Meet Grace Hudson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Hudson. 

Grace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a camera lover as far back as I can remember. I was the only who would ALWAYS have my trusty little digital camera with me on every trip and I’d constantly set up photo shoots for friends. In college, my entire wall was covered in a photo collage. Photos have always held such strong value for me, but I never thought it was something I could turn into a profession. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education and went on to teach, which is where I met my friend Lena. Lena was a fellow teacher, but a photographer on the side. I admired her work and she gave me the courage I needed to take photography seriously. She helped me navigate buying my first pro camera and lens and just essentially was the one who said, ‘you’re good enough!’. I’m so thankful for her! That was 7 years ago and since then I’ve grown my business from a side gig through moving states, jobs, and starting a family, to going full-time in the chaos that was 2020! I’ve loved every minute and I’m so thankful to have something that provides for my family while allowing me the freedom to be creative and make my own schedule. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly been a journey. I started from scratch and there’s a lot more to photography than just taking the pictures. Running a business is something people go to school for and I was not equipped to do this out of the blue. I learned how to start and run a successful business, while also teaching myself the actual craft of photography from scratch, and working other jobs full time. I went through a season of burnout from overworking and undercharging and that was a major turning point for me. I eventually hired a business coach as a last resort and she helped me save my sanity and my business. I’m now charging what I’m worth, working hours that fit my family and creating work I’m extremely proud of. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional wedding, portrait, lifestyle, and marketing photographer based in Traverse City, MI. I specialize in working with couples and small business owners, specifically to capture them in the unique natural beauty our area boasts. We are an amazing little town on the West Coast of MI, on the shores of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. I’m known for my vibrant and authentic images and the adventurous and easy-going experiences I create for my clients. I’m most proud of my customer relationships, which in turn lead to work I’m just as proud of. I strive to connect with each of my clients, to know their story, and weave that into their images. I’m known for taking my clients on stunning hikes through forests, over dunes, and often ending with them jumping in the lake. I’m all about the adventures. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just want to encourage readers that it’s never too early or late to start pursuing their dream. We’re all out here faking it until we make it – confidence is key and knowledge is power. If you don’t know how to do something, get out there and play around with it until you figure it out. It’s ok to not know and it’s even better to ask questions. Find like-minded creatives to work with and for, and seek community over competition. We’re so much better when we work together. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gracehudsonphotography.com
• Instagram: @capturedbygracephotographymi
• Facebook: @capturedbygracephotographymi

Image Credits
Grace Hudson