Hey There!

My Name is Grace Malec and I am a native to Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a current student at Aquinas College (Grand Rapids), studying to pursue a career in Sports Digital Media & Photography.

I picked up a camera for the first time when I was just in middle school. I fell in love with taking photos and editing them to make them my own. Even though that point-and-shoot wasn't the best camera out there, it taught me SO much and truly developed my passion for photography. I started shooting on a DSLR camera as a Freshman in High School. I started taking dance photos as well as portraits. As I learned and bettered my photography and editing style, I started shooting for my dance studio, photographing picture week, recitals, showcases, Festival of the Arts, and so much more.

I have always loved photography but I never knew where my place was in the art and career. As someone who grew up playing both soccer and dance, I knew about the field of sports photography, but it always intimidated me to a certain extent. That was until my freshman year of college when I brought my camera to an Aquinas Basketball game. I fell deeper in love with photography and taking photos in a fast-paced environment where I had to be quick on my feet. I quickly started being asked to photograph other sports at Aquinas and started connecting with more and more teams on campus. This past semester, I worked with Men's and Women's Hockey, Men's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Cheer, Dance, and Theatre at AQ, and I loved every second of it. I even had several opportunities to work with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, a team I grew up watching a supporting which was so super special. I was able to shoot three of their games (even a playoff game!) which was an amazing experience.

Although my career in digital media and photography is just getting started, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been a part of my story so far and everyone who has supported me. Every like, share, post, and save of my photos truly means the world to me. I cannot wait to see where this takes me and I cannot wait to keep learning and growing.

Much Love!

- Grace