Meet Madelyne Dawson | South Florida Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madelyne Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madelyne, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m a mama of 2 littles – a 3 year old spunky girl and a 10 month old sweet, wild boy. I recently quit my teaching job to go full time with photography. With that, I also scaled back childcare so I could spend more time with them during the week. As I grew my business, it became harder to find time to work. My most productive hours are late at night when the kids are sleeping and during their naps. Lately, I’ve found myself answering emails or getting a few photos edited while they are awake – I noticed myself turning down opportunities to color or play house. I look up from my computer and my babies somehow look a little older. Balancing a growing business and a young family is HARD. Setting consistent “work hours” and turning off email and social media notifications on my phone have been my way of staying present in my babies’ lives but also making sure I give my amazing clients the attention they deserve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have an obsession with motherhood. Ever since I was a little girl, the only thing I was certain of in my life is that I would be a mama. While most of my friends were planning their careers as teachers, doctors and lawyers, I was daydreaming about having a house full of kids. As I grew up and that dream became my reality, I realized how fleeting this time is. I never want to forget the way my daughter looks at my husband, or my son’s scrunchy face. I always want to remember the way Emmett’s face lights up when Evie walks into the room.

For me, photos are beyond a holiday card or a space on social media, they are a feeling – a moment in time. I want your children’s children’s children to have photos to look back at – I want your story to come alive. I know it’s cliche, but photos really do “freeze time”. If you find the right photographer, they not only freeze time but they also freeze emotion. That’s really my heart of this business. Sure, I want you to remember the sweet little features of your babies but more than that I want you to remember the smell of your newborn baby’s head, the feeling of your toddler’s arms around your legs as they run up to you and hug you and the sound of your babies’ feet as they smack the floor when they’re just starting to walk.

I worked really hard to get to where I am. A lot of blood, sweat (quite literally, hello FL summers) and MANY tears have gone into manifesting and building this dream of mine. Technology and styles are ever changing and I’m so eager to learn everything I can to continue to grow!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South Florida has some of the most incredible hidden gems! Of course, we’re in the business of kid friendly things at our house so here are some of our favorites!

Coffee District in Delray or Common Grounds in Boynton are our go to’s for coffee near our house.
Sushi Simon or Bang Bang in Boynton are our favorite sushi places.
We often love Banana Boat for happy hour and enjoying the waterfront views – they have the best tuna poke.
My all time favorite restaurants are Kitchen in West palm or Dada in Delray.
Evening cocktails without the kiddos are best served at Sweetwater in Boynton!

In the cooler months I’m a sucker for a good green market. West Palm has so many vendors and beautiful waterfront views. Delray has a great smaller, local green market as well!

On the hot summer days, we love exploring the Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm and we can’t wait to check out the Miami Aquarium soon!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have never taken the leap to go all in with photography if it weren’t for my incredibly supportive husband. We were on vacation when I first mentioned that I wanted to start photography and by the end of vacation I already bought a new camera, some lenses and a mentorship. I booked a mentorship with Jordan Brennan (@jordanbrennanphotography) before I even had my camera in hand. She taught me the foundation of photography and I’m forever grateful for the jumpstart my photography career got because of her guidance and knowledge. I also have taken the online Prosper Course by Amanda (@whitepinepics) and it has leveled up my business in more ways than I can even explain. Her course covers everything from Photoshop basics to SEO and marketing. Amanda pours her heart and soul into her course and despite having hundreds of mentees, somehow makes it feel like a one on one – I would not be where I am without her!

Website: www.madelynedawsonphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelynedawsonphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelynedawsonphotography

Image Credits
Madelyne Dawson Photography