Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Silvers.
Hi McKenzie , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t grow up planning to be a photographer. I’ve just always been really observant and drawn to real moments. I started taking photos casually at first, mostly for friends, and over the years it became something I took more seriously.
When my hometown was hit hard by Helene, my family immediately went to help my grandparents, and I brought my camera along. I didn’t go planning a shoot, I just wanted to capture what was really happening. That experience reminded me how powerful storytelling photography can be and reinforced why I focus on natural, emotional moments.
I care a lot about how people feel in front of the camera. I don’t do stiff, overly posed photos. I want things to feel real, especially for couples and families. That’s always been my focus.
As I built my business, I leaned into community a lot. I’ve bartered sessions with other creatives and small business owners, trading photography for artwork, event access, connections, and more. Some of my favorite work has come from those exchanges because it keeps things creative and collaborative instead of purely transactional.
Over time it’s grown into something I’m really proud of. I’ve invested in improving my skills and building a client base that values authenticity and connection. It’s been gradual, but it feels aligned with who I am and how I want my work to feel
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?
Honestly, the hard parts of this work aren’t usually the photos themselves…it’s the behind the scenes stuff. Contracts, invoices, taxes, tracking every little detail of what’s owed and what’s coming in… it can get exhausting. I didn’t start out thinking about all that, and it took a while to figure it out.
That’s partly why I started bartering with other creatives. Trading sessions for artwork, event access, or other services keeps things flexible and fun, and it’s a way to collaborate without everything being a strict transaction. It’s been a really creative workaround that also brings me closer to other people in the community.
Even with all the little headaches – it’s worth it, because at the end of the day, I’m still doing what I love and working with people who actually get it
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do a little bit of everything, portraits, families, couples, events, but I’m honestly most proud of the weddings I’ve shot. There’s something about capturing those real, emotional moments that sticks with people, and it’s such an honor to be trusted with them.
Because I don’t rely on photography for my whole income, I can charge what my work is worth but still keep it affordable. People get beautiful, meaningful photos without feeling like they’re emptying their wallets, which is really important to me.
What sets me apart is that I care about the experience as much as the final images. I try to make shoots feel relaxed, fun, and personal and I lean into natural, honest moments instead of forcing anything. That’s my vibe, capturing people as they actually are. I’ve made more friends being a photographer than ever in my life!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The main lesson? Keep creating and don’t wait for permission. Oh and to trust the process – even if it doesn’t make sense at first.
Pricing:
- 30 min outdoor session – $75
- 30-45 min indoor studio portrait session – $165
- 90 min indoor/outdoor session – $250
- Half-day wedding / event coverage – $700-1,500
- Full-day wedding + photography & videography – $3,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mckenziebreephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckenziebree_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQGeGCZJq/
