“My Embodiment Session with Mackensey was an experience that was both healing and powerful. I went through a painful divorce and several years of trying to make life work alone on a small farm, while working full time and working on foster care licensure. My body and soul were beat down and exhausted.. and then I got Post Acute COVID after contracting the virus. My already stressed life became almost impossible to handle. I fought the disease every minute of every day for months, and when I finally started healing, I hated my body. Having the embodiment session with Mackensey was for me, not for a significant other. It was a way to reconnect with my body, to feel comfortable in my skin again, to begin loving myself again, even if I am still struggling physically and emotionally. Mackensey was delightful to work with and when I saw they finished photos, I wondered at her ability to capture this woman love being the most. The woman I am working so hard every day to be again.”
-YOKO
“This session with Mackensey was a physical practice and artistic collaboration on what liberation feels like in my body. It was truly an invigorating and inspiring experience to watch Mackensey hold the vulnerability of my nude sensual movement on the beach with such care and confidence, and to see her flow energy to me to express my raw sensual nature. I tuned out any and all worries or insecurities I previously had about being photographed; instead I felt the velvety warmth of the ocean air, the orange hue of the sunset, the salt water kissing my legs, and felt every part of my body come alive. A deep reflection of where I am in this moment of my life; reclaiming my body, mind, and spirit. Creating my reality from my own will, while rooted in the knowing that I am a powerful abundant being who reigns sovereign over my own choices. So much pure joy comes through in these photos. The images I see are not perfect, yet I am shocked and amazed at the person I see in them. I didn’t need to contort myself into a certain image- I simply connected with Mackensey and brought out my authentic, sensual playful self, which is the side of me which doesn’t strive for perfection or curated image. She just is!”
- ABBY
“Saying that I was anxious about doing an Embodiment Session with Mackensey is an understatement. I admired the work that she had shared so much that I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity and I am so thankful that I decided to follow through. Mackensey truly makes the atmosphere so comfortable and fun, I felt beautiful all throughout and even immediately following the session. When she delivered the images I was blown away. For one, every single picture was so pretty! I hardly recognized that woman! Seeing myself through Mackensey’s lens was such a gift and having these to look back on is empowering and a needed reminder of the strong and confident person I am. Mackensey brings such a peaceful and calming energy to her space, it was easy to open up, get naked, and even throw out some dance moves. As a photographer, this was my first time being professionally photographed by anyone else and I could not be more pleased with the experience.”
–MEGHAN
“I had the chance to do an embodiment session with for Mackensey a few days back and I am still integrating the super potent healing experience that I had. Mackensey’s embodiment sessions are more than just a series of photos; they are a powerful healing tool for the collective. Mackensey knows how to hold space for people in whatever way they need, and she intuitively can feel into your energy and be present with you. She has a super down-to-earth and motherly energy about her that makes you feel so comfortable to express and be authentic. Her healing energy and the way she holds space blends with her talent and expertise in photography to create amazing results visually and spiritually. I can honestly say that this was an incredible experience for me and I have never felt so beautiful as I felt in the photos we took. I felt loved, seen, and held during my session. Mackensey was encouraging and kind, and she made me feel completely at ease in front of the camera. She really held space for me to express myself, and she saw me as my highest self, and reflected my strength back to me. We created the photos with powerful healing intentions after a lot of discussion about recent trauma, body dysmorphia, and depression that I was working to overcome, I felt really at ease and comfortable being fully authentic. From that space, I found self love and empowerment through this experience and Mackensey documented that energy expertly. It was a special experience for me, and I truly will treasure those photos for a lifetime, and use them as reminders of who I am and who I want to be. Thank you so much Mackensey!”
–EMILY
“There’s a reason why these are called embodiment sessions. I left feeling more embodied and connected to my true self. Mackensey’s presence has a gorgeous way of gently exposing truth, photographing it, and offering empowered support in the most vulnerable of spaces along the way.
This shoot was far more emotional and transformative than I anticipated. As a non binary femme, claiming my gender and navigating the complexities of how I relate to my body has not been easy nor straightforward. Being naked in front of a camera brought up insecurities and fears that I initially overlooked, as I have always felt most comfortable and at home being naked. I began to notice during the session as we looked back at some the photos that the energetic mask I was wearing to appear “pretty” or “easy on the eyes” did not reflect how I feel inside. This recognition, accompanied by many tears and an entire somatic release process (which Mackensey ever so gracefully accompanied me through), prompted her to ask - “What would help you feel seen right now?”
Once I was given permission to clarify this within myself, the session held even deeper magic. I felt celebrated, acknowledged and embraced by Mackensey in the raw corners and vast multitudes of my being. Transforming fear and insecurity into love and acceptance is a profoundly powerful gift to receive. It feels so fucking good to be seen.”
— CHRISTI
“I loved my time with Mackensey. During my first visit to Savannah, I came solo and booked a session with her on faith. I just got great vibes chatting with her. The day we shot happened to be the day of my wedding anniversary – the first one since being divorced. My shoot with Mackensey was transformative. I was able to let go and leave it all behind me and embrace the woman I am becoming. I felt so great I went for a bike ride and the spa after! I absolutely recommend an Embodiment session with Mackensey, you won’t regret it. “
– KELLY
“The culture I inherited asked me to remain totally pure, while measuring my worth by how well I could adhere to the male desire. What a journey it has been to uncover my sexual identity and my sense of personal value. Mackensey created a space for me to feel safe, powerful and vulnerable all at once, and inside that space I felt free to celebrate myself. She kept me comfortable during our embodiment session not just by the ambiance, but by communicating clearly and compassionately, and she remained mindful of the insecurities I shared with her. It was the first time I’ve ever been photographed without feeling like I needed to morph my body or my face in some unnatural way, and I truly felt beautiful as I am. Mackensey is incredibly knowledgeable, empathetic and holds a well-trained gift of healing. I’d recommend that anyone be open to this experience. I am so grateful for my gorgeous photographs, and that I’ll have them to celebrate myself by always.”
