The Spark: A Gift from Grandpa
It all began in 2015 when I was just 14 years old. I had always loved taking pictures, but it wasn’t until I received my very own camera for Christmas that year that my passion truly ignited. The camera, complete with two lenses, was a gift from my grandfather, Rick Bigham Sr. He had always been an inspiration to me, and his love for capturing moments sparked something deep inside.
I started by taking photos at family gatherings—Christmas dinners, birthdays, and any special occasion where everyone came together. Little did I know, those simple moments would become the foundation of my business. Looking back, my photos weren’t anything extraordinary (trust me, they were terrible), but at the time, I thought they were amazing! And that’s one of the beautiful things about photography: it grows with you.
Building My Business: Maddie Q’s Photography
Soon, I started charging for my sessions and officially opened the doors to Maddie Q’s Photography. I can still remember the excitement I felt when I first started working with clients. My first few sessions were definitely a learning experience, but every shot, every frame, was another step toward growing my skills and my passion.
As a teenager, balancing school and work was tricky, but photography became my creative outlet, my escape, and my way of connecting with others. I started experimenting, learning new techniques, and pouring my heart into every session. The process was messy and challenging at times, but I loved it. I continued to push myself, constantly growing with each click of the shutter.
2015
2024
Photography Meets Mission: A Lesson in Giving Back
During my time at Trinity Christian High School in Lubbock, Texas, my photography business took on a new meaning. Every year, our school held a special “Missions Week” where we dedicated time to serving others. In my freshman year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bogotá, Colombia, and serve with my classmates.
To make this trip possible, I used my photography business to raise enough money to fund my own travel expenses. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life—being able to serve others and at the same time fund the trip through something I loved doing. It was a blessing, and it truly showed me how powerful photography can be—not just in capturing memories, but in making a difference.
A College Journey: Growing, Learning, and Serving
Now, as a sophomore at Texas Tech University, I’m studying Digital Media and Professional Communications, and I continue to grow both in my photography business and in my academic career. The lessons I learned in high school, from running a business to giving back to my community, have shaped who I am today. Photography has always been my passion, but it’s also my way of connecting with others—whether I’m working with a young girl for a senior portrait, capturing a family’s special moments, or helping women feel confident and beautiful through a photo shoot.
Every session is a reminder of why I do what I do: to help people feel seen, celebrated, and truly special. It’s an honor to be able to serve my clients through my lens, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible families along the way. Every person I meet becomes a part of my story—and I hope that in some small way, I’ve been able to impact their lives too.
Always Growing: "School is Never Out for the Pro"
In my other career, with Mary Kay Cosmetics, we always say, "school is never out for the pro." And the same is true for photography. I am always learning, growing, and refining my craft. Whether it’s discovering new techniques, staying on top of industry trends, or finding fresh ways to make my clients feel confident and beautiful, I’m always striving to be better. Photography is a lifelong journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Future: Serving You, One Click at a Time
As I continue my education and expand my photography business, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported me along the way. From my very first photo to today, I’ve learned that photography is not just about capturing images—it’s about capturing feelings, memories, and connections.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Whether you’ve booked a session, followed me on social media, or simply taken a moment to encourage me along the way, you’ve helped me grow into the photographer I am today.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Together, we’ll continue to create beautiful memories—one click at a time.
I hope you enjoyed reading my story! If you’d like to schedule a session or learn more about my work, feel free to reach out. I’d love to capture your special moments and help you feel seen and celebrated.
With love,
Maddie Quinn
Maddie Q's Photography
Contact info:
(806)507-2773
maddieqsphotography.com
maddieqsphotography@gmail.com