The theme of the week is work. Unfortunately, it hasn't all been of the fun variety. Aside from my "side" job in retail, which was beyond insanity this week, I've been doing a lot of logistical and planning work for my free-lancing.

Prompted by a couple of requests for price quotes I have begun to form some pricing packages for different events. A good portion of this afternoon was spent developing my basic senior portrait package, the advertising postcard of which can be seen to the right of this paragraph. (And, yes, I did indeed design that postcard to color coordinate with this website.) During the coming week I will be working on similar pricing adverts for weddings and engagements as well, as these three make up the majority of the gigs I book. My goal is to get the basic packages formed by the end of the week and to expand from there.

This week also marked my return to basic graphic design in the creation of the postcard design above. I enjoy working with graphic design, though it is a tricky business. In the future I'd like to take a few more classes on the subject. Expand my skill set and what not. In the mean time, it's fun to dabble where I can.

High-five
~Traci

In the last week or so I spent a bit of time photographing and editing a series of engagement photographs for an old friend from high school and her fiance. After a long sabbatical from the camera it was a great re-introduction to doing work with people again, as opposed to the nature and architectural work I have been favoring as of late.

Katie and Tim were a fantastic couple to work with. They were both relaxed and seemingly comfortable in front of the camera. Admittedly, we did have trouble getting Tim to actually smile though. It was a treat to observe the interactions between the two of them. Their affections and mutual dorkiness made for some awesome photographs.

The photographs were done at Bryant Park in Traverse City, near Central High School for those familiar with the area. Between their minds and mine we managed to use every possible thing we could for a staging area. We used everything from the West Grand Traverse Bay and the beach to the playground to the window of the Men's bathroom.

I am really pleased with this experience as a whole. The shoot was great and the final set of photos* turned out really well, in my humble opinion.

The impending fall is reminding me that October is right around the corner pulling Katie and Tim's wedding right along with it, and frankly I can't wait to unpack my camera and click away.

~Traci

*Click on the photo to see the set of images.

Well, hello there all you lovely internet wanderers. I would venture to guess that if you have found yourself on this page you likely know me. However, if you don't, please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Traci. I am a photographer and wanderer. In 2008 I graduated from Northern Michigan University. Since then I have wandered the state working where I can and taking pictures more often than not. At this point my photography is done on a freelance basis while I do what I can to pay the bills on the side.

This blog will be used as a photographic and written documentation of my time while I meander my way around the Mitten and beyond. My hope is that this will enable me to keep people informed of what I am doing and also encourage me to create and share as much as I can.

With that I say: Welcome to the Mitten! I hope you enjoy your time here.

~Traci