Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Archer.
Hi Grace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story started from when I was in college – I picked up a camera for a film photography class and absolutely fell in love with it. The science behind the darkroom and capturing moments at a more slow pace was something I truly appreciated. My senior year (2020) was one of deep personal and creative growth. I had the opportunity to travel to Africa and I filmed a documentary for a nonprofit called Sister Connection. Their mission was focused on rehabilitating widows from the war and enabling them with life skills to enter the world with confidence. I met countless women who had never had their picture taken before – one in particular will always stick out in my mind as the turning point for me. Neither of us spoke the other language but I turned my screen around and showed her the portrait I took in her hut and she was pointing at it, sobbed, and kissed me on the cheek. From that moment on – I knew there was something incredibly special about freezing moments like these in time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had an interesting journey with photography – it wasn’t something I anticipated pursuing full time but when I found myself in the throes of motherhood, it saved me. My very first shoot with my first official rig was my daughter’s newborn shoot. I was reminded again of the sacredness of the craft – each little detail of her hands and feet and face were frozen in time because of the snap of my camera. I’ve built a really strong following on Instagram which is where a lot of my deep friendships have also been formed. I’ve had the opportunity of sharing and capturing so many stories along the way and have shot in multiple states outside of Michigan because of my Instagram. The demographic of my hometown in Michigan is quite tricky because there are many talented photographers and there has been a competition over community mindset that I’m very much trying to break into.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a 14X published storytelling photographer based in the heart of Midwest Michigan. I specialize in capturing moments, not poses. When shooting with me, it’s a lot of questions and then freezing the responses in motion from my clients. I’m known for shooting in elevators in East Lansing, wedding portraits at venues such as White Birch Wedding barn, and branding sessions in unique environments. Love stories are the thing that get me the most excited – from proposals on the Great Lakes to elopements in the Graduate Hotel – I’m all about all the feelings being frozen!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Utilizing social media as a means of networking has been huge for me. This comes back to my community over competition mindset – a lot of people are so in their own head about booking shoots and keeping clients to themselves. The more we can shoot together and share experiences with other photographers – the better our chances to learn new styles and greater opportunities will arise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://subtlegracephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subtle.grace.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HJnzqcAkW/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@graceearcher
