, Ed

3- Asics x Urban Outfitters
Flats Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
On-model Photographer: Caro Ramirez
Art Direction: Edeline Chen
Flats Styling: Rachel Fausnaught
On-model Styling: Gina Grasso, Jamil Cox
HMU: Mark Alan Esparaza
Casting: Dana Rich
Production: Christine Lee, Lily Stampler, Eryn Lynn
Digital Tech: Chris Strobel
Styling Asst: Ronnie Tynan

4- Asics x Urban Outfitters
Creative Directors: Edeline Chen, Steph Iselin
AD: Cara Worcester, Andrew Park
Flats Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
On-figure Photographer: Caro Ramirez
Styling Director: Maura Kemp
Flat Styling: Rachel Fausnaught
On-figure Styling: Abby Benice, Jamil Cox, Amy Lautenslager
HMU: Kat Sterrett, Hiro
Casting: Dana Rich & Grace Boyle
Production: Christine Lee, Eryn Lynn

5- Summer ‘24 Test Shoot
Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
BTS Photographer: Kate Oelmann
Styling: Kate Oelmann
Model: Kayla Mastronardo

6- BDG for Urban Outfitters
On-figure Photographer: Gina Desimone
Flats Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
Digital Tech: @_parkeralbin
Styling: Aidan Scurti
Styling Asst: Donnovan Harris
Flat Styling: Rachel Fausnaught
AD: Steph Iselin
Grooming: Marco Castro
Casting: Dana Rich
Models: Elias Monstrey, Nizar Talal
Production: Christine Lee, Hexter, Lily Stampler

7- Spring Test Shoot
Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
Styling: Aidan Scurti, Rachel Fausnaught
Art Direction: Rachel Fausnaught
HMU: Monica McGrath

8- New Balance for Urban Outfitters
Photographer: Maddy Mullahey
Styling: Donnovan Harris
Art Direction: Rachel Fausnaught, Steph Iselin