Northern New york Photographer, artist & storyteller
Hey! I'm Makenzie
Because if we’re going to spend an afternoon together, I think you should probably know who you’re hanging out with.
Whether I’m documenting your family, wandering around town with you and your person, or spending your wedding day by your side, we’re going to spend some real time together. I want you to feel like you already know my vibe before I ever pick up the camera.
So consider this my little introduction — the things I love, what I’m probably doing when I’m not photographing, and a bit about the person who’ll be third-wheeling your memories.
STORYTELLER
MAKER OF THINGS
BOOK LOVER
hopelessly sentimental
So here’s the thing… I’m usually halfway through a book and halfway into at least three different hobbies.
There’s probably an embroidery or crochet project sitting somewhere unfinished, paint supplies I’m convinced I’m going to master, a running list of things I want to grow in my garden and at least one antique store find I had no business buying.
I love old things, weird little shops, growing flowers,, cozy houses, and changing seasons. I’m a firm believer in using the nice dishes, wearing the outfit, throwing the themed party and romanticizing your life while you’re actually living it.
I’m originally from the desert of Arizona, but I've spent the past several years in Alaska, where I met my husband and built my photography business. These days, we’re settled in Northern New York in a wonderfully quirky house that looks like it's right out of That '70s Show. Most of my free time is spent working on the house because I have approximately a million ideas for every room.
I also really love hosting! I’m the person who will invent a reason to throw a party, make way too much food and turn the house into whatever little world I have in my head. I host a solstice party every year, and if the night goes on long enough there’s a decent chance I’ll eventually pull out my tarot cards and start doing readings for everyone.
That probably explains one of my favorite things about being a photographer: I get to meet people. Making friends as an adult is weirdly hard, and some of my closest friendships have started with someone standing on the other side of my camera. So if we really hit it off, don’t be surprised if I invite you to a party or get way too excited when you come back and ask me to photograph another chapter of your life.
I think that’s part of why photography has always made so much sense for me. I have a BFA in Photography and have spent years studying and making art, but the camera gives me something the rest of my creative hobbies don’t. It lets me make things while getting to know people, notice all the little details of their lives and turn those things into something they get to keep. At the end of the day, I think I’m just someone who really loves making things and connecting with people, and I’m pretty lucky that I found a job that lets me do both.
My philosophy
PHOTOGRAPHS SHOULD FEEL LIVED IN
I realized somewhere along the way that the way I photograph and the way I live don't need to be separate. I want photographs to come from actual experiences, real connection and stories that are already yours.
So we'll wander somewhere beautiful, make something together, explore a new place or simply spend an afternoon at home. We'll leave room for things to be a little whimsical, a little imperfect and completely your own.
The experience becomes part of the story, too.
"Makenzie made us feel so comfortable from the very beginning. It felt less like having our photos taken and more like spending the afternoon with a friend. She captured us exactly as we are, and somehow made all of the little in between moments feel beautiful.”
Sometimes it's a team effort
You might meet Max, too.
My husband Max comes along to quite a few of my sessions, especially when an extra set of hands is helpful. He’s become very good at carrying things, helping with little logistics and, perhaps most importantly, making the person who really did not want to take photos feel significantly less alone.
There’s something about having another guy there to chat with that takes some of the pressure off, and honestly, he’s pretty good at getting people to loosen up. So if your partner is already telling you they’re going to be awkward in front of the camera, don’t worry. We’ve got them.
READY TO MAKE
SOMETHING TOGETHER?
COME AS YOU ARE.
WE’LL MAKE SOMETHING WORTH REMEMBERING.
