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

Hi Traci, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balancing work and life is a constant challenge and never seamless. There are times when either work or family will take priority over the other. Since I do a lot of my work from home, it can all sort of blend together. If we’re trying to create an even balance all the time, we will just be disappointed. We just have to manage our time and priorities for each. Having creative work that we love does help!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started out just photographing anything and everything that moved me. I love a fun picture! That quickly morphed into commercial work, family photography and whatever else anyone needed. The challenges have come in the form of meeting expectations of others which is not always possible. I have learned that pleasing everyone all the time isn’t going to happen. I’ve had to learn to let that go. Now, I’ve come full circle and photographing whatever moves me and create art for others in the form of prints.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s see, I would definitely take them to every photogenic spot in town and to every art museum – especially the CAM and the Menil Collection. And they would have to love the outdoors because we would run around Buffalo Bayou. We would spend a lot of time dining and hanging out in the Heights since that is home for us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and artists who have been a huge influence along the way. Some I know personally and others just through their work. The two photographers who held my hand in the beginning and always shared their time and talent with me are Carolyn Borlenghi and Chris Gillett. Both very different styles but amazing talent!

Website: traciling.com
Instagram: tracilingfineart
Other: Private Instagram but people still welcome: @traciling

Image Credits
Traci Ling