Mckenzie infuses each photograph with vibrant colours and genuine emotions, specialising predominantly in weddings but with a versatile portfolio that encompasses families, newborns, and pets. What sets her apart in the bustling realm of wedding photography is her distinct style—a departure from the ubiquitous “light and airy” trend, offering couples a refreshing alternative that bursts with personality and authenticity.
What is your business called and what does it do?
My business is Mckenzie Brayley Photography. Although I am primarily a wedding photographer, I also photograph families, newborns, pets, and everything in between!
What made you want to do this work?
I have had a passion for photography since I was young. When I started photographing people, it became clear to me that wedding photography was what I wanted to focus on the most. I enjoy working with couples and participating in such a special day in their lives.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to create vibrant and colourful wedding photos. I’m not the only one in the area with this style, but there are more popular choices for wedding photography. You see a lot of “light and airy” luxury wedding photographers, and while that style is beautiful, it’s just not for me. I wanted to give couples something a little different to choose from.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
I photograph all couples who are in love, but I primarily work with couples in their 20s and 30s who are getting married. However, I have also had the privilege of photographing couples’ weddings in an older demographic.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Booking photography sessions is the primary way my business makes money. I also sometimes sell prints, but they’re a smaller part of my business than sessions.
Many people think photographers charge “an arm and a leg,” but in reality, the profession has so many expenses. With wedding photography, I’m paying another photographer to shoot alongside me, and I gift all my clients a piece of wall art from their wedding day. Running this business also requires many subscriptions to editing software, website builders, equipment, licenses, permits, insurance, and more.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Anywhere! I don’t have a home studio since that’s different from the type of photography I specialize in. I do all my sessions outdoors at various locations around the city or at venues when I’m shooting weddings.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
There are SO many questions I recommend asking your potential wedding photographer. A big one is their process for ensuring your images are backed up and safe. Specific cameras have two memory card slots, creating two copies of all your photos. If one of the memory cards corrupts, the other one should ensure your images are still there. I also back up all my pictures on external hard drives and cloud storage; that way, I have multiple copies just to be safe.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is witnessing so many amazing love stories. I enjoy meeting new people, experiencing wedding traditions from other cultures, and creating beautiful art.
The worst part is being on my feet for 8-10 hours. My knees, feet, and back are always sore by the end of a wedding.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
People often comment, “Your camera takes such good photos!” and it makes many photographers laugh. If only it were as easy as clicking a button!
Where can we follow you?
I’m always active on Instagram and you can check out my website for more of my work as well.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
It might be weird not to mention someone in my industry, but I must talk about the Inglewood Drive-In. Their burgers are SO good; in fact, they’re the only burgers I will eat. And their Skor Ice Cream Things are one of my favourite desserts.
When the weather is nice, they are packed and lined up out the door. People love their Pineapple Dole Whip because it reminds them of Disneyland.
And the best part? Crinkle cut fries.
