Life & Work with Madeline Hartner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Hartner. 

Hi Madeline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I vividly remember picking up an old film camera my sophomore year of high school and how I immediately felt inspired and connected. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing photography program at my high school, and there I was introduced to the science behind the art of film photography. I was taught how to use a film camera, how to load the film, how to load the film onto a reel, develop that roll of film, then take it into a darkroom and use an enlarger and make prints using the different chemicals needed. I didn’t realize how much focus and patience this took to just capture and print a single image. My senior year of high school I really focused on transferring those core principles to use with digital photography, including editing photos in Lightroom and Photoshop. I really credit my high school photography teacher (who has since retired) with encouraging my creativity and drive to pursue photography not only as a passion but a business. Fast forward a few years, it wasn’t until 2019/2020 that I really got outside my immediate circle of friends and family to develop my own style and to build my client base. Through this process, I have had countless opportunities to meet so many fellow creatives, read important blogs, and listen to informative podcasts that have really made an impact on me. I have met so many talented, caring, and encouraging photographers who really have become close friends in my life. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m sure many photographers identify with “Imposture syndrome” when it comes to their style and identity. This includes myself! The biggest struggle I have faced within this constantly-changing industry is finding my own voice within my photos, and most recently with the ever-changing dynamic that is social media. Over the past two years, using Instagram and Facebook has really given me more exposure to potential clients, but also gives way to comparing my work to others. This is a constant battle that I am always learning from, and I feel that many other photographers can say the same. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a “Jill of all trades” if you will. I really enjoy all aspects of photography. If it’s in front of my camera, I will snap a photo; portraits, landscapes, animals, couples, children, weddings, boudoir, and so on. Recently I’ve been having a lot of fun with creative portraits, whether that’s joining in on a creative shoot with other photographers or just having a friend pose in front of the camera. I think what sets me apart from others is my dedication to not only making my subject(s) feel as comfortable as possible in front of the camera but also capturing the most genuine moments. I see photos as timeless snapshots in someone’s life, and I want them to look back on that moment decades later and feel all of the emotions connected with that snapshot as if it were yesterday. 

What do you think about happiness?
Vintage cameras, plants, dogs, hiking, craft beer, and sunshine make me happy, at least in my daily life. In my professional life, I am happy when I create a genuine connection with a client. Getting to hear how a couple first met, going to a new and exciting location for a session, and their gratitude after receiving their gallery gives me the fuel to do what I do. I would say when my client is happy, then I’m happy! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinerose_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineRosePhotography98

Image Credits
Madeline Rose Photography