Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Mackie.
Kirsten, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved snapping a picture, here and there; but I never would have imagined myself as a Photographer. It wasn’t until my first son was born 11 years ago that I realized taking pictures was more than just fun. I wanted to make it my career. I went from being a Paralegal to a full-time Photographer and Mom when he was just three years old…
It’s taken me almost nine years to create a solid business structure and build clientele. But I can tell you that the journey along the way has been well worth it. My clients are more like family, and I am so thankful they enjoy my work enough to allow me to grow with their families. Although I am originally self-taught, I finally took the time to invest in myself and spent almost two years doing nothing but workshops, retreats and education myself. This took my style and workflow on a journey I never expected, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic about the years to come.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest struggle along the way is definitely knowing when to value yourself and the service you offer. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the competition in our area. The DFW area is oversaturated with Photographers; many who are a thousand times more experienced and talented than myself. I spent many years focusing on how I wasn’t like these other, more experienced Photographers; instead of focusing on making my business what I truly wanted it to be. Learning to love what I created without picking it apart has been a long-time struggle. As artists, we are always harder on ourselves. It’s been an ongoing process learning to be happy with my skill set but always keeps me striving to learn more.
Please tell us about Starling Photography.
I focus on Fine Art Portraiture, typically of children. I am most known for my Princess sessions, specifically at the State Fair of Texas. Im a little bit of a State Fair enthusiast, so I knew I had to put my two favorite things together. They have been some of the most magical images I have ever created and I look forward to them each year!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started formally educating myself, sooner. I do some mentoring for other Photographers and the one thing I always tell them is how proud I am of them for taking the time and effort to master their skillset early on. I waited seven years into the business before I stopped using the “teach myself” method. Formal education makes such a difference in both the finished product and how your business is conducted as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.StarlingPhotographyDallas.com
- Phone: 214-952-2224
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/starlingphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarlingPhotographyDallas/
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