Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Lebrun
Hi Traci, 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?
The main photographer, Traci LeBrun, is a Minnesota journalist (newspaper editor) by day. I first got experience shooting using the office camera with one of the same lenses I use today. Our official newspaper photographers trained me in using a variety of settings for day shots, night sports shots and indoor gym shots.
Since then, I have spent several years as an editor for newspapers and photojournalist where I have had the privilege to photograph three U.S. presidents, President Obama, President Trump and President Biden as part of the White House Press Pool.
Locally as a newspaper editor, I enjoy taking human interest, sports and community photos. I have won several MNA (Minnesota Newspaper Association) awards as a photojournalist and writer/reporter.
My experience in the newspaper business and photojournalism has given me an eye for detail in capturing those rare and special moments … bringing my couples’ wedding day to life again through photos!
My favorite subject to photograph is people, and bringing people joy when they see their finished product is the best! When our kids were young, I would offer my services for free for those who needed senior photos or family photos to get experience and before going professional.
Now I specialize in weddings during the wedding season, having shot many weddings, while still maintaining my day job as editor – because I love them both and don’t want to give either up!
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?
It’s actually been a fairly smooth road since I had a pretty good portfolio before going professional. I was able to gain experience in weddings by offering my services and a pretty discounted rate for people I knew, and some I didn’t.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialty is wedding photography, but I do family and senior photos when I have the time.
I feel my journalism background has given me an edge that many wedding photographers don’t have. I have been capturing candid, journalistic photos for years so this comes natural and is what my couples are looking for, along with those stunner posed photos as well.
As for creativity, I look for the perfect lighting – sometimes it needs to be less harsh light to get the perfect portrait lighting, sometimes it’s harsh sunlight to get gorgeous backlighting on the brides’s hair, sometimes it’s the hazy glow of golden hour, sometimes it’s shade cast on an interior wall to get an edgy, sophisticated bridal portrait, and sometimes it’s a nightime champaign pop with backlighting and flash.
Most of all, I am a people person and draw my energy from people! I absolutely love the wedding atmosphere and have gotten pretty good at helping create a calm and enjoyable day for my brides and grooms, as much as I can control anyway!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would advise any new photographers looking to get into doing weddings, to get a solid portfolio before trying to market yourself. Do lots of free work so you can hone your craft. Practice on family members, friends of family or anyone who is in need of portraits. Also start out cheap so your clients don’t have super high expectations when you’re starting out. And let them know you’re just starting out.
Pricing:
- $2,900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lebrunphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebrun__photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063818184688
