Connect
To Top

Meet Makenzie Acker of Makenzie’s Memories Photography in Rockwall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzie Acker.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was in eighth grade, I was a part of our middle school’s yearbook staff. A group of about twenty of us, under our awesome advisor, worked to make a beautiful book that year. Part of my job was to cover various events, and while the school provided two cameras for us to share, I figured having my own would be easier. My dad graciously purchased my first DSLR and I was hooked. I loved being on yearbook staff, but I also began taking pictures of my friends. On the weekends we would all get together, get dressed up, and find random fields to go shoot in. Thinking back it makes me laugh. I had no clue what I was doing – hello auto mode – but I loved it. Fast forward a few years, and a move to Dallas from Atlanta, I was on a morning run at a local park. During my run I was reflecting on my life. It was my senior year of high school. I was unsure of what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I’d always wanted to pick photography back up but never did. At the end of my run, I sat down to cool off and emailed the photographer who was taking my senior photos that upcoming spring. I asked her if she offered photography mentoring, and if she’d even possibly be interested in teaching me. Over the next little while, she SO graciously taught me the basics of manual mode, and coached me on editing. About a month later, my sister was having her 13th birthday party. She asked if I would do a photoshoot for her and her friends. To be honest, I really didn’t want to do it. I felt nervous posing so many girls, and still was not totally confident with my camera. The shoot turned out to be so much fun!! Afterwards, I had parents asking me what my prices were for family Christmas card pictures. Wait what?! I didn’t even have a business name! That same night, I chose Makenzie’s Memories Photography, bought the domain, got an email address, starting designing my website, and the rest is history. Hahaha, not quite. Over the past year and a half, I’ve learned so much about business, relationships, cameras, marketing, presets, and everything in between. It’s been the most beautiful journey filled with the BEST people. My “clients” (more like friends), are the greatest gift of what I do! I truly would not be where I am today if it weren’t for those who’ve mentored me, trusted me, and cheered me on. There’s always so much more to learn, and many goals I have yet to hit, but I am so grateful for where my little business is today.

Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, things have gone fairly smooth. I think my biggest struggle was figuring out my target audience. I had little to no experience outside of my friends, so I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to shoot. I learned the hard way that family shoots can be difficult! From that struggle, I also learned that I love seniors and couples.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Makenzie’s Memories Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Makenzie’s Memories Photography is obviously a photography business. I specialize in seniors and couples, but also shoot families and other shoots from time to time. MMP is so dear to my heart. I wanted to create a business that didn’t feel like a business. Yes, the goal has always been to provide beautiful, quality images at an affordable price, but it goes beyond that. I believe memories are what make us, us. Our memories are our story, the makeup of who we are. I want to capture these moments in time, so they can last forever. I also want to hear my client’s story. I want to know how they’ve gotten to this point in their life and where they’re headed next. Yes, I’m proud of the images I create, but I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. If there’s one thing I hope to be known for, it’s care. I want my clients to feel known.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Dallas! It’s so clean (well, most of it), so cute, and so diverse! I feel like there’s room for everyone here. There’s so much great food, beautiful museums, and amazing parks. Gosh, I really don’t know if there’s anything I dislike about Dallas. Atlanta holds a special place in my heart, so I can’t say I’m 100% loyal to Dallas, but I truly do love it as a city.

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in