Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Smith
Mackenzie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, my journey led me to the vibrant city of Austin, a place that captured my heart during an unforgettable summer internship in 2019. From the moment I set foot in this city, I was enchanted by its creativity, the entrepreneurial spirit that thrived around every corner, and the youthful energy that seemed to pulse through everything. After that internship, I knew then that I needed to do everything in my power to return to this place, and just a year later, I made the leap—moving to Austin.
When it comes to photography, it has been my passion since high school, but it wasn’t until the final years of college that I discovered my true calling: wedding photography. As I watched some of my favorite photographers dive into this world, I felt a spark of inspiration and thought, “Why not give it a try?” That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made.
There’s something profoundly beautiful about the process of getting to know each couple—unraveling their unique stories, discovering the intricate details that make their relationship special, and capturing their engagement photos leading up to the big day. Each moment fills me with an immense joy and excitement that’s hard to put into words. I absolutely adore learning about my couples—their journeys, their dreams, and the commitment they’re making to one another.
Being invited into such an intimate chapter of their lives is not just a privilege; it’s a true honor. I recognize the weight of this responsibility, knowing that I get to document some of the most significant moments of their lives. Right now, my specialty lies in intimate weddings and elopements, where the focus is on the genuine connections and the heartfelt celebrations that take place.
I seek out couples who are ready for a wild adventure, those who are passionately in love and deeply value art and photography. I want to work with those who understand that a wedding isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of commitment, a testament to their relationship, and a gathering of those who hold a special place in their lives.
I truly love what I do, and I wouldn’t trade this incredible journey for anything. The joy of capturing love stories and being part of such meaningful moments is simply irreplaceable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like with anything worth pursuing, the journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges. For me, the biggest hurdle has been sifting through the sea of creative ideas that constantly swirl in my mind and discovering how they can translate into a thriving business today. From a young age, I’ve been driven by an entrepreneurial spirit—a spark ignited by memories of running my first lemonade stand, washing cars in the neighborhood, and teaching swim lessons. I even turned my classroom into a mini marketplace, selling handmade bracelets until my budding enterprise grew too big for the school environment! Each of these experiences solidified my belief that with passion and creativity, anything can be transformed into a business.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and friends who have guided me, offering insights and support that have shaped my path. Their wisdom has been invaluable, and honestly, I often wonder where I would be today without them. Life can be tough, and the world of business is no different—especially when you’re breaking into a new market, like I did when I moved to Austin. It’s a vibrant city brimming with opportunities, yet it can feel daunting to establish yourself amidst so many incredible businesses and creatives.
But here’s what I’ve learned: putting yourself out there is crucial. Connecting with others, networking, and seizing bold opportunities can lead to incredible breakthroughs. Sure, you might face rejection—after all, the worst answer you can receive is a simple “no.” But that’s just part of the game! All it takes is one enthusiastic “yes,” and suddenly, the doors to new possibilities swing wide open.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I have the incredible privilege of traveling the world to document love stories in the most authentic and artistic way possible. My specialty lies in capturing the raw, intimate moments that define a couple’s unique bond. When couples trust me with their special day, I make it my mission to bring their vision to life while ensuring that each photograph reflects genuine emotion and artistry.
What I am most proud of is my ability to create an atmosphere where couples feel completely at ease, allowing their natural chemistry to shine through in my images. I invest time in getting to know my couples—who they are, what makes them tick, and what they envision for their wedding day. This connection is vital, as it informs my approach and helps me capture moments that resonate deeply with their story.
I am known for my vibrant energy and enthusiastic outlook on life, which translates into the way I approach photography. Friends often describe me as a constant source of positivity, and this energy is something I bring into every wedding I shoot. I believe that the joy I exude not only enhances the experience for my couples, but also encourages them to let their guard down, resulting in more genuine and heartfelt images.
My curious nature drives me to learn from every couple I work with. I am fascinated by their backgrounds, experiences, and dreams, and I strive to infuse that understanding into my work. This curiosity allows me to tell their love story in a way that is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
many things make me happy
slow mornings on a porch with coffee in my hand
being in the sunshine
long walks with my pup
dinners with good friends
opening a gallery for the first time since the shoot
meeting new people
curating spaces to create warmth
having a house full of my favorite people
coffee shops
sitting on a plane knowing you are about to go on a new adventure
road trips
walking the sunset
picnics in the park
when I’m with my clients during their wedding day
old friends
listening to my ever-changing daylist
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mackenziesmithphoto.com
- Instagram: @mackenziesmithphoto
- Facebook: @mackenziesmithphoto
