Madelynne Boykin is Lead Photographer at Bites And Bevs Media. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her industry.
SFL: What’s your background? Where are you from? How did you get to Atlanta?
I am from Houston, TX and Buffalo, NY as my parents are separated so I spent half my life in both. I majored in Sports PR and moved to Atlanta from Houston to work for the Braves. I was also a social media intern and a front desk associate at the W Hotel Downtown. I was a hard worker trying to find what made me happy. I found my way into hospitality, a field I didn’t know I loved and that eventually lead me down the path of food and beverage.
SFL: How did you get started in food photography?
Photography has always been a love of mine but I never thought I could make a career from it so it remained a hobby for years. I got into food photography because I have always loved the art of plating and the versatility of food. I just had to capture the textures, the colors, the fluidity and the beautiful art it creates on a plate. I would go to restaurants I couldn’t afford and ask for the prettiest dish on the menu, whether I ate it or not. I would practice and post and repeat until a restaurant asked me to shoot their menu. I thought to myself, “ I can’t mess around. I really have to learn how to edit like a pro and upgrade my equipment.” I don’t half do anything, I’m a perfectionist and I kept getting better. I took the leap of faith right before Covid. Unfortunately, I lost all my clients on the day the world shut down. I’m blessed to be here today with more clients than I can handle alone so now I have a solid team.
SFL: What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to introduce food photography and food styling to more young people especially of color and especially women. There aren’t enough of us in this industry. I want to offer classes and visit more schools on their career days and maybe one day teach this in college. I have big dreams for Bites and Bevs.
SFL: Can you tell us something you love about Atlanta?
I absolutely love the culture! There is no city like Atlanta. I love my hometown of Houston, don’t get me wrong but I’ve managed to make Atlanta my own. This is such an entrepreneurial spirit filled city with people of color succeeding. Women are at the forefront of so much here. This city was made for people like me!
SFL: Do you have any tips for young people who are just getting started, in a creative field or just in general?
Think outside of the box. Hone in on one or maybe two aspects you love about it and go out of your way to take risks, and make sacrifices to perfect that skill. I promise it will pay off. I focus on food and beverage and sometimes product. I don’t shoot architecture, models, or landscapes I focus on what I excel at and now I’m able to charge what I am worth.
For more on Madelynne and food photography, please visit BitesandBevsMedia.com.