Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mackenzie Eschenbach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mackenzie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It all started as a simple idea in high school to use my passion for photography to capture the moments that mattered to my friends and family. I already loved shooting high school sports, and I spent weekends at equestrian competitions, honing my skills in action photography. I had a camera, a knack for composition, and a growing portfolio, but it was just a hobby. I knew I wanted more, but I had no idea what “more” looked like.

The transition from a hobby to a business did not happen overnight; it was a series of small, intentional steps. The very first step was to formalize my services. I needed a clear offering. Friends’ parents saw my work and started asking for senior portraits and family sessions. This was my first real test of going from idea to execution.

The first thing I had to figure out was pricing. I had no idea what to charge. I spent hours researching local photographers to get a sense of the market rate. I created a simple pricing sheet on a Word document, outlining packages for different session lengths and deliverables. My next challenge was logistics. How would I deliver the photos? I looked into digital delivery services like SmugMug and discovered that they offered a professional, gallery-style platform where clients could view, share, and download their high-resolution photos. This was a game-changer. I also had to set up a system for contracts and payments, so I found a simple contract template online and started using PayPal, checks, and Vemno for invoices.

My official launch was just a new approach. I started talking about my services more formally, with a clear pricing structure and a professional delivery method. Word-of-mouth spread, and my business grew organically. I was constantly improving my craft, updating my pricing, and refining my workflow.

As the years went on, I felt the desire to do something more. I loved my clients, but my passion was shifting back to the art of photography itself. I had a growing collection of landscape and abstract photos that I was incredibly proud of, and the idea of selling them as fine art prints became my new goal.

This next phase was a completely different kind of launch. I had to pivot from being a service-based business to a product-based one.

First, I needed an online storefront. I used Shopify Storefront to build a clean, modern website that showcased my prints. This was my digital gallery and my new home base.

Moving into production was a huge learning curve. I spent months researching and testing different print labs, canvas, and framing options. I needed to ensure that the quality of the final product matched the artistic integrity of the image I was selling.

My audience was no longer just local families; it was anyone who appreciated fine art photography. I had to create a new brand identity. I started an Instagram account dedicated to my fine art, focusing on the story behind each image and the process of creating the prints.

Today, I still do some portrait work, but the majority of my time is spent creating and selling my prints. It is a journey that started with a high school hobby and grew into a creative business, driven by a constant desire to learn, evolve, and share my work with the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Mackenzie Eschenbach, and I am the photographer behind Mackenzie Eschenbach Photography. My journey into photography began with a simple passion for capturing moments that truly moved me. What started as a way to document high school sports and equestrian competitions has evolved into a business focused on two things: providing fine art prints that bring the beauty of the world into people’s homes and offering portrait services to capture special memories.

My creative process is very personal. I am drawn to scenes that make me pause and appreciate the beauty around me, whether it is a quiet coastline or an open landscape. My goal is to translate that feeling into an image that can be a source of inspiration and peace for my clients. My work is meant to help people fill their homes with meaningful art. I provide a product that is not only beautiful but also holds a story and emotion that can resonate deeply with the person who views it every day.

What truly sets me apart is my selective approach. I only share photographs that have genuinely made me stop and feel something profound. This commitment to authenticity ensures that every piece of art I offer is a true reflection of my passion. I am most proud of the growth I have seen in my skills and my business over the years. It is a testament to the dedication have.

Ultimately, the main message I want potential clients and followers to know about my brand is that even the most simple views can mean so much more. My work is a celebration of the quiet, beautiful moments in life, and I hope it encourages others to find and appreciate those moments in their own world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media was an organic process that evolved as my business grew. I did not start with a big strategy; I simply began by sharing the photographs that I was most passionate about. My journey started with a focus on high school sports and equestrian competitions, and social media was the perfect place to share that immediate, vibrant energy with a local community.

Over time, as my work shifted toward fine art prints of quiet coastlines and landscapes, my social media presence had to evolve with it. I realized that my followers were not just interested in the final image, but they were interested in the story behind it. I started sharing not just the photo, but the feeling that inspired it. This is where I really saw my audience begin to grow. I began using social media not just as a gallery, but as a platform to build a community around a shared appreciation for simple, beautiful views.

To generate sales, I have relied on a three-pronged approach: the consistent, high-quality content that builds a loyal following; strategic paid ads to reach a broader, targeted audience; and the powerful impact of word-of-mouth. Encouraging my happy clients to share their new artwork with their friends on social media has been an incredibly effective way to grow my reach.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my best advice would be to focus on authenticity and consistency. Do not try to be everything to everyone. Find your unique voice and visual style. Show up consistently, not just with your final product, but with the story behind it. People connect with people, not just photos. And finally, do not be afraid to invest in your business. A well-placed paid ad can be a powerful tool to introduce your work to people who will genuinely appreciate it and become a part of your community.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

My choice to sell on Shopify was a direct result of its powerful features and the consistent workflow it provides, which has been crucial for the growth of my business.

I needed a platform that could handle everything from showcasing my fine art prints and portrait services to processing payments securely. Shopify’s all-in-one solution was the perfect fit. It allows me to manage my inventory, track orders, and handle customer information all from a single dashboard. This streamlined process has eliminated the need for me to use multiple, disconnected tools, which saves me a significant amount of time and reduces the chance of error.

The platform’s customizable templates and user-friendly interface also meant I could build a professional-looking storefront that truly represents my brand without needing to be a coding expert. This consistency in my workflow and the professional presentation of my work allow me to focus on what I love most: creating beautiful photographs and connecting with my clients. Ultimately, Shopify gives me the reliability and control I need to run my business efficiently, so I can spend less time on logistics and more time on my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mackenzieeschenbachphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meschenbachphoto/

Image Credits

Mackenzie Eschenbach