Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Furtak.
Hi Tracey , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Story
As I prepared to graduate high school, two things were clear: I had a deep passion for photography and for video editing. I loved telling stories with images and then extending those stories through a edited video. Although I initially planned to study film and video editing, photography kept calling me. A freelance photographer once told me, photography was a dying field and to consider something else, advice I took with a grain of salt. I went on to study film photography in college and never stopped shooting.
Life took me through the roles of wife and mother, and photography became a beloved hobby. I spent years photographing my children and watching the industry transform with digital technology. About 15 years ago, a family member asked me to shoot her daughter’s senior portraits. I rediscovered how much I loved creating for others, and I quickly began booking more seniors. From there I expanded my services and worked as a second shooter for a talented wedding photographer in Chelsea. Most of my clients come from referrals, I prefer growing organically, I never want running my business to overshadow my love for photography.
Recently I began working on a project that combines my strengths and addresses a gap I felt at events. As a second shooter, the “grab-and-grin” portraits at receptions were always my least favorite part, I’m naturally shy and hesitant to pull people from their night. I found a concept I love: studio-quality portraits brought to your event. Classic Rose Portraits offers a refined, professional portrait experience at proms, homecomings, and receptions so guests can get a polished photograph without leaving the event. It feels like bringing the classic prom pose back, professional, personal, and convenient.
We’re just getting started, but I’m passionate about growing Classic Rose Portraits, continuing to learn with the industry, and helping people preserve meaningful moments with thoughtful, authentic photography.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small photography business hasn’t been without challenges. Early on I faced self doubt after being told photography was a dying field, and later I had to relearn how to balance family life with creative work. Financial pressures equipment costs, insurance, and unpredictable income required careful planning. Building a client base meant learning how to market myself, manage bookings, and set boundaries so my business never burned me out.
The rise of digital technology has been both a challenge and an opportunity. As cameras, editing software, and smartphones improved, expectations shifted: clients began to expect faster turnaround, more images, and instant social-ready files. Social media changed how people discover photographers, making referrals still important but adding the need for consistent online presence. Tools like digital editing, tethered shooting, and mobile delivery radically increased what photographers can offer but also raised the bar for speed and quality. Adapting meant investing in education, new gear, efficient workflows, and learning to use technology to enhance not replace the personal, storytelling approach I love.
Despite the obstacles, these changes pushed me to grow. Embracing new tools allowed me to expand services (like on-site studio portraits at events), streamline delivery, and reach more people all while staying true to the authentic, emotion driven photography that drew me to the craft in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer.
I specialize in High-School seniors. This is such an existing time for families, it’s the end of a chapter and a beginning of another. Plans for the future, what the last 4 years have been like for them. During their senior session we are able to capture both their past and future. I am honored to be part of sharing their story by creating images they will cherish.
My newest project that I have been working on is Classic Rose Photography, a service designed to change the way event portraits are experienced. This is not just a camera set up and forgotten in the corner for your guest to handle themselves. My portrait station brings studio quality portraits directly to your event, whether it is a celebration, corporate gathering, or private party. Each guest is personally guided through the portrait process, posing, expression and presence are thoughtfully directed to create images that feel timeless, confident and worthy of a print. This is portraiture with a purpose brought to you.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that this industry is always changing. AI will change photography, it already has. In both good ways and bad. As for anyone in any industry, it all depends on how you use it. One of the things I take pride in with my work is that I hold onto the natural look/feel of the images, I am not heavy on the editing. I want them to feel natural, I want for you to really feel the beauty and it makes you want to visit this location. That is not something AI will be able to do.
All trends change, those trends change photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://traceyroseannphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @traceyroseannphotography
- Facebook: Tracey RoseAnn Photography
