For Photographers

Nicole & Jordan

Oct 26 2017 Leave a Comment

A Downtown Murray & Arboretum Engagement Session

They told me they were awkward and every part of their story is boring. Nicole knew I’d share their story on their engagement session post so every time I asked them about their relationship, they prefaced it with how boring it was. But I don’t think they’re awkward and I definitely don’t think they are boring! They knew one another growing up in church, but it wasn’t until Jordan was in college that they began dating. They dated through most of high school for Nicole and I think there is something super special when relationships last through major season of change and growing up! Once Jordan had the ring, he just couldn’t wait to propose! Instead of making an elaborate plan, he interrupted her night with friends to “take her to dinner” but as soon as he arrived to her apartment…he took her in the other room, immediately got down on one knee, and said, “I can’t wait anymore! Will you marry me?” They think that’s boring but I think it’s ADORABLE! He loves her so much and was so excited and anxious to propose and he just couldn’t wait. I love it! They’re getting married in January with a small wedding at the Grand Lodge and I’m so excited!

A Big Change Around Here…

Oct 23 2017 1 Comment

I’m not sure where and how to begin this blog post. I never imagined I’d be writing it at this point…but the time has come. Due to a lot of other awesome things in our lives, I am retiring from wedding photography.

Wow. I’ve told a lot of people in our lives, but to actually type it right now is so strange. It’s not what we expected. But then again, I NEVER expected to be where I am today in the first place.

You see, I’ve loved weddings since I was a little girl. I dreamed of photographing them when I was in college photography classes but by the time I graduated I was so burned out from my classes that I put my camera in the closet and didn’t touch it for a year. Then everything changed when a friend asked me to shoot his wedding in 2008 and I realized my dream could become a reality.

It quickly took off and before I knew it, I was shooting 30 weddings a year and it was my full time career. And it has been AMAZING! I’ve photographed over 175 weddings and gained so many friendships with brides (and grooms!). It has taken me ALL over the country, welcomed me into many families, allowed me to witness the happiest moments, provided for our family, helped fund our adoption, grew my faith, expanded my passion for business, developed an excitement for teaching others…I could go on forever. It was a very unexpected path but quickly became our norm. I’ve been my own boss and truly learned what it meant to be an entrepreneur.

Now I’m heading into my tenth year in business and although I STILL love what I do, things look different for our family these days and my priorities have changed.

This little girl right here has changed things for me. When she was first born, I continued working and I decided I wanted her to grow up and see what it looked like to chase your dreams; to work hard at something you love. And while I still definitely believe that and want that for her, I feel like I’m missing out on way too much as she grows up. And to me personally, I can’t bear missing out on things as she grows, develops, and learns. To put it simply, the longer I’m a mom to my Gracen, the more my career ambition has lessened.

I’m not moving into a stay at home mom role (Lord help us all, I’m not cut out for that!). I have been working part time with our church since January and really enjoy it! It allows me to get out of the house and work with people that I love and do life with, but it allows me to be at home in the evenings and weekends with my little family.

So, To my current MLP Brides…

Please have no fear! I am still so excited and looking forward to shooting your wedding! I am committed to finishing well, so even though I have an “end of the road” wedding next July, I’m just as devoted to shooting your wedding as I was to the weddings I shot last year or even 8 years ago! I’m honored you chose me and I can’t wait to spend your day with you.

To all my past MLP Brides…

Thank you. If you hadn’t chosen and trusted me to photograph your special day, I wouldn’t have experienced all the things I listed above. I entered into the wedding business with no idea of what I was really doing or how to run a business, but you saw something in me, whether I was 5 weddings in or 5 years in. Thank you for 9 amazing years of fun, love, laughs, and happy tears. I’m grateful for each and every one of you and the influence you’ve had on my life.

If you’ve read this whole post, thank you for taking the time to hear my heart. This was not an easy decision and one we prayed about for months and months. It’s a big leap of faith for our family, but it’s the direction we feel God is leading us. I’m not completely done with Makenzie Lynn Photography. I’ll still be shooting things here and there and I may have a few ideas up my sleeve for some teaching in the future!

