Gaining recognition as an award-winning professional photographer, she has built a remarkable career in the global photography industry. Madeline Y. Arenas, a distinguished portrait artist based in Los Angeles, California, has earned acclaim through her photography business, Cubrix Photography. With 41 international awards to her name, including a spot in the AsiaWPA Top 20 Photographers of the Year 2024, her work continues to stand out for its artistic vision and storytelling.
Born and raised in Dinaloan, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines, Madeline’s artistic journey began at the age of seven when her mother enrolled her in an art class, recognizing her innate talent. “Since then, I can see art everywhere through my eyes,” she shares. Photography captivated her early on, and she owned her first Kodak Ultralite film camera during her elementary years. However, like many aspiring artists, she was discouraged by societal beliefs that art was not a sustainable career.
In 2003, Madeline rekindled her passion for photography after purchasing her first digital camera. She found joy in capturing the beauty of nature, particularly sunsets. However, financial struggles during the 2008 recession pushed her to turn her passion into a profession. “My first child was only one month old back then when I started taking his photos with little to no props,” she recalls. With limited resources, she took a bold step, posting her work on Craigslist LA/SF/IE/OC with her son’s photos as her portfolio. This marked the birth of Cubrix Photography.
To sustain her growing family, Madeline drove to San Francisco monthly for work. “There was a season I had barely any bookings, and I was forced to sell some of my photography equipment so we could go to Costco to buy our necessities,” she recalls. By 2009, her hard work paid off—she was ranked among the Top 5 Portrait Photographers in Los Angeles. Over the years, her reputation only grew, earning multiple awards and international recognition.
Accolades and achievements
Madeline’s photography journey has been marked by excellence. Her 41 international awards include prestigious wins such as:
- AsiaWPA International Photography & Videography Competition – Top 20 Photographers of the Year 2024, the only Filipino on the list.
- WPPI/ICON – 11 awards, including 1st place in Photojournalism (2019) and Finalist in Print Competition 2025.
- WPE Awards – 14 awards, ranking 76th in the USA and 502nd globally.
- AsiaWPA Awards – 13 awards, including 2nd place Silver.
- Rise International Photography Awards – 2 awards.
- PPA (Professional Photographers of America) – 2 merits.
- 2nd Solo Photo Exhibit in Norwalk.
Among the 364 Distinguished Photographers, she has secured 7 Silver and 8 Bronze Awards at WPE Awards Europe after six years. Her consistency in delivering excellence has placed her at the forefront of the industry.
Challenges and growth
Madeline’s journey was not without its hurdles. Financial constraints made it difficult to invest in high-end equipment. “Top-quality camera gear wasn’t cheap when I started 16 years ago. I started with a Canon Rebel XT with a kit lens, and after my first year, I saved enough to upgrade,” she explains. Today, she uses Nikon D5 and Z8, a significant leap from where she started.
Another challenge she faced was the rise of digital photography tools. “With the advent of cheap digital SLRs, editing apps, and iPhone 15’s portrait mode, everyone wants to be a photographer. I have to work harder every year to make my artistry stand out,” she says.
On the personal front, balancing work and family has been difficult. “I missed so many family gatherings and my son’s home runs. It’s tough,” she admits. Additionally, running a home studio comes with logistical struggles, particularly when the elevator is out of service, making it a challenge to transport her equipment.
Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to her craft, relying on her creativity and resourcefulness to push through. “I look around the client’s house to see what I can use for props. That’s what I do until today.”
Filipino heritage and storytelling
Madeline’s Filipino roots are an integral part of her work. She describes photography as the power of storytelling, capturing genuine emotions and moments that transcend time. “Stories evoke memories and emotions, transporting us back to a moment when a story first resonated with us. These stories aren’t just about the past but also the present and the future,” she shares.
Her approach to documentary-style photography allows her to preserve meaningful family interactions. “Whenever I see family members gathering at events, I document their laughs, the movements of hands, and their expressions towards each other. For me, that’s a documentary—a story to be told to future generations.”
One of Madeline’s most cherished works is the award-winning portrait of her daughter, which won at the WPE Asia Photo Competition in 2019.
Beyond photography, she is also a philanthropist. In 2020, she founded JollyBox Global, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing relief goods and educational support to Indigenous students in the Philippines. “A deep-seated desire to bring about positive change fuels our mission. We amplify our impact by bringing essential resources to those who need them most.”
Having paved her way through perseverance and passion, Madeline shares valuable advice for those looking to break into the industry. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong portfolio, stating, “Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work per genre. Quality over quantity.” She also highlights the value of networking, encouraging aspiring photographers to attend photography events, workshops, and exhibitions, as connections can open doors to new opportunities.
Maintaining an online presence is crucial, and she advises photographers to create a professional website and actively engage on social media to showcase their work. Continuous learning is another key aspect of growth, as she urges individuals to stay updated with trends and techniques, reminding them to “never stop learning.”
Collaboration is equally essential, as working with other creatives such as models, makeup artists, and designers can expand one’s skills and network. Lastly, she suggests offering free or discounted work initially, as it helps build a portfolio and establish credibility in the industry.
