TRACEY SAWATZKY
ADVENTURE-SEEKER | BIRDER | PHOTOGRAPHER | BLOGGER
MY STORY
Growing up, my evenings and weekends were often spent outdoors in the beautiful area of Lac La Biche, Alberta. I was either camping, fishing, biking, target shooting, or exploring the outdoors. Unfortunately as I got older, my interests had shifted and I lost touch with the outdoorsy part of me. After college, I moved to Edmonton, Alberta (where I currently live) and immersed myself into the music scene for six years. (photographing concerts, working with a band, and running my own online local music magazine.)
After taking a much needed permanent leave from the music industry, I was needing something to fill that void. I decided to rediscover my outdoorsy roots that I grew up with. Exploring further into the magnificent Canadian landscape, discovering the possibilities, trying new things, and always searching for that next adventure.
Upon rediscovering the outdoors, I started hiking and immediately fell in love with it. Getting out on the trail is pure bliss, and I cannot get enough of it! (I’m sure I add a new trail to my “To Hike” list every single day!) Aside from hiking, the outdoor adventures that I partake in include birding, camping, flat-water kayaking, biking, and stand up paddle boarding. I am always open to new adventures, to challenge myself and push myself to my limits to see what I am capable of.
PHOTOGRAPHY
I am a self-taught photographer who has worked in various genres of the craft (music, weddings, portraits, and sport) before deciding to make the move to bird, nature and wildlife photography. Pursuing photography in the outdoor industry is something I want to work towards, and I have welcomed the challenge of “starting over” with my photography in this genre. I want to capture the spirit of adventure, to showcase the beautiful wildlife and landscapes of the magnificent planet we live on, to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone, to seek outdoor adventure while respecting nature and leaving no trace.
I have been published several times, both in print and online (Avenue Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, VUE Weekly, Avenue Magazine, Lac La Biche POST, A Music Blog Yea?, Aesthetic Magazine, Gateway Magazine, and Huffington Post), traveled to Cuba, Jamaica, and across parts of Canada – including a 14-day road trip with a band with stops in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. Previous clients and collaborations have included Pro Hockey Life – South Edmonton Common, Kuju Coffee, Color Me Rad, Good Luck Sock, RDAC Nationals, Sister Gray, The Unfortunates, MacEwan Griffins Women’s Basketball Team, and my own former publication, #YEGMusicMagazine.
I am available to photograph anything involving the outdoor lifestyle. (Adventure, landscape, wildlife) Let’s chase the stoke and create some rad images together!
BLOG
I write about adventure, travel, the outdoors, photography, and experiences in my life. It is my goal to tell compelling stories and to create stunning photographs that will inspire others to explore and protect the beautiful world that we live in.
- Please respect the places you find on traceysawatzky.com & always practice Leave No Trace principles.
- My blog is intended to inspire others to chase the stoke. My collection of field notes & photography are not a substitute for a guide or trip plan. Please consult maps & official guides and know your capabilities before embarking on your own adventures.