Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madison Stringfellow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Madison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Based in: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
As a professional photographer, my mission is to create value in individual lives, brands, and businesses.
With Madison Stringfellow Portraits LLC, I take you through a full boutique experience with the end product being your custom luxury artwork. I am with you from the consultation to the placement of your artwork in your home, serving you through this entire experience!
When I started my portrait business several years ago, it was a drive-thru photo session experience. “Here’s your digital gallery. Goodbye, friends! Good luck creating things with your photos!”
I learned over the years, many of my clients used third-party services such as Snapfish and Shutterfly to print small 5×7 photos and flimsy low-quality flipbooks. You always see the newest, cheapest service to print a photobook or a canvas. You do it yourself. You pick out the photos that you want and trust the resolution was preserved during all your file shuffling. The templates are overwhelming. Your files are too big, then too small. You’re frustrated, you’ve spent over 2 hours trying to design your project. The layout is not appearing the way you want. The end product prints out fuzzy and messy.
Not only is self-printing not providing the true art that my work, equipment, editing, software and professional fine art lab produce but it is not serving my clients.
You don’t need a giant task and headache to finish. This is my profession. I am the artist, the creative, the photo expert. You only need your vision. I will do the work to bring your memories to life.
With wall art and heirloom fine art albums, you can display the love, joy, and authenticity that exists in your home. This is your art in your home, not a picture of an elephant from Pottery Barn that 10,000 other homes have. You and your family NEED to see these photos every day!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have directed over 650 photo sessions for nearly nine years. I have a resume of contract work with different companies, but most of my success is the product of my portrait business.
I moved out to Los Angeles alone when I was 19. For the next 4 years, I spent 40% of my time in Los Angeles. I created a network while evolving my skills in a saturated market. It was the ultimate photography industry boot camp. I traveled around often, working in Miami and New York. I produced portrait sessions in many cities across the United States and Canada. Additionally, I managed projects in South America, Asia, and Europe.
Getting into this industry wasn’t much of a decision or a breakthrough. It was something that just happened. Being a photographer has always been part of who I am. Since I was a child, I practiced photography. I began monetizing this craft while I was still in high school.
Creating a profitable, sustainable business has a journey. Photography is my skill, craft, and art but entrepreneurship is the engine that drives it all.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I am pivoting this very moment in my business to provide a more immersive, customized, personal, and attentive experience for every client. The focus is wall art albums and canvas prints. I am in the pre-launch phase as I am working with my returning clients to produce art from their past sessions.
My second sector of working with brands and small businesses is also getting a branding makeover. This branch of my business has grown exponentially, and I am implementing a new business model. This work focuses on digital assets for brand awareness. I provide lifestyle photos, products, e-commerce, and professional headshots. Additionally, I offer B2B writing services to pair with visual content.
As I write this, I am anticipating the hard launch of my new websites and platforms. Next month, May 2023, will be the official launch of the rebranding of both sectors!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Books I recommend:
– The Compound Effect
– Start With Why
– How to Win Friends & Influence People
– The Tipping Point
Contact Info:
- Website: www.madisonstringfellow.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/madisonstringfellowportraits
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonstringfellowportraits
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-stringfellow/
Image Credits
Madison Stringfellow Portraits