Inspiring Conversations with Makenzie Mathison of Captured by Kenz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzie Mathison

Hi Makenzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Definitely! My passion for photography, videography, and all things film started at the young age of 7. I vividly remember being gifted a toy video camera and a digital camera that I took everywhere… literally everywhere! My friends and I would use my dad’s old video cameras to create “movies,” which generally consisted of us walking around in the backyard and acting like we were stranded on a deserted island. I would schedule “photoshoots” with friends and walk around Kansas City, practicing poses and finding the best locations. Ask any of my family members and they’ll tell you I absolutely LOVED taking photos at all family events. I even had a designated Pinterest board specifically for pose ideas so no one ever felt awkward in pictures. However, as I grew older, life got in the way, and I unfortunately lost touch with that passion.

I graduated from Mizzou in 2023 with a degree in Finance, but I never felt that same excitement for my major that many of my friends and family members did. My brother is studying music production at the University of Colorado – Denver and my sister is in her senior year at Mizzou pursuing a degree in Plant Science. Clearly, these are two very niche fields and I began to question whether I was on the right path. After a little over a year in the corporate world, I realized I wasn’t truly satisfied or where I was meant to be. In April, I made the bold decision to quit my job—without a backup plan—and take the summer to reconnect with myself and rediscover the passions I had lost. I was fortunate to move back in with my parents, which allowed me the freedom to explore different avenues, from property management to teaching to social media marketing. At one point, I even considered video production and debated going back to school for cinematography. Ultimately, I realized that photography was where my heart truly lay, and I’ve been on this incredible journey ever since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning from a corporate job to launching my own photography business has been both exhilarating and challenging. One of the toughest decisions I faced was weighing the pros and cons of pursuing my passion against the stability of a corporate environment where I felt increasingly unfulfilled. The comfort of a steady paycheck was hard to let go of, but the thought of spending my life in a job that didn’t ignite my creativity became unbearable. Taking that leap was terrifying, but it was also necessary for my happiness and growth.

The journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Building a client base from scratch was daunting, and there were moments of self-doubt that made me question my decision. I think no matter what career you pursue, imposter syndrome is going to creep in, one way or another. Each challenge—from marketing my work to networking—forced me to grow and adapt. While the road has been bumpy at times, every obstacle has reaffirmed my passion for photography. Ultimately, choosing to follow my heart has brought me a sense of fulfillment that outweighs the risks, and I’m excited to see where this journey leads me next.

As you know, we’re big fans of Captured by Kenz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My photography business is centered around one main priority: making my clients feel their most beautiful and confident. I understand that for many, having their photo taken can be an intimidating experience, so I strive to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during our sessions. Whether it’s a senior photo shoot, engagement session, wedding photography, or couples shoot, my goal is to capture genuine moments that reflect each individual’s unique personality and story.

What sets me apart is my commitment to personalization and connection. I take the time to get to know my clients, ensuring they feel at ease in front of the camera. While I aspire to focus more on wedding photography in the future, I’m currently excited to embrace any opportunity that comes my way. I’m most proud of the relationships I build with my clients and the trust they place in me to document their special moments. I want readers to know that my brand is all about authenticity, comfort, and creating beautiful memories that my clients can look back on.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
YES! I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my family – mom, dad, sister and brother – as well as my best friends Lauren and Ashlynn. They are my biggest cheerleaders and support me no matter what life decision I make (and trust me, I’ve made some questionable ones).

My dad was the one specifically who got me into photography as he grew up with a similar passion to mine. He knows all things cameras and has always been there to share his knowledge and experiences with me. His encouragement to explore my creativity and pursue my dreams has been invaluable.

Lauren and Ashlynn are two of my rocks. While they both are pursuing careers of their own, they always find time to support and uplift me. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, spending time being my model, or simply being there to listen, their encouragement means the world to me. I’m so grateful to have such incredible friends who inspire me every day!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbykenz_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Captured-by-Kenz/61565188466053/