Local photographer, mother and entrepreneur Daphne Barber opened her M.A.D. Photography Studio in downtown Elizabethton in April.
The name is an acronym for her three children, Mila, Alexander and Dylan, who she said motivated her to make her hobby her career.
“They’ve inspired me to be a better person,” she said. “All of my education in college, I did for them. They’re pretty much the reason for starting my business.”
Her shop is located in the back of Red Rose boutique at 431 E. Elk Ave., which is owned by her mother-in-law Darlene Sullivan.
Barber has practiced photography for 12 years and recently decided to do it full time.
She began using an antique Minolta film camera that her husband was given in 2001. After a few months experimenting with it, she decided to purchase a single lens reflector film camera, which she used for two years shooting family portraits and weddings. Then, she switched to digital and enrolled in classes.
She now shoots maternity, newborn, formal and business portraits as well as landscapes, sports, weddings and other events.
She said she has very reasonable prices and is able to meet people at their homes or wherever they prefer to have photos made.
“I’m actually able to go to people’s homes for family portraits which is especially helpful if they are disabled,” she said. “I can set up the backdrop and lighting in the comfort of their home. I’m an open-minded freelancer.”
Barber will have Santa Claus in house for photos on the third weekend in November.
M.A.D. Photography Studio is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Sunday. To view her work, visit madphotography.net and for more information call 423-213-5194 or 423-895-1455.