Meet Mackenzie Ryan: Nashville Music Photographer

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

Hi Mackenzie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I watched my mom start her own business from beginning to now. She’s a Marriage and Family therapist with her own practice and her own Non-Profit Organization, The Girls Empowerment Center, in Thousand Oaks, CA. It’s inspiring to watch her have control of her own life and company.

After high school, my dad also started his own business, an automotive shop, after working in the business his entire life. He’s growing steadily, now, with two shops open in different locations in California. Watching his shift from the corporate world to his own business and the courage it took to step out and build his own company was motivational.

They worked for it and figured it out all on their own. Having them in my life to show me I can succeed in something I’m passionate about and turn it into a lucrative business is what really inspired me to start my own photography business once I moved to Nashville. I wanted to have something like them, where I am able to control my own schedule and work in a field I’m passionate about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been fascinated by the visual arts for as long as I can remember. However my photography story might be a bit different than others since I didn’t exactly start with photography. High school through college it was all about videography for me. I started my own Video Production club in High School where people could come together to make short films and edit using the school’s resources. In college at UC Berkeley I studied Film Production and Theory and swore I would be a documentarian after graduation.

However, things financially started to look scary when Senior Year hit and I thought it would be smarter to get a degree in something the Corporate world would approve of. I graduated with a degree in Sociology and moved to Nashville, TN where I got a job in Customer Service and, although these are also things I loved, I wasn’t entirely fulfilled.

When the Pandemic hit in March and I was laid off, I finally felt free to pursue what I had always wanted. Film seemed to me like more of a hobby than something I would want a career in, but my friends kept telling me I should pursue photography, so I took the plunge.

Nashville is full of so many kind people and I was able to find mentorship with another photographer in town, Emily McGonigle, along with joining various photography groups virtually through TikTok and Instagram.

As I continue to develop my skillset, I’ve been able to find what I really love about photography and what style I’m drawn to most. I love intensity when it comes to angles, colors, locations, posing, etc. Without even trying I’ve found myself in the Music world of photography, getting to take photos of various musicians for their singles, concerts they perform, and writer’s rounds. I’ve fallen in love with both and feel fulfilled in what I’m doing and contributing to the creative world.

It hasn’t been an entirely easy journey. In order to make it work, I have to bring a strong effort everyday into creating, growing, and developing my art. I’ve also had to learn the intricacies of what it means to own a business when it comes to pricing, taxes, contracts, marketing, and time management. I’ve met so many people who are willing to answer any and all questions I have; they make it easier. That’s a big lesson I’ve learned when it comes to photography: you can’t make it without a support system to lean on and without contribution to that community.

My brand is electric and exciting. It’s also about not being afraid to dive in and get it done. When photographing musicians and other creatives, I’m so excited to help them live their dream like they’re helping me live mine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is such a great question! Mid-June will be the first guests my boyfriend and I will have post getting vaccinated so we are excited to explore Nashville with them!

Nashville is the Music City along with being the #1 destination for bachelorette parties so we are very accustomed to tourists! When visiting you definitely can’t hold back from being one. Its necessary to wear some sparkly cowboy hats and cowboy boots when checking out the cool things we have here. During the day you can shop in 12 south and get some brunch at Frothy Monkey. Its important to take photos in front of the ‘Nashville looks good on you” mural. Then at night you can head over to LA Jackson, JW Marriott, and White Limozeen; all the rooftop bars that overlook the beautiful city. Afterwards, you can party it up in the Honky Tonks, my favorite being The Stage which has a beautiful balcony and four stories of music.

The next day you have to check out the outdoor areas Nashville offers. Get some Lox and Cream Cheese bagels at Proper Bagel and go to Riverfront Park to check out the Cumberland River. Afterwards you have to walk over the Pedestrian Bridge and, of course, take some cute photos with the Nashville skyline behind you, After that its wine tasting time! Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery is perfect for any weather! There’s another winery, Arrington Vineyards, which is also nice if you’re okay with a longer drive. Dinner tonight has to be the unforgettable Hot Chicken! There’s so many places, but I’d definitely recommend Hattie B’s, Red’s 615, and Prince’s! For sunset, make your way to Cheekwood to visit the botanical gardens and enjoy the nature!

The next day get breakfast at Milk and Honey in the Gulch. The Gulch has murals, great food, and tons of shopping to check out. After breakfast, make your way to Uncommon James by Kristin Cavallari which has been featured on her E! reality show. After that get your dogs and head over to YeeHaw Brewery for some outside games, live music, and good beer. For dinner its imperative to try some Nashville barbecue at Edley’s or Martin’s barbecue. Afterwords check out the Midtown bars like Red Door, Kung Fu, and Live Oak which has the best live music!

Some other notable places in Nashville include Whiskey Kitchen, Saint Anejo, Husk, Joyland, Dino’s, and Smiling Elephant. There are so many more I’ve missed so its worth checking out the food here! More outside activities include Percy Priest lake, Percy Warner for hiking, Parthenon, Pedal Taverns, and Opryland.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many! For sure my parents who showed me the ropes, my friends who all told me I should pursue photography as a career, and my mentor Emily McGonigle who’s been there for me for every questions I’ve had. Mostly I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my boyfriend since college, Eric Berger. He’s always been so loving and encouraging throughout my entire journey as a photographer. He’s there on the good days and the not so good days. He’s my rock and I’m so thankful he’s a part of my life and this journey.

Website: https://www.mackenzieryanphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieryanphoto/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT67f9c9Dv4xs166aoNC6g

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mackenzieryanphoto?lang=en