McKenzie Patterson is a documentary photographer and photojournalist focused on stories highlighting community, environmental change, and social resilience. She holds a B.A. in Visual Arts Media from UC San Diego, where she worked as a photojournalist and social media editor for The Triton.

Now freelancing, she covers stories for various publications including The San Diego Union-Tribune and independent projects that are self-published on her Substack.

Whether commissioning a visual story, licensing work, or exploring a collaborative project, Patterson welcomes inquiries and looks forward to connecting.

Published Work

The San Diego Union-Tribune — She took her writings and diary entries documenting her daughter’s disability and turns it into both art and advocacy

The San Diego Union-Tribune — There are love stories all around us, so this playwright wrote one based on the love she’s always seen at home

The San Diego Union-Tribune — Cheaper water ahead? San Diego County Water Authority inks landmark water deal with Riverside County

The San Diego Union-Tribune — Photos: Hundreds of couples get married on Valentine’s Day

The San Diego Union-Tribune — Married on Valentine’s Day: County clerk’s office performs 200 ceremonies

The San Diego Union-Tribune — ‘We’re overwhelmed’: Chula Vista animal shelter’s Walk a Dog Day draws hundreds of volunteers

The San Diego Union-Tribune — She looks at the past as a way to find and share strength

The San Diego Union-Tribune — You’re invited to dinner, so try the mac and cheese lumpia or the Filipino spaghetti

The San Diego Union-Tribune — This San Diego sleep pioneer finds new rhythms in retirement

The San Diego Union-Tribune — Her paintings are a trap, to draw you into the details and keep you there

The San Diego Union-Tribune — San Diego native highlights Black culinary culture in curated food tour