Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzie Pate.
Hi Makenzie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved taking pictures. I used to pick up my mom’s camera and would take pictures of whatever I could! My love for photography only grew as I got older. From taking pictures for my high school yearbook to coming up with photoshoot ideas with my friends for fun.
In college I took photography classes and fell in love with film photography. Film photography helped me grow my skills, as well as my appreciation and understanding of photography as a whole. I learned how to develop and enjoyed the process waiting to see how my pictures looked on the film. Film photos taught me to slow down and really think about my shots before taking them so I didn’t waste a bunch of film.
Almost a year after graduating college, I realized I wanted to pursue photography as a career and not just a hobby. Starting out I did a lot of photoshoots of families and graduating seniors. I eventually meet an amazing local photographer who let me shadow some weddings with her. I was able to learn the process of photographing wedding days and see if this was something I wanted to dip my toes into as a photographer. Right off the bat, I fell in love with capturing wedding memories. From the first looks, to the couples’ portraits, to the crazy dance moves at the reception I loved it all! I gathered experienced by working with an event company out of St. Louis and other local photographers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel like with any new business starting out it is never a smooth ride. When I first started my photography business, one of my biggest challenges was building a name for myself with potential clients. There are so many trends on social media you see and hear about that if you aren’t doing these xyz treads you wont grow your business that you feel like you aren’t doing it right. Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest things to overcome. With so many photographers in this industry, it is easy to compare myself, my work, and my journey to others. Building confidence in myself can be challenging at times, so I work hard to differentiate myself and show case my unique style. I have been so fortunate to make so many connections and friendships within the photography and wedding industry, and those relationships are more empowering and meaningful than any feeling of comparison!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in capturing life’s most meaningful moments from engagements and weddings to maternity, family, and everything in between! I love documenting every season of life which allows me to connect with a wide variety of clients and tell each story in a way that feels authentic and personal. While I photograph a wide range of things, weddings hold a special place in my heart. I love documenting every emotion, from the quiet intimate moments to the energetic dance floor all while creating and experience that feels relaxed, organized, and enjoyable. My goal for every couple is to not only receive beautiful images but to be able to look back on their wedding day and remember how comfortable and cared for that felt throughout the entire experience.
My goal is to make every client feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely themselves when they are in front of my camera. I blend natural, candid moments with guidance to create timeless images that reflect each person’s unique story.
I am especially proud of the relationships I build with my clients. Many of them return to me year after year as their families grow and I am truly honored to be able to capture their story. My true to color and lighter editing style, attention to detail, and passion for storytelling help create photographs that my clients will treasure for generations.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can reach out to me on any of my social media pages or even shoot me over an inquiry form from my website! With supporting any small business is to show up for them, book with them, or even just share and interact with our social media posts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makpatephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makpatephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makp.photgraphy