Matt & Misty

May 17 2017 Leave a Comment

A Downtown Paducah & Walker Hall Wedding

This was a fun wedding! Matt & Misty did not stop smiling or laughing all. day. long. Apart they are calm and relaxed, but together they are even better. I think that’s how you know you’re suppose to be with someone…when you’re fine without them, but you’re 10x better when you’re with them. As soon as Misty is with Matt, she is completely relaxed and she knows she’s taken care of. When Matt is with Misty, he literally doesn’t stop smiling. They laugh and have so much fun just being together.

They had so much support from their friends and family on their big day. There were sweet moments with their parents and their siblings and it was obvious everyone was excited. They’re the babies in their families, so it was fun to watch their older siblings surround them with love and excitement! Enjoy some of my favorites from their special day in downtown Paducah!

I told him to look over his shoulder like a bride does when she’s getting dressed (jokingly) and his best man immediately made that face. These guys are goofballs!

Misty’s niece literally gasped when she saw her in her dress! How sweet!

I just love a good first look! Matt’s smile says it all!

Love Emily’s shot below!

Em also did great with the guys pics too!

The best man joked about putting Misty on the giant yak and she said, “Come on, let’s do it!”

Sweetest first look with dad too! The love Misty & Matt have for their nieces is adorable! Look at Matt with these two!

Matt had this message put into Misty’s dress. It’s based off of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”!

The littlest “flower princess” literally RAN across the room for her reception introduction! So cute!!

Remember how I said they love their nieces…they surprised them with a special Moana dance!

To see Misty & Matt’s fall engagements, click here.

Venue | Walker Hall

Getting Ready location | The 1857 Hotel

Bridal Gown | Allure from Ziobro’s Formals

Bridesmaid Dresses | Ziobro’s Formals

Hair | Peyton Cooper

Make Up | Micah McDonald

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Geno’s

Wedding Stationary | Wedding Paper Divas

Florals | Rocia’s

Cake Artist | Karen Mathis

DJ | Majestic Sounds – JR Manion

Wedding Coordinator | Kerri Bagwell

Videographer | Stevie Stout Productions

Second Shooter | Emily Okerson

How I Shot My Best Friend’s Wedding

Dec 07 2016 Leave a Comment

A Behind the Scenes Look at How I Shot my Best Friend’s Wedding as Matron of Honor

I’ve been planning this fun post for a while, but it’s taken a while to get to it since the late summer and fall were so busy! Back in August, our best friends Jonathan & Maddie got married. During the wedding planning, Maddie asked if it was possible for me to be her MOH & her photographer. We talked through logistics and decided we could make it work with the help of my awesome friend Dianne (with Dianne Lisette Photography)! My husband, Brett, and my daughter, Gracen, were both in the wedding, so it was a family affair!

I’ll be honest…I was nervous about their big day! I wasn’t sure how to be present with Maddie as a friend but still be documenting all the important moments, plus manage our toddler daughter who was only 21 months old at the time. We had a code word when she wanted me to put my camera down and enjoy the moment with her and Dianne was great at telling me to jump in and just be MOH. My parents came in for the wedding as guests and also took care of Gracen at the hotel, which was a big help. Although it was a lot to juggle, it went really smoothly!

We started out the weekend with mani/pedi’s with Jonathan’s mom! It was the perfect way to relax before rehearsal and dinner on Friday night. Thanks again, Carol, for letting us be pampered!

Look at Maddie wearing heels and being taller than me! haha!

Preparing Your Groom for Engagements

Sep 28 2016 Leave a Comment

I get it. I really do. Most guys don’t get excited about having their photo taken. They don’t show up to their engagement session jumping up and down! Most grooms come with some expectations. They may arrive feeling nervous or anxious, some think it’s going to be quick stand-and-smile then BOOM they’re done! The majority of grooms expect it to be pure torture and no fun at all! Don’t worry brides, the GOOD thing is…most grooms leave and tell me that they actually did have fun! That’s a win for both of us!

But there is a way to prepare them so they don’t show up with negative expectations. They can actually come to their session expecting it to be fun. You just need to take a few minutes to educate them and prepare them for the shoot!

Spend some time looking through engagement sessions on my blog and pick out three of your favorite sessions. Then, a week or two before your shoot, sit down with him and show him your favorite posts. Show him what you like and help him get familiar with my style and poses. This will help him know what is coming and he won’t be surprised when I ask him to “nuzzle” on you or lean his forehead into yours.

