A hive has many bees….
Why me?
The Photographer
I’m a “born & raised” Minnesota gal, and my hive has been on the western lakes area of Minneapolis for a long, long time. I’ve always loved photography, and I’m old enough to know what an actual darkroom smells like. I love to create happy colorful images that capture children and their families at the heart of who they are. The best shots spark an emotion, make you giggle, or smile with joy & pride. I am happy, casual and fun; a “people person” for sure. Of course, I am quite Irish.
My Mission
I want to help fill your home with photographs. While our digital world is convenient and instant, NOTHING should replace a nice 16x20 matted print on the wall, or a stairwell filled with a gallery of canvas. In my years working as a nurse, it became evident that the core of life is about being surrounded by family and friends, not fleeting images on social media.
The Mom
I have three (not so) little ones at home, each with their own unique story of how they came to us. They are adorable, and I love being their momma.
I pride myself in being pretty darn good at negotiating even the most fickle of toddlers. I am comfortable working with children that have sensory issues and/or special needs, and can be sensitive to issues, as they arise.
I am tenacious, funny and believe if I’m going to be away from my family, I better be doing something I love.
The Business
My journey to my own small business isn’t unlike many others, I bought a Canon Rebel and took photos of my baby. Along the way some people praised my work, and they came back for more. But there’s a point where one’s hobby becomes something bigger, and it’s not just about clicking a camera. With a background in TV commercial production, studio management, marketing and sales, I took my years of knowledge and started investing my time & money into growing as both an artist, but a business person too. It’s my goal to be a friendly, professional expert in the job you hired me to do. My job is to provide lasting memories for your family. My hope is that you join me year after year, choosing ME to capture memories that mean something to you and your family.
My Gear
Numbers & letters for those that care: Canon EOS R6, 6D, 5Dmii | 70-200L | 35ART | LR/PS CC and more. I love finding the light but I’ll whip out the reflector or something flashy if warranted. I always bring humor – your session with me will be relaxed and rather unposed. You will laugh. The kids will have fun, and when I resort to silly bribes or being goofy, even the stuffiest of subjects will crack a smile with me. Kids will look like themselves, moms will look better, and dads will admit it was actually kind of fun.
My Clients
We are a fit for each other if:
-You place value on capturing memories of your life, yourself and your loved ones, and are willing to invest in that.
-You have a sense of humor, and can appreciate a joke so bad it’s good.
-You want our photos ON THE WALL, not just on your phone, or a disk in your desk drawer. With my gorgeous hobby farm and studio right off Lake Minnetonka, comes my ability to be of FULL SERVICE to my clients and families. I will help you print what you want, heck, I’ll even come hang it up. Think Lunds & Byerly’s, not Aldi and Cub. I won’t leave you stranded with nothing printed.
THE BUZZ
“In the past, “photo time” was always something I dread. Just tell me where to stand and what to wear. A couple years ago we were referred to Tracie Bea. She’s fun to work with, professional and doesn’t waste any time. She got some very charming photos of the kids playing with me, that I am forever grateful for. I would much rather spend money and do it right, than have some painfully boring sheet of 5×7’s from a generic portrait studio.”
— Nate (husband & dad)
“Tracie’s ability to adapt to different personalities is a huge bonus for us. I’m loud and nutty. One kid is a firecracker where the other one is very reserved and timid at first. She not only gets “great shots” but somehow manages to grab each person’s personality, too. The REAL them, not someone she posed and glued a smile on their face.”
— Julie, Lake Minnetonka
“I don’t really like doing pictures sometimes because I want to go play outside. But Miss Tracie is funny. She hates pickles. But I don’t. I’m going to bring her a big jar of them next time. She’ll freak out.”
— Jackson, age 6
“She’s nice. She has kids so she know how to make us kids laugh and she brings fun stuff for me to use for pictures. Miss Tracie loves my fancy poses, like this!”
— Olivia (age 5)
“I take a LOT of photos of my kid, mostly with my iPhone, but there’s just something about planning and shooting a session with Tracie that is extra special. I love her creative side, and all the fun things she does with them.”
— Jenny, Minnetonka
“I like her rubber chicken. She gives me smarties. She’s silly and she likes my “Superman Face””