We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makenna Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makenna below.
Makenna , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose in photography through a mix of passion and self-discovery. Before becoming a photographer, I worked in healthcare for five years, and while I loved helping people and seeing them happy, I realized that the field itself wasn’t the right fit for me. I’ve always had a camera in my hands, capturing moments just for fun, but I never thought I could make it my career- until I finally went for it. Photography brings me so much joy that it doesn’t even feel like work half the time. Capturing genuine moments, creating images that people cherish forever, and making my clients feel beautiful and seen- it fulfills me in ways I never knew were possible. It allows me to combine my love for people with my creativity, and I couldn’t image doing anything else.
Looking back, I think photography was always meant to be a part of my life- I just had to take that leap of faith. The moment I started capturing people’s stories, seeing their emotions frozen in time, and witnessing their reactions to the final images, I knew I had found something truly special. It wasn’t just about taking photos; It was about preserving memories, and creating something meaningful. That realization shifted everything for me. What once felt like a hobby quickly became my calling, and now I wake up every day feeling grateful that I get to do what I love while bringing joy to others. Photography isn’t just my job; it’s my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer, and I specialize in capturing genuine, heartfelt moments for couples and families. Whether it’s an intimate in-home newborn session, a playful family shoot, or a wedding day filled with love and laughter, my goal is to create images that feel warm, natural, and timeless. I want my clients to look back at their photos and not just see a beautiful image, but truly feel the emotions of that moment all over again.
What I find most exciting about photography is the ability to preserve stories in a way that feels authentic. No two session are ever the same because every couple and family brings their own unique energy, love, and connection. I love making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, guiding them in a way that allows their true personalities to shine.
Something I want people to know about my business is that I truly care about creating an experience that feels effortless and enjoyable. From the moment someone inquires to the final gallery delivery, I want them to feel taken care of and excited about the process. I put my heart into every session, and I feel so grateful that I get to do this for a living.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were perseverance, adaptability, and connection.
First, perseverance was key. Starting a photography business wasn’t easy- there were times when inquiries were slow, when I doubted myself, and when I had to push through challenges. But, I kept showing up, improving my craft, and refining my business. My advice for new photographers is to stay consistent and not get discouraged if things don’t take off right away. Growth takes time, and every small step forward matters.
Second, adaptability helped me grow in ways I never expected. Whether it was learning new techniques, adjusting to different lighting situations, or evolving my editing style, being open to change made me a stronger photographer. I’d encourage those starting out to embrace learning. Experiment, take courses, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to evolve- your style and skills will develop over time.
Lastly, connection has been at the heart of my success. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about making people feel comfortable, seen, and valued. Building genuine relationships with clients, networking with other vendors, and creating a positive experience are just as important as technical skills. For those early in their journey, I’d say focus on the experience you’re creating. Be personable, listen to your clients, and build a brand that reflects who you are. The more people connect with you, the more they’ll trust you to capture their more important moments.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and remind myself why I started. Running a photography business means juggling so many things- sessions, editing, marketing, client communication, and more- so it’s easy to feel stretched thin. When that happens, I try to focus on what I can control and break things down into smaller, manageable tasks.
One thing that helps me is prioritizing and setting boundaries. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I make a list and tackle the most important tasks first. I also set realistic expectations for myself and my clients, so I don’t burn out trying to do too much too fast. Another strategy is giving myself creative breaks. When I start feeling drained, I’ll step away from the screen, go outside, or read my favorite book. It helps me reset and come back with fresh energy. Lastly, I remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help or take a breather. Whether it’s automating parts of my workflow, or simply taking a day off to recharge, I’ve learned that slowing down sometimes makes me more productive in the long run. My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to give yourself grace, find systems that work for you, and remember that balance is just as important as hustle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makennalynnphotography.com
- Instagram: makennalynnphotography
- Facebook: makennalynnphotography
Image Credits
Makenna Lynn Photography
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