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

Hi Madelyn, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I am a photographer, and do a lot of photo work for my community, especially the high school’s athletics department. In college, I had an assignment to create a social media page for something or someone in my community that could benefit, and I immediately thought of the high school’s athletes! I go to every game that I’m able to for all sports and take photos and short video clips to post to social media to help draw attention to our small school and all of the talent that it holds.

I also volunteer with Lander University Athletics doing the same thing. I worked with Lander Athletics when I was in college, and have enjoyed having to opportunity to continue working with them!

I also take photos of seniors, families, and events happening in my community! It is so much fun being able to share our small town and the wonderful people in it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my connection to the communities I work in, and my ability to work in many different situations. I don’t have a specific niche, and have a love for all different types of photography ranging from sports, to portraits, to landscapes!

In high school, I was a part of everything I could be. Cheerleading, yearbook, FFA, FCA, Student Council, everything! Still being able to be a part of all of these things, and showing all of the good things they do and the things the kids accomplish means the world to me. In college, I worked for the Athletics Department taking photos. I love being able to show off the athletic accomplishments from my schools.

My freshman year of college was spent at Western Carolina University, and that is where my love of landscapes really took off! All of the hiking trails around and beautiful scenery made for stunning photos and even better memories. The university holds a very special spot in my heart!

Throughout my photography journey, it hasn’t always been easy. Like every other creative, I have slow times and I have busy times. Getting through the slow times can be nerve wracking because it can make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. I have to remind myself that even during the slow times there is still content that can be made. Taking “behind the scenes” videos, creating game day graphics, and working on small side projects helps to keep my creative juices flowing when times get slower!

I’m very proud of the social media project I started all those years ago. Originally, it wasn’t meant to be more than a school project, but after seeing how much the students enjoyed it, I couldn’t stop. Being a creative these days is a lot more than it used to be. Now, all of us are photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and everything else under the sun, and while that can be a lot on your plate sometimes, it can also be fun to be on a different side of your medium for a minute!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A town favorite spot here in Ware Shoals is the river at Pitt’s Park. The Saluda River runs through our small town and is one of the most peaceful places in town. We even mention it in the Alma Mater! The river is where we all went to take pictures before prom, and where I take a lot of seniors that are graduating for their senior pictures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have many people that I could shoutout for helping me get to where I am today. I first started my photography journey in 2014 when I was a sophomore in high school. My mom had a friend that was a photographer and she got me started. She helped me learn all of the basics I needed to know starting out. From there, I got involved with the yearbook committee in school and that’s where my love for sports photography started. All throughout high school, I took pictures at games, school events, seniors graduating, etc! From then on, my family and college professors, and people in my community kept me motivated to continue my dreams!

Website: https://madelynbishopphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @madelynbishopphotography

Other: Sports Instagram page: @madelynbishopsports

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