Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Wilkes.
Hi Corey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into photography started in 2019, initially as a creative outlet that quickly grew into something much bigger. I fell in love with portrait photography because of the ability to capture not just how someone looks, but their personality, confidence, and story.
Over the years, I’ve invested countless hours into learning lighting, posing, composition, and retouching while developing my own style. A lot of my growth has come from simply putting myself out there, working with different people, experimenting, making mistakes, and constantly pushing myself to create better images.
Today, after several years in the industry, photography has become much more than taking pictures for me. Through Dear Makenzie Photography, I get to create an experience for people and help them see themselves in a way they may not have before. I’m still learning and evolving, but that’s one of the things I love most about photography—there’s always another level to reach and another story to tell.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Like any creative business, photography has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest has been learning how to balance being a photographer with running an actual business—marketing, finding clients, managing finances, and constantly staying creative.
There have also been plenty of moments of self-doubt, slow seasons, and times when I questioned whether I was progressing fast enough. Learning new techniques, investing in equipment, and developing my own style took a lot of trial and error.
But honestly, those challenges have been some of the most valuable parts of the journey. They taught me to be patient, stay consistent, and keep improving even when things aren’t moving as quickly as I’d like. Every obstacle has helped me become not only a better photographer, but a more confident business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize primarily in portrait photography, with a strong focus on beauty, fashion, and creative editorial-style imagery. I’m known for dramatic lighting, intentional posing, rich tones, and creating portraits that feel polished while still allowing the person’s personality to come through. I enjoy experimenting with lighting, shadows, color, and different environments to create images that feel more like artwork than a simple photograph.
What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve experienced as a photographer. I’ve continually challenged myself to learn, experiment, and evolve rather than becoming comfortable with one particular style. I’ve invested a lot of time into understanding lighting, posing, composition, and retouching so that I can control the entire creative process from concept to final image.
What sets me apart is that I don’t want to simply take a good picture. I want to create an experience and produce an image that makes someone stop and feel something. Every person has a unique story and presence, and my goal is to bring that out through the camera. For me, photography is about creating something that people will be proud to look back on years from now.
What matters most to you?
My daughter Annalise over everything. My family.
Pricing:
- Portrait Session – Starting @ $550
- Senior Session starting @ $725
- Wedding starting @ $1,800
- Event photography- $225 per hour
Contact Info:
