Conversations with Maddie Westbrook

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Westbrook.

Hi Maddie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been obsessed with taking pictures and preserving memories for as long as I can remember! I got my first camera as a Christmas gift around 10 years old and I can still remember how excited I was.

I also remember feeling that same childlike excitement when I got my very first “big girl”camera as a gift from my husband shortly after having our son in 2019. At the time, I just wanted to document every little moment of his life. I never imagined I’d be here, doing photography full-time almost seven years later!

I’ll be honest and say this was never my “dream job” because truth be told, I never knew it could be a job! Photography was always something I loved, but it wasn’t until I became a mom that I truly understood just how important preserving memories could be. What started as a way to document my own family quickly turned into a passion for helping others hold onto their moments too.

Somewhere between chasing toddlers, documenting milestones, and falling in love with the stories behind every family I photograph, this little hobby turned into a business. Now I get to spend my days doing something I genuinely love while helping others preserve the memories they never want to forget, and that is something I will never take for granted.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not.

I am 100% self-taught, so every part of this business has been learned through trial and error. From understanding my camera settings to editing, client communication, marketing, and running the business side of things, there hasnt been a roadmap or instruction manual. There have been plenty of mistakes made, lessons learned, and moments where I questioned whether I was capable of doing this.

I’m also auDHD (a newer term for those diagnosed with both autism & ADHD), which comes with its own set of unique challenges as a business owner. Things that may come naturally to others, like networking, putting myself out there, or even having simple conversations often require extra effort and intention on my part.

At the same time, being autistic has also shaped the way I approach photography in a positive way. I notice details, value authenticity, and genuinely connect with the importance of preserving moments that might otherwise be overlooked.

Balancing motherhood, family life, and growing a business has probably been one of the biggest challenges of all. There have been seasons where life felt overwhelming, but those experiences have made me more resilient and more grateful for where I am today.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the difficult parts of the journey because they helped shape both the photographer and the person I am now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a family and portrait photographer based in rural middle Georgia, and I specialize in capturing the love, laughter, and connection that make each family’s story their own.

While I photograph everything from families and couples to seniors and maternity sessions, my heart will always be with family photography. As a mom of three myself, I understand how quickly the seasons of life pass. The tiny details, the personalities, the little quirks that make each person unique, and even the chaotic moments are often the things we miss most as time goes on.

What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many of the families I photograph return year after year, allowing me to document their stories as they grow. There is something incredibly special about watching babies become toddlers, toddlers become big siblings, and families create memories together over the years.

I think what sets me apart is the experience I provide. I don’t expect children to sit perfectly still or families to fit into a certain mold. I embrace the chaos, the laughter, the unexpected moments, and the personalities that make each family unique. My goal is for sessions to feel relaxed and enjoyable rather than stressful.

At the end of the day, I don’t just want to deliver beautiful photographs. I want to create images that bring people back to a feeling, a season of life, and the people they love most.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how community driven everyone is, especially in the photography world!

I’m sure this is the most common answer to this question but I can’t stand the traffic!

Pricing:

• Pricing on website

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.maddiewestbrookphotography.com
• Instagram: @maddiewestbrookphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18nSsjZ5t1/?mibextid=wwXIfr