Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzie Blake.
Hi Makenzie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Kenzie Paige Photography when I was 16! It was during the midst of Covid and being cooped up at home. I’ve always loved taking photos, but never really thought to make a business out of it. I took a few of my friends’ photos, they LOVED them, posted them on their Instagram, and boom. I honestly never expected my business to take off as much as it has. I ran Kenzie Paige Photography all throughout my junior and senior years of high school. I am now a student at Oklahoma State University (GO POKES!!!), so I have slowed down on my photography to adjust to all the new aspects of my life. I plan on continuing my business after my first semester is complete. I also travel to Dallas frequently to visit my family, so I plan on offering dates for my followers to book shoots.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think my biggest obstacle is balancing my life as a teenager and the workload of an adult. I think I am seeing it more now than ever since being at college. I feel almost guilty for not posting or even booking shoots even though I am taking a break from photography for a semester. I have actually talked to a lot of other photographers and they also struggle to balance work and life. I think I am so passionate about my work that it is hard to “take a break”.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I categorize myself as a lifestyle photographer. I shoot anything and everything with the goal of telling a story versus just posing. I take photos of seniors, brands, events, couples, groups, weddings, and families. I LOVE shooting in downtown Dallas with seniors and couples. I love slow shutter shots, candid moments, and poses that are kind of weird. I am self-taught with the help of some YouTube videos. I learned everything from camera settings to Lightroom editing tools, to website development, to creating a brand, to gaining clients, to running and curating an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed, and so much more. All of these small tasks put together make my business work. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is my age. I started when I was 16 and continue to run my business at the age of 18. I have definitely dealt with public doubt or a lack of trust because of my age, but I continue to find ways to overcome the bumps in the road!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My grandparents definitely deserve some credit!! They helped me buy my first camera, have driven me to “far away” shoots, waited to eat dinner until after I am done working, gave me motivation whenever I have felt overwhelmed, and so much more. They are my number one fans. I know that they are always rooting for me and they will do anything and everything they can to help me be successful.
Pricing:
- couple pricing — standard: 30 mins > $200 > 1 outfit > 1 location || prime: 1 hour > $275 > 2-3 outfits > 1 location
- senior/portrait pricing— mini: $230 > 30 mins > 1 location > 1 outfit || standard: $280 > 1 hour > 1 location > 2-3 outfits || prime: $365 > 1 1/2 hours > 1 location > 4-5 outfits
- family pricing — mini: $185 > 30 mins > 1 outfit || standard: $215 > 1 hr > 2-3 outfits || prime: $275 > 1 1/2 hrs > 4-5 outfits
- wedding pricing — mini: $750 > 5 hours of coverage || standard: $1000 > 6 hours of coverage > FREE engagement shoot || prime > $1500 > 8 hours of coverage > FREE engagement shoot > FREE bridal shoot
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kenziepaigephotography.com
- Instagram: @kenziepaige.photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenziepaige20
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFXQt5fx5n1v4XvopVlG8w
Image Credits
Kenzie Paige Photography
