We recently connected with Mads Barnes and have shared our conversation below.

Mads, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The kind of legacy I’m hoping to build is not based on income or tangible objects, but rather on how I hope to leave a positive impact on every single person I’ve come across. Whether that be through my art, or through a short conversation with someone, I hope to exist in a delightful memory for them. I hope to live in the minds of generations to come through the pure memories others have of me. When I am no longer on this Earth I believe people will comment on how adventurous and determined I was. I have never been one to shy away from the things that frighten me and have always chased after the next adventure. From solo traveling to 27 different countries to dropping out of college to pursure photography I’ve always gone after what feels right to me. I hope to be remembered by my kindness for I have always tried to treat others how I would like to be treated. I hope people will remember how much of an open mind I had, and I truly hope it inspires them to open theirs as well. I think the most powerful legacy you can have is giving others beautiful reasons not to forget you.

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 am a 24-year-old freelance photographer based out of Portland, Oregon. My dad gifted me my first digital camera on my 19th birthday right before I left for Germany to serve in the army, and it all just started from there. I began taking landscape pictures of my travels around Europe, then it turned into taking portraits of my friends, and eventually, I started booking gigs covering important military events. I began gaining recognition and awards for my work, and that’s when I started realizing that perhaps I could turn this into a career. I decided to drop out of college and focus on my photography full-time once I retired from the military in January 2022. I’ve recently been accepted to The Photography Studies College in Melbourne, Australia, and I’m so excited to be moving there in January 2024 to begin my studies. Currently, my work consists of landscape and portrait photography, and I’m always looking for creative people to collaborate with. I’ve got experience photographing weddings, concerts, engagement proposals, and individual and multiple people portraits. During all my sessions I’m constantly reviewing the photos I’m taking in real-time with my clients to make sure they’re happy with them. My main priority is making sure someone is getting their money’s worth. I want to make sure that my clients are genuinely happy with their photos, and that they feel good when they see themselves in them. Everyone deserves to have beautiful pictures of themselves, and I strive to make that happen.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started my hustle on social media during the peak of the pandemic in March 2020. There was nothing to do and like many others I found myself spending hours every day on TikTok. I started posting videos relevant to the trends at the time, and it all sort of went up from there. I’m pretty sure I posted at least one video every day for months. At the time of my peak on the app, I had massed 19k followers in the span of around 4 months. My advice to anyone starting out on social media is just to stay consistent with it. Keep an eye on what’s relevant at the time, and make content related to that. Also, just be yourself, like-minded people will gravitate towards your energy don’t worry. It’s also a good idea to reach out to other creators with similar content so you’re able to collaborate, and hopefully make some cool new friends too!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, word of mouth has led me to the most clients lately. When I’m out and about around Portland, or wherever I’m always doing my best to mention my photography. It’s a great conversation starter, and I also feel that it’s much more personable than social media. I enjoy getting to know my clients, and I believe the best photos come out when the subject is comfortable with the photographer. I’m also grateful to have some amazing friends that always mention my name whenever they meet someone who is in need of a photographer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotzbymadz/
• Email: madalynnjbarnes@gmail.com