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!

Cristy Cross from Clovis, New Mexico. She rocks. I love her pinkness. And I have to say the line about Cris-Cross will make you jump, jump had me laughing out loud! Check out her work people. You will like it. :0)

Also congratulations on being pregnant Cristy!   :0)

Cristy Cross Photography

Cristy's blog

1. What drew you to photography?

I loved taking landscape pictures and in high school my senior year my parents bought me a canon rebel. It was my first real camera, and I thought I was so cool. My friends and I would take random portrait and abstract pictures, which if I were to look at those today, I'd be so embarrassed. Buty hey, you've got to start somewhere I guess. I loved being behind the camera and in front of it. I loved the idea of creating a pictures and it being something that I created. I continued with this love in college and took photography classes and graduated with a degree in photography. My roommates were my subjects and again, those pictures are horrible, but hey, I was learning. If you were my friend or family member, you were a part of my assignments for class.

2. Are you self taught or do you have formal training?

I went to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and received my degree in Photo communications which is basically photography and my minor in find art photography. I learned all my basics there. For example, I learned what an f-stop was and that it is the same as your aperture. (Who knew) I learned about my shutter and the curtains that were behind the lens. It was all so cool and very intriguing to me. My first professor was very hard on us, because he wanted us to be successful. And I think that is when I learned the most for my basic camera skills. I got to experiement with large format cameras too, like the 4x5 camera. It's the one where you have to wear a black cloth over your head to see the picture. Now that was a cool class! Yes, I learned so much in college about photography, but where I gook off and really found my true calling was when I went to a school called Texas School of Professional Photographers (TSPP). I met some awesome people there and learned so much about marketing and having a business and most of all, I learned what my style was. I bought a digital camera there, Canon 5D, and I've been going ever since. And that was just a year and a half ago. I would highly suggest to take seminars and go to photo conferences. You will meet so many other photographers who are willing to give you tips and tricks here and there and too you will learn mor about what YOU want to do as a photographer.

3. How did you make the leap from hobby to career? What did you do to start?

I worked as a photographer's assistant for a year, and it was in a studio setting. Something I'm not used to and it isn't the environment I like to work in. I saw how a photo business runs and what it's like to work with clients. Honestly, after working for this studio I didn't want to do anything else with photography. I think I was burned by the way they did business, and the way I was treated from time to time, and the fact that it wasn't the style of photography I wanted for myself. After working for them I never wanted to have a business of my own. It terrified me to run a business. I was a photographer, an artistic person. Not a business girl. But thankfully, God had a different plan for me. My mom always says that if you have a talent you need to use it for the glory of God. And well, that is what I'm trying to do now. Also if it weren't for my parents I wouldn't have gone to TSPP. They suggested it and paid for the trip. I wouldn't have been able to do that on my own. And so, after I talked my husband and my parents into letting me get this new awesome 5D camera, I came home and started planning. I couldn't do this without my husband, Ben. He is the business man and he fills me on the the business rules. I don't understand it sometimes or I may want to do it my way because I put my emotions behind the business and I'm realizing that you have to separte the two. My first thing to do to get my business started was to get a name for the buesiness. And well that was easy. I love my name and I couldn't let it go to waste. Cristy Cross Photography. My husband really loves my name because he likes to joke around and tell me Cris Cross will make ya jump, jump." Now if you weren't raised in the 90s then you probably just think "what?" But I mean who doesn't know that cool song. Anyways, I then started looking for web designers. I chose to go with a web designer that didn't cost too much. I wasn't sure how long this photo business would last and I didn't want to pay a bunch of money and only last 5 months. Thankfully, I've almost been in businesss for 2 years. It has been one full year with the website and the websites was the best thing to do. I also started a blog, and that was my website for a while until I had my official one up. Website advice: know someone that can help you. It can get a little stressful sometimes, but it will all work out. Then I also took pictures of a few friends for free to get pics on my site. I researched what I wanted to charge for prices, what I wanted to offer and then I started charging people. When I first told people the session fee was $55, I was so nervous becauses I thought they would think that was too much. But people kept coming and it was so cool. I have gone up since then and again was nervous, but if you give peole something cool and different and you have good people skills, you have nothing to worry about. Don't charge a high price because everyone else is. Charge what you feel comfortable charging, and what seems to be your market (a business tip). Then when you feel like it's time, raise prices, but raise them for a reason. I raised my prices for example because I was getting too many sessions and not enough time for my personal life. And then, some people would pay for the session and never order pictures. So I had to raise my prices so I would still make money, and have time for family. And the clients that are coimng to me now, are clients who are guaranteed to buy pictures after the session.

