Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Paskewicz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
To start, I was always “that girl” with a camera in my hand, constantly asking my friends to take pictures no matter where we went. I wanted to document all of the life that was going on around me. I then took a photography class in High School that introduced me to the world of professional photography. I was hooked! I loved the quality of photos I could take and learning about light, composition, and all that goes into creating a beautiful portrait.
As much as I loved it, I didn’t think I could make it into a career, so I went to College, got a business degree and started a career in marketing. Although I liked the jobs I had I just wasn’t passionate about the work I was doing. I knew something needed to change, but I didn’t know what exactly. Fast forward 10 years later and I started to plan my own wedding. I was researching photographers to hire and kept thinking about how much I would love to get to be the one to document all the joy a wedding day brings. Especially because ever since I can remember, I was obsessed with anything and everything that had to do with a wedding! Being “the bride” was my go-to when playing dress up and choosing Halloween costumes as a little girl. I would buy wedding magazines in Junior High and High School just to look at all the gorgeous dresses and pretty flowers. Weddings are my jam! So after months of dreaming about becoming a wedding photographer, I thought, why not pursue it? So that’s exactly what I did! I don’t do anything in life slowly. I dove in head first and put everything I had into growing this business of mine. I spent all of my time researching, and educating myself. I used any one I could (including the family dog) to practice on and help me become stronger in my craft. I became a part of a wonderful community of other photographers who have given me so much advice and guidance. I now take 20-25 weddings a year as well as family, maternity, and senior portraits and couldn’t be happier! I am so grateful to call this my job!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life is never going to be a smooth easy road. There are going to be times where things come easy and you feel on top of the world, times that everything seems like a struggle, and all that falls in between. But that is the beauty of life. You have chances to constantly learn and grow, chase your dreams, and live a life that fills you with joy.
The road I have taken to get where I am today hasn’t always been smooth. It is but that, a road. It has been a journey of ups and downs, wins and losses, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I have worked 70 hour weeks for months in order to help make this dream come alive. I have struggled with finding the balance of getting everything done that I need to and want to for my business, while maintaining everything else going on in my personal life. But even though owning your own business is a ton of work, I truly feel that this work is what I was meant to do. Being able to document milestones and memories in people’s lives so they can look back on them as the years pass by, makes any struggle totally worth it. Knowing that photos I have taken are hanging in my client’s home makes me so proud and is such a great honor!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kenzie Leigh Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
If I were to describe my style of photography, I would say it is light, romantic, classic. My goal is to always capture genuine joyful moments that can be enjoyed for generations to come. I believe that you don’t only deserve beautiful images, but also an amazing photographic experience! I want you to look back on our time together and think about all the fun you had getting your family or special occasions photographed. I love getting to document all kinds of shoots, but shooting weddings has a special place in my heart! It’s so fun for me to really get to know my couples-hear all about their love story and to help them to continue to share that love story with family and friends through their photos. What truly makes me proud is when those couples then choose me to document additional milestones in their lives as their families grow! It brings me so much happiness to create lifelong friendships with all of my KLP couples and families.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently booking 2019 and 2020 brides and have already booked so many amazing couples! My brides have picked some gorgeous locations that I can’t wait to experience! From a ceremony next to a waterfall to dogs as ring bearers, to a Broadway Star Uncle singing at the wedding, I’m so looking forward to all the fun that is to come!
A focus for me in 2019 is education. I am traveling to various conferences throughout the country next year to learn from the very best in the industry. I am so thankful that there are such talented individuals in my field that are willing to share all that they have learned and experienced over the years!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently booking 2019 and 2020 brides and have already booked so many amazing couples! My brides have picked some gorgeous locations that I can’t wait to experience! From a ceremony next to a waterfall to dogs as ring bearers, to a Broadway Star Uncle singing at the wedding, I’m so looking forward to all the fun that is to come!
A focus for me in 2019 is education. I am traveling to various conferences throughout the country next year to learn from the very best in the industry. I am so thankful that there are such talented individuals in my field that are willing to share all that they have learned and experienced over the years!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kenzieleigh.com
- Phone: 6309210129
- Email: hello@kenzieleigh.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kenzieleighphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kenzieleighphoto
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
