We recently connected with Madison Somerville and have shared our conversation below.
Madison, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
At Madison Avery Studio, our approach to executive photography is what sets us apart.
We believe that humans ultimately buy from other humans, not from fancy websites or flashy images. You are the secret sauce in your business. To show that, we help individuals and small firms build a memorable online presence.
We place the individual at the center of all the photographs we create. For many of our clients, their people are their competitive advantage. We make sure they look their best and that the business has visual consistency.
People want to buy from other people. We’re social creatures wired to connect. That’s why we put the individual first.
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?
I fell in love with photography when my dad gave me my first camera in 2011. Almost immediately, I knew it held the key to my future.
At the time, I was a student at The University of Texas and in the process of applying for the art program. Photography gave direction and purpose to my studies and life. I was accepted into the art program where I studied classical art, photography and sculpture. After graduating in 2014, I started my business in Austin, TX.
In 2021, I moved back to my hometown of Houston and rebranded as Madison Avery Studio. Our mission is twofold. First, to provide a first-class executive photography experience to local businesses and professionals. And second to bring warmth and approachability to corporate headshot and event photography.
We work with both individual professionals and small to medium companies. Our services include headshots, executive photography, personal and professional brand photography, and corporate event coverage.
What sets us apart is our client experience. We know that most people look best when they’re relaxed. But trying to relax in a photo studio with big lights in your face and unfamiliar surroundings isn’t easy. To overcome that challenge, we intentionally create an atmosphere of casual fun.
We do everything in our power to make the shoot feel effortless for the subject. The result is better, more natural looking images. Our clients say the shoot feels like hanging out with a friend. Which is exactly what we want. Why? Because everyone looks better when they’re having a great time.
Additionally, we offer corporate event coverage of awards ceremonies, conferences, galas and networking events. By collaborating with other creative businesses, we help our clients capture the energy and vibe of any event, big or small. We’ve photographed everything from a multi-day IBM conference in Las Vegas to an intimate networking event on a Thursday evening. What sets us apart from other event photographers is our ability to juggle logistics, engage the crowd and capture important moments without disruption.
Finally, I’d like to mention that I’ve continued to make art outside of my business. I shoot black and white film that I develop myself and print in a traditional wet darkroom. I’ve shown my work in galleries and shows across the country.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Our ultimate goal or mission is to help businesses get seen while looking great. People are doing more business online today than ever before.
Most professionals could benefit from a memorable online presence. We make it easy for them to show their uniqueness, market their differences and connect with more customers.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is having the power to boost people’s confidence. I get to show people a side of themselves they sometimes haven’t seen. Everyone deserves to look great and I find it incredibly rewarding to provide that service.
You know that feeling you get when you look like a million bucks? I get to help people look it, feel it, own it, and then use it to promote themselves. How awesome is that?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonaverystudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonaverystudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonaverystudio
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-avery-somerville
