Conversations with Risa McKinney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa McKinney

Hi Risa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Kansas City in 2016. Shortly after my move, I attended a photography program at the Kansas City Art Institute. That is where my passion was born. I absolutely fell in love with the art of photography and learning all about the ins and outs of both film and digital cameras. My journey started off as a side hustle and has cultivated over the last 7 years into my full blown career. It’s been an incredibly humbling and exciting journey that has become my greatest accomplishment. Three years ago I was officially able to go full time and dedicate my heart and soul into my career. I started off so small, and now I have a beautiful studio in the crossroads, return clients and get to travel for weddings. What a gift. Words could never express the gratitude I have for all of my clients that continue to support my business, and allow me to live out my dream job.

Photography isn’t just an art form, but it is something that allows me to get a glimpse into some of the most magical and intimate moments of people’s lives. Through laughs, tears, and an abundance of love — I get to capture unique stories for each client. Sometimes I sit back and remind myself just how much of a blessing it is to be able to do what I love, and to share that gift with others. My heart comes alive when I send out a gallery and my client’s respond with nothing but love and thankfulness. It’s immensely fulfilling to use my passion as an avenue to bless others. One of the greatest forms of payment I can receive is a happy client. With all of that said, my business is an incredible gift to me and I couldn’t be more grateful to do what I do. Thank you Kansas City for nurturing my dreams into reality!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey wasn’t as rough as it could have been. In all honesty, I got as much out of it as I was willing to put into it. Once I went full time, things fell into place and I was then able to dedicate myself wholeheartedly into building my business. While I made mistakes along the way, I have learned tremendously from them and have grown because of it. The hardest thing for me is running the risk of disappointing my clients. I put an abundance of care into what I do, with an emphasis on making my clients happy. While this can be taxing at times, the constant positive feedback I receive from my clients has consistently uplifted and encouraged me, making it well worth it. What touches me most is that my clients not only value my work and my creativity, but also me as a person. I feel so seen when a client leaves a review about who I am as a person and the experience I was able to give them. My job is so much more than giving people beautiful photos. It truly is a vulnerable place being in front of a camera, and making my clients feel comfortable and trust me is a priority. All in all, I would say the biggest struggle was simply believing that I could do it. Now, here I am. Through the fear of failure and self doubt (which tends to creep back in at times) I am running a successful business for myself.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Kansas City Wedding and Family photographer. I specialize in capturing people’s most intimate and exciting moments. Whether this be through the yawn of their newborn baby, the moment their significant other got down on one knee and proposed, or their first dance on their wedding day — I capture it all. I am known for creating a safe and uplifting space for you to simply be. A space that is true to you. I specialize in newborn, maternity and family photography at my lifestyle studio in the crossroads. This beautiful light-filled space offers a place for clients to come in, grab a coffee and feel at home. A space for their little ones to jump on the bed, for mom to feed her newborn or for dad to kiss his little baby’s cheeks. All of these tender moments are captured with intentionality and love. Something that truly makes me unique is my genuine passion for people. I celebrate your biggest life moments too. You’ll see me crying at weddings, laughing when your little one does something silly, and hugging your sweet little baby as I swaddle them for photos.

Capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments like proposals and weddings is exhilarating. You get one chance. When I am entrusted to capture these powerful mementos, I invest my heart into creating a story that embodies each unique experience. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to build relationships with my clients and be a part of their most cherished memoirs in life. The fact that people choose me to do this is mind blowing, and extremely humbling.

I am most proud that countless people continually choose me to photograph major milestones in their lives. It’s one thing to have a set of talents and skills, but using it to better the lives of those around me – reminds me that this is exactly what God has created me to do.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am absolutely a risk taker. I think if you asked those that know me best, they would agree. Whether that risk is an adrenaline rush while jumping out of an airplane, or moving across the country to start a new life; taking risks have truly defined me. Starting my own photography business has been scary, but incredibly rewarding. I would say the biggest risk I have taken recently was getting my studio space in the Crossroads. It has been a dream for about 6 years, and I finally took the plunge. I had support and encouragement from loved ones in my life and that was all I needed to delve into it (not to mention the necessary support from my clients of course).

I think it is so important to take risks on something you are passionate about. I understand the fear of failing, but to me – not risking it is already failing- so why not at least try? I am one of those people that can be really hard on myself in terms of my career, but I am always willing to risk a potential “let down” in order to achieve whatever it is I am setting out to do. We all take risks every day, whether you’re going for a run or simply driving to the grocery store. You risk the possibility that you might get hit by a car, or crash your own car (a little extreme haha, I know. But you get the picture). For me, perspective on your own risks is what is most important. It was scary to rent a studio space and trust that clients will walk through the door, but to someone else that might come naturally to just go for it. I look at my studio space as a place for growth and a door full of new opportunities for my business. That reality made it worth the risk for me.

While I am certainly a risk taker, I think it’s crucial to evaluate the risk versus the potential reward. From there, decide whether or not it’s worth it. Most times I would encourage you to take a risk on yourself. The reward you get from merely trying can have the ability to shift your perspective in an incredible way. What you might have seen as a failure has now become something you are proud of simply because you tried – and that is incredibly empowering!

Pricing:

• portrait sessions start at 325
• weddings start at 3200
• studio newborn sessions are 650

Contact Info:

• Website: https://risamckinney.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risamckinneyphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risamckinneyphoto/
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/VWBfdNL