Having lived in the Smoky Mountains all her life, photographer Madison Andrus has made it her goal to give families in the area more to take home than something from a souvenir shop. Whether someone is looking for photos focused on family, elopements, engagements, maternity, or newborns, Andrus offers a wide array of services to meet her clients’ needs.

Homegrown and humble, Andrus connects with clients by getting to know them and making them laugh. “My personality is all inclusive,” Andrus said, “I make everyone feel important, beautiful, and included.” This statement is proven true through the confident smiles seen in the photo gallery on her website. When asked what led her to pursue photography full time, Andrus said, “My husband bought me a camera for fun 5 Christmases ago, and I taught myself how to work the camera. I enjoyed taking family members’ and friends’ pictures, so I decided to make it a career.” Andrus gave credit to the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association for piquing her interest in wedding and elopement photography.

Andrus is well-prepared to shoot all over the Smokies, whether that is in a downtown setting or on a mountain trail. In regards to challenges shooting in the Smokies, she said, “It’s all trial and error. We have to be open minded when a new location is considered. I just follow instructions and have my permits so no trouble arises.” For reference, the National Park Service requires professional photographers to get a permit for commercial work done within the park’s boundaries. This rule serves to protect the resources and visitors within the park.

When asked if she holds a preference for any season or location in the Smokies, Andrus said, “My favorite season to shoot in would be fall – but any season is beautiful in the evening by the river.” With the French Broad River, the Little Pigeon River, Tuckahoe Creek, and many more to choose from, there are plenty of places to have the perfect riverside photoshoot captured by this local photographer.

The style visible in Andrus’s work is clean, true to color, and very fun. However, this did not come easily at first. Andus explained, “I’ve struggled with finding my style, and I have finally found what I love.” Andrus has also had to work hard to find balance between the beauty of the mountains and the beauty of the moment being captured. The key to this balance lies in finding locations that fit the feeling the client wants in their photos. “It’s important to know the locations and be familiar with what you’re working with when clients arrive,” she said. Intimate photos deserve an intimate setting, and grand gestures deserve a majestic background. Andrus’s website says, “I can tell you almost every back road and secret there is to know about the area,” so clients can rest assured that they will be photographed in a location that perfectly fits their needs.

Andrus is set apart because of the deep joy she finds in her work. When asked what part of her job was the most fulfilling, she answered, “Meeting new people! I love creating friendships and relationships.” Again, she emphasized that having a personality that is loving and accepting is the key to connecting with clients. She finds connections not only with people on the other side of her camera, but people who operate in a similar position. “The best experiences I’ve had are ones where my close photographer friends have helped me along the way,” Andrus said, “It has really influenced me.” She is currently working to master the art of shooting on film, which can be better for remote locations and frigid conditions compared to digital photography.

Andrus works hard to be able to meet the needs of her clients. For new moms, life is already hectic enough without having to plan a time to dress up, go out, and get newborn photos taken. Andrus alleviates that burden by offering hospital photos, in-home sessions, and birthing sessions. Nerves are high when a proposal is approaching, so Andrus has a photography package that offers marquee letters, rose petals, and a boquet to help people prepare to pop the question. This allows the client to focus on the moment and not all the minor details that accompany it. Madison Andrus does whatever it takes to make the fleeting moments in the Smoky Mountains permanent.

To learn more, go to andrusphotography.net. For business inquiries, email andrusphotography1@gmail.com or call 865-410-6923.