If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
****************ATTENTION, PLEASE READ BEFORE INQUIRING****************
********SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY, PROS PAY PER LEAD ON TT! Thank you so much!
Hey, I’m Makenzi, but most people call me M.J. I’m a destination wedding and portrait photographer, and I travel to beautiful places to capture genuine love stories. My style is warm, creative, and authentic. I focus on real connection and candid moments, creating a relaxed, comfortable space so you can be 100% yourself in front of the camera. I’ll be your hype woman, your calm support, and your built‑in comedian so the experience feels fun, not forced. It’s important to find a photographer whose style and energy truly fit you and your vision. If you love to laugh, want photos that feel like *you*, and value a great experience as much as beautiful images, I’d love to connect and see if we’re the right fit.
Overview
Hired 127 times
Serves La Jolla, CA
Background checked
2 employees
6 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
2022
2021
2020
Services offered
Photoshoot type
Photography style
Traditional
Candid
Artistic
Natural
Photoshoot location
Outdoors
Photo studio
Home
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
154 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Raquel S.
Mar 20, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
MJ was such a delight to work with. The first thing I noticed about her was the energy she brings, right through from her bio to her website and ever more so in person. She responds quickly and efficiently making the booking process easy and smooth. I felt so confident and empowered during my maternity shoot and the results are absolutely stunning. Thank you MJ for capturing this season in my life so effortlessly! I can’t wait to frame these!
Details: Maternity portrait • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Artistic (focus on composition, lighting) • Outdoors • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Amar N.
Aug 4, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Our experience with MJ was great! She took the most beautiful pictures of our most important moments. She made us feel comfortable and helped us with the best poses and the best shots. Would definitely recommend 10/10.
Details: Couples portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Emily M.
Sep 15, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We absolutely loved our photos by MJ! She is so great at what she does. She knows the best locations and how to make you feel comfortable! We will be back!
Details: Couples portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Portrait Photography
Jayant S.
Aug 30, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
MJ is just a phenomenal professional to work with. I reached out to MJ to capture my proposal to my girlfriend at Windansea Beach. MJ went above and beyond with her preparations and even got on numerous phone calls with me to help me with the planning to ensure I had the perfect location on the beach for the perfect shot. MJ got to the location early to scout out the area and caught our magical moments for us. MJ is the ultimate professional and is extremely kind and easy to work with. The quality of the pictures speak for themselves, but MJ’s sincerity and care are what make her a joy to work with. I would 1000% recommend MJ for your photoshoot.
Details: Proposal photoshoot • Traditional posed • Candid • Artful composition and lighting • Outdoors • One location • Online or digital proofs and prints • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Stacy B.
Jun 11, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
MJ was very supportive of my ideas for my shoot and came well prepared for the day. She has such amazing energy and made the shoot such a pleasant experience. I highly recommend MJ! Her work came out beautifully.
Details: Family or children's portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Artistic (focus on composition, lighting) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Credentials
Background Check
Makenzi Maiden
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have invested a lot in myself when it comes to education, years of taking photos, developing guides, website, business management tools, and more so that I can deliver quality photos and the best experience for you. I may not be in everyone's budget and that is more than okay, but what I can say is that you will not regret your investment in me!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to gather as much information as possible by asking questions to get a better idea of your plans and how I can execute your vision. It's important for me to establish an open line of communication in order to give you everything that you want through my lens. Team work makes the dream work!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Before I started pursuing photography as a career path, I took some classes at the Riverside Community College. And then I went to YouTube University lol!!! This platform and learning from other great photographers is where I learned to master the art of photography. With anything, you have to keep growing and learning so I strive to never stop my education.
