Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Mc Dougall.
Hi Makayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was destined to be a photographer before I was even old enough to know what destiny was. I was five years old when I picked up my first camera. My grandfather and I were at a garage sale when we came across an old film camera for $20 and I had to have it. From that day forward I was taking photos of anything and everything every opportunity I had. Growing up photography was always just a hobby and I never planned on pursuing it as a career. In fact I went to college for engineering and business not photography. Every photography elective I selected in high school I was denied from for one reason or another so I just assumed it was not meant for me.
After highschool I job hopped a lot trying to find my purpose in life. I very quickly outgrew and excelled at every job I had. I worked in fast food, vet care, manufacturing, I tried just about every job that would hire me. While I was a master at all of my positions none of them brought me the true joy and fulfillment I was searching for in life from my career.
In 2021 I finally decided to take photography more seriously and started offering free portrait sessions. A few months after that I had the confidence to apply for my first real photography job. I worked with that company for about 2 years and learned everything about photography they were willing to teach me. During this time I still did photoshoots on the side to build my portfolio and when the time was right I stepped away from my position and was finally ready to start confidently charging for my work!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not Exactly, photography is a very saturated field and there already aren’t a lot of people out searching for professional photographers when everyone’s walking around with cameras in their pockets.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m all about two things , bringing a story to life and pushing the endless possibilities life has to offer. I strive to find the beauty in every location and bring light to perspectives others don’t see. I’m willing to do almost anything to bring someone’s ideas or story to life in a photoshoot!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Never give up! It takes the average business 5 years to truly get up and going. There have been so many times I’ve considered putting down my camera and those moments are when your endurance and drive matters most!
Pricing:
- Fantasy &Adventure starting at $600
- Weddings & Elopements starting at $1,800
- High School Senior Bundle starting at $600
- Automotive starting at $225
- Boudoir starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makaylamcdougallphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makayla_mcdougall_photography?igsh=bTFneDZ1Nmo0eHo3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BXYgcwBap/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@unexpected.destinations?_t=ZP-8uIj9Nf7v8I&_r=1
Image Credits
Makayla Mcdougall Photography