4. What inspires you?

Photography related-People who try different techniques, peple who are my age and are striving in the business. (www.theimageisfound.com, www.boutwellstudio.com) These are two sets of photographers that are my age and have been doing this for a while and I mean wow! They are awesome! Not photography related-my best friend's dad, who sacrificed his life for the well being of others. He was someone who was so selfless,, and humble. Got to respect someone like that!

5. What other jobs have you had?

I've mowed lawns with my brother, I was a kindergarten teacher, worked in two photography studios, and I worked at a Christmas store that was open all year around. I love Christmas, but that was a little too much for me.

6. What's your favorite part about being a photographer? least favorite?

I love taking pictures, and being creative in photoshop and trying new techniques. Least favorite, editing through all the pictures. It takes so long. I've barely been out all summer, so needless to say I have no tan!

7. How do you deal with creative blocks?

I research and keep looking for new ideas and waht best fits my business and style. I will sometimes try something and if it doesn't work, then I won't do it again, or I'll try it again from a different angle. I love to look at magazines. Before every session I have, I always research new pictures. I look at other photographers websites or blogs and I have a binder full of magaine pages that I've torn out for pose ideas. That way I stay fresh with my work, hopefully.

8. How do you define success?

Well, are you happy? Then I would say you are successful.

9. Who would you choose to do portraits of you?

Well, this is actually a question I've been trying to think of for a while. I'm 13 weeks pregnant and I want someone to take my pictures. I have a few that I'd want, but I don't have it narrowed down. Chenin Boutwell, my lovely friend Lauren Clark, another sweet friend Davina Fear, and then Jennifer Bebb. I really don't know. They are all so wonderfully talented! I did just look at "Mrs. Relish" and saw some awesome maternity shots too, so now Maile is on the list too.

10. Do you have a favorite lens? I love shooting my new 100mm 2.8. But I also love shooting wide angle shots and I don't ahve a true wide angle lens. So that is on my wish list right now. Along with another computer, to minimize work load, and a new website.

11. What do you do to get a great shot in bad lighting? I love playing with all kinds of lighting. I do'nt know what you would consider bad lighting, but if you have realy dim lighting, get your tripod out and play around with slow shutter speeds. If you are taking pics in the bright sun, use backlighting and get some lens flares. Don't be afraid of your lighting. Just experiment!

www.relishportraitstudio.com

www.dailyrelish.squarespace.com

These girls are awesome! They turn everything into magic. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out here. 

www.whiteboxweddings.com. Also, you guys totally hit the motherload of cool photographer links below. Thanks Sara!

Next week will be Part Two of the Whitebox Weddings Rockstar Team, Melanie Litchfield. WOO!!

What drew you to photography?

Are you self taught or do you have formal training?

How did you make the leap into making photography a career What did you do to start?

How did you and Melanie meet?

Melanie and I met in photo school then we shared a studio space for about a year.  We always wound up assisting each other on jobs and decided that it was more fun to work together!

What inspires you?

What other jobs have you had? (if any)

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

How do you deal with creative blocks?

How do you define success?

Who is your favorite photographer and why?

Do you have a favorite lens?

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

I'm beginning to LOVE this day of the week! We have SHYLA DALIRIFAR today people! She's an amazing photographer out of Southern California. Her work has a very distinctive, fashion feel. More importantly, her photography is filled with emotion. Whether it's a bride, or a child, Shlya obviously has a talent for taking the moments of her subjects lives, and composing them beautifully. As you will see, she has also had the privilege of studying with some of the best photographers in the WORLD. Yes, I do mean IN THE WHOLE WORLD.

