Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a podcast from Creative Collective that amplifies the voices and stories of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. In each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique journey, what drives her, and where she’s headed next. Local economies thrive when women’s authentic experiences are shared and celebrated. That’s why this podcast goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real challenges, unexpected pivots, and genuine moments of inspiration that shape the entrepreneurial paths of Creative Collective members—sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
Seeing People, Not Poses
What if a portrait felt like you—unforced, warm, and unmistakably real? That question frames this conversation with North Shore photographer Tracey Westgate, who centers real people and real emotion in every frame. For the Creative Collective community, Tracey’s perspective resonates: when we feel seen, our work becomes more honest—and our brands more trustworthy.
“Photography is magic because time is fleeting.” — Tracey
Light as a First Teacher
Tracey grew up in a small New Hampshire town where creativity wasn’t an extracurricular activity—it was the family language. Her dad, a career art educator, taught her to notice September’s shifting light. Her mom, a quiet force and hobbyist photographer, modeled the joy of documenting everyday life. With a bright little 110 camera, Tracey learned to frame curiosity and honor the ordinary. Those early lessons still shape her process: slow down, pay attention, and photograph people with dignity.
The “Who” Behind the Lens
Before charging a single client, Tracey studied social work and Spanish and spent a decade in nonprofit management, including Girls Leap, where she helped teach girls safety, self-defense, and confidence. That work deepened her conviction that every person has intrinsic value—a truth you can feel in her sessions. She’s also a mom to two teens, practicing presence and listening at home. Off-camera, she rekindled childhood joy through horseback riding—another exercise in trust that mirrors her approach to portraiture.
From “Mom with a Camera” to Artist
Like many creative businesses, Tracey’s began with love and proximity. Newborn photos of her first child (2010) led to a friend’s request, a Target gift card, and more word-of-mouth sessions. The shift from hobby to calling arrived when she met Kristine Ellis, a female firefighter in a male-dominated field. Tracey asked to photograph her—and the Hamilton firehouse showed up in full force: ladder trucks out, smoke machines on, team cheering.
That afternoon catalyzed Grit & Grace, a portrait-and-story series featuring women in traditionally male spaces—first responders, makers, entrepreneurs, and more. The work grew to 20+ sessions, rotating exhibits (public library, Children’s Piazza in Peabody, Wenham Museum), and packed panel discussions. Tracey reflects on the moment she stopped saying “just a photographer” and began owning her identity as an artist.
Authentic Portraits, Real Lives
Today, Tracey Westgate Photography specializes in families, milestones, headshots, and brand sessions rooted in one philosophy: photography should be fun, relaxed, and reflective of you. In practice, that means gentle direction, collaborative flow, and room for human moments (awkward laughs included). For founders and creatives, the result is game-changing: “I hate being photographed” becomes “I feel like myself”—and that feeling translates into brand trust.
Community as Creative Fuel
For many North Shore photographers and creative business owners, community can be the difference between staying stuck and taking creative risks. Tracey lights up when she describes walking into Coffee with the Collective events and feeling immediate creative energy and welcome. That spark encouraged her to schedule personal “play” shoots, push artistry, and experiment with new subjects. Community doesn’t just grow our networks; it grows our courage to make the work only we can make.
5 Takeaways for Creatives
- Intrinsic value first. Every person is worthy before the shutter clicks—your job is to notice and honor it.
- Follow your childhood joy. Ask what you loved at eight years old. Do more of that now.
- Start small, follow the spark. A single portrait can become a movement when you keep saying yes to curiosity.
- Claim your name. Sometimes the act of saying “I am an artist” is the bridge to becoming it.
- Design for being seen. On set and online, build experiences that lower anxiety and reveal the real.
Join the Conversation
Where do you want to be seen more fully—in your brand, family, or community? If you’ve been delaying new headshots or a brand refresh because posing feels stiff, try Tracey’s way: focus on who you are, not how you “should” look. Connect with Tracey to explore an authentic session that reflects you at your best.
Connect with Tracey Westgate
- Email: tracey@traceywestgate.com
- Website: traceywestgate.com
- Instagram: @traceywestgate
- Facebook: @traceywestgatephotography
Credits: Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast. This podcast is produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV, your community media center serving the residents and businesses of Peabody and the North Shore area. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
In this heart-centered episode of Creativity Connects, host Mikki Wilson sits down with North Shore photographer Tracey Westgate to explore what it really means to be seen—not staged. From a childhood shaped by art and a mom’s hobby camera to a decade in nonprofit leadership and the launch of her “Grit & Grace” portrait series, Tracey shares how authenticity, community, and childhood joy inform her work behind the lens.
Key Topics Discussed
- How intrinsic value guides Tracey’s approach to photographing people as they are—and as they wish to be
- From “mom with a camera” to artist: the Grit & Grace turning point
- Making portraits feel natural, fun, and reflective of the real you
- Why Creative Collective’s community energy accelerates growth and experimentation
- Childhood joy as a creative compass (horses, 110 cameras, and noticing light)
- Authentic images as a foundation for brand trust and visibility
Memorable Quotes
- “Every person has intrinsic value.” — Tracey
- “Photography is magic because time is fleeting.” — Tracey
- “I just love capturing people as they are.” — Tracey
- “Things can feel very isolating as a solo business owner.” — Tracey
About the Guest
Tracey Westgate is a Massachusetts-based North Shore photographer known for authentic portraits that center real people, real emotions, and real connection. Her series Grit & Grace celebrates women thriving in male-dominated fields through powerful imagery and first-person stories. A proud Creative Collective member, Tracey is a steadfast supporter of small businesses, artists, and makers across the North Shore.
About the Host
Mikki L. Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she builds sustainable support systems for women that amplify their value, voice, and visibility. Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki brings women together, creates spaces for real conversation, and builds meaningful relationships that move their work forward.
About the Podcast
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast that goes beyond the brand to explore the authentic journeys of women entrepreneurs. Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
