Here’s the Story

Hi there — I’m Makayla!

I’ve been behind a camera for the past 10 years, but my journey into photography really began while I was a student at Spring Hill College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communications and History with a specialization in Digital Video Production.

What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much bigger.

During college and after graduation, I worked throughout Mobile in communications, public relations, and media production — including roles with the City of Mobile, the Mayor’s Office, local businesses, and Spring Hill College. Along the way, photography slowly became more than just a side passion. It became a way to tell stories, preserve memories, and connect with people in some of life’s sweetest seasons.

Then came 2020… what a year.

The same year I graduated college, I also became a mama to my beautiful daughter, Ellie Rose, who is now six years old. Motherhood changed everything for me — including the way I saw photography. I found myself drawn even more toward capturing genuine connection, emotion, and the beauty of everyday life.

Over the years, I continued photographing families, newborns, birthdays, weddings, motherhood, and lifestyle sessions while growing my business part-time and raising our family. Two and a half years later, we welcomed our son EJ, who is now three-and-a-half and keeps us laughing nonstop.

As my business continued growing, I realized something Baldwin County was truly missing — a beautiful, comfortable, thoughtfully designed studio space created specifically with photographers, creators, and families in mind.

A space that felt warm and inviting.
A space with beautiful natural light.
A space where mamas felt comfortable bringing their babies.
A space where photographers could create freely without worrying about weather, cluttered rentals, or cold commercial environments.

But honestly? I never imagined I would own a studio of my own.

That changed when I married my best friend, Todd.

Todd has spent the last 10 years in real estate and construction, and from the very beginning, he believed fully in the dream I had for creating something special — not just for me, but for our local creative community.

When he found a home in the heart of downtown Silverhill that needed remodeling, we immediately saw the potential.

With his expertise in renovation and my heart for photography, motherhood, and community, The Collective House was born.

What started as a dream has now become a creative home for photographers, content creators, families, and meaningful gatherings throughout Baldwin County.

Whether you’re here to capture memories, create content, host a shower, teach a class, or simply be inspired — we created this space with intention, warmth, and community at the center of it all.

We truly cannot wait to welcome you in!