Thrive: Kirsty Mackenzie, Elevating Wedding Photography with Passion and Authenticity

At our recent Thrive Conference, we were super excited to welcome a wonderful photographer from our own Photography Farm community; Kirsty Mackenzie. When I first asked Kirsty to speak at Thrive she told me to F*** off! But (always one for a challenge) I suggested she gave it some thought and luckily for everyone at the conference, she finally agreed.

Lovely Kirsty is a seasoned wedding photographer known for her unique ability to blend editorial style with raw authenticity. Her Day 1 talk and Day 2 shoots offered attendees an insight into her creative process, capturing the essence of her laidback, vibrant approach to photography.

For over a decade, Kirsty has crafted unforgettable images for modern couples, bringing a refreshing and joyful energy to wedding photography. Known for her stylish, fun galleries and a deep commitment to authenticity, Kirsty’s work and mentorship have earned her a reputation as one of the top wedding photographers in the UK.

Kirsty’s Day 1 talk, ‘Playing into Our Passions’ left a strong impression on the audience. Centered around personal projects and creative authenticity, her talk resonated deeply with so many of us, highlighting how passion projects can be a powerful tool for wedding photographers. Kirsty shared how these projects have helped her stay inspired and aligned with her style. She encouraged attendees to embrace the vulnerability that comes with pursuing passion projects, explaining that these personal projects can bring a fresh perspective, strengthen one’s voice, and lead to more fulfilling work.

Kirsty’s day 2 shoots were perfect for attendees looking to refine their style. She brought her signature blend of editorial styling and natural couple posing.

Editorial-Inspired Shoot Sessions

Kirsty is all about making her couples feel comfortable, creating an environment that is laidback and inclusive. She’s not about elaborate setups; instead, she captures those natural, in-between moments that feel effortless yet undeniably stunning. Her approach speaks to couples who want their wedding day to be filled with fun, intimacy, and genuine connection—values she brings into every shoot.

Kirsty’s day 2 shoots were perfect for attendees looking to refine their style. She brought her signature blend of editorial styling and natural couple posing, a style that’s as fashion-forward as it is personal. Her approach combines chic, modern wedding aesthetics with a focus on the couple’s genuine connection, resulting in images that feel fresh, stylish, and full of life. Attendees walked away with new techniques to bring that same stylish-yet-authentic vibe to their own work.

Key Takeaways from Kirsty’s Sessions

Prioritise Authenticity: Genuine connections lead to stunning images. Kirsty’s work shows that the most captivating photos often come from relaxed situations.
Embrace Passion Projects: Use side projects to refresh and realign your creative style, adding a layer of meaning and sustainability to your work.
Find the Balance Between Editorial and Natural: Create images that are both stylish and raw by focusing on the emotional connection between couples.
Keep Learning and Adapting: Kirsty’s hands-on approach emphasised continual learning – explore new techniques to stay inspired and improve your craft.