Life & Work with Madison Blommel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Blommel.

Hi Madison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I had an art teacher in high school named Mr. Berwald. One day, he started his lecture off by saying, “Jackson Pollock paintings were loved, but many people thought that it was just paint dropped wherever on a canvas.” to which a student replied to him “I mean, it’s literally just that. I can do that, too.” Mr. Berwald looked at him with a smirk and said, “Then why don’t you?” I was a sophomore in high school when this interaction between my art teacher and classmate happened. At this moment, I don’t think anyone thought twice about what Mr. Berwald said, but I often thought about this interaction and the hidden meaning in his words and started to ask myself, “Why can’t I? What is stopping me?” 

I started my photography business shortly after graduating from the University of Cincinnati for the Design Architecture Art and Planning program. I had spent five years in college while doing co-ops throughout that time, enjoying new experiences with each opportunity. Going into college, I thought I knew what I wanted to be, which was a photographer with my own company. As time went on, I lost my way and forgot what I wanted to be in my career after listening to what others told me would be best. I ended up taking a step back from photography and worked on sculpture which was a difficult choice as I had been in love with photography since I was thirteen. Closer to graduation, Covid had cut the rest of my semester short. My thesis that I had been working on for almost a year, started to feel like it wouldn’t get done. With no workspace or tools, I had to change course to produce a finished piece and graduate. So, I picked up my camera after almost three years and moved forward with my project. Finishing my thesis with my camera sparked my love I had for photography once again. 

Upon graduating and job hunting during the start of Covid, it became clear early on that finding a job was not in my cards. I remember so vividly saying, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without a job.” while sitting outside in the backyard with my dog and my significant other, Rion. He then turned to me and said, “Your photos are really good; why not make it into a business?” At this moment, all of the thoughts and feelings came flooding back to my old dream of having my own photography business. I was then hit with the phrase “Then why don’t you?” so I did just that. It has been my best journey yet. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest hurdles that I have had over the last couple of years has been getting my name out there and becoming a name that customers could trust. Starting from the ground up, it was difficult justifying my cost which was a huge hurdle for people that have never experienced professional photos. After a while, it really made me question my business and my own confidence. At the end of the day though, you have to believe that you are worth the price that you have set yourself at and continue to be consistent in your work and approach with each and every client providing them with amazing photos. 

One of the other things that really helped with getting past these struggles is really getting involved with the photography community and getting yourself out there to experience how other photographers work. Helping other photographers and style shoots really give you great opportunities to meet others in the same line of work and help you to forge bonds with them that you can rely on. If you don’t have that support system and others around, sometimes this line of work can get a little lonely which only makes things harder. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Ohio based wedding photography service specializing in capturing the love surrounding newlyweds on their wedding day, but I also am a well-rounded photographer and love to capture any moment that is an important milestone. My other services include film photography, couple shoots, portraits, senior photos, branding- you name it! 

When I started MB Photography, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a service I could provide. Meeting people and having a genuine connection with my clients is what I strive for and what really sets me apart from others! I will be there to help guide you through every step of the way, from engagement shoots to timeline planning for your wedding day. Consequently, this is also what I am most proud of in my business, which is my relationships with my clients and creating a friendship with them which really helps them feel comfortable and shine in their photos! 

My goal is to capture candid moments that will last a lifetime no matter the occasion. This is anywhere from a touch, a look, a laugh, or even a smile. I can’t wait to capture your special moments! 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have two favorite childhood memories. My first favorite childhood memory would have to be the time I made a fake movie theater in my room when I was ten years old. Somehow, I got this idea in my head that I wanted to go to the movies, but I wanted it to be at my house. I quickly got to work on drawing movie tickets, figuring out popcorn, the movie, and I had to also pick a room for the movie. Personally, the living room with comfortable couches wasn’t cutting it, so the next best thing was my bedroom that had a tiny daybed and one chair. It was the height of luxury when I found a box that could hold the tickets with a lock, so the tickets were safe. Being a ten-year-old, you would think I would pick a simple movie, but I decided to go with “The Sound of Music.” In my best handwriting, I wrote “The Sound of Music” on four tickets and went around and gave them to my family, telling them to be in my room at 7:30 sharp and that they wouldn’t be allowed in the theater if they didn’t have their ticket. Around a quarter after 7, I started relentlessly reminding them to be there at 7:30. When the time came, I finally got to use the lockbox for the tickets, and we stuffed all of my family into my little room and turned on the movie on a small 12×12 screen. My sister and dad passed out before we even got halfway through, but I wouldn’t let them leave until we “finished the movie.” 

My other favorite childhood memory would have to be when my little sister was born. I was so excited to go and see her at the hospital and to be a big sister. I thought she was so beautiful when I finally got to see her. Even though I was only four, my mom asked what I thought we should name her, and after seeing her, I really wanted to call her Sleeping Beauty. My dad wasn’t a big fan and instead asked if we could name her Meredith. I told him no, and that Sleeping Beauty fits her best, but after a great battle, I lost that one. 

Pricing:

• Big Wedding Collections starting at $2000
• Intimate Wedding Collections starting at $1100
• Couple or Branding photos $350
• Family photos $375
• Senior photos $425

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madisonbphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mb_photography.jpg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mblommelphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/mb-photography-lebanon-oh-2072461

Image Credits
MB Photography