When Nadine Mckenney picked up a camera for the first time, it wasn’t a casual hobby or a happy accident—it was a choice. One rooted in family legacy, creative calling, and a deep desire to do something with purpose. After struggling to find direction in university, it was her mother—picking up photography in honour of Nadine’s late grandfather—who nudged her toward the lens. Nadine took that encouragement seriously, enrolling in the photography program at Mount Royal University and never looking back.
Today, Nadine Mckenney is one of Calgary’s most sought-after wedding photographers, known for her calm, detail-driven approach and her unmistakably romantic, timeless imagery. Her work has been featured in bridal magazines across Canada, but it’s her ability to slow down, connect, and preserve emotion with intention that leaves the biggest impression on her clients.
A Photographer Who Chose the Path—And Made It Her Own
Unlike many photographers who start by second shooting or gradually picking up weddings through trial and error, Nadine’s story is different. “I’m an odd case,” she admits. “I’ve only associate shot once and second shot twice. I dove in solo.” Her very first wedding—a low-pressure elopement for a lifelong friend—became a turning point. The images unexpectedly gained attention on social media, reaching as far as Australia. That early success wasn’t luck, though. It was a sign that she had found her place—and that her talent was ready for the world.
While some photographers discover their voice gradually, Nadine’s style emerged quickly: true-to-colour, crisp, and inspired by the aesthetic of film. Shooting almost exclusively with her Nikon Z5 and a classic 50mm lens, she creates work that is both current and heirloom-worthy. “I’m told my editing keeps the images timeless for generations to appreciate,” she says. Her style is defined as much by her clean post-processing as it is by the way she interacts with the wedding day—layering flat lay artistry in the morning, guiding timelines with precision, and adjusting to each venue with thoughtful intention.
Romance, Calm, and Clarity
Romantic and timeless may be the keywords that define Nadine’s portfolio, but they also describe the experience of working with her. She’s a wedding-day calming presence, known for her level head, organized systems, and commitment to communication.
“My clients always praise how organized I am and how I keep the day calm and relaxed,” she explains. “I’m not the type of photographer who acts as a fly on the wall. I help my couples set their day up for success—and if there’s a hiccup, I’m the one working with the vendors to fix it before they feel it.”
Much of this mindset comes from her family. Nadine is a mom of two young children and a wife to a husband she calls her biggest support and grounding force. “They teach me to slow down,” she says. “That’s a gift—and it’s reflected in my work.” The gentle pacing, the thoughtful compositions, the attention to detail—it all stems from a lifestyle that values presence and peace.
The Business of Boundaries and Balance
At one point, Nadine was photographing over 40 weddings per year. These days, she’s capped that number to around 20, choosing to prioritize mental health, family life, and quality over quantity. Her wedding work remains primarily Alberta-based, with occasional destination weddings sprinkled in.
Her days start early and end late, but her editing process is carefully balanced. “I edit in the evenings after my kids go to bed,” she says. “And sometimes I’ll treat myself to a coffee shop session on Sundays or even edit around a campfire while we’re out camping as a family.”
The editing process itself is deeply tied to her creative flow. “If I leave a session too long before editing, I lose interest in it,” she admits. “So I start editing the same day. That keeps me connected to the emotion of the shoot—and it gives clients sneak peeks right away.”
A Community-Focused Future
Even with a decade of experience behind her, Nadine continues to evolve. After years of primarily working alone, she’s found growing value in community, mentorship, and collaboration. “Now that I’ve been in business for 10 years, I find I rely on my peers more than ever,” she shares. And while weddings remain her main focus, boudoir photography is increasingly becoming a passion she hopes to expand. “It’s something I already offer, but I would love to do more.”
Her clients are as diverse as the venues she photographs—from urban rooftops to mountain valleys—but what connects them all is a shared appreciation for natural storytelling and elegant simplicity.
At her core, Nadine is not just a photographer of moments—she’s a keeper of calm, a builder of trust, and a visual poet of love stories. Her work is effortless but intentional, beautiful but grounded. Whether she’s styling heirloom details in a sunlit suite or dancing through golden hour with a couple in the mountains, she’s exactly where she belongs: behind the camera, doing what she was meant to do.
Website: nadinemckenneyphotography.com
Instagram: @yycweddingphotograph