Hi, I'm Gracyn.
I am the person behind the lens, capturing your beautiful moments. I could tell you about my dream, but the fact is -- I'm already living it. Because of people like you who believe in me and my art, I get to combine some of my greatest loves and call it my career.
When I'm not behind the camera, you can find me exploring my new city (NYC!!), trying out yet another restaurant with my best friends, or booking my next adventure, whether local or abroad. I stand by the the saying that life is short, so I try my very best to live as much of it in my favorite ways, with my favorite people, as often as I can!
Thank you for taking a little bit of time to get to know me and what makes me who I am. I would love to get to know you and learn the same.
Meet My Team of Associate Photographers
The women below represent the team I am so proud to say I've built! What's an associate photographer you ask? It's an individual whom I have hand-selected because of their raw talent and trained extensively to shoot in my personal style. No matter who you work with, you'll receive the same signature editing, communication, and experience that define our brand - the only difference is who captures your photos on session day.
If you book an associate photographer-led session, one of these wonderful women will be with you on the day of your shoot ensuring you get the photos of your dreams. That said, all client communication before and after + all edits will always be done by me, so you can rest assured your final images will look the same regardless of who takes your pics.
Still have questions? See the FAQ below or shoot me an email.
Gracyn
Founder + Principal Photographer
(Texas, NYC, and Beyond)
With over 5 years of experience and 500+ sessions photographed, Gracyn built Gracyn Applegate Photography from the ground up. What started in Dallas quickly expanded into Austin and NYC, with sessions across countless other states and countries too.
Now, Gracyn focuses on creative direction, client communication, editing, mentorship, business development, and maintaining our signature style - all while still taking on a limited number of sessions each season, in various places. Based in New York but traveling back to Austin and Dallas seasonally (and abroad often!) for shoots, her pricing ranges from $450-$2,000+.
Kaitlin
Austin Senior Associate Photographer
Social Media Manager
Kaitlin has been part of our team for over 1.5 years and has photographed 50+ sessions alongside and under direct mentorship from Gracyn. As a tenured Senior Associate Photographer, she also helps train our team, manage session logistics, and helps Gracyn lead the Austin associate team. Her pricing ranges from $350-$1,200+.
Bella
Austin Associate Photographer
Bella is a new addition to our team as of late 2025, hand-selected and personally trained by Gracyn. As an Associate Photographer, she photographs sessions using the same techniques, lighting, and client experience that define our brand - ensuring a seamless, consistent final gallery once paired with Gracyn's signature edits. Her pricing ranges from $250-$800+.
Kasey
Dallas Associate Photographer
Kasey is a new addition to our team as of late 2025, but with over a year of personal photography experience. As an associate photographer hand-selected and extensively trained by Gracyn, she photographs sessions using the same techniques, lighting, and client experience that define our brand - ensuring a seamless, consistent final gallery once paired with Gracyn's signature edits. Her pricing ranges from $250-$800+.
Meredith
Dallas Associate Photographer
Meredith is a new addition to our team as of late 2025, but with over ten years of personal photography experience. As an associate photographer hand-selected and extensively trained by Gracyn, she photographs sessions using the same techniques, lighting, and client experience that define our brand - ensuring a seamless, consistent final gallery once paired with Gracyn's signature edits. Her pricing ranges from $250-$800+.
FAQ
Where are you based? Just Texas?
Nope! Me and my team currently have a presence in Austin, Dallas, Nashville/Franklin, and NYC.
Looking to shoot somewhere else? I travel too!
What do you shoot?
The short answer? Everything :)
The long? See below:
- High school grads in Austin, Dallas, and surrounding areas
- College grads all around Texas (Austin, DFW, Waco, College Station, etc.)
- "Destination" college grads (really anywhere - I'm always looking for my next university to check off)
- Surprise proposals
- Engagement/couples photos
- Elopements + Weddings (any size)
- Interiors (design, real estate, etc.)
- Events
- Families
Do you offer add-ons?