Give him a heads up that the shoot will last approximately 2 hours. He can arrive with the understanding that it won’t be just 5 photos taken of you two smiling at the camera. We will walk around the two different locations you’ve chosen and shoot a wide variety of poses. You will most likely change your outfits too! So in order to fit everything in, we need about 2 hours.

Speaking of outfits…be sure to clear all his clothing with him. Make sure he likes it and is comfortable in it. Don’t surprise him with a shirt he hates or pants that don’t fit him right! Have him approve what he is going to wear before you arrive for the shoot.

Assure him that I know what I’m doing! You chose me to be your photographer because you like my work and you trust me. That will help him trust me too!

Play his favorite music on the way to the shoot to help him relax and boost his mood!

Remind him it will be FUN…because it will be!

Shooting the Bridal Details

Apr 29 2016 2 Comments

It’s no secret that I enjoy shooting bridal details! I love it for several reasons…

1. It’s the first thing I start on when I arrive, after giving the bride a big hug, of course! It gets me in my groove and gets me ready for the rest of the day.

2. They pull together the look and feel of the wedding day. From her dress and her jewelry to every single flower in her bouquet…she decided on all those things and photographing them is a great way to tie in all that prettiness into her wedding story so she can remember it all.

3. They start an album or even their blog post with consistent colors and set the mood for the rest of their wedding day photos. Plus, what girl doesn’t like shooting pretty things?!?

But I haven’t always been good at it. In fact, it use to intimidate me. I have learned over the years that there are a few key things to keep in mind while shooting details. Once I started focusing on those, my details shots improved tremendously! Here are a few tips for getting those gorgeous details you hope for…

1. Light

Find the light!!! As soon as I arrive, I scope the area for a nice window to set up camp near. As a natural light photographer, I depend on that light! You don’t have to work right up against it because it may be too bright. The more overcast it is, the more diffused the light will be.

Below you can see 2 action shots and the final image. (PS–I also stand in awkward positions to make these shots happen!)

I was really close to the window here because I was working on a ledge. It’s hard to see here, but I fluffed the veil on the right side of the invitation to diffuse the light that was directly hitting the card.

In this case, I had a lot of window light on the right but the left side was dark. I felt that even light was better for the image I was trying to produce, so I popped out my reflector to get some light on the other side of the shoes. (I really wanted a white background for this shot, hence why I’m standing on the bed, ha!)

Final Image

If the venue doesn’t not have nice window light or setting up camp near one would put you in the way, go outside.

Nikki’s rose gold jewelry (which I LOVED) was photographed outside on the cabin deck. I didn’t mind the brown wood flooring because it tied in perfectly with her rustic feel so I used her veil to soften it a bit.I never use this little light…but this one instance it was came in handy. The window was pretty far away, so it was producing some natural light, but not enough for a macro image of the rings. So, I improvised with the white envelopes and the light! The light bounced off the envelopes and gave me an evenly lit photograph.

2. Use their wedding stationary

Whether they are really simple or colorful and unique, their wedding stationary can really produce gorgeous images. The wedding invitation is the one things guests see and know first about the wedding, so most brides choose ones that match the “feel” they are going for. Plus you can do so much with them!

Photograph the whole set first…

…then include some of their jewelry or something special up close on a portion of the paper.

I loved Robin’s shower invitation that she included, but since it was for a shower, I hid the text (on the left side) but kept the florals because it matched her bridal bouquet!

One invitation…three totally different shots…

3. Make it personal.

Find ways to tie in things that are specific to them. Of course, I use her bouquet and their rings for shots, but I enjoy the challenge of bringing in special elements that make it personal for the bride and groom!

My sister-in-law got married last fall and they love all things hunting. I loved the little deer on their signature canvas, so I placed their rings and the beading from her veil on the canvas to include their names too.

Carolina got dressed at her grandparent’s house, and I fell in love with her grandma’s china cabinet. How unique! I assume (only assumed, didn’t know for a fact) that Carolina may inherit some of those items one day, so I thought it was special to hang her dress there. Plus, it was near a large window!

I knew from their engagement session that Kelli’s Vera Wang ring was her pride and joy! So I made sure to photograph all the intricate details of the ring and included some with the box (and logo)…because VW has the coolest ring boxes!

