Maddie | Tokyo
Maddie works in the film industry as a camera trainee / grip. Her compelling street photography uses light and composition in surreal ways to create photos that leave a lasting impression.
Read more of our interview with Maddie below.
How did you first get into photography?
I first got into photography back in 9th grade. I was taking a photography class online for extra credit, and started shooting portraits of my friends for fun.
They would get so excited to see the pictures, and they’d tell me how much it boosted their self confidence. It made me love taking photos even more.
Once I moved away from home and started working in the film industry, the way I looked for photos changed drastically.
I started paying more attention to light, shadows, framing, and the actual contents of each image. That eventually morphed into my current style; photos that depict (usually) strangers going about their lives in extraordinary light.
I love looking for moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, and preserving them in a unique way.
How has photography changed your perspective on the world?
Photography has really taught me to slow down and look for the little moments. It helps my mental health in a way nothing else quite seems to. I smile at the sun, I smile at the little girl running and jumping into her parent’s arms, I smile at the couple holding hands and snuggling up to each other on the bench.
Photography made me understand that the world is so much bigger and more beautiful than my mind can make it seem.
Whenever I’m feeling a little down, or things aren’t quite going the way I hoped they would, I grab my camera, leave the house, and suddenly remember how to smile again.
