Madison Katlin is a Colorado-based photographer who specialises in weddings. With a natural approach, she captures moments as they unfold and strives to be a timeless storyteller. Madison Katlin photographs weddings across the US, as well as globally.
Tell us about your business!
I started as a product and fashion photographer working for agencies in Dallas. Eventually, I realized that working for a corporation wasn't for me; I needed more creative control and preferred documenting couples vs. partnering with businesses. In 2018, I left my job and dove head first into my love of wedding photography; my only regret is that I didn't make the move sooner. As a woman-owned small business, I feel both empowered and lucky that I was able to turn a hobby and passion into a career.
Where are you based?
I'm based in Denver Colorado and love the view of the mountains every day.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes! I work with couples all across the US and globally. Traveling to new cities, states, and countries is a huge added bonus of the gig. I love new experiences.
How would you describe your style?
I strive to be a timeless and intimate storyteller. Instead of prompting my couples and being overly directive, I prefer to capture moments and wedding days as they unfold, naturally. I feel that being more passive allows me to more authentically document the moment.
What inspires you?
Two things. First - I love love, as corny as it sounds, I can't deny it - I've always been a hopeless romantic. But even more so, I constantly feel inspired by old print photographs. The simple way in which life was documented to truly remember a moment, will always move me, and it's a lost art. Back before cell phones and digital media, film was the only means of capture; I strive to capture these same moments as if my camera and my photos are the sole means of keeping the memories alive, forever.
What motivates you to do what you do?
My family, my art, and being a self-taught, female entrepreneur. What started as a hobby turned into a passion. I love that my work doesn’t feel like “work”, but at the same time, I’m still able to provide for my family.
Do you shoot digitally, on film, or both?
I'm a hybrid shooter, shooting both digital and film. But it seems that I shoot more and more film each year. I like to use both film and digital for all of my weddings.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Each wedding and love story is unique – I treat each project and proposal the same way. All of my couples receive custom proposals and packages to ensure I’m providing exactly what they are looking for. I offer as much flexibility as possible in terms of hours, additional shooters, support, travel fee, timing, and even pricing. My primary goal is that I form a genuine connection with my couples and that it’s a fit for all three of us. Once that fit is established, I will do whatever it takes to earn the trust and partnership.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Traveling for photography is the best. Usually, I’m able to bring my family along with me for the adventure which is awesome. There are so many different locations on my wedding bucket list too many to list here! A few of my top spots are Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany, and Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client is a couple that is madly in love with each other and that place 100% trust and confidence in me to capture their day as it unfolds. It’s simple really, but if they can truly live in the moment and be vulnerable with me, themselves, and each other, the art will follow. My #1 goal will always be to provide a timeless snapshot of the love they felt on their wedding day.
