Hi! My name is Carly. I was born and raised in Traverse City and am so proud to call TC home! I’m married to my best friend and together we have the cutest dog in the world (yes I’m biased, but if you saw her I think you’d agree too). When my husband and I have time off together you can find us hiking in the empire area in the summertime or enjoying our summer nights having a fire on the beach with our friends. I love being in the water (especially Lake Michigan) no matter how chilly it is and will find any excuse to be at the beach!
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I’m a full time photographer and I couldn’t be happier with what I get to do for a living! Working for yourself is such a blessing in itself, but loving what you do makes it 100x better! My work is split pretty evenly between weddings and sessions. Most sessions are couples and families and both have such special places in my heart. Capturing engagement photos for couples to look back on in 50+ years and saying to their kids “this is us when we were young” literally makes me tear up and want to capture the most perfect pictures. Family sessions are so special too because the memories may fade but the photos will last forever. I absolutely love having the ability to freeze time in the busy lives of families. Golden hour sessions are an absolute dream and I always encourage my clients to book their session around sunset for the most stunning lighting!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a hostess at a local restaurant as my first job, then a nanny for a few years while going to school for nursing and ultimately landed happily in what I’m doing now! I am a lifestyle, wedding and elopement photographer based in Traverse City (but always happy to travel for weddings). I absolutely adore freezing time with my camera for couples, families and special days. Capturing photos of people wildly in love makes my heart so happy!
Q: What is your favorite book?
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is currently a favorite recent read!
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Artisan, Sorellina, Taproot and Towne Plaza!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I’ve lived in Traverse City my whole life but started my photography career about six years ago.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
There are so many towns within 45 mins to an hour of TC that have the most insanely beautiful views. Don’t be afraid to venture out on a mini road trip and go on a hike! Pyramid point, Empire bluffs and Pierce stocking scenic drive are a few of my absolute favorite places to see. Overlook #9 on Pierce stocking is one of my favorite views in the whole world!
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
My husband! Any extra time with him outside of the busy work week is cherished. We’d probably go grab some gobblers from Mary’s Kitchen Port and drive over to the marina to eat them and enjoy the view.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
So many endless connections. I’ve connected with lots of small business owners in the area and everyone always wants to help each other succeed.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love finding new hobbies! I usually find something I want to try for a couple weeks and then once I learn how to do it, move on to the next thing! One week it can be cake making and the next week it’s learning how to make clothes. You can never have too many skills!
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
Probably the film festival, we love the outdoor movies in the open space downtown.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
I used to love fall the most but over the last few years I’ve really fallen in love with each season for different reasons! Northern Michigan summers are absolutely unbeatable! The fall colors are absolutely stunning, the cherry blossoms in the spring are so pretty and when there’s lots of snow making TC a pretty snow globe I love that too! My favorite things to do are going to the beach in the summer and skiing in the winter, both as often as possible!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, joy and love.
