ABOUT MADELINE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY CO.
MEET MADS
DIGITAL + FILM PHOTOGRAPHER
In 2016, I left my role in television, working on a well-known cooking show, to transform my passion for photography into a full-time career. While I loved the energy of TV production, I craved work that was more meaningful, focused on human connection, and deeply driven by emotion.
The first wedding I photographed sparked an instant realization—this was what I was meant to do. I bring a unique combination of meticulous timeline management and a warm, intuitive presence that lets me connect effortlessly with people, calm any room, and keep everyone grounded in the moment. This kind of work feels like second nature to me; it’s more than a job—it’s a calling.
Since then, I’ve dedicated nearly a decade to documenting weddings and elopements, capturing close to 200 love stories. My approach blends documentary and editorial photography, incorporating 35mm film, Polaroids, and Super 8 to create images that are timeless, natural, and distinctly true to each couple.
Along the way, I met my husband, Brian, a fellow photographer who often joins me as a second shooter when he's not engaged in his documentary work with nonprofits and humanitarian causes. We got married in January 2023 and share a cozy green house in Southeast Portland with our two cats, Maisie and Penny. Our home has a swing on the front porch, an apple tree in the backyard, and a thriving veggie garden. I’m always happy to share my favorite coffee spots around SE and chat about all things Portland!
PHILOSOPHY + APPROACH
Documentary and Editorial Wedding Photography
I know it can be challenging to define photography style, especially with so many terms floating around. I describe my approach as primarily documentary, with touches of editorial elegance.
This style translates to a collection filled with timeless, candid moments that feel authentic and unposed. I capture classic shots—those genuine, unscripted interactions—alongside the essential formal portraits where everyone is perfectly in place. And to complete your story, I include romantic, nostalgic portraits as well as those spontaneous, joyful moments that bring your day to life.
I’m also passionate about environmental photography. When you receive your wedding gallery, it will reflect more than just faces turned toward the camera; it will capture the entire atmosphere of your day. You'll find images of guests meeting for the first time, sweeping shots of the stunning landscapes surrounding you, and all the beautiful, intricate details that make your venue truly unique.
Digital, Film, and Polaroids
I believe that capturing the full essence of a wedding day requires more than one camera. That’s why I blend 35mm film, 120mm film, and Instax mini Polaroids into every wedding I photograph.
There’s a timeless quality to real film that adds a layer of nostalgia you simply can’t achieve with digital alone. Each format has its role: high-powered digital cameras are perfect for crisp, detailed portraits and fast-paced moments, while film captures the romantic, textured nuances—the beauty of a cake table left a little messy or an artful flash photo that brings a scene to life. Meanwhile, Polaroids capture those spirited, unfiltered dance floor faces, adding a touch of spontaneity and fun.
All of my film is developed and scanned by Indie Film Lab, with the original negatives returned to you as part of the experience.
This dedication to analog artistry is also why I offer Super 8 films as a nostalgic alternative to traditional digital wedding videos. You can learn more about this unique offering on my investment page.
“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
- WALT WHITMAN
“Cannot recommend Madeline enough as a photographer!! Not only did she go above and beyond our expectations when it came to our photos, she was truly so much fun to work with. We did both our engagement and wedding photos with her and her husband Brian and it felt like hanging out with friends the whole time. My husband and I are not the most natural in front of the camera and she was really able to bring us out of our shell with fun prompts and natural poses.
Leading up to the wedding, she was on top of checking in with us to make sure our timeline was good to go, and that she knew all the important moments we wanted to capture. She even sent us a planning guide that was so helpful in thinking through the flow of our day! On our wedding day, her and Brian were our constants. They were patient with our family and captured our day in such a joyful way! From polaroids, to film, to digital, Mads had the eye for the big and little details. We were so excited for the different formats she offered and her skill with each was incredible! The photos we received felt magical and we are going to love them for a lifetime!
She sent us sneak peeks within a day, highlights within two weeks, and our full album within two months! She was also kind enough to send us a few extra family pictures ahead of the holidays so we could print them for gifts!
Mads is just the best and helped make our wedding so effortless and fun. If you have the opportunity to work with her absolutely don’t hesitate, do it!!”
— Elizabeth and Matt
“Madeline is a wonderful photographer who captures all the beautiful in-between moments with such care. She was a great presence on the wedding day and lovely to communicate with prior to the wedding with a mutual client. Her photos are stunning and she truly captures the raw joy of a wedding day.
As a wedding planner, I highly recommend hiring Madeline for your photographer needs. You are in fantastic hands with her!”
— Jaime Ta Creative