4. Tie things together to form consistency

Instead of shooting the rings on a cute polka dot chair and the earrings on a cute pillow and the bouquet on the floor…form consistency among the images. For example, shoot up close and wide. Use the bridal gown or a bridesmaid’s dress for a background. Use the bouquet for a pop of color or the veil to add some softness to the image. I often shoot these images with the blog post in mind so I know I’m shooting things can be paired side by side and have a consistent flow throughout the detail images.

Here is an example of shooting close up and wide on the same object. I shot the perfume bottle with some of Katie’s other things first, then pulled it out by itself to photograph the ring on the bottle. In the wide shot, I made sure to include a little bit of the purple fabric (matched bridesmaid dresses) and her bouquet. The purple helped tie it together with some of the other images (triple invitation shot used earlier under the stationary category) and it definitely helped that the stones and text on the bottle were purple too!

In this specific getting ready area, there weren’t a whole lot of options for hanging the dress near any good light. The brick wall didn’t necessarily match the other details so I made sure to photograph the bouquet in the window with some of the brick behind it so they could tie together easily.

So, are you ready to go photograph details with these tips? You’ve got this! It takes practice, patience, and sometime quick thinking! Practice with your own jewelry and rings at home if you want to feel better prepared!

Laura & Steven–Coaching Session Models

Mar 03 2016 Leave a Comment

These two lovelies just recently graced my blog with their amazing New Year’s Eve Wedding! Now you get to see them again because they modeled for my latest Coaching Session!

Laura and Steven were totally ok with only night shots for their wedding portraits, but because it was so cold, their guests were waiting, and we were moving around downtown with multiple flash stands…I just wasn’t able to move as quick as I normally would with my couples. I was afraid Laura & Steven wouldn’t get as many bride and groom portraits as most clients do. But actually, they did! Because they braved the cold and they rocked it! But just in case they didn’t, I asked if they would be up for modeling for me in their wedding attire for some day time photos. It was a win-win for both of us! Laura jumped at the opportunity! What bride wouldn’t want to get back into her dress and be a bride again?!?

Check out a few of my faves from the hands on posing/shooting portion of the coaching session! Laura & Steven…thanks for braving the cold again and being so gorgeous!

Coaching Session — Megg

Feb 23 2016 Leave a Comment

I first met Megg through Instagram. We began following one another and after a few weeks we finally got to meet in person! Megg attended our Pursuit Paducah group, which is a local group for creative entrepreneur women. She was talking about wanting to do a coaching/mentor session with a wedding photographer and I said, “I offer coaching sessions!” We talked more about it and by the next day she emailed me to say she was in!

Megg is really excited and eager to grow her business as a wedding photographer! We talked all day long about the things that come along with running a wedding photography business. I just love her personality and her ambition. We talked about workflow, timelines, client management, goal setting, vision planning, etc for most of the day! We enjoyed a yummy lunch at Jasmine’s, the Thai restaurant in Murray, and then set out for some head shots of Megg. She was a bit camera shy, but I think these pictures truly show her sweet personality! We ended the day with one of my couple’s, Ethan & Carolina, for a live shoot where I posed and photographed them while Megg observed.

It was such a fun day and I absolutely CAN’T wait to watch her journey! She has weddings booked this year and she will be second shooting with me too! Her work is already so great so I am excited to keep growing! Megg–thanks for spending the day with me! I am truly enjoying getting to know you!

Behind The Scenes 2015

Dec 30 2015 Leave a Comment

Well, my seventh wedding season is coming to a close and it’s been an awesome year! To end it with a bang, I’m shooting a New Years Eve wedding tomorrow. But, today I’m featuring the Behind the Scenes post from 2015!

The images you see by wedding photographers are always the glamorous finished product! But what you don’t often get to see is what it takes to make that happen! Sometimes, it takes extra people outside of the frame to pull it off and OFTEN TIMES it takes me standing/squatting/hovering/climbing to produce what you see! No wonder I’m sore the next day!

There is also a reason why these only appear once and why they don’t end up on the couple’s actual wedding post! I make some pretty awful faces, my double chin definitely appears, and sometimes they’re test shots so the light or composition is totally wrong! But either way, it’s such a fun post and it’s a great way to see what we do to produce the lovely wedding images you see on my website and blog! Enjoy!

