Life and Work with Mackenzie Reiter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Reiter.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mackenzie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I can remember I’ve had a camera in hand! Growing up, I was known as the friend “with the camera” and in highschool and college I was always saving my money from summer jobs and nannying to buy the newest camera out there.

What started off as a hobby eventually turned into my career! I started photographing families, seniors, and engagements and quickly moved onto shooting weddings! I actually photographed my first wedding while I was still in college and instantly fell in love. There is something so magical about being invited into one of the most important days of a couple’s life. It is an honor to be able to tell the story of their wedding day through photographs.

After several years of learning the ins and outs of the industry and running my own business, I was able to leave my corporate job to pursue photography full time. It feels like a dream to wake up everyday and love what I do, but it definitely took a lot of hard work and late nights to get to where I am today.

Has it been a smooth road?
Becoming an entrepreneur certainly hasn’t been an easy task. Before I left my corporate job, I was working long hours at my day job, editing photos after hours, and photographing weddings on the weekend. My life felt a lot like a candlestick burning at both ends, but I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. I eventually booked enough weddings to justify leaving my corporate career behind, with all its perks and benefits, to pursue my dream!

If I could give advice to anyone who might find themself in a similar position, it would be to never stop pursuing your passion. If you find yourself in a day job that you don’t enjoy, continue to pursue your passion and interests in your free time. I truly believe we are all given talents and desires for a reason, and that there is a career out there for everyone to enjoy.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mackenzie Reiter Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in photographing weddings across the states and throughout parts of Europe! I use a combination of film + digital photography. Film photography has the ability to capture images in a way that simply cannot be replicated with digital! The colors, skin tones, and bokeh are like no other! I’ve also found that shooting film allows me to slow down and be more present, instead of over shooting like I would on a digital camera, I take my time to compose my subjects perfectly before snapping the shutter.

As a photographer, one of the things I am most proud of is my integrity with my editing style. My ultimate goal is to create images that withstand the test of time, and to make my clients feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin! I often have couples coming to me before a session worried about certain insecurities, or being “awkward” in front of the camera, and my ultimate goal is to make them feel beautiful once they see the final images. To make others feel beautiful and confident behind a camera is one of the most rewarding things as a photographer.

Who have you been inspired by?
I always feel so inspired by other female entrepreneurs who have paved their way to success through hard work and diligence. A few women that inspire me include – Rachel Hollis a woman who does it all, NYTimes best selling author, and a motivational speaker! Just listen to her podcast or scroll on her Instagram feed and you’ll find yourself inspired to achieve that next big goal or dream.

Another woman who inspires me and my work specifically is Darcy Benincosa. Darcy is a world-renowned wedding photographer and travels all over the world to shoot destination weddings! I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet her at different workshops and retreats. She is one of those people who doesn’t sugar coat things, but rather, speaks to you in a way that encourages you to stop making up excuses and start accomplishing your goals.

I think it’s important as a solo entrepreneur to have other women who you look up to or encourage you to do your best. As an entrepreneur, you don’t have a manager or boss telling you what to do, or holding you accountable, but rather you have to hold yourself accountable to get anywhere at all. This is where the power of community, accountability, and role models is crucial in running your own business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mackenziereiter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackenziereiterphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackenziereiterphoto

Image Credit:
Headshot: Kenzie Victory; All other images: Mackenzie Reiter Photography

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