We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mackenzie Skidmore. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Mackenzie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Recently no day has been exactly the same, but let’s say it’s a Monday. Typically I’ll start my day but touching up the house, feeding my cat, making my step-daughter’s lunch, then I’ll take a look at emails. Once emails are done, I’ll start editing. When the little one and hubby wake up, I’ll usually help get her dressed, do her hair and he takes her to school! I’ll continue to edit and make breakfast until it’s time to head to my workout at 11:00am. That lasts an hour and then I’ll come home, shower, make lunch, clean up, then edit until my husband gets home or I have a shoot! We work together on house projects, make dinner, run errands, take a walk and usually end the night with a movie!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
9 years after I started my business, I am still photographing weddings! That’s still the largest part of my business, but lately I’m doing a lot of newborn and family sessions since a good majority of my past couples are moving into that part of their lives. Since I’ve taken on the responsibility of a step-daughter, family sessions have become more important to me now that I understand the dynamic more! It’s been a nice transition and I think has help me when it comes to interaction with families!
I also am still shooting boudoir and adore it. Every session is so unique and I love making my girls feel confident. After many sessions, the response is positive and a line that sticks out to me when they receive their photos, they say that can’t even believe it’s them which is the best compliment. I just photograph what I see and I see some beautiful ladies!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I love this question. I think the workaholic part of me has served its purpose. That part of me slowly started to vanish a few years ago when I met my now husband, Sam. He introduced me to living life and making memories and taking time for myself. He taught me that not every email needs to be answered the second I receive it, even though I do love to respond quickly haha. He also owns his own successful electrical business, but has mastered work-life balance. I use to spend every waking moment focused on my career, which was great when I was younger, but now my priorities have shifted. I LOVE my job and still cannot imagine doing anything else for a living but I have also learned that I don’t need to be photographing 24/7, which also means editing every second of the day. I get to also finally sleep a normal amount which is so healthy for me instead of going to bed at 3:00am after editing and waking up at 8:00am to do the same thing. This has freed me so much. Now that I have a husband and step-daughter, my life has changed for the better. I get to laugh more and experience more. Our family time has become some of my very favorite. I have also been able to share my love of photography with my step-daughter. It started as a form of fun/therapy for me when I was younger and she has also taken an interest it photo. At her preschool graduation she said she wanted to be a photographer when she grew up and that really moved me. Even though it’s probably a temporary dream, it means so much to me that photo is on her mind like that, and it’s a great connection that we share whether she’s shooting with me or if I’m taking her photo. She’s a hoot to photograph. I just love where I am in my life where I can spend my time photographing and being creative, but also with the most important people in my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t listen to the negative words from others. It’s definitely easier said than done, but It’s really not important. Other people’s thoughts are none of your business.
While several people doubted that I could make a career out of photo and either voiced it to me or people I knew, I was silly and took it personally. Even though it did push me to prove them wrong, it did affect me and kept that thought alive in the back of my head. Luckily 9 years later and we’re still kicking, but I’m glad I’ve let go of that. This goes for personal stuff as well. No one should have that much power over you with their words or thoughts. It’s not their life. It’s yours.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think if you were booked and super busy all the time that you were successful. Now I know better. Balance has been a huge lesson I’ve learned but it has CHANGED MY LIFE. Happiness equals success. My mental health has increased an exponential amount and my anxiety, while still present, has definitely decreased. Since I’m not working every second of the day, I’ve made time for working out, reading and doing other things that I enjoy which have calmed my nervous system.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’ve worked to my satisfaction, cleaned, eaten, and then get the reward of spending time with my family. It could be taking a walk, coloring, making a dessert, or even walking around Target. Knowing I was productive, having the house in order, and spending time with my people, that’s when life is beautiful and my heart is happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mkfphoto.com/
- Instagram: mkf.photo
