Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to McKinzi Weese. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
McKinzi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose as a photographer stems from my former career as a special education teacher. As an educator, I wanted every student that came into my classroom to leave feeling valued and loved. Similarly, I now want every one of my clients to leave their sessions feeling seen, respected, and confident that I have captured some of their most precious moments for them (hence the name of by business, Moments Captured, LLC!).
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a portrait photographer in Morgantown, West Virginia. I started my business in 2017 as a side-gig while teaching full-time at a local elementary school. In 2021, I left the classroom to pursue my business full-time. I love being able to connect with others and give them a very personal experience. Many of my clients return year after year and our sessions feel more like spending time with friends than working. I also love that being a business owner offers the flexibility to stay home to raise my daughter, though that comes with its own set of challenges!
There are two things that make my work stand out: Vivid, bright, colors that showcase the beauty of the world around us and small, candid moments that emphasize the beauty of relationships. I enjoy a good hike and am known to wade into creeks, climb trees, and stand in bushes to get the perfect shot.
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?
Time management, communication, and resilience. I would tell people who are just starting out to make lists, use planners, and set aside designated time to get certain things done (especially when those things are the “boring” part of owning a business such as invoicing, taxes, record keeping, etc.). I would challenge you to communicate with clients in a timely manner and to be honest when things go wrong. When things do go wrong, resilience is key: Don’t take it (too) personally and don’t beat yourself up. Recognize your mistakes, make a plan for next time, and continue moving forward.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, I am trying to run my business effectively while also being a stay-at-home mom. This seemed easy in theory (I can work when the baby sleeps, right?) but has proven to be way more difficult than I had imagined. Learning to do both has required a lot of trial and error and I’ve made more mistakes than I would care to admit. Ultimately, I have limited the number of sessions I shoot per month and have hired a babysitter so that I don’t have to multitask as much during the week.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momentscapturedllc.com
- Instagram: @photographybymckinzi
- Facebook: facebook.com/photographybymckinzi
Image Credits
Amberlee Christey Photography Moments Captured, LLC (my business, not sure if you need this for mine)