I have to get in the weirdest positions for bridal details shots with my macro lens!

I also stand like this when shooting details too. Not too flattering!

What good is the shot if I’m in the mirror?!

“I’ll just hide behind this curtain and you look over there and pretend I’m not here!”

Tall people and short photographers…

“Don’t mind me! I’ll just lurk in the bushes during your first look!”

Sometimes before a First Look, we have to test the light and best angle. This is Emily’s “First Look” face!

Veil fluffing is always hilarious…

…especially when the veil falls out!

Jen was a great veil fluffer for Leann’s bridal session!

“Stephen, while you and I wipe our sweat, everyone else look cool.”

Posing wedding parties is always fun…from the small…

…to the large!

“Everyone get up on the porch, it’s raining!” Whitehaven was a saving grace that day!

Sometimes the groom even lends me his jacket and I wear it all day!

I really enjoyed photographing my sister-in-law’s wedding in September!

I have a new brother-in-law!

Sorry MaKenzye! Not sure why I’m making that face. But I’m sure it’s not because of you! LOL!

“Let me get really close to your face…”

This was a fun memory! After Nikki & Ryan’s ceremony in Gatlinburg, we went here for her dream photos! I changed my shoes in the car and threw on my New Balance running shoes to climb on the rocks! So comfy! Wish I could always shoot in those!

And no, I’m not holding that blue chair under my arm! LOL!

Line dancing anyone?

Poor Brooke! Not sure why I’m grabbing her arm!

This is what the hubs does instead of “second shooting”…he says he was getting creative!

Maddie to the rescue when Savara had something gross on her hand!

Maddie to the rescue again! She held these crazy doors going opposite directions to give me come natural light!

My second shooters do a lot for me! They’re AWESOME!

For example, Dianne hides in the bushes during first looks!

And Maddie is a great test subject! We have to a lot of light and location testing!

Dianne dances for me while I test light on her! Don’t kill me for these, Dianne!

There’s the amazing Stevie Stout doing her thing while I blab on!

Emily takes selfies of herself to send to her boyfriend while we take quick breaks before ceremonies!

There I am again, standing on the same bench!

I also ruin shots with my head by standing in chairs! And awkwardly hover!

Sometimes my friends take cell pics while I’m working and send to my husband…ahem…Wes!

I ruined that wide ceremony shot! Ooops!

Our daughter, Gracen, was the flower girl in my sister-in-law’s wedding!

It was a great opportunity for some family photos!

Then Gracen’s dress got caught on Ali’s dress!

Shooting in the harsh sun is difficult! I don’t like it.

I looked up right when Brett was about to take this shot from upstairs!

Brett, Gracen, and my mother-in-law attended a wedding I shot, so we had a mini shoot at the reception while everyone was eating!

The kids love Emily!

That one time that we shot a wedding in June and the air was out at the reception!

Tabitha started second shooting with me this year and she was a fabulous addition to MLP!

I also had Dianne along a lot this year and she’s awesome! She even digs in the bride’s purse for things! 😉

Since my friend Jen worked in a bridal store, she’s the perfect help for bridal shoots!
It was bright August morning with not a cloud in the sky…so we stuck Leann in the landscaping for some shade!

She had a big posse along with her for her bridals!

How many people does it take?! LOL!

I also got to ride on some fun things for some engagement shoots and a wedding too! ATV’s are a blast!

Adam drove us around and I rode on the back!

We had our own golf carts for The Pearl Club wedding! I even got to drive Leann to her first look!

And, I got to get on a few boats this year too!

Hooray!!! What a great year it’s been!

Abby & Jonathan

Nov 23 2015 1 Comment

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! I love my clients…especially when they become my friends. I was so excited to hear from Abby when she messaged me about doing some fall photos for her little family! I shot their wedding last August and since they became husband and wife they’ve added a baby to their family…a puppy named Luna! They wanted some pictures including their little bundle and then some of just the two of them since they’ve been married over a year now!

I really enjoyed getting to know these two through their wedding story and even though I don’t see them often, Abby and I keep up with one another through social media. What would we do without it?! I have really enjoyed watching them grow together through their first year of marriage. Abby & Jonathan–thanks for letting me hang out with you two again!