me

I began studying photography in high school in 1988 with a black and white photography and darkroom class. I loved working with people and initially planned to study child psychology. But after starting college in Austin, TX, I chose photography to combine working with people and being creative. While in college, I created "The Children's Vision" with the Austin Area Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. The program used photography and journaling to help children and their families cope with serious illnesses by expressing their feelings, hopes, and fears. Each child received a journal and Polaroid camera. Volunteers worked one-on-one with the children, taking black and white photos to document their struggles. I directed the program for four years, raising funds, getting grants, training volunteers, and organizing exhibits of the photos and journals to raise awareness. I also volunteered my time working directly with the children in the program.

In 1995 I decided to pursue my photography further by starting my own company, Elizabeth Galecke Photography. I was ready for an adventure to a new place, so I did some research, and found Raleigh, NC the place where I felt I would like to live and start this new business. I chose to specialize in a unique style of candid portraiture. I use black and white film and digital formats to portray my subjects who vary from children to brides to pregnant women and everyone else in between.

One of the favorite ways to capture my clients is “A Day in the Life.” I will spend the entire day documenting a family from the time they wake until they go to sleep at night. I capture moments that truly express the people I am photographing. This can be done at home or on a special vacation. The photographs are either enlarged and hung gallery style in the client’s home or carefully edited and bound in a book to be treasured for generations.

One of my largest commitments is giving back to the community that has helped my business become successful. I have always felt close to childhood causes as well as charities for women and life-threatening illness. Over the years I have become involved in many different charities both as volunteer and donor.

For 9 years I served on the planning committee for “Picture This,” a photography exhibit and fundraiser for Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. Each year I donated a session for the silent auction as well as participated in the photography exhibit. I have also donated my images of children for use on the Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina’s invitations, newsletters, and annual reports.

In 2001 I decided I wanted to host my own fundraiser that would benefit a charity I felt close to but also help out my peers who were artists in the community. I named my event “ A Day With the Arts” and chose Make A Wish North Carolina to benefit from the first fundraiser. The all day event held at the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh and started with an art show and sale that showcased 30 North Carolina artists. After the art sale the space was transformed into an evening party where local musicians played for guests and hors d’oeuvres were served that had been donated from local restaurants. From there the night then changed again to a dance party with local djs. An impressive raffle was also held where items were raffled individually throughout the evening that had been donated from local businesses. $7000.00 was raised for Make A Wish through the event. Another way that I have volunteered for Make A Wish has been through photographing children who are going through their program. I have even photographed two of the children during their wish.

The Second “Day with the Arts” was held in 2003 and benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Eastern North Carolina. $5500.00 was raised for the charity.

In addition to my work with local non-profits, I have made efforts to support small women-owned businesses in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. I founded a group called Chix in Business in 1999. The goal is to help women grow stronger businesses, build friendships among peers in the small business network, and give back to the community through charity events. A Chix in Business facebook page connects the businesswomen to each other and the public. Monthly business presentations and special events, both social and philanthropic ,help with education and networking while presenting opportunities to give back to the community.  

My future goals include working with nonprofits and B corporations to help them create awareness and raise funds. I am also excited to be mentoring students, teaching classes which combine photography and cooking(one of my other passions), working on personal photography shooting quiet landscape vignettes, #eyeswideopen, on my daily meditative walks. And last but not least, planning trips to beautiful, meditative destinations with clients who want to learn more about the creative side of photography. 

2025 Update!

In 2020, my husband and I moved to Door County, WI, to start a new chapter. This place holds special memories for me, and I love being here. I was born in Milwaukee and have deep Midwest roots, with family nearby and old friends I still keep in touch with. Exploring the new surroundings inspires my photography, where I capture everyday scenes. We also fixed up a building on our old farm from 1898, now an Airbnb, and I really enjoy hosting guests. I also started a food business called Galecktables, making vegetarian soups, galettes, and desserts. I sell at local markets, pop-ups, and by special order.