We recently connected with Madison Dunn and have shared our conversation below.

Madison , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it certainly wasn’t that way from day one. My journey into making a living as a photographer has been shaped by perseverance, continual learning, and the strong work ethic I grew up with on a rural farm. Those early experiences taught me the value of hard work and how to earn your way. Nothing was handed to me, and I understood from a young age that if you truly want something, you have to be willing to put in the effort to make it happen.

When I was in college, I worked diligently to build my photography brand. Balancing my studies with running a budding business was challenging, but it taught me time management, the importance of building relationships with clients, and how to position my work in a way that resonated with people. I took every opportunity to put myself out there, whether that meant shooting small, unpaid projects or networking with people who could help me grow my portfolio. Each experience was a stepping stone.

The process wasn’t linear, and it wasn’t easy. There were long nights, mistakes made, and lessons learned, but I made it a priority to keep growing. I invested in learning—whether that meant studying photography techniques, improving my marketing skills, or refining my client experience. Little by little, my efforts started to pay off, and I began to see my creative work transition from a side hustle to a full-time career.

Looking back, I think there are a few things that could have sped up the process. For one, I could have invested in mentorship sooner. Learning from someone who has already walked the path I wanted to take would have helped me avoid some missteps and gain clarity on my direction. I also realized later how critical it is to niche down—finding my voice and offering a unique style that set me apart was a game changer.

Ultimately, this journey has been as much about personal growth as it has been about building a business. Every step of the way has reinforced that hard work, determination, and the willingness to keep learning are the keys to turning your passion into a livelihood.

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?

Photography has been a part of my story from the very beginning. My journey started with a gift from my great uncle—a simple camera, mostly intended for outdoor photography. That camera sparked something in me, and I never looked back. I began by offering free sessions to anyone who would let me practice, constantly challenging myself to grow and improve. One of the most pivotal steps in my journey was second shooting for wedding photographers, even driving six hours for my very first opportunity. Those experiences were invaluable, teaching me not only the technical side of photography but also how to anticipate and capture meaningful moments.

Year after year, I pushed myself to refine my skills and my vision, and at the end of each year, I’d reflect on how far I’d come. Slowly but surely, I began shaping my business into a brand I’m incredibly proud of today. I offer a luxury wedding and portrait experience for brides who want their new season of life captured in a way that feels timeless and meaningful—memories they’ll cherish forever.

What sets me apart is my focus on my clients. From the moment a bride visits my website or hears about me from a past client, she knows that my priority is her experience. My goal is to make the wedding process as stress-free as possible, so she feels cared for and confident every step of the way. My approach is all about her—her story, her love, her vision. I believe that when you lead with a mindset of service and care, it creates a truly unforgettable experience for both the bride and myself.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to capture one of the most important days of their lives. It’s a privilege to know that the images I create will become heirlooms that are treasured for generations. My work isn’t just about photography—it’s about preserving moments that matter, in a way that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of every love story.

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for creating an experience and images that brides will be proud to look back on for years to come. It’s an honor to walk alongside my clients in such a meaningful chapter of their lives, and my greatest reward is seeing the joy my work brings to them and their families.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Education has been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey, and I truly believe that continuous learning is essential for growth. Early on, I realized that if I wanted to build a business I was proud of, I needed to commit to educating myself—and that’s exactly what I did. I developed a habit of daily learning and never stopped.

Podcasts like The Goal Digger Podcast and Ben Hartley’s show have been incredible resources for me. They’re full of actionable advice and inspiring stories that keep me motivated and help me think critically about my business. Whether it’s about marketing, client experience, or mindset, I’ve found so much value in the perspectives shared by those who have been in my shoes.

In addition to podcasts, I invest time in studying through courses and videos. For example, I took courses from Amy and Jordan Photography early on in my career, and their insights into both the creative and business sides of photography have been transformational. Their teaching style resonated with me, and it set a strong foundation for how I approach my craft and my clients today.

YouTube has also been a goldmine of information. Whenever I feel I need to strengthen a particular skill or learn a new strategy, I’ll dive into tutorials or discussions that give me practical tools to implement right away.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the impact my work has on my clients. There’s nothing quite like receiving a sweet text or phone call from a bride after she’s viewed her wedding images for the first time. Hearing the emotion in her voice, knowing that I’ve captured memories that mean so much to her—it’s incredibly fulfilling.

Another moment that always takes my breath away is seeing my images displayed in my clients’ homes. Knowing that something I created is now part of their daily lives, hanging on their walls as a constant reminder of the love and joy from one of the most meaningful days of their lives, is deeply humbling. It’s a powerful reminder of why I do what I do—to create timeless heirlooms that people can cherish for years to come.

At the heart of it all, the most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing that my work isn’t just about photos; it’s about preserving stories, emotions, and legacies. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madisondunnphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisondunnphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisondunnphotography/

Image Credits

Madison Dunn Photography