Welcoming Grace Elizabeth of Small Pleasures in our latest TGD Friends Q+A!

hello! welcome to the TGD friends series! can you tell us what it is you create?

I’m a Brisbane based photographer and I feel pretty blessed that I get to create visual magic everyday. As well as being a photographer, I also have my Italian coffee table book Small Pleasures that I shared with the world last year. She’s been a labour of pure love.

how would you describe your style?

This is so funny, I regularly get told by close friends that they can’t ever pinpoint or categorise my style and I love that. I love mixing old and new together whether that be through interior styling at home or through fashion. One day I might be leaning into full cowgirl mode the next it might be a power business suit. I’m a big believer in investment and statement pieces, but I also love eclectic vintage finds - my wardrobe is a creative chaos haha.

share with us a bit about your journey and how you got started.

I feel pretty blessed that my career has chosen me, after two unfinished uni degrees, and a trip to Jordan, I came home with a frustration to want to capture what I saw in this beautiful landscape in better quality than what an iPhone could do, so I did a basic photography course for a couple of weeks and the rest is history. I used to take my camera with me everywhere and then I picked up a freelance contract with the Urban List and it all snowballed from there!

what’s one of your favourite moments in your creative career so far?

Gosh, that’s a hard one! 5 years ago I did a self funded exhibition and project called She Chose, covering women’s reproductive rights. It was such a special night and went on to be published in Marie Claire. It still holds a very special place in my heart.

who are the designers/creatives inspiring you right now?

Ben Christensen for his Cowboy/Western photoshoots, they are truly beautiful and speak to the country girl in me. I’m a lover of Tamsin Johnson and Clo Studios for timeless and unique interiors.

describe to us your perfect day.

My perfect day always starts with coffee, my life is so busy and I’m always on the run that I love slowing down and watering my garden and veggie garden, it’s a small joy that slows the mind. I’m a horse girl and my perfect day would be spending time riding my horse Jim - he keeps me grounded and I swear life gifted me my soul mate in the form of a very special animal. I have lots of special people in my life and when I have time, love cooking for people so I’d top the day off with a delicious dinner party at home!

Thank you so much for joining us!

See more of Grace’s work and grab your copy of Small Pleasures here.

All images courtesy of from Small Pleasures.

Grace Elizabeth

Lette

Jessie Hartwig-Boutkan