Yes! I offer:
Grad outfit styling: One of my most asked questions is "what should I wear?". Lucky for you, I've seen hundreds of outfits and known exactly what to look for to ensure each one complements your stole, style, and skin tone. Not only do I have shop-able links to favorite 'fits in my Instagram bio (for free!), but I also offer 1:1 consultations specifically made to nail grad outfits. We'll start with a virtual style consultation, move on to a moodboard, and end with direct links exclusive to you and your grad session.
Film Photography: What we all though might be a trend seems to be here to stay (yay!). Offering film photography add-ons to all sessions shot by me (not available on associate shot sessions).
Content Creation: Want something a little more casual to commemorate your milestone? Content creation is not only a great way to get behind-the-scenes video footage you're sure to show your kids one day, but also an easy way to publish some of your favorite moments to your own little corner of the internet.
Interiors Styling: If you're in the interior design and adjacent industries, you know that professional styling can make all the difference in a photo. Allow yourself to see the bigger picture on set while a carefully selected professional styler assists you with every room.
Additional Photos/Locations/Outfits: Each package comes with a set amount of each of these, but you're never married to it. Take a breath knowing there's flexibility and that each package is customizable to ensure you walk away with one that is most valuable to you!
What if there's bad weather?
With the exception of proposals and weddings, we'll reschedule! I'm never going to make you shoot in less-than-ideal conditions if we don't have to, so we'll work together to find another date with better weather that works for us both. No reschedule-due-to-weather fees ever.
For my proposals and weddings that can't be rescheduled, we embrace it! I have protection for my camera so you're images aren't damaged, and rain is super romantic anyway :)
What should I bring to my session?
After you book, grads will immediately receive a guide from me that includes everything you should bring to your shoot so you can begin preparing. Then, about a week before your session, I'll send a follow up text reminding you of the essentials.
For my non-grads, I'll always be in touch closer to your session date to ensure you have everything you need. Want the info sooner? Email me!
What if I don't know where I want to take my photos?
No worries! I will always work with you to find the perfect spot and am armed with tons of tried-and-true recommendations too.
Do you help with posing? I always feel so awkward in front of the camera.
One of my favorite compliments is that I make my clients feel SO comfortable during shoots :) I always prompt natural poses (and candids!) that take all the guesswork out - all you have to worry about is showing up!
What should I wear?
Glad you asked! What you wear to your session can make more of a difference in the final gallery than most people realize, which is why I offer a 1:1 styling add-on to all packages. Not only this, but you'll find a curated list of direct links to outfit inspiration in my Instagram bio as a free resource to you too!
If you're taking photos in a group, I'd recommend coordinating colors and avoiding clashing patterns.
Do you travel? I'm not based in Texas.
YES!!! One of my greatest loves (alongside photography) is traveling, so I will always be down - no matter where in the world you're hoping to shoot. Email me where you're thinking and we can work out travel fees and all logistical details.
Note: Travel fees for NYC shoots currently waived.
What's an Associate Shooter?
My associate team is something that is so special to me - not just because I love these girls, but because it helps me serve YOU better too! In short, an associate shooter is a trusted team member of the GAP team - they are an extension of me. Each associate has been trained extensively by me to shoot in my signature style. They show up day-of to take your pics, but all client communication and editing is done by me!
Having an associate take your photos will result in the same end result as if you were to get them taken by me myself. That said, if you have your heart set on taking your photos with me (love ya), shoot me an email and let's make it happen!
Do you offer mentorship for photographers?
I do! I'm a big believer in investing in your success, and I'd be honored to be the one to help you kickstart or enhance your business - no matter where in your journey you are. Visit the "Mentorship" tab on my website to learn more about 1:1 consulting packages.
SOME KIND WORDS FROM PAST CLIENTS
SOPHIA
"Gracyn’s gift for photography is a cumulation of many, many tedious small details that she constantly works at perfecting! On top of her natural talent for this field, she works tirelessly to constantly better herself, whether that be in terms of editing skills, artistic eye, expanding the diversity of shoots she offers, or even mastering new technology! Her passion and work ethic is truly unlike any other. She is the sweetest gal and is incredible at making your dreams materialize on her camera!"
