We recently connected with McKenna Hutchinson and have shared our conversation below.

McKenna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I like to think entrepreneurship runs in my blood. Both of my parents owned their own businesses, so I grew up watching what it looked like to build something from the ground up: through long hours, creative thinking, and a whole lot of heart. From a young age, they taught me that work could be something you’re deeply passionate about, and that doing what you love doesn’t mean settling for less, it means carving your own path.

My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. No matter what I was into, she was the one encouraging me to go all in. From making tiny clothes for my dolls to taking photos of my Barbies lined up in wedding poses, she never told me an idea was too small or too silly. She believed in me before I even knew what I was capable of. And while my mom was the creative fuel, my dad was the strategy. He was the one who’d ask, “How can you turn that into a business?” Whether it was my cupcake hustle at 15 or the doll clothing brand I launched as a kid, he was always nudging me to think bigger.

By the time I was 18, I had a small graphic design business and was freelancing as a kitchen designer. Photography became a natural next step, blending my love for design, people, and storytelling. I officially launched my photography business over 8 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been a journey full of evolution, learning, and a few wild stories, but every part of it was shaped by the foundation my parents gave me. They taught me to lead with curiosity, work with integrity, and believe that no idea is ever too bold to chase.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the owner and photographer behind 1828 Collective, a wedding photography service based in Charlotte, NC, serving couples across the Carolinas and beyond. Photography combines all the things I love: storytelling, creativity, human connection, and creating something tangible that people can hold onto for the rest of their lives.

I started 1828 Collective in 2016 with a vision to photograph weddings in a way that felt real. I’m not interested in just pretty poses or Pinterest-perfect moments. I want your photos to feel like you. That means capturing the in-between glances, the belly laughs, the happy tears, and all the chaotic, joyful, emotional moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. My style is a mix of documentary-style candids and creative, editorial-inspired portraits, so you get the best of both worlds: emotion and artistry.

What sets me apart is the experience I offer. I’m not just here to take photos, I’m here to be part of the team that makes your day amazing. From timeline planning and creative direction to sneaking you away for five quiet minutes during sunset, I care deeply about helping couples feel present and truly enjoy their wedding day. I’ll guide you when needed, step back when I should, and make sure you walk away with a gallery that doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels like your story.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through this work. I’ve had clients turn into lifelong friends, and that’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive. I want people to know that when you hire me, you’re getting someone who is all in. I’ll show up with my whole heart, a camera in each hand, and a million backup plans, just in case. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, a big-time romantic, and a huge believer in doing what you love, and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do just that.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will help you feel confident, understood, and fully celebrated, I’d love to be part of your story.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started my photography business, I didn’t have the most expensive gear or a full studio setup, and honestly, I didn’t believe I needed it. I’ve always been a firm believer that you don’t have to wait until everything is “perfect” to begin. If you wait until you have the biggest, baddest equipment and all the bells and whistles, you’ll never actually start.

I used what I had, bought what I could afford at the time, and slowly built up my gear as I grew. I focused more on learning how to use my camera well, understanding light, and connecting with people, because that’s what really makes great photos. Over time, I invested back into the business little by little: upgrading cameras, adding lenses, and fine-tuning my workflow.

You don’t need a huge budget to start a photography business. You just need passion, consistency, and the willingness to learn as you go. The rest comes with time, experience, and a whole lot of trial and error.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is getting to tell people’s stories in a way that feels honest and personal. There’s something really powerful about being able to freeze a moment, one that might have gone unnoticed, and turn it into something that lasts forever.

I love knowing that years from now, someone will look back at the photos I took on their wedding day and feel everything all over again. The laughter, the nerves, the joy, the chaos, I get to preserve all of that. Being trusted to step into such emotional, intimate moments is something I’ll never take for granted.

At the end of the day, it’s about connection. The creativity is fun, the visuals matter, but what sticks with me the most is how it makes people feel. That’s the magic of it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1828collective.com
• Instagram: @1828collective

Image Credits

1828 Collective