We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mackenzie Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mackenzie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in photography right now is a shift toward imagery that feels raw and unfiltered—flash photography, the film aesthetic, and candid moments are everywhere. People are moving away from overly edited, hyper-curated photos and leaning into work that feels real, imperfect, and full of energy.

Flash photography has had a major resurgence, and I think a big part of that is the “paparazzi” effect—it makes a moment feel like a stolen snapshot from a night out in the early 2000s. Then there’s the film aesthetic, which brings this natural and warm, nostalgic quality that people are really drawn to. Even if someone isn’t shooting on actual film, they’re looking for images that feel like they were. Super 8 video has also made a comeback, especially at weddings and events, because it captures moments in such a dreamy, cinematic way.

What I love about this shift is how people are blending styles—mixing clean, crisp digital shots with grainy, film-inspired images, or pairing high-energy flash photography with more natural light candids. It’s a reminder that photography doesn’t have to be overthought or overproduced. Some of my favorite shots have come from just letting a moment unfold rather than trying to manufacture it.

The biggest opportunity in all of this is the emotional impact. People connect with images that feel honest, whether it’s a slightly blurry, flash-lit dance floor photo or a Super 8 clip of a fleeting glance. But there’s also a challenge—just because something looks unpolished doesn’t mean it’s effortless. The best photographers know how to make spontaneity feel intentional.

Overall, I think these trends are a good thing. It’s pushing photography back to its roots—focusing on feeling over perfection. And in a time when everything can feel overly produced, that authenticity stands out.

Mackenzie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Mackenzie, a photographer based in New York City, specializing in capturing candid, film-like moments that feel real, raw, and full of life. My work is rooted in authenticity—I want my images to transport you back to a specific moment, to feel the energy, the atmosphere, and the emotions that were present. Whether I’m shooting events or portraits, my goal is always the same: to create images that don’t just document a moment but make you feel like you’re reliving it.

I first fell in love with photography through its ability to freeze time. When I was a kid my dad used to record videos and take pictures of the family and I was always drawn to this, asking to see the pictures and videos and relive those moments over and over. I got my first DSLR camera when I was about 13 and I’ve embraced storytelling ever since.

I work with a wide range of clients, from content creators and brands to couples/families and individuals who want their most meaningful moments captured in an intentional yet effortless way. I do believe there is a time and place for more stiff/posed images, but I love to focus on movement, natural interactions, and the beauty of spontaneity. What sets me apart is my ability to blend into a scene and capture people as they truly are, in an intentional way. I also love when my clients look at their photos and feel like a million bucks.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Photography is such a personal thing, and I never take for granted that people allow me to step into their world and document it through my lens. If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s that I approach every shoot with intention. My images aren’t just about what something looked like—they’re about what it felt like.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one of the hardest things for non-creatives to understand is that creativity isn’t just about talent—it’s about constant effort, experimentation, and a lot of unseen work. People often assume that being a photographer is as simple as showing up, taking a few photos, and calling it a day. But in reality, so much happens behind the scenes—building relationships, scouting locations, understanding light, editing, curating, and constantly refining your eye. There’s an emotional weight to it too. When you’re creating something personal, you’re putting a piece of yourself into your work, and that can be both fulfilling and exhausting.

Another thing that can be hard to explain is the unpredictability of this career. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5, there’s no set path, no guaranteed paycheck, and no one telling you what your next move should be. You have to believe in what you’re doing, even when no one is clapping for you yet. There are times when the work is nonstop and times when it’s quiet, and you have to be okay with that ebb and flow.

But at the end of the day, what makes it all worth it is the connection—the ability to capture something real, something that will matter to someone years down the line. That’s what keeps me going, even when the creative process feels messy or uncertain. So if there’s one thing I’d want non-creatives to understand, it’s that creativity isn’t just a job—it’s a way of seeing the world. And that takes just as much discipline as it does inspiration.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my reputation by being both adaptable and intentional. While I have a distinct style, I know that every client has a unique vision, and I make it a priority to understand what they want while bringing my own expertise to the table. I can shoot in a variety of styles, from candid and film-inspired to clean and polished, depending on what best fits the moment.

Beyond the work itself, I care about the experience—I want clients to feel comfortable, understood, and excited about the final result. Word-of-mouth and social media tags have been huge for my business, and I think that comes from people genuinely enjoying both the photos and the experience I bring. At the end of the day, my goal is to deliver work that feels meaningful to my clients while staying true to what I do best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mackenzie-williams.com/
• Instagram: @mackenziewilliamsphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenziepwilliams/

Image Credits

Mackenzie Williams Photography