pictures, the more I started to appreciate being outside. It kind of turned me into an outdoors enthusiast,” she said with a smile.
Her journey into photography wasn’ t instantaneous. It grew slowly, fueled by curiosity and an increasing desire to refine her skills.
“ I started with my phone, and honestly, I felt like I was missing something. I called my brother-in-law, a filmmaker, and asked him what camera I should get. He gave me some advice, and I practiced for months.” It wasn’ t long before her brother-in-law hired her for behind-thescenes photography at his production company.
Photography, for Stark, became more than just a creative outlet— it was a way to find peace amidst the hustle of her full-time indoor job.“ Most of my wildlife photos are taken during my commute,” she says.“ I live on the north end of Madison County, and I often find myself taking side roads, stopping at little parks before work. It’ s a nice stress relief.”
For Stark, these moments in nature weren’ t just about capturing images. They provided her with the calm she needed to reset.“ I spend so much time indoors, whether at work or at home cooking, that stepping outside to capture these animals feels like a personal escape,” she explains.
And escape she did. Her lens captured moments of wildlife that many might overlook: the elusive heron, the vibrant cardinal, and countless other birds and outdoor creatures.“ There’ s this photo I call‘ The Elusive Heron.’ Herons aren’ t actually that elusive, but to me, it felt like a victory. It was a proud moment.”
As Stark’ s collection of wildlife photos grew,
12 Madison Magazine March / April 2026