Meet Jenn Mckinney | Raleigh Senior Photographer

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

Hi Jenn, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be more than just the images I capture—I want my clients to remember me as the photographer who helped teenagers see how truly beautiful, unique, and special they are. My goal has always been to build confidence in every teen I work with, to show them that their beauty comes from within, and that they are enough just as they are. I want them to walk away from each session not only with stunning photos, but with a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence that carries them far beyond the camera lens.

I hope parents remember the joy and pride in their teenager’s face when they saw their portraits for the first time. Hearing how I made their teen feel special and appreciated is something that stays with me, and it’s more meaningful than any picture could be. It’s about the laughs shared, the real expressions that come through, and knowing that in some small way, I helped them shine brighter in their own eyes. My legacy is the impact I leave on these young lives—through my lens, yes, but also through the way I made them feel about themselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the most exciting developments in my photography business is that I now have a studio in the heart of downtown Raleigh! This space is such an incredible find—it’s small, but absolutely perfect for where my business is right now. It feels like it fell into my lap at just the right time, and I couldn’t be more grateful. The vibe is perfect for the teenagers I work with, and it brings out the energy and confidence that I love capturing in each session. While I hope to expand into a bit more space in the future, this studio is exactly what I need to keep pouring into the amazing teens I work with.

The best part is that the studio is centrally located, right in downtown Raleigh, which is ideal since most of my sessions are in this area. It’s now easier than ever to connect with more clients and reach even more teens. Downtown Raleigh itself is going through an exciting overhaul, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this growing and vibrant community. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me as I continue to grow and expand while staying rooted in my passion for making teens feel confident and beautiful!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting me for a week, I’d make sure to show them all the beautiful spots that make Raleigh and its surrounding areas so special. We’d start with some time outdoors—maybe hiking at Raven Rock, where the views are absolutely stunning, or heading over to Lake Crabtree for a peaceful kayak ride, followed by watching the sunset on the water. The parks around here are some of my favorite places to unwind, and I’d love for my friend to experience that same sense of calm and beauty.

Of course, we’d have to do a little shopping! I’m not a huge fan of big malls, so we’d hit up some of the smaller, more charming spots like Fenton in Cary or Cameron Village in Raleigh. For a taste of local flavor, we’d grab breakfast at Stick Boy in Fuquay Varina—there’s nothing better than their coffee and baked goods to start the day. Maybe we’d follow that with lunch at one of my favorite Italian spots, Assaggio’s, before taking a stroll through downtown Raleigh. We’d check out the architecture, explore a few museums, and soak in everything the city has to offer. It would be a week packed with fun, adventure, and plenty of memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to all of my past and current clients—my business wouldn’t be where it is today without your love and support. Every session, every kind word, and every bit of encouragement has helped me build a photography business that truly celebrates the beauty, confidence, and uniqueness of teens. You’ve not only trusted me to capture special moments, but you’ve also allowed me to be a part of your lives in a way that means more to me than you’ll ever know. Your feedback, your loyalty, and your belief in my work have shaped this business into what it is today, and for that, I am forever grateful.

I’m also so thankful for the unwavering love and support from my husband, who has stood by me every step of the way. He, along with my incredible clients, has given me the strength and encouragement to live out my purpose—working with teens to build their confidence and show them how truly remarkable they are. It’s not just about photography for me; it’s about fulfilling a calling, and I wouldn’t be able to do that without each of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to live my passion every single day.

Website: https://www.jmfhoto.com

Instagram: @jennmckinneyphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennmckinneyPhotography

Image Credits
Jenn McKinney Photography