Hi loves, I’m Makaila
I’m a photographer dedicated to capturing milestone moments for weddings, families, and events.
I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t obsessed with photography. Starting in 5th grade with my point-and-shoot, upgrading to my first DSLR in 9th grade, and graduating to my first full-frame camera after college. I moved from Chicago to Colorado when I was 18, and my world opened up. I had so many reasons to keep my camera by my side as I explored all the beauty my new home had to offer.
Capturing the ordinary, everyday moments in my life was my gateway to capturing the once in a lifetime milestones for my clients.
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The MKR Photos Experience
Dependable. Personal. Playful. Curated.
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What it’s like working with me:
We’ve all experienced awkward moments in front of the camera. This is the last thing you should worry about on your wedding day. My goal is to make clients feel natural and effortless. I strive to help couples feel the freedom and confidence to be their spontaneous and authentic selves in front of the camera, which doesn’t come easily for everyone — I see you, camera-shy babes! When I’m behind the camera, you won’t have to worry about what to do with your hands, where to look, or any of that jazz. I’ll guide you as needed, delivering a mix of traditional, documentary, and artistic images.
200+ Weddings in 6 years
It’s safe to say I’m a wedding pro. After 200-plus weddings in the last five years, I understand every wedding is different and what it takes to capture those nuanced moments.
Hundreds of clients over the moon
Your wedding day will fly by. It’s an honor to create work that transports each of my clients and their loved ones back in time through authentic, detail-enriched photos that leave them feeling nostalgic.
Photos that stand the test of time
Digital or printed, you’ll have everything you need to relive your special day. There’s even a print shop feature integrated into every digital gallery.
A quick note from Makaila…
As I take this time to introduce myself to you, it’s important for me to tell you about a core belief that shapes how I show up in the world and in my work. Before I was a wedding photographer, I spent years as a community activist advocating for human rights on a local and federal level—fighting for reproductive freedom, voting rights, racial justice and gender-equality. Those values still guide me every day. Supporting clients of all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds isn’t just part of my business—it’s part of who I am. I’m proud to celebrate your love, exactly as you are.
Let’s get together. Coffee or beers. Virtually or IRL
Wherever you are at in your process.
Whether you’re 100% ready to book your photographer or still shopping around, I’d love to get to know you. I am here for the love stories, the “oversharing,” and all the little things.
Want to show me your wedding inspo Pinterest board? I’m game. Need a second opinion on your wedding colors? I got you.
I can’t wait to hang with you from dawn til dusk on your wedding day and throughout the planning journey.
AS SEEN ON
Heck yes, I travel.
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Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
Colorado Destinations: Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Estes Park,
San Luis Obispo, CA
Chicago, IL
Putney, VT
Spokane, WA
Faroe Islands
A few of my favorite things:
get to know me through photos
My pup, Bruno Buttercup
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He was a pandemic adoption and the best thing about 2020! We didn’t quite know how old he was when we adopted him, but the rescue estimated he was 1.5-2 years old. When he isn’t busy having the zoomies, he’s a major couch hog, snuggle bug, and master beggar.
You caught me, I’m obsessed with him. So obsessed I gave him a million middle names:
Bruno Buttercup Peach-Pit Turkey-Leg
camping adventures
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Fun Fact: in 2020, we bought a camper. In all its 80s glory, we drove from Colorado to Vermont and back to see family during the early months of the pandemic. It’s safe to say we will not be doing that drive again in our camper…our A/C cut out in the middle of summer, and we may or may not have taken out a drive-through sign. We still put it to good use but limit our distance to a 6-hour radius.
getting my turns in!
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I’ve been skiing since I was three years old. My parents are big skiers, and I’ve been following in their footsteps (or tracks?). It’s my favorite winter activity by far.
P.S. It’s a bucket list item of mine to capture some “I do’s” on the slopes! If this is you, hit me up!
live music & songwriting
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I love seeing live music, perusing record stores, and playing music with friends. If I’m driving to photograph your gig, I’m undoubtedly belting my little heart out the whole way there.
Singing and songwriting are some of my favorite things in the world. You can find me on Spotify and performing around Denver from time to time.
