Tracey is an amazing photographer who seems to do it all. A mother of two, she is also the author of two Motherhood Memory Albums, called Waiting for Baby and Baby of Mine. And she writes the hugely popular, Picture This blog over at Club Mom, and is always full of creativity and ideas for new projects. In particular, be on the lookout for her new photography site, soon to launch called Shutter Sisters. She is teaming up with 6 other amazing women to provide a blog that is part photography inspiration, part resource, and part online community. Set your bookmarks now!

What drew you to photography?

Although I always knew I would find a career in the arts, I never was sure of what medium I would use. In college I dabbled in just about everything before I stumbled onto photography. I was never fully satisfied with anything I created until I began to capture the world around me in photographs. It was finally like "Ah ha! This is it!"

Are you self taught or do you have formal training?

I took Photo 101 and then I took a Printmaking class wehre photographic processes were incorporated into etchings, silkscreens, monotypes, etc. Although I did ejoy the process of it all, what I loved most was teh immediate gratification I gained out of seeing something that I recognized as beautiful or interesting (usually a little of both) and capturing it on film, just as I saw it. I loved that immediacy. Photography gave me a way to translate my vision andd share it, like a visual language of sorts. It came very naturally to me. Those two classes were the only ones I took. Once I graduated I learned the rest of what I needed to know through a mentor and lots of trial and error.

How did you make the leap into doing it professionally?

I worked at a photo lab for a few months after graduation and I got hired by one of the photographers that used the lab. he was probably one of the most pivotal people in helping me discover and travel my path to photography. I immediately began shooting weddings with him and then he opened a dchildren's portrai studio and let me have at it. I learned as I went. It was total baptism by fire. It was incredibly stressful (becaues I really had NO idea what I was doing) but at the same time so invigorating. As I worked for the studio, I slowly built up my own little business on the side. My boss was very supportive that way and helped me along. Once I hadd my first child, I quit and was able to keep my own business afloat and continue to grow it while I was home with my daughter. It was ideal.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by everyday beauty. I'm captivated by light. I feel like everywehre i look I see something I would love to capturein a photograph. My children, a cup of coffee, a stack of books, shoes, a tree, the sky...there is really no end to the inspirations around us. Photography has helped me to see things in such a unique way. I am aware of subtlties and details around me all the time. I am overwhelmed by it. I mean that in a good way. I feel fortunate that my awareness has become heightened by an art form that I love so much. I feel like photogrsphy has given me that gift. It's something I also like to share with others whenever I can.

What other jobs have you had? (if any)

Waiting tables got me through college. I loved it too. I feel like that job helped me hone my multitasking skills and really taught me a lot about working with the public. I think eveyone should have to wait tables once in their life And then I owrked in a photo lab for a short while. It was good for me to get a look behind the scenes a bit (learn to use the machines, etc) plus sinc ethe lab catered to many professionals, I got to see some really good (and some really bad) photography.

What's your favorite part about being a photographer? Least favorite?

I love that I have had the opportunity to take photographs of important milestones for my family friends and clients in a way that manypoeple might not be able. Handig people portraits of thier children for instance is the most satisfying feeling I can think of. I know that once I capture a fleeting moment in time with my camera, that moment can be held onto forever and remembered for a lifetime. Being able to give the gift of beautiful photographs to people is my way of making a difference in their lives. And i love to inspire and empower others to take great photos of their own family too. When our memory fails, we always have our photographs so I know that what I do is important and sharing what I know with others is so gratifying.

I don't have a least favorite thing about it. It can be hard working with difficult clients or dealing with situations that aren't ideal perhaps but I have been lucky that way. Those types of issues have been too few to bother me.

How do you deal with creative blocks?

I'm not really sure I have any but I do know that getting a new piece of equipment can really light my creative fire. A new lens can change everything . And toys like a Lensbaby can bring something new to my work which I always welcome.

How do you define success?

Success is whatever you decide it is really. If fit's doing what you love that make you happy, then that's enough. Unfortunately money plays such an important role in how we live that our success meter is often based on moneary gains. I think everyone grapples with that. Being able to do something I am passionate about AND help pay the bills really makes it a pleasure for me. I feel successful as an artist because I love the images I create but I only began to feel successful as a "professional" when I began getting paid for my work.

Who is your favorite photographer and why?

I don't really study or follow other photographer's work. I tend to enjoy those photographers that capture real moments and bring to light undeniable beauty. I like to pop around blogs and Flickr sometimes and get crushes on different photographers. Maile is one of them! There are so many poeple creating so much beauty in the world. I am never lacking in inspiration.

Do you have a favorite lens? Why?

I love my compact macro Canon 50 2.5. I shoot almost everythign with it. It's fast ( I shoot in low light quite often and need to shoot wide open a lot) and I LOVE macro shots. It gives me the speed, versatility and convenience I need. It's small and easy to carry around and it was only like $250. For me, it's the perfect lens.

What do you do to get a great shot in bad lighting?

I look at my subjects and study the light on their faces; particularly their eyes. If their eyes are lit up (no dark circles like bad lighting can often create) then I know I'm OK. I find that by moving them (even just a little bit sometimes) can make a big difference. If I can tell the photos aren't looking good I don't hesitate to move my subjects to a bettere spot with more light. Even though it might feel funny to admit when something's not working I find my clients appreciate my honesty. If you try different angles, different directions, or locations, you're bound to find some lighting that will work.

Could you offer a photo tip?

Don't wait for teh perfect photo opportunity to shoot photos. Even in portraiture everything doesnt need to be posed. Begin with a loose and casual pose but then to try hooting moments of interaction. Have families talk and laugh together and shoot while they are interacting. I often call out funny directions like "group hug" or dog pile" to get my clients to laugh and enjoy themselves. I also encourage kids to act silly and let them get their energy out after I've made them sit for a while and I continue to shoot. i will follow the children around too (especially little ones), rather than direct them and the photos usually feel more natural that way. Above all if you are having fun your clients will too (whetheer they are posed or not) and that will translate into the final product--fantastic photos. The same goes when you are taking photos of your family. Just shoot off beat moments of your kids together. My favorite is inthe morning when my girls are in their jammies, bed head and all. The more real the moment is, the better the photos usually ar. And as a mother, those are the times that I cherish and want to hold on to.

Any new and exciting projects and ideas you have coming up?

I'm super excited about what's coming. I will soon be launching a new blog project called Shutter Sisters. There will be some really talented women who will be involved which makes it all the sweeter. I can't wait to get it up and running!