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I
CAN
TELL
THAT
WE'RE
GOING
TO
BE
friends
OH,
HEY
mckinley
I'M
how it started
Since I was old enough to walk, I’ve been an artist. Creativity runs deep in my family—my mom is a K-12 art teacher, and my grandma is a painter. Surrounded by their talent and encouragement, I’ve always felt a calling to use my gifts to bring joy to others. It just took a while to figure out how.
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During my sophomore year of high school, my youth group announced a mission trip to Jamaica. I felt an undeniable pull to go, but I needed to raise the money to make it happen. I started small—raking yards, painting exteriors—but soon I had another idea. At the time, I was taking a photography class in art (with, you guessed it, my mom as the teacher) and had become fascinated by the creative freedom a camera offered. That’s when it hit me: I could use photography to raise funds for my trip!
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I began photographing a few close family friends, offering my services in exchange for donations. As my skills grew, so did the contributions. In 2016, I was fortunate enough to leave the U.S. for the first time and embark on a life-changing mission trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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When I returned, I realized something big: I loved photography, and people wanted to pay me for it. What started as a way to fund my mission became something much more—a passion and a purpose. And with that, McKinley Rayne Photography was born.
how it's going
Since I was a little girl, my family and I have been traveling to Wyoming and Montana to visit relatives. Despite "The West" being home to my biggest fear (mountain lions!), it’s also home to some of my favorite things: towering mountains, wildflowers, blue lakes, cowboy culture, sprawling ranches, and, most importantly, my family. These experiences have shaped me, which is why my photography often incorporates elements of the Western and agricultural lifestyle—it’s a part of who I am.
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Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to capture so many special moments for people, from weddings to seniors, families, and newborns. No matter the occasion, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people preserve the fleeting, beautiful chapters of their lives. I’ve come to realize that photography is more than just a career—it’s my way of celebrating life’s joy, connection, and love.
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In 2019, I photographed my first wedding. I was both nervous and excited, but it didn’t take long to fall in love with documenting love stories. By 2020, my photography business had taken off, and I was capturing everything from weddings to milestone moments for families in my community. Then, in 2021, I attended my most cherished event yet—my own wedding. On September 11th, I married my high school sweetheart, Kobe. Experiencing a wedding as a bride gave me a whole new perspective on my work, and I’ll always treasure that day.
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These days, my life is even more full—my favorite title yet is Mom. Becoming a mother has added a deeper layer to my photography. I understand how quickly time passes and how precious every season of life is. Whether it’s a bride walking down the aisle, a family snuggling close, or a baby’s first days, I pour my heart into capturing the moments you never want to forget.
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If you’re here reading this—whether you’re a senior, bride, new parent, or simply someone who loves photography—I want to encourage you to chase your dreams, no matter how big they seem. As Steve Harvey says, "You can't tell big dreams to small-minded people." Your story is worth celebrating, and I’d love to help you capture it.
my favorite things
- All things western inspired
- Being a mom to my handsome baby boy
- My Highland cattle
- Traveling literally anywhere and everywhere
- Checking the cows with my husband
- My 4 doggos
- Flowers
- Golden hour
- Calving Season
- Country music concerts
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what sets me apart...
There are a few things that make my photography unique. First, I embrace a documentary style, focusing on authentic moments rather than overly posed shots. My goal is to capture the real emotions, connections, and movement that make your story yours.
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I bring nearly a decade of photography experience to the table, including five years specializing in weddings. Whether I’m capturing the energy of a wedding day, the joy of a growing family, or the individuality of a high school senior, my experience helps me deliver timeless images every time.
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Finally, I’m one of the few photographers in Iowa who specializes in Western lifestyle photography. Inspired by my love for the mountains, ranches, and everything "cowboy country," I weave those elements into my work in a way that feels natural and unique.
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I love what I do, and I like to think it shows in every photo I take.
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