Tracy. Get to Know, the Woman Behind the Lens:

I grew up as a Jersey Girl (the Shore to be specific).  Toes in the sand.  I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My first “gallery show” was on the walls, courtesy of crayons and a very bold purple magic marker. My parents weren’t exactly thrilled, but when I signed my name to it at the age of four, even they had to smile and admit I had something special brewing.

That same spark has stayed with me. Photography became my language, portraits became my storytelling tool, and Gallery Portraiture became the place where big ideas get to live.

When I’m not creating, I’m on this journey with my fabulous husband, Mark, cheering on our two grown children, traveling whenever possible, and living in a house where there are always dogs. Always.

Over the years, I’ve studied art seriously—earning my BFA from Syracuse, training at Brooks, interning at Hallmark—and then poured myself into photography for more than 25 years. Along the way, I earned my Professional Photographers of America certification, something only 3% of photographers worldwide (and just nine in 100 miles of Kansas City) can claim.

But here’s the heart of it: for me, photography has never been just about credentials or technical skills. It’s about creating portraits that feel alive, personal, and joyful. It’s about capturing your senior (your family) in a way that makes you stop, smile, and say, that’s them. And it’s about making the whole process easy and fun—for both of you.

I love seniors because they’re standing on the edge of what’s next. There’s confidence forming, personality showing up, and a spark that deserves more than a standard pose. That’s where I thrive.

Today, I still approach every session with the same curiosity and enthusiasm. I believe portraits should feel like the people in them—real, expressive, and full of life. A little refined, a little playful, and always created with care.

— Tracy