Meet Elizabeth Graycheck | Elizabeth Graycheck | Fine Art Wedding & Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Graycheck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work/life balance has changed drastically since I started my business. I spent those first few years HUSTLING. I was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge and experience I could get. I think I shot 35 weddings between February and December of my first year. I booked myself out that second year not realizing 4 weddings per month is not sustainable for me–I’m also a mother of three, I’m a wife, and I have 2 cats and a Siberian husky. I can’t be that emotionally, mentally and physically unavailable. The amount of computer work that 4 weddings a month requires is astronomical. I think finding balance means actually crossing the bounds of what you can handle—you don’t really know your limit until you push it and exceed it. That’s where I am now. Quality over quantity 100%. It took me hitting a breaking point and almost quitting to start putting up solid boundaries with myself. I know the number of weddings I’m willing to do a year. I know who my ideal client is. I know what my ideal wedding and venue is. I know who I am as a brand. And I’m willing to wait for the right ones for me.

Balance to me, means being able to be there for my children’s lives, and also being able to fully be there for my clients. Providing what my family needs, and providing a luxurious, attentive experience for my clients. Having a business that fills my creative soul, allows me to be free to make the art I was meant to create, and one that doesn’t suck the life out of me or take me away from my own loves. Balance=quality of life

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in creating elevated, painterly images that tell the unique stories of stylish couples and families. My approach is rooted in timeless artistry, blending fine art direction with authentic moments to craft heirlooms clients will treasure for generations.

I am most proud of how far I’ve come, and what I’ve managed to accomplish in a fairly short amount of time. I’m most proud of the evolution of my work, and how it is settling into what it was meant to be. I will always be driven to keep growing and evolving as an artist, but I feel like the foundation, the deep identity is established. And I am most excited to see where that takes us.

What sets me apart from others? Me. I am a mother of three children, and a wife of almost 10 years. There is a wisdom that comes along with being in this phase of life. I understand how fleeting life is, I understand how quickly moments pass by, I understand what it means to overcome great difficulty, loss and pain in life, and persevere out. This adaptability and ability to overcome is one thing that sets me a part in my industry. I know how to ride the waves of difficulty with the grace of one who knows what it feels like to overcome. I know how to not give up, and bring beauty out of ashes. The ability to juggle creating art, documenting people’s most important memories, create an atmosphere where couple can fully enjoy themselves, manage multiple people and emotions, work with other vendors, and navigate every curve ball thrown on a wedding day– is quite the act. And let’s be honest, wedding days are rarely linear, there are always curve balls. This ability to roll with the punches and not blink twice is invaluable in a wedding photographer. It’s always a rollercoaster, so the one that can ride it with you? and tell you when to get off? That’s the one you want in your corner.

My unique style moves seamlessly from soft, ethereal tones that capture the quiet beauty of the early moments— to the vibrant, cinematic energy of the evening. In the first half of the wedding day, I focus on these delicate, intimate moments—the light falling on the bride’s dress as she prepares, the soft exchange of glances between you and your loved ones, and the quiet details that make your celebration unique. Then, as the night sets in & the energy shifts, so does the mood of the images. The transition into the reception feels like an Old Hollywood affair—rich with drama, luxury, and timeless elegance with a party-filled flair. I capture the vibrant energy of the celebration, preserving the lively, joyful atmosphere of your reception in a way that feels both classic and captivating. It’s as if you can hear the music playing, and feel the effervescent energy when experiencing these images.

It’s this graceful evolution—from delicate moments to bold, fun & glamorous images—that ties together the full story of your day. It’s all about balance, making sure every moment, every detail, is captured with intention and care. From the architecture to the smallest accessories, I make sure to highlight the elements that tell your story from every angle, creating imagery that feels both visually engaging and deeply personal.

A wise person told me that the world needs what I have to give, and that it would be doing potential clients an injustice to hold back and not share my gift. There are millions of talented photographers out there, but there is only one Elizabeth Graycheck Photography. Only one that sees the world the way that I see it, and frames it the way I do. That artistic exclusivity, and who I am makes me the photographer you want capturing the greatest celebrations of your life. The photographer you want on your vendor team.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
North campus of course! I’m a University of Georgia alum, so I would of course show you the heart of Athens. And for a fun time? I’m a 90’s kid–so I would obviously take you to 90’s bar in downtown, where we can be the weird non-college aged people getting sweaty dancing to spice girls and baby got back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The girl squad! Community over competition always. These are the ladies that showed me the way. The ones that have cheered me on when I’ve doubted myself. Celebrated my wins with me, told me I was worthy of more. You are my people and you know who you are. Thank you for everything!

And for my family. Everything I do is for them. Showing my littles what is possible if you just take the leap and believe in yourself.

Website: https://www.elizabethgraycheckphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgraycheckphotography/