Linda Mackie Creative

It's testimonial Tuesday and I have to share this wonderful message I got from my client Lisa Watson after the shoot we did together recently - it really made my day!

"Hey Linda, I wanted to give you a positive hypnotic trans suggestion for today. You are bloody awesome. I love your photos. I love your enthusiasm. When you take your photos, I love the feeling that you put into your photos. You take the time to match the energy of the individuals you're working with. And, you have thoughts and visions that you help match with those of your clients to what they want to see. So I am super impressed by what you did - now it's a matter of me narrowing down the photos, but I just wanted to say thank you! I also wanted to say, (you can say this to yourself) 'I am bloody awesome!' So sending that to you as a thought you could repeat in your head because you are - coming from a hypnotherapy therapist and yeah, sending you happy vibes for the day. Take care. Talk soon."

This kind of portrait may feel especially fitting for an actor or model, but beautiful portraits like this matter for so many reasons.

Casting. Personal branding. Publicity. Websites. Social media. Speaking opportunities. Even dating profiles. Or simply capturing a moment in your life when you want to see yourself differently and be seen differently too.

A portrait that truly sees you and makes a lasting impression is about so much more than just looking good in a photo.

It’s about presence. Feeling. Expression. Confidence. It’s about capturing something honest and compelling, something people can actually feel when they look at the image.

That’s the beauty of a real, in person portrait experience. Thoughtful guidance, human connection, and images that reflect who you are in a way a quick snapshot or AI simply can’t.
This is what I love to create, and I would love to capture that for you too.

If you’d love portraits like this of your own, visit me at www.lindamackie.ca or reach out for a chat!

I’m honoured and excited to be part of a Royal Roads University panel discussion on The Entrepreneurial Journey alongside some inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders happening tomorrow.

As someone who has spent much of my life in creative industries, first in advertising, then as a makeup artist, and now photographer, creative producer and podcast host, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is about so much more than building a business.

It’s about many things including:
- Learning to express yourself more fully.
- Stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Finding confidence in your own voice.
- Building meaningful relationships and community.
- And continuing to grow into who you’re becoming.

Photography has been such a wonderful tool in my own journey of self-expression and self-acceptance and I'm very grateful that the work that I provide for my clients allows me to help them feel seen too.

I’m really looking forward to this conversation and sharing honest reflections on creativity, entrepreneurship, storytelling, visibility and human connection in today’s world.

Thank you to Royal Roads University for the invitation 🤍

Portrait of me by Tracey Scott Photography

WestShore Chamber of Commerce Royal Roads UniversityHeadshots Matter

Being Connor’s mom is the greatest gift in my life. Time truly is fleeting, and they grow up so fast. I couldn’t be more proud of him and the man he is becoming.

Wising all the mothers, past and present, new and seasoned, a day filled with love, peace and the reminder that you are deeply loved and appreciated.

Portrait of me by Peter Eastwood

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

I often hear clients say some variation of this before their session:

“I’m not photogenic.”
“I feel awkward in front of the camera.”
“I don’t usually like photos of myself.”

And I get it. Being photographed can feel vulnerable, because it is.

But I would love to help shift that narrative.

What if instead of dreading being photographed, you could start to feel excited about it?

What if your photos helped you see yourself differently? What if they became a powerful part of your marketing toolbox, showing your presence, personality, warmth, confidence and the heart behind your work?

Because your images are often speaking for you before you ever get the chance to be in the room.

That is one of the things I love most about what I do for my clients.

It’s not just about creating beautiful photos. It’s about helping you feel more confident, visible and aligned with the work you’re here to do.

And is in more ways that one where I feel the most rewarded as not only as your photographer, but your coach, creative director, intuitive guide and your biggest fan!

So if you’ve been putting off having new photos taken because you don’t feel ready, you may not need more confidence first.

Sometimes the confidence comes from finally letting yourself be seen.

You need more content.”

We hear this everywhere, from marketing blogs, social media courses, branding experts, and pretty much every conversation about visibility.

And yes, content matters. But after more than twenty years of photographing entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners, I’ve learned that more content doesn’t always create more connection.

So many clients come to me saying they’ve had photos taken before, but the images didn’t really feel like them. They had lots to choose from and were trying to show up consistently, but something still felt off.

Because volume alone won’t build a brand that lacks clarity, creative direction, and purpose.

I believe a smaller, more intentionally created collection of images that truly reflects who you are will always be more powerful than a huge gallery full of generic shots.

One of my amazing clients, Susan Oubari, described her portraits as “the key to my soul, the first impression to prospective clients.” And that’s exactly what thoughtful brand photography can do. It helps people feel your presence and begin to trust you before you’ve even said a word.

The pressure to create more is constant. But presence doesn’t come from quantity. It comes from clarity, confidence, and images that actually feel like you.

If you’ve been creating more but feeling less aligned, maybe it’s time for a different kind of photo session.