The Seniorologie Directory is a listing of senior portrait photographers across the country.  The purpose of the directory is to provide seniors a place to find the perfect senior portrait photographer for their senior photos.  As a member of the Seniorologie Directory, photographers receive a blog post that gives them the opportunity to share a little about their business and themselves.

Today’s Seniorologie Directory Member Share is from Madison Luikens of Madison Cary Photography in Midland, Texas.  Check out her work and read all about her below.

How long have you been in business?

-still in my first year! I officially launched my website last fall!

What percentage of your business is a senior?

-I’d say 95%! I do get a few requests for families here and there!

What do you think makes a perfect senior session?

-gorgeous light, unique style, and a lot of personality to create and capture their story.

What do you love most about photographing seniors?

– honestly, everything! I love that they are on the brink of a whole new life. they can be whoever they want to be, do whatever they want to do! I LOVED that time in my life (a mere 6 years ago..oof!). seniors are bold, daring, adventurous, creative and inspiring! they are always in on the latest fashion trends and up for trying new and artistic things! it just feels like we play the whole time!

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business?

– currently, my biggest challenge is getting my name out there. since I am still navigating the exciting yet scary waters of starting a new business (yikes!), i find that i am needing to educate my clients on WHY they need to get custom senior portraiture, rather than being stuck with that boring black drape photo for the yearbook. it’s all about creating that demand!

Describe your photography style?

– I’d like to think of my style as simple, clean and organic with a fashion-forward focus. now, try to say that 3 times fast! 😉 – I love capturing each senior in their truest and most natural self, showcasing who they are and what they are about at this specific point in their life.

What motivates or inspires you in your photography?

– fashion + nature. both equally beautiful and inspiring for different reasons! fashion is always changing, with new trends on the rise as old ones fade out. and nature is always consistent. simple, organic, freeform. yes, you could say I might be a bit of a flowerchild at heart. 😉

Twenty Questions Game…Just for fun!

Where are you from/live?

– literally the middle of nowhere. hence the name, Midland, TX!

Married?

– YUP, his name is zach, I call him my hus-band. we are coming up on our 3^rd year anniversary in October! although, I’ve known and dated him since I was 16. kinda counts as high school sweethearts, right? 😉

Kids?

– two extremely adorable, sloppy, ill-mannered furbabies. yogi (boxer/st bernard mix) + ranger (blue heeler). my hus-band says I take way too many photos of them! oops!

What are their ages?

– 3 and 2.

Nikon or Canon?

– Canon is all I’ve known! I LOVE it.

What kind of camera bag do you carry?

– currently I carry a mustard yellow epiphanie bag! I also use a shootsac occasionally.

Favorite music to edit to?

– anything! everything from the head and the heart to macklemore. J

Favorite Photoshop Action?

–        i don’t really use actions at the moment! haven’t quite found (or taken the time to find) one i love!

A photographer that inspires you?

– I really love all of the photography in the kinfolk magazine. it is so beautifully done. some names of photographers: parker fitzgerald, kinsey mhire, scott schuman, trevor hoehne, sara kiesling, laura d’art.

Favorite Food?

– anything mexican! I live in a town where there are so many Mexican restaurants that you go to a certain one for the best enchiladas, another one for the best margaritas, another for the best fajitas, etc!

Favorite place to shop?

– I live at target. it is no joke. I also love altar’d state, urban outfitters, and a few local boutiques!

Favorite drink at Starbucks?

– fall/winter: chai latte. spring/summer: iced coffee w/ soymilk.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure?

– obsessed with sugar skulls and dia de los muertos! weird. I know.

Favorite memory from when you were a senior?

– the high school football games. i was the sports editor for my school’s yearbook, which allowed me to be down on the field for the entire game. I was also a psycho fan who ran the flag down the field before the game and during halftime. SO FUN!

Favorite Quote or Saying?

– I feel as though my favorite quotes/sayings change depending on the season of life I am in. right now, I’d say it’s : “solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present, you will never find it.” Thomas Merton – ah, such wise words, tommy.

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended?

– seniorologie dallas tour! I learned so much and met so many wonderful, talented and inspiring women! creativelive has also been a great resource as I have built the foundations of my business!

Favorite Magazine?

– real simple. I LOVE the photography, illustrations and fun stories/tips/meals they feature! that would be my dream job.

Favorite Vacation Spot?

– the Dominican republic. we went there on our honeymoon. stayed at an adorable B&B owned by a wonderful couple from Belgium, ate fresh seafood, met new friends from England, and spent New Years on the beach! casaveintiuno in sosua! check. them. out.

Favorite Movie?

– the breakfast club. need I say more?