Conversations with the Inspiring McKenzie Coyle

Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Coyle.

Thanks for sharing your story with us McKenzie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Interest in photography has been instilled in me ever since I was a kid with my parent’s Lumix point-and-shoot in my hands. There has always been something about photography that has felt like an escape and a natural form of artistic expression to me. In high school, I was a part of yearbook and through that discovered I really enjoyed the photojournalistic side of photography, as well as telling stories through images. I’ve always enjoyed meeting all different kinds of people and getting to be a part of special events, and photography has always allowed me to do that.

When I was a junior, one of my friends in the yearbook was an intern for a studio portrait photographer and asked if I’d be interested in interning for her too. I ended up interning, and later working for, that photographer for two years. Through that experience, I mostly learned the technical ins and outs of editing in Photoshop and Lightroom but also saw first-hand how photography can be a successful career and not just solely a hobby. After high school, I attended college at Colorado State University for two years. During that time, the only thing that remained consistent throughout my three or four major switches was my love for photography. I always thought of it as a “side thing”, but by the end of my sophomore year, my parents encouraged me to fully go for it. That was the support and push I needed, and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve been in business for four years now, and truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everyone faces struggles, no matter the road being taken. So, the quick answer to that would be- it hasn’t always been a smooth road! Nothing’s supposed to be easy though, especially the things that are worthwhile. That’s just a part of life and being human.

I began to experience some pretty inhibiting anxiety about a year after I started my business, and I think that’s been my biggest struggle yet. I think it’s fitting to talk about here because, not only is it a part of my story, but I know a lot of other people struggle with it too, especially entrepreneurs. Personally experiencing and working through anxiety has taught me a lot. Mostly that it doesn’t define you, it’s not your identity, you WILL overcome it or become stronger for it and it’s 100% ok to ask for help! I got the help I needed and have come a long way. One pro of dealing with anxiety early on in my career is that it taught me the extreme importance of prioritizing self-care and boundaries so I can serve other people well. This is something we should all practice, whether anxiety is an issue or not.

For anyone who may be looking to branch out and go the unconventional route, the biggest pieces of advice I have are: Be ok with failure, don’t let comparison take over, surround yourself with people who really believe in you and always search for the next way to better yourself. Nothing happens overnight and there’s so much hard work and dedication involved in lifting anything off the ground. You can’t do it alone, so find your people and lean on them when you need to and be the person they can lean on too. The work that goes in day-to-day that isn’t visible to anyone else, is what propels a business to grow and succeed. Be patient with your business and yourself, and don’t compare the first chapter of your story to someone else’s tenth.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Denver, Colorado. I’m a hybrid photographer, meaning I shoot a combination of medium format film and digital photography to create my romantic and timeless style. I’m really passionate about using both mediums. I started my business as a digital photographer but was often frustrated I couldn’t quite emulate the texture and look of film the way I wanted to. The look of film is the style I’ve always been naturally drawn to, so I took the leap and started shooting film about a year-and-a-half ago. I love it so much! Since there are only sixteen exposures per roll of 120 film, it’s made me much more intentional in the way I shoot, which I believe has ultimately made me a better artist. The tones and the way it captures detail are also unparalleled in my opinion.

I care deeply about details, and I do my best to honor my clients by capturing the things that so much of their time and thought has gone into. Not only does my attention to detail apply to the way I shoot, but also the way I edit. I personally take the time to carefully go through every single image I deliver, usually multiple times. I can’t help but give the same attention to all the photos that end up in my client’s hands, as the ones that end up on my Instagram feed.

Aside from the technical aspects of what I do, I really love people and I love having the honor of telling their stories. Creating authentic relationships with my clients is really important to me. Relationships are what drive a huge part of my personal life, so I would say my intentionality 100% spills over into my business. I care a lot about everyone who invests in my business because it ultimately translates to an investment in me.

Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
I’m lucky to have so many incredible women in my life. I think the ones who have inspired me the most would be my Mom, sister & best girlfriends. They’re all incredibly kind, thoughtful, caring, hard-working, intentional, loyal, witty, hilarious, light-hearted and I’m a million times better for knowing each of them.

My Mom goes above and beyond for the people who mean the most to her. There’s never a question of her unconditional love, and for that I know I’m extremely blessed. She’s my confidant and an extremely good listener, which has shown me the importance of being both for other people. I’m inspired by her faith as well, and thankful for such a good example of what that looks like.

My sister inspires me to be more carefree. I don’t think there’s anyone I know who is quicker to laugh at herself, yet also carries herself with strong, unwavering confidence. It’s a gift to not take life too seriously, and I think being an enneagram type 1 myself, there’s no such thing as being reminded of that too much.

Lastly, where do I even begin with my friends? They’re my chosen family. My best girlfriends are people who have been in my life since elementary school, and one of them since preschool. I have learned so much about relationships in general through them. What it means to truly be loyal, and that people are worth fighting for. They’re the wittiest people I know and have added years to my life through uncontrollable laughter. They allow me to truly be myself, and in return, inspire me to make the people in my life feel as free as they allow me to feel around them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mckenziecoylephotography.com
• Phone: 7203637002
• Email: hikenz@mckenziecoylephotography.com
• Instagram: @mckenziecoylephotography
• Facebook: @mckenziecoylephotography

Image Credit:
Photo of me captured by Clancey (Photographer)

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver 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.