— DAYNA
I feel so blessed and privileged to have had the soulful healing of Mackensey's Embodiment Session. Almost my whole life I have been at war with my body. From mass media, miseducation, sexual trauma, self-shaming and body image issues I have experienced the spectrum of neglect on my temple. Mackensey facilitates a space of comfort, vulnerability, intimacy and non judgement. I have never felt safer than being fully exposed and seen through her lens. I wept oceans of tears from a deep well of gratitude when I saw my essence through her photographs. In her photographs, I saw myself for the first time- my timeless beauty, my highest self, and my inner child. This Embodiment Session is the greatest gift I have ever given to myself and this feeling of coming home to myself will forever be in my heart thanks to Mackensey. "
— MELISSA
“Since having 3 little boys I’ve felt so much insecurity with my body and the way things have changed physically. After speaking with Mackensey about the possibility of doing an embodiment photoshoot, she opened up my eyes to a world I’d never even heard of. I suddenly was in front of the camera (which is rare being a photographer myself) and felt a sense of security that I’d not felt in so long. Once I viewed my gallery I cried happy tears...and not only because I LOOKED beautiful but because Mackensey made me feel absolutely beautiful.”
— ALANNA
“The shoot and photos yesterday are so healing to me and I appreciate it more than words can express. It is amazing how much power you have and how you can take photography, which can be so mundane, and turn it into an art that can change lives.”
— TONY
“Healing after trauma has been a powerful, chaotic, beautiful thing. And healing can look so different, for so many. I allowed someone in my life to critique every inch of me, abusing their power over me, and taking advantage of my desire to be loved. I firmly believe that when you experience physical and emotional abuse, your nervous system completely changes. New triggers appear in ways that hold so much weight. Unlovable is a word that has been repeated in my brain, and is the one thing I’m internally fighting the most. A constant desire to feel seen, heard, and cared for. This turned into people-pleasing, suppressing my own desires to make others comfortable. Now, I’m facing that and pushing for change- learning to love myself and set the best example I can for my daughters. And to finally feel free of this anxiety, and the insecurities. To feel whole in myself, content in my skin. Thank you, Mackensey, for capturing me during this powerful season of life. For making me feel comfortable, loved, and seen.”
- MONICA
“Ugly, spotted, fat, dalmatian, leopard, chicken pox, covered in dirt...you name it, I've heard it. From complete strangers, kids, adults, classmates, all to describe my body. For years I've struggled with acceptance for why I look this way. And now, while those words still sting and hurt when I hear them, I choose to look at what my body and I have been through together. Unique. Strong. Independent. Beautiful. Curvy. She's gotten me through life on her strong legs, the arms carrying me through medical school. Her hair blowing wildly on days off with a cup of coffee in her hands and her heart full of gratitude. So you can judge and call me whatever names you want, but it doesn't matter. Because when I see myself now, I see a woman who rises above those names to embody all of the beautiful and wonderful things her body has withstood and risen above, and will continue to rise above for years to come.”
— KIM
“My body, my sexuality, my freedom of expression is not a sin. Respect and modesty are not mutually exclusive. Respect is honoring my desire on a full spectrum. Covered from head to toe, bare, bright, or neutral. Fearless and authentic in complete allegiance to my spirit, body, and mind is a choice I make for myself. Most of all, I do not need wealth, fame, or a reason to be in my fullest expression securely.
Presenting my beauty was something that I was taught would be seen as a need for attention or validation, which was seen as shameful. Attracting any kind of attention was grounds for implication. Every step I take towards self-love, acceptance, and appreciation for my sexuality is a poke and micro attack to close family members. Nudity is seen as disrespectful, and fear of what strangers in the culture think dictates "what is allowed."
My choice in taking these photos began as something I wanted to have for myself and then turned into something more. As I began to think about what I would wear, where my nerves were coming from, how I wanted to indulge in my decision, it became clear to me that sharing this would be giving myself permission to let go of what I was "allowed to release." Shame and skin go hand in hand in the culture in which I was raised in. Permission was in the details.
As I've grown and connected on a deeper level than ever before with my culture and ancestors, I've received all the permission I need. Among many things, I advocate for women who feel in their power and closest to God when covered from head to toe. I believe they owe no explanations and should exist freely and safely. I want the same for myself in how I feel bare. I share this now to be part of what I believe, and that is that the current patriarchal model is broken. I share this now to build upon the space being taken up by the disruptive, trailblazing, supportive, dedicated, light warriors here to say our freedom is not limited. We are just as entitled to the power to create as those who have built the world before us.”
— H.
Being a natural introvert, I didn’t know what to really expect from Mackensey’s embodiment sessions. Right of the back her energy and spirit was warm and intuitive. She created a safe space of love and open communication. After spending a good portion of my own life at odds with my physical being, from not being taught proper self love from a young age, sexual trauma, society, and expectations, it’s always been a battle for my own self-acceptance. When I saw the pictures I smiled and cried a little because I saw my own raw unfiltered beauty completely unique to only me. I recall the feelings I had during the session, being out in quiet nature it had lifted many burdens and was wonderfully freeing. Whenever I look at these I will be reminded of that feeling and my own inner goddess. I have immense gratitude for Mackensey for gifting me this moment of healing.”
–JESSICA