who's that girl
It's Madeline!
I’m Madeline, a portrait photographer based in San Jose, California. Let’s start at the beginning.
I’ve always been the friend that takes the pictures: Kodak cameras, disposable film cameras, iPods, iPhones, DSLR, you name it. I started documenting life through a lens when I was nine years old, when my little brother was born. I was always the one to stop my group of friends when they were in front of a beautiful backdrop, or to hold up our dinner plans as I wanted to capture our delicious food at the right angle.
Between 2016 and 2017, I photographed my first two weddings, a proposal, a few friends’ portraits, and then I gave up. Comparison really IS the thief of joy, and I couldn’t help but compare where I was at to what most experienced photographers on social media were posting.
I’m so thankful for my friends who believed in me and my passions and pushed me back into this wonderful art form! In the spring of 2021, I bought a 15-year-old camera from a fellow photographer and took as many pictures as I could. I booked my first paid shoot in May 2021, shot two weddings in the summer, and booked a total of 45 sessions for the rest of the year, all while balancing two other jobs AND planning my own wedding!
I've been with my partner, Tyler, for 7.5 years now! We got engaged in June 2020 and like many people, have had to postpone our wedding due to the pandemic. We are so excited for April 2023, when we say “I do FOREVERRR” in the highlands of Scotland with some of our closest friends and family! it can’t come soon enough!
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty."
As someone who’s never been super comfortable in front of a camera, my approach to most of my sessions is relaxed. Of course I want you to receive the photos of your dreams, so I might pose you a little bit to ensure we’re getting the best angles and frames possible.
I want our session to be fun and comfortable, showcasing the personalities of everyone involved! If you’re a fan of stuffy, posed portraits without a lot of depth or character, I’m probably not the right photographer for you. I want to capture the real and authentic you!
oh, you want more? here are some fun facts!
1. I am a huge Disney fam
2. My Fiance and I each have 19 letters in our full names
3. I did musical theater for 12 years and loved every second of it
4. When I was 4 year old, I wanted to grow up to be a crossing guard
5. My mouth cannot physically handle the spice of hot cheetos, but I love them
6. I have the entire Cheesecake Factory menu memorized
my approach is different (in a good way)
