Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Mainwood
Madeline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been fascinated by photos and videos since I was little – I loved looking through all of our family photos and taping videos on my parents camcorder. It all felt like savored memories, a stamp in time, something to help me remember my whole life. As I grew up and the question of what I wanted to be when I grew up floated around, I wasn’t sure I knew how to be a photographer or an artist professionally. It called to me though, I couldn’t help but dream of what it would be like to have a creative career. In college I started to meet artists everywhere. I explored journalism, design, poetry, dance, critical theory, sustainability, and more when I was in school, and nothing seemed to add up to my interest in photography and art. I took a film photography class in my junior year, and fell head over heels in love. From then on, my Canon A-E1 film camera was with me at all times. The stories that I could tell in this film felt like my savored childhood memories, and these were stories I felt I needed to tell.
After graduation, I didn’t have many options. I needed a job, and also felt more inspired than ever to create. I couldn’t look at my resume any more or write another cover letter, I just wanted to take photos. I started taking portraits of my roommates and myself, experimenting with color, light, texture. Letting the ideas in my head come to life before me – this was the DREAM to me! I felt like I finally found a way to express myself and explore different concepts that were only dreams before. After a while I started getting paid for these creative, conceptual photoshoots, and the true start of my career was upon me. At the time I was working at a yoga studio in St. Paul, and my boss, knowing my passion and desire for being a photographer, encouraged me to take photos of our retail products! This experience gave me confidence in my skill and craft, and I was able to connect with brand owners in a new way. Product photography had been added into my tool kit! I continued to experiment with portraiture, film, couples, families, and eventually I was asked to photograph a wedding! I realized, I am the one creating these memories for others now. I have a hand in telling stories that will last lifetimes, that will turn into old stories and childhood memories, like the ones that have always felt so dear to me. My job as a photographer isn’t just a job, it is my passion and my outlet. I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am today, offering all different kinds of photography and getting to help tell people’s stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely not an easy path to take the road of an artist/entrepreneur! It’s starting something from scratch, it’s tirelessly working multiple jobs and late nights, and sometimes it kinda feels like failing. There were people in my life who didn’t take me seriously, who thought I’d grow out of it, who didn’t see me actually being able to start my own business. I didn’t go learn how to run a business in school… I was too busy dancing and reading about second wave feminism! And truth be told, running a business doesn’t come naturally for me, but that’s where community has been so important! There were people who did believe in me, and they helped me get here. This was the one thing that always felt really right to me, and I’m so glad I kept going and haven’t looked back!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer of all kinds! I’ve had a wide range of experience and find myself not wanting to put myself into a niche. I offer photo sessions for brands, products, personal branding, portraits, families, couples, events and weddings! I am most proud of my brand/personal branding sessions and portrait sessions – these sessions feel so intuitive and inspiring to me: telling the story of a brand or someone’s life, encapsulating expression and passion behind the story too. I think my style is expressive and unique. I like to infuse my photos with life and texture. I am always inspired by and using film in my work, which I think sets me apart from others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopestudiosphotography.com
- Instagram: @madelinemainwood
