Meet Madie Ice | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Madie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I know for photography it might be different than if you’re starting a business with a tangible product. However, I still think this concept applies to almost anything. So, how to know whether to keep going or give up? I think it’s to not have a backup plan. I know that sounds crazy to most people which it definitely did to me but think of it this way. Let’s say you have a plan b or c, you’re already telling yourself you’re gonna fail. You’re not focusing on the one thing infront of you. You’re subconsciously telling yourself you’re not going to make it before you’ve even given it your all. So when do you know? You don’t. You just keep going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Wedding and Portrait Photographer. I think what sets me and also anyone else from each other is how I see the world and moments. I really do think that’s the key. I’m so excited to just keep learning and growing. That’s one thing I learned during the last year of quarantine. As long as you’re excited to keep learning and growing, you will! It was definitely not easy getting to where I am today, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. I mean even way prior to the pandemic I almost didn’t get into college for dual enrollment my senior year of high school (2017) but with the help of my amazing mother, we found the way! I ended up graduating in July 2019 and took an internship at my local church which I learned SO much from, especially since I was more apart of events that we did. It was an 11 month internship and the last month was when we went into lock down. I had NO other alternative as far as what I was going to do or how to make money. I was like “well I guess I’m gonna go full time in the middle of this pandemic?” And I chose to in May of 2020. I actually branded and then announced I was. Ever since May of 2020 I’ve been full time and have actually almost booked out my 2021 calendar for weddings. I think overcoming these challenges is almost always mental for me. It definitely took a toll during the first 3 months of quarantine because I had no plan, but after working through what our reality was going to be for the next half of the year, I began to gain traction and figure out what I needed to do to be set for what is now this wedding season. I would want the world to know that you are capable of SO much when you set your mind to it. It’s all about abundance mindset and gratitude. I have no idea where my life will be in the next 5 years but I know the journey to get there will be amazing, hard, full of opportunity, lessons, hardships and so much more. If you’re always wishing and hoping to move on to the next thing you’re gonna miss so much along the way and the people you get to meet. Their own stories. It’s honestly a gift to be able to be apart of other peoples stories and biggest moments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness. I love Atlanta with my whole heart. It’s full of so much and so many hidden places the I have yet to find. Now, every time I’m there it’s usually for eating or something photography related haha. If my best friend isn’t from or lives close to ATL I would definitely say take her to some of the tourist spots. I know some might be like no but I think it’s only right. The tourist spots I would say is Ponce for the one time. It’s a treat and they always are changing and having new stores come in. It can get super crowded though. I know The High is a wonderful place and they always have new exhibits so its never boring. Especially if they have a highly sought after exhibit, go. The Botanical Gardens is also another beautiful place. As for food, I have a few. For breakfast, we’d go to Bread and Butterfly which is in Inman Park I believe. It’s a nice French inspired cafe. Their poached egg for $5!? You can’t go wrong. Also their giant pancake. Please try it when you go. The best one I’ve ever had. They have good drinks too! There’s also a Ben and Jerry’s, can’t go wrong there. Also any breakfast place in ATL has like 4 and a half stars so nothing is off the table. If we had a week, we’d go to Atlanta Breakfast Club, Another Broken Egg or Flying Biscuit. For lunch, I’d always default to Yeah Burger because why not. I’d also say bartaco, Carlo’s Pizza or Little Rey. For dinner, we’d definitely go to 7 lamps over by Lenox, they have some amazing appetizers, food and drinks. It’s also by Da Vinci’s Donuts 1000/10 would recommend. For drinks, oh boy, anything along the belt line going from Ponce towards Inman Park. I love Krog Street Market. There is Glide Pizza, Pour Taproom and Guac y Margys. I’d also say Hotel Claremont.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother. I wouldn’t be here without her at all. I really wouldn’t. She has encouraged me continuously EVEN WHEN I thought there was no more opened doors or way to continue. She helped me apply to the college I now am a graduate from which in turn has helped me in my career today. Man I wish you guys could meet this woman. She is so selfless and gives so much to help others. She has the kindest heart. I aspire to be more like her everyday.

Website: www.madieicephotography.com

Instagram: @madieicephoto

Facebook: Madie Ice Photography

Other: my email is madieicephoto@gmail.com

Image Credits
For the one with the Luciers sign- I 2nd shot for Andrea Miclea from Heirloom Foto The florals one and dancing one I 2nd shot for Alexia De Melo from ASD Visuals