Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Maddox.
Tony Maddox was born in Campbellsville Kentucky and currently resides in Ventura County California with his wife and son. He graduated from Ball State University in Muncie Indiana with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He moved to California in the early 90’s to pursue a career in acting. That didn’t pan out for him, but Tony did establish himself as a well know photographer and artist. He has photographed such well-known names as, Kirk Douglas, Loni Anderson, Christopher Reeves, Montel Williams, The Pointer Sisters, Candace Cameron Bure, and Frankie Avalon just to name a few. A long list of celebrities, singers, sports figures and dignitaries have been the subject of his lens. Tony has had the fine pleasure of traveling the world and adding those experiences to his creative bucket. In addition to being an accomplished photographer, Tony is a singer, writer, poet, public speaker, and published author.
Tony’s high energy, warm personality, sensitivity to people, and eye for photography has created countless memories for his clients. With his passion for the arts and the creative process, Tony has made story telling through photography part of his magic. He loves working with people and has served on the board of several non-profit organizations. He produces fundraising events for local charities and is actively involved in his community. Tony has a wonderful unique ability to weave elements of each of his talents into his work. He has a givers gain mentality and believes that we should all desire to inspire….
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I moved out to California with my camera bag, portfolio, $200 in my pocket, and my duffel bag full of clothes. I started out waiting tables and doing headshots for fellow waiters who were actors. I didn’t know that my work would soon gain me more attention as a photographer than actor. But, as they say the cream rises. So, I started giving the photography more attention. As I did, more opportunities started to come my way. I didn’t have all the fancy lights, back drops, props, and definitely didn’t have a studio. I had my Pentax K 1000 and the biggest light source ever, the sun. Natural light was my friend and I loved that camera. Neither one of them ever failed me. The challenge was to learn my craft and to figure out this this thing called business and the art of photography. It didn’t come easy, but I asked a lot of questions from other photographers and people I respected. Eventually, I got the picture.
Please tell us about Tony Maddox Photography.
My photography business has always been built on word of mouth. People trust their friends and their friend’s referrals. Starting out, I didn’t have the money to advertise, so I made relationships with other local businesses in the community. When I started, I only did actors headshots. It then moved into doing family photos, senior photos, business, realtor photos, editorial and then celebrity photos. At one point, I was noted for specializing in photography people with disabilities. I worked with the Media access office for many years creating powerful and empowering images of people with disabilities for magazine stories and content. Talk about taking you to school and learning a lesson. One of the most grateful periods in my life.
I’m hugely proud of creating images that speak and that will outlive me and the clients that I created them for. I’m proud of the quality and integrity that I made a priority for my business. I’m thankful that when the opportunity to be better came my way, I took it. The industry has changed drastically since I got into the business, but change is the only constant. But know that you can change, if you will.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories is growing up in Kentucky and playing with all my cousins at my grandmother’s house on the hill. Sliding down the hill on pieces of card board boxes. Running in the waist high grass and chasing lightening bugs at night. Waking up to music and the smell of bacon on Sunday morning just before church. Catching tadpoles and blowing bubbles with bazooka Joe bubble gum. Lots of laughs and making pallets on the floor and falling asleep with the sound of the fan.
Image Credit:
Tony Maddox Photography
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