Tracy Turpen

Wedding & Portrait Photographer, Charleston, SC

Words I live by: “But for now we are young
Let us lay in the sun
And count every beautiful
thing we can see.”
~Neutral Milk Hotel

I can’t live without: Challenges.

If I could do it all over again: I would have started my business a lot sooner.

My first job: Cookie baker for the elementary school my mom taught at. My mom would put the cookies in the lounge with an envelope for money and by lunchtime they were gone! Those chocolate chip cookies bought me my first car.

The best thing I ever won: 1st place in the Emotion category for the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

I am most proud of: Starting my business while living in a tent on the beach.

My mother always said: Portion control.

The worst idea I’ve ever had: Decorating my apartment with burlap.

The one item that has changed my life: My first camera.

Last major purchase: A trampoline…and no, I don’t have any kids!

My family: Defies logic.

My hometown: Hilo, Hawaii.

I’m thinking about: My upcoming wedding in Hawaii.

One thing I never want to do again: Eat olives.

I am guilty of: Acting my age.

My best friend says I am: Badass.