Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Oldson.
Hi McKenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for photography started at a very young age. Growing up, I spent my morning and afternoons at my grandparent’s house, spending time with my Grandma and Grandpa. My Grandpa and I were extremely close and he had a passion and love photography. He almost always had a camera dangling from his neck wherever we went.
So whenever I got home from school, my Grandpa would teach me all about his cameras and taking and editing photos. His passion sparked mine. When I was in third grade, he gave me my very first digital camera. I took that camera everywhere and took photos of everything I saw. Then, when I was in 8th grade I got the opportunity to be Editor in Chief of my middle school yearbook. Part of my job as EIC was to take photos around the school and edit them. This took my love for photography to a new level because each photo I took had a purpose and was published for others to see.
I continued to participate in the yearbook throughout high school which furthered my love for photography. After high school, however, I took a break. Then in 2020, after the pandemic began, I started McKenna Lee Photography after being reminded of the importance to cherish every moment with the people you love because tomorrow is never guaranteed. My purpose and goal for McKenna Lee Photography are to capture photos that represent a story and memory to be told.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business during a pandemic was a challenge in itself. Since photography requires face-to-face interaction, many clients were, and some still are, hesitant to book sessions due to COVID. Weddings in particular were difficult because many were booked and then rescheduled because of outbreaks or restrictions.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer in the Kansas City Metro area. I specialize in couples, families, high school seniors, and weddings/elopements. While there are many photographers in the KC area, one thing that sets me apart from others is the connection I make with my clients. While we may start our session as photographer and client, my goal is to end the session as friends.
I love getting to know my clients – from their hobbies to quirks and pet peeves, to their stories, etc. I love that photography allows me to meet and get to know so many new people and help capture their stories. And that’s what I am most proud of; being able to capture my client’s true selves and help tell their story.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In addition to photography, my daytime job is teaching middle school science – currently 6th-grade science. I can honestly say that being a teacher has helped me be a better photographer.
Pricing:
- Family Session – $100
- Senior Session – $150
- Weddings – $800-$1,500
- Couples – $100
Contact Info:
- Email: mlp@mckennaleephotography.com
- Website: mckennaleephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennaleephotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McKennaLeePhotography
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mlphotos
Image Credits
McKenna Lee Photography
