Meet Justine McKinzie | Boutique Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine McKinzie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I felt that I wasn’t serving my clients by taking their images and sending them digitals to live on their computer or print at a random non-professional lab. My boutique photography model is unique in that I serve my clients by creating artwork for their homes. We sit down briefly before the photo session and discuss their needs- what images to capture and where we want to place them up on their walls. I create big beautiful archival artwork such as canvases, framed images, unique series, and albums. I wanted to bring joy to people because time flies as I have sadly discovered with my baby going off to college this August. You can’t get this time back and in this difficult world, we all could use more joy with meaningful art on our walls.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in family, high school senior, pet and head shot photography. My true love though is creating heirloom artwork for families to hang on their walls. My clients say they get goosebumps whenever they come home and see the art on their walls, My family portraits on my walls are the most meaningful piece of decor I have and will outlast everything else in my home. I love bringing joy to families and solving problems for them. For example, a teenager struggling with self-esteem will beam when they see themselves on their bedroom wall.
The process of changing business models from giving people digitals to boutique where I serve them in all aspects has been hard. Sarah had to educate me and now I get to educate clients as to why this way is better for them.
I felt invisible as a child because my parents were divorced and there weren’t any images of myself up on the walls. There were just small ones on bookshelves which I never stopped to look at. Now that I am an empty nester, I cry when I see my boys on my walls.

I have learned that it is hard working for yourself. You feel like you should be working 24/7.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would have a hearty breakfast at The Bacon Social House. Then, we would do a hike near Red Rocks. Perhaps go tubing in Golden to cool off (if it was summer). Finish the evening with photos in RiNo in front of all the cool graffiti art and then dine at Barcelona Wine and Bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was struggling for years on how to price, market to clients and stand out since there are so many family photographers. I found Sarah Petty on social media and I took her unique class this May and June and it changed my entire business model so I could serve my clients better and be more profitable. She and her staff are amazing! My goal is to make enough money to continue with her mentorship. I think everyone should have a mentor or coach.

Website: www.justinemckinziephotography.com

Instagram: @justinemckinziephotography

Linkedin: Justine Kaufman McKinzie

Facebook: Justine McKinzie Photography