We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madeline O’Brien. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madeline below.

Hi Madeline, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Losing my dad suddenly on 9/11 was a defining moment in my life, and my mom’s actions during that time have had a lasting impact on me. One of the things she did right—something that continues to inspire me to this day—is her love of photography. Before 2001, my mom took hundreds of pictures, capturing everyday moments and special memories. Because of her, I can revisit those photos whenever I want, helping me hold onto the essence of my dad, even though I didn’t have much time with him. That’s probably the main reason I developed such a love for photography. I’m always taking pictures, no matter what the occasion, because I know how valuable those memories are.

One of the things I truly love about being a photographer is being part of those little moments (whether it’s a wedding, a family gathering, or a special/meaningful moment between loved ones) and knowing that I’m helping my clients preserve memories that they’ll cherish forever. I hope the photos I take become treasures for future generations, just like my mom’s photos of my dad have become for me.

As I got older, another thing my mom did right was believe in me, no matter what I was passionate about. She always encouraged me to be myself, supported my dreams, and never doubted my abilities. She was also incredibly honest about my work, which helped me grow both personally and professionally. Her unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue what I love, even when I wasn’t sure of the outcome. And if something didn’t work out, she’d always say, “At least you gave it your best try.”

Though I only knew my dad for a short time, I’ve had the privilege of learning more about him through the stories of his friends and family. From both my mom and dad, I learned the importance of kindness and gratitude. Those values are at the core of everything I do—in my work as a photographer and in my everyday life.

Madeline, 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 passion for photography is rooted in my love for capturing meaningful moments and revealing the hidden beauty in everyday life. Whether it’s engagement photos, family portraits, weddings, or candid instants between friends, I focus on preserving memories that people can cherish forever. What drives me is the idea that, through my work, I can make people happy and help them relive special points in time for years to come.

When working with clients, my top priority is not just to meet their expectations but to exceed them. I put myself in their shoes, imagining what I would want from the session. This perspective helps me go above and beyond to deliver images that will mean something to my clients long after the event is over. Whenever I’m capturing a quiet second or a lively celebration, I’m always focused on what makes each moment unique and special.

I was born and raised on Long Island, surrounded by a large, tight-knit Irish-Italian family, so I understand the importance of capturing every detail, especially at events like weddings, where no one wants to miss a single moment. This sense of family and celebration has always influenced how I approach my work.

I graduated from the College of Charleston in 2018 with a degree in Communications, but my passion for photography truly blossomed during a study abroad semester in Barcelona in 2016. Traveling around Europe, I was immersed in different cultures and exposed to breathtaking landscapes and architecture, so that’s where I really started developing my eye for photography. After college, I worked with several production companies in New York, initially aiming to pursue a career in film. My last office role was as an Administrative Coordinator at Tribeca Productions, where I gained valuable experience in storytelling and production. In 2021, I decided to shift my focus toward my true passion: storytelling through captured moments in time. That transition gave me the opportunity to fully dedicate myself to capturing meaningful moments and building my own business. During that period, I decided to start my own production company, and I’ve been working on a documentary that’s very close to my heart. But photography remained my first love, and I decided to turn it into a full-time business. Since making that leap, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response from clients, and I’m so grateful to wake up every day doing what I love.

What sets me apart from other photographers is my commitment to capturing raw, candid moments that tell a story. While posed shots are beautiful, I believe the real magic often lies in those unplanned, in-between instants –the natural, unguarded expressions that reveal the real emotions of the day. My goal is to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable and at ease, allowing their true essence to shine through in their photos.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly my business has grown, especially since its launch just a few months ago. Seeing how my work resonates with people and knowing I’ve created images they’ll treasure forever has been incredibly rewarding. For me, photography is about more than just taking pictures; it’s about building trust, creating a memorable experience, and preserving moments that clients will hold close to their hearts.

To potential clients, I want you to know that I’m passionate, dedicated, and fully committed to delivering content that reflects your essence and captures the points in time that matter most. I’m here to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Photography has always been a part of my life. From a young age, I was the “go-to” person in my family and among friends whenever there was a time worth capturing. Back when Facebook albums were all the rage, I was the one constantly uploading photos for everyone to enjoy.What started as a fun hobby gradually grew into something I was deeply passionate about.
The turning point came in 2022 when I invested in a 35mm film camera I found on eBay—something about the nostalgia of film reignited my creative spark. I started taking pictures at weddings for close friends, and it was then that I began to realize how much I loved capturing candid, raw emotions. Two of my best friends, both brides, told me how much they appreciated the unposed moments I had caught—those real, heartfelt seconds that often get overlooked. Seeing how my photos made them feel was the most rewarding part, and that’s when I realized I could turn this into more than just a hobby.
My nonno (grandfather) used to say, “If you get a job doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That advice really stuck with me, and photography felt like the perfect way to align my work with my passion.
The real catalyst for launching my business came somewhat unexpectedly. In June of this year, I was at a wedding, taking photos for fun with my film camera. The wedding photographer noticed me, admired my camera, and we struck up a conversation. She encouraged me to apply for a job as an assistant photographer with a local wedding vendor – all I needed to apply was a website and portfolio, and that’s when I realized it was time to take the leap.

Within a week, I had my website up and running, and I launched it alongside a dedicated photography Instagram. I remember feeling a little nervous but excited to see where this could go. While I never heard back about my wedding vendor application, what happened next was nothing short of amazing. Within hours of launching my website, inquiries started rolling in—for weddings, events, and portraits. My site had over 1,000 visitors in the first week, and I booked my first wedding. The support from my friends and family sharing my website and Instagram helped spread the word faster than I ever could have imagined.
In just a few short months, I’ve gone from being a hobbyist photographer to running a professional business, and it feels surreal. Every day is a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love, helping people capture their most special memories.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is seeing my clients’ reactions and knowing that my work has made a meaningful impact on their lives. There’s nothing better than receiving a glowing review, spotting my photos on a holiday card or Instagram post, or knowing that one of my pictures is proudly displayed in someone’s home for friends and family to enjoy.

I also find great satisfaction in the moments when clients truly appreciate the dedication and effort that goes into what freelance photographers do. It’s not just about taking a few pictures—it’s about pouring our hearts into every shot, spending hours perfecting the lighting, meticulously editing the images, and selecting the right presets to bring out the best in every scene. When clients recognize that hard work, it makes everything feel even more worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madeline-obrien-photography.com
• Instagram: @maddieo_b_roll
• Other: Instagram: @thereal__maddieobrien

Image Credits

@maddieo_b_roll
https://www.madeline-obrien-photography.com
Madeline O’Brien Photography