Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Gardner
Hi Tracy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Meet Dr. Tracy Gardner: A Passionate Leader in Education, Photography, and Family
My professional journey began with a deep commitment to education and a desire to impact students’ lives in meaningful ways. With over 25 years of experience in psychometrics and educational assessment, I’ve had the privilege of working with state, national, and international testing programs. Holding a Ph.D. in Research Methodology from the University of Pittsburgh, I’ve guided the design and development of assessments, ensuring they are fair, valid, and meaningful for all students. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to educational reform, particularly in areas like school choice, homeschooling, and classical education—values that deeply resonate with me as a mother of six.
Love Preserved Photography: Capturing the Beauty of Faith, Family, and Tradition
While my career in education has been incredibly fulfilling, my love for capturing life’s special moments began with the birth of my first daughter in 2005. It was in those early years that I discovered my passion for photography—wanting to preserve the memories and milestones that I was so blessed to experience with my children. This passion eventually blossomed into Love Preserved Photography, my part-time boutique photography studio where I specialize in creating timeless portraits for families.
In 2014, I officially launched my business, starting with ballet portraits and Christmas mini-sessions with Santa—an annual tradition that continues to bring joy to my clients and their families. Over the years, I’ve expanded my offerings to include a wide variety of mini-sessions for every holiday, and portraits for milestone moments – from birthday to quinceañeras, seniors, bridal portraits, and family milestones. The beauty of these sessions is not just in the photographs themselves, but in the opportunity to celebrate and honor the deep bonds of family, tradition, and faith that are at the heart of my work.
A Life of Purpose: Balancing Faith, Family, and Profession
Today, I continue to lead in the field of educational assessment while running Love Preserved Photography as a part-time, appointment-only boutique studio. My approach to photography is rooted in my belief that every family story is unique and sacred. I take great joy in capturing those moments that tell the story of love, tradition, and faith—whether it’s a child’s first birthday, a family’s holiday portrait, or a senior, birthday, or quinceañera celebration. My business is more than just a photography service; it’s a way to serve families and create lasting memories that reflect the beauty of their lives and the values they hold dear.
San Antonio is home to our family, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to build both my professional and creative careers here. Whether in education or photography, my mission is the same: to serve others, create lasting memories, and honor the things that truly matter—family, faith, and tradition.
YOUR STORY. OUR LENS. TIMELESS MEMORIES.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Running a photography business comes with its share of challenges, especially with the high costs of studio overhead, gowns, props, equipment, and taxes. At times, I’ve considered closing the business due to these financial pressures, but my passion for photography and the joy I feel working with families keeps me going. Every time I capture memories for families I’ve developed relationships with, I’m reminded of why I do this work—it’s not just about the photos, but about preserving the special moments in their lives.
One of the greatest blessings has been the success of our annual Christmas mini-sessions with Santa. Watching families return year after year to create holiday memories has been incredibly rewarding. There’s something uniquely special about capturing the love and joy in a family, especially when I’m able to work with children and families I’ve known for years. Helping families preserve their beautiful memories and traditions is what truly drives me, and even when times are tough, my passion for this work keeps me going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Love Preserved Photography, we believe that every family’s story deserves to be beautifully captured and cherished for a lifetime. Specializing in milestone portraits, mini-sessions, and couture photography, we provide an experience that goes far beyond simply taking pictures. Our sessions are designed to be magical, meaningful, and timeless, ensuring that each moment we capture becomes a treasured memory. From first birthdays and cake smashes to seasonal mini-sessions and elegant quinceañeras, our goal is to create stunning portraits that reflect the love, joy, and connection within each family.
What sets Love Preserved Photography apart is the unparalleled value and quality we offer. Clients return year after year not just because of our timely gallery deliveries and generous number of images, but because of the experience itself. Our beautiful studio property, complete with a rustic setting and thoughtfully designed sets, provides the perfect backdrop for both timeless and creative portraits. We offer an extensive wardrobe and prop collection, featuring couture gowns, princess dresses, and unique styling options that add an extra layer of elegance and whimsy to every session. Most importantly, we specialize in building relationships—we connect deeply with the families we photograph, creating a comfortable and joyful experience, especially for children. Our ability to make every child feel at ease and bring out their natural joy is something we take great pride in. Whether it’s through our beloved annual Christmas mini-sessions with Santa or a beautifully styled Easter, birthday, or family session, our brand is built on quality, connection, and capturing the magic of life’s milestones.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that might surprise people who know me or my work is that Love Preserved Photography is just the beginning of a much bigger dream. One day, when I retire from my career in educational assessment, I envision creating a light and airy, elegant venue nestled among a sea of oak trees—a place where families can celebrate life’s most precious moments, from small weddings and quinceañeras to birthdays and family gatherings. This space will also house my dream photography studio, filled with chandeliers, large windows, and timeless charm, designed to capture beauty in the most natural and enchanting way.
Beyond the studio, I dream of having a field of wildflowers where I can host wildflower sessions, allowing families and children to experience the magic of nature in their portraits. And because family is at the heart of everything I do, I also hope to build a white barndominium on the property—a retreat where my large family (or even other families as an Airbnb) can gather for holidays and special moments together. This dream is about more than just photography; it’s about creating a space where tradition, beauty, and love come together in an unforgettable way.
Pricing:
- Mini-Sessions: Starting at $99
- Outdoor (25 Minutes): $195
- Outdoor (55 Minutes): $295
- Studio Sessions: Starting at $99
- Specials: Starting at $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovepreservedphotography.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovepreservedphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovepreservedphotographytx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-gardner-phd/
