Madeline Tolle
Madeline Tolle
Photographer / Stylist
Los Angeles, CA
www.madelinetolle.com
instagram @_madelinejean_
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a photographer and stylist.”
Most of my work involves working with interior designers and/or independent design brands creating images that highlight their designs or products.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started my career as a fashion buyer for a large international company in Philadelphia. It didn’t entirely fulfill me creatively, so I decided to start my own small jewelry brand. I had decided that I could differentiate my products by focusing on unique imagery for my website and social media. It didn’t take long before I realized that I was much more passionate about photography and styling than I ever was about jewelry. I then started working as a freelance photographer and stylist in Philadelphia for a few years, balancing working for both large international companies and small independent brands, before moving out to Los Angeles in September of 2017.
How do you stand out in your field?
My photography style focuses a lot on beautiful lighting. Whether it’s a residential interior, studio portrait, or location shoot, there’s always a high level of attention to the light as though it’s a supporting subject itself, which differentiates my photographs from someone else’s. From a business perspective, because of my design business background, I understand how photography can impact business growth and also the importance of visual branding through images. On every project, I’m keenly aware of the end goals for the images and making sure I deliver images that can achieve what the client needs to drive their business.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently trying to build new client relationships and am actively seeking new projects. I’m also beginning to work on a long term personal project about travel and vintage denim that I'm really excited about.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is nostalgic, honest, and a little bit feminine. I tend to capture fleeting moments, often with a “wink” or a sense of humor. I’m trying to always convey a sense of life in my photos. I tend to shoot most of my personal work on film, which also has a distinct look.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'd like to focus more on editorial/travel photography. Hopefully I'll be able to carve out some time and resources in the near future.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Building marketing decks for new client outreach. I try to personalize each one based on the client and it can be very time consuming.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Grocery shopping and cooking! I never seem to have food in the house...forever hungry.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
"Be you, just you, and stop comparing yourself to everyone else." I wish I could have told myself this from my teen years to now. Especially in photography, it's a constant struggle to try and remain authentic to who I am as an artist.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'm becoming more interested in large format film photography, but honestly I'm totally intimidated by the gear and the process. I'd love to talk with an expert and learn more about it.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm always looking for new brands and designers to work with. I'm particularly looking for opportunities that involve shooting lookbooks and/or editorial content for independent brands.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is one that I can form a relationship with and work with over and over. I love growing with each client. Each shoot I learn something new, and it's always exciting when I can take the knowledge from a past project and apply it to a new project with the same client.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My rates vary from project to project and I like to quote them on an individual basis. I would say an average project tends to range somewhere between $1000-3000 depending on the project scope and end use.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send an email, or a DM, or call, or smoke signals... I'm totally open and would love to hear from you! If you could let me know a little bit about you and your project, that's a good first step and we can take it from there!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Make mistakes and play outside.
This member profile was originally published in June 2018.