Madison’s involvement in the larger Vienna community is an integral part of the student experience. Every year students represent their school through academics, volunteering, sports and most recently, photography and social media. Several students at Madison run photography accounts and businesses showcasing the athletic programs and athletes, as well as senior portraits.

Sophie Shanley (’24) got into photography at a young age. She began experimenting by taking pictures and editing them when she was 7 or 8-years-old. By the time she got to high school, she enrolled in a photography class and began to develop her skills with a DSLR camera and online editing tools. Soon after, she began her own business.

“I was interning with my aunt, who is a professional photographer in Colorado, and she suggested that I start my own business at home,” Shanley said. “I did a few senior shoots with her in Colorado where I was able to practice working with and photographing real clients. I started posting the pictures on an Instagram account that I made for the business and then people started reaching out for shoots.”

Shanley’s business was advertised mainly through word of mouth, but her instagram account @sophieshanleyphotography also garnered attention. Social media is often the best way to gain interest, receive inquiries and reach out to potential clients. It is also how Shanley schedules her shoots. Beyond communication, social media is a great way to get inspiration and to learn from other photographers.

Shanley’s business specifically focuses on senior portraits, however she also photographs families and sports. Once she finishes her shoots, she edits the photos through Photoshop and uploads them to her gallery. From there, clients receive a link from her and can buy their photos.

“Photography and my business mean so much to me,” Shanley said. “My favorite part of photographing people is definitely making them feel beautiful. It makes me so happy to see clients get their photos back and be thrilled with the result. I also think it’s so special that I get to capture important moments in people’s lives.”

Another photography account that is well-respected in the Madison community is @jj.flicks_, run by Jordan Rosenberg (’25) which captures the athletics of Madison during practice and games.

Rosenberg began shooting his brother’s JV baseball team during his freshman year and developed an enthusiasm for photography. His business took off during the 2023 basketball season and he began to photograph other winter sports including wrestling and ice hockey. Since then Rosenberg has captured nearly all of the sports teams at Madison.

“I enjoy doing this because there are so many sports that I have seen not get pictures taken for them,” Rosenberg said. “I really enjoy going around to all sports and making sure everyone has a picture that they can like.”

Social media has played a monumental role in Rosenberg’s business. Many athletes use his photos to share themselves, fellow teammates or upcoming games. Again, it is a good way to acquire interest and broaden his outreach in the community. It is also a good way for Rosenberg to see the support of his community shows for his photography.

“I have really only taken pictures for Madison, but through my parents who bought me my camera and through people who I take pictures for help me by posting the pictures and people showing love really helps me,” Rosenberg said.