Inspiring Conversations with Madison Cubbage of Mad Creates Photography

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

Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I used to be a music teacher and taught a wide variety of age groups – I loved it until Covid happened. So, while dealing with the struggles of teaching during that time, I picked up my old Nikon D3000 my mom had gifted me back in high school, and I started taking photos of flowers to decompress. I’d go on walks/hikes with my dog and take photos of landscapes I saw on trails during golden hour. One day, I was getting coffee with a friend in school for PR/marketing at UNC, and she mentioned how good I was at taking photos of her for her blog and how I could “make a living “ off it. From there, I was inspired and asked my friends and family to take portraits at the NC art museum for fun. Because of teaching, I found it easy to direct people to pose and give them guidance and confidence. I started my Instagram page and instantly started getting traction – friends asked me to do their engagement sessions because they saw how good my eye was and the direction I was growing. The support from my friends and even local artists was so shocking and amazing- it fueled me. I want to somehow give back with my photography like I felt when teaching. So, I made my sessions empowering and impactful and captured each person’s vibrant and natural beauty. Everyone has a good angle. It just takes a good photographer to capture it. Another way I’ve been able to give back to the community is by helping local Raleigh artists/ makers market their products/themselves. I’ll do branding sessions and product photography tailored to their needs and add my creative flare to make it eye-catching for their clients/demographic. Today I’m leaning more into creative and editorial portraits and am still learning and growing each day. I’ve met and curated a wonderful creative community here in Raleigh, where my artist friends continue to teach each other and inspire all as we grow within our crafts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, finding my style of photography took a lot of work for me – I enjoy taking photos of everything. It was a lot of trial and error with different clients and their needs which I would fulfill to the best of my ability at the time—learning which photography styles were energy givers VS energy drainers. I could figure out which styles I enjoyed shooting more through how much I’d enjoy editing them – the faster I edited them, the more I was excited about my work. That’s how I narrowed it down to where I’m at today. Learning how to edit was also a decent foot- I stay on YouTube/ email lists watching and reading how photographers whose vibrant natural styles I’m inspired by specific editing techniques. Learning how to price my worth is still a struggle – I understand the importance of some sessions some people need, and I’d instead give them that beautiful memory and worry about finances later.

We’ve been impressed with Mad Creates Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m an NC portrait photographer who adds a creative/editorial flare to your session. I’m personable and make every session comfortable for anyone so that I can capture your vibrant natural beauty! I create mood boards tailored to the vibes you are looking for and have mini consultations about the details of your session, so we’re on the same page before the session date/time. I’m encouraging during my sessions by using verbal affirmations when you’re killing it in the posing we choose + even showing you how stunning the shot turns out in the moment to show you and get your opinion. I will also show you my framing/ composition so you can see how your body/face is posed, and if you want to change it, you can assess and see how you can make any changes. I provide professional branding sessions for local small business owners tailored to your needs, including product photography. I also specialize in portraits for those who’d like to have a creative session, including models building their portfolios and everyday people.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Risk-taking always provides me with some knowledge at the end of it. Whether it be not doing things how I did or the incredible lessons I’ve learned that have helped me grow into the photographer I am. Risk-taking can be the fine line where you push yourself and can create your best art vs. maybe pushing yourself too far and ultimately failing. I took the risk to be a full-time photographer this past January – I was so excited until I realized it’s financially a “slow” season for creatives. Instead of letting this overwhelm me entirely, I accepted the challenge and created photoshoot opportunities that helped me get through and ultimately build my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mad_creates_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
Image 1: Product by WildYou Handmade
Image2: Model is Morgan Gillespiee
Image3: Model is Malavika sudhakaran
Image4: Model is Maria Kordmar
Image5: Model is owner of Celeste essentials skincare
Image6: Models are Kelsey Drake and Mia Davis
Image7: Model is Melissa green
Image8: Model is Julia (jas.creations2020)