We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Stevenson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I’ve been a full-time photographer going on 1 year in October. When I started my business at the end of 2020, I knew I wanted to make it a career, but didn’t give myself a timeline. In 2021 after plenty of word of mouth sessions, my business really grew and I significantly started to book myself to the point where the money I was making from doing photography was more than my day job as a bank teller. At that point, I still gave myself some time to figure out a game plan for when I would make the switch. Eventually last year it got to the point where I was having to turn down photo work because of my day job schedule, and I knew that that was my sign to take the leap. It has been one of my highest accomplishments so far in my life.
However, I feel it’s important to mention that everyone is different. It’s so easy to compare other people’s lifestyle & journey that can sometimes make you feel discouraged or that you’re not doing enough. I sacrificed a lot to get to where I am and will continue to go and there were many moments where I thought I’d have to give up. I wouldn’t change a thing with how my business came to be or to have sped up the process to get here. Everything happens as it should.
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.
I started my business in 2020 after buying my first camera to take photos of pastries I would bake. Eventually it turned into taking photos of people and that’s when I truly fell in love with my craft. I primarily do weddings and lifestyle photography such as maternity, couples, seniors, families, etc. with a heavy focus on documentary style shooting. In a world that focuses on the “perfect moment”, my style leans on showing the real and raw and show cases many candid moments throughout the time I’m working with my clients. My style is warm and nostalgic to really emphasis the Arizona scenery I’m surrounded by. After these last few years in my business, I am mostly proud of how far I’ve come as a creative along with my work. From having gone through many moments of imposter syndrome and self doubt, I feel I am at a point where my work and brand finally feels like me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being able see how it effects my clients. I’ve learned I am a huge words of affirmation person, so hearing from them how much they love the photos or how potential clients describe my work when inquiring means so much. It validates me in knowing that I’m doing the right thing, and that this job gives me purpose.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I really wish I had taken the time to do more mentorships in the photo community. I think it’s super important to continue learning about your craft even when you feel you “know it all”. The great thing about what I do is that there is always room to grow and knowledge to retain. Mentorships along with watching different videos and taking courses on things I’m unsure of have been a game changer in the last few months for my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonmariahphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonmariahphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090566349364
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonmariahphoto Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/madisonmariahphoto/
Image Credits
All photos taken by me.