Coronado Photographer Captures Unposed Moments in Her Hometown

Mekenna's Moments showcases the beauty of everyday life in Coronado

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Mekenna, a Coronado resident, is the photographer behind Mekenna's Moments, a project that captures unposed, fleeting moments in her hometown and around the world. After moving back to Coronado, Mekenna initially struggled to find inspiration, but a 52-week photo challenge helped her rediscover the magic in the small details of daily life in the seaside community.

Why it matters

Mekenna's story highlights how photography can be a powerful tool for connecting with one's surroundings, even in a familiar place. Her unique style of capturing unposed, authentic moments encourages others to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

The details

Mekenna has been passionate about photography for over half her life, using her camera to document the places she's lived and traveled. When she moved back to Coronado after living in other locations, she initially struggled to find inspiration, feeling like the town had become too familiar. To overcome this, she embarked on a 52-week photo challenge, going out with her camera multiple times a week to capture the small moments and details she had been overlooking. Mekenna's approach focuses on authenticity, often asking permission before taking photos of strangers, and finding the beauty in unposed scenes.

  • Mekenna started the 52-week photo challenge when her husband was deployed for 9 months and she was recovering from an injury.
  • Mekenna has been a Coronado resident for many years, with periods of living in other places like Monterey and Europe.

The players

Mekenna

A Coronado resident and the photographer behind the Mekenna's Moments project, capturing unposed moments in her hometown and around the world.

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What they’re saying

“I started going out with my camera at least one time a week. Eventually, I was going out maybe three to seven times a week. Sometimes twice a day. I go out at sunrise or sunset, and go for a midday walk, and I'd always bring my camera.”

— Mekenna, Photographer

“It's about capturing these small moments that people mostly overlook because we're just so busy and caught up in our day-to-day lives. We don't realize the magic in these things.”

— Mekenna, Photographer

What’s next

Mekenna plans to continue sharing her Coronado Photo Project on her website, showcasing the evolving nature of her hometown through her unique photographic lens.

The takeaway

Mekenna's story demonstrates how photography can be a powerful tool for connecting with one's surroundings, even in a familiar place. Her commitment to capturing unposed, authentic moments encourages others to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.