Today we’d like to introduce you to Madelin Berry.
Hi Madelin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My interest in photography started when I was a kid. One of my earliest memories took place at a Christmas party. Two sisters were trying to take photos of themselves but were unhappy with how the photos came out. I offered to take their photos, and they were so happy with the photos that they asked me to take more. I remember feeling so happy that I could do that for other people.
In middle school, I took a field trip to Full Sail and fell in love with their photography program. I could imagine myself going to school there. However, as I grew older, I took different paths. I spent a long time trying to find a career or job that worked best for me. But none gave me the feeling photography gives me.
It wasn’t until I was halfway through my Bachelor’s degree that I started thinking about photography more and more. I wondered where I’d be if I took the chance sooner. I told my mom about it and she found two cameras and let me have them. I practiced on a friend and then offered free sessions. From one, I got a real client, which I charged $25 for 30 minutes. I soon realized the camera I had was no good (it was really old), and I told my parents that I wanted to buy myself a camera. My stepdad offered to buy me a camera, and we all went to the store together and chose one. I was ecstatic. I instantly wanted to get out and practice. It was difficult to find time, but when I could I practiced on myself. I would set up my tripod, take photos, and edit them.
Towards the end of my Bachelor’s degree, I took an entrepreneurship course in which I had to create a real or fictitious business. Around that time, I was obsessed with photography. It was the only true interest/hobby I had, so I did the project on it. I had to choose a name for my business, and I knew I wanted something different. I googled different name ideas and found Snaps by… so, I chose Snaps by Madelin. Every week we had new assignments in which I had to create marketing plans, business plans, you name it. I set my start date for March 2022, but I had no intention in actually starting the business. It was wishful thinking and I didn’t think it was possible.
Once I graduated, I wanted to find a career. Something that I would enjoy and that offered great benefits. I applied for dozens of jobs but I didn’t have much luck. I was a little disappointed when I realized how difficult it was to find a job in the field that I graduated in. I eventually found a job and I planned to stay there long-term.
Unfortunately, as the months passed, I grew unhappy. I started to think about photography again and I decided to just finally do it. I set a plan to offer Christmas photos and my husband and I bought decorations. He built an arch, we decorated, and I took photos. I put it on social media and waited for clients to book me. It was a little slow, but I didn’t want to give up. As I waited, my husband and I joked about how awesome it would be if our neighbor let us use his truck for the Christmas photos. He has a really cool vintage truck. My husband talked to him, and he quickly agreed. We decorated it, took photos, and posted the photos on Facebook. The amount of interest I received was beyond what I could have hoped for. We filled several spots. It was truly the happiest I’d been in a while. I hosted the sessions and edited the photos on the weekends while I worked at my full-time job during the week. I also found more photography opportunities and met the most amazing and talented photographers. They believed in me and told me I was good.
As amazing as my weekends were, I still had a job. I became increasingly aware of how different I was at work than I was when I was photographing. I was very stressed and unhappy. I finally reached my breaking point and realized I couldn’t work there any longer. I spend too many days praying for a change. God finally spoke to me one morning and told me to get my LLC. I knew it was God because when I was working on my Bachelor’s degree and created a business plan for Snaps by Madelin, I decided on a sole proprietorship. My teacher even tried to talk me out of it, but I was set on it. Things lined up to where I left my job on good terms, and I decided to start my business. I left in December of 2021 started my business in January 2022. I did as God told me and registered my business as an LLC and I’ve been in business ever since. I owe all the grace and glory to God because I wouldn’t have had the courage to leave my job and start my business without him.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s easy for me to think “no, it hasn’t been easy” because I am not where I want to be yet. I will admit, my faith has been tested, but when I think of how many clients I’ve had the opportunity to work with in such a short amount of time, it is nothing short of a blessing. The last two months (June and July) have been a little slow, but things are picking up again and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
It’s easy for me to think “no, it hasn’t been easy” because I am not where I want to be yet. I will admit, my faith has been tested, but when I think of how many clients I’ve had the opportunity to work with in such a short amount of time, it is nothing short of a blessing. The last two months (June and July) have been a little slow, but things are picking up again and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a central Florida photographer, and I also travel. I specialize in weddings, engagement, family, lifestyle, and portraits. I am most proud of capturing beautiful memories for my clients. I strive to be the best I can to better serve them.
What sets me apart from others is my heart. I wear my heart on my sleeve and who I am is what you get. I am not a photographer to try to be the best in the world or to be famous; I am a photographer because it brings me joy to capture moments that brings my customers happiness. I offer affordable rates/packages that can accommodate many budgets. Also, I’m always thinking of ways to improve and make the experience with me even better.
How do you define success?
Success is not how many clients you book or how much money you make. Success is the impact you have left on each and every person you meet. If I leave a positive impact, experience, or memory with each person I meet, I consider myself successful.
Pricing:
- $180 for a one-hour standard session
- $230 for an hour and a half engagement session
- Contact me for wedding pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snapsbymadelin.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/snapsbymadelin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Snapsbymadelin
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