What drew you to photography?

As an only child for 12 years, I was the subject of my mother's love for photography and was always in front of the camera for her snapping pleausre. Thus since I've always been an artist dabbling in drawing, painting and sculpting etc, photogaphy simply offered another medium to use with my palette. So what began as my mothers's hobby has since led to my career. :)

Are you self taught or do you have formal training?

Aside from a few B&W classes in school I was not trained in a formal institution. I have however, been trained 'formally' by the best in the biz. Photographers like Mike Colon (www.mikecolon.com), David Jay (www.davidjay.com) and Jessica Claire (www.jcsphoto.com), all poured into me in the early stages which has ultimately been far more valuable than anything I could have learned in a classroom or darkroom. Hands-on experience through thier guidance is by far the best training I could ask for.

How did you make the leap from amateur to professional?

Oddly enough, I still consider myself and amateur (a Pad-wan learner, if you will). According to Webster's Dictionay, 'amateur' means learner, and I am constantly learning. There is always more to learn and that in my opinion, is what keeps it exciting! Without a desire to learn you stifle yourself from evolving or becoming more skilled at your craft. Perhaps the better answer would be to exlain the point when I decied to make it a career vs. a hobby. Being stubborn has proved beneficial in this aspect becasue hearing labels such as..."You can never make money in photography" and "it could never be more than a hobby if you want to be successful in life" fueled the spark which eventually led to the fire of passion I have for this craft.That in and of itself was enough to push me over the edge and go wholeheartedly after my dreams...

What did you do to start?

I began through interning and placing myself under the mentorship of people I respect and admire. Through their generous investments of time and wisdom I gleaned the skills needed to branch out on my own. The next step was building a client base one by one and enabling them to evangelize you...which then brings in more business. I also invested in books. Solid reading material that shed light on the areas I had no prior experience in (such as business:)) 

What inspires you?

I am inspired by Creative People...Individuals who have a passion and zest for life...and those who give their lives to something greater than themselves.

What other jobs have you had?

Oh goodness...I have been a bank teller, a Children's Pastor, Fine Arts Coordinator for a local college, Nanny, and even Interior Designer.

What's your favorite part about being a photographer?

My favorite part is waking up each day knowing I get to live my dreams of doing what I love.

Least favorite?

The amount of time I have to spend at the computer instead of enjoying Southern California sunshine!

How do you deal with creative blocks?

I try to avoid creative blocks by not allowing them! Always have a backup plan. For me, this involves studying magazines or other photographer's work and taking notes! Not just mental notes, but PHYSICAL notes. I have a small notebook I keep with drawings of ideas or magazine clippings that I whip out when it seems my creative juices have been tapped.

How do you define success?

Success is living your life to it's fullest potential and never settleing for anything less. Success isn't measured in accomplishments, awards, or accolades...but in impact and legacies. To me, success is making a mark with your life that will span to the next generation and beyond. I belive it is a journey vs. a destination.

Who is your favorite photographer and why?

My 'favorites' list is constantly evolving and I could never choose just one, but ONE of my favoritesis John Micheal Cooper of altF photography. (www.altf.com) He takes photography to the next level with his outrageous style and personality. Constantly living on the edge and never settling for mediocrity, JMC offers his art as an experience. His approach forces you to abandon preconceived ideas and embrace the freedom of creativity...which, to me, is truly inspiring!

Do you have a favorite lens?

I LOVE my 50mm. I really enjoy the intimacy delivered by a prime lens such as the 50.

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

I have a habit of always shooting wide open so beyond that, my advice is to stop TRYING and just shoot. A great shot doesn't hae to be perfectly exposed or precisely in focus. I try to embrace the situation and convince myself that a textbook perfect image isn't what always stets you apart from the crowd. Challenge yourself to create an image with what you are given rather than simply accepting what is handed to you.

If you want to see her work, go here. And find out more about her recent adventures, here. And check back tomorrow for a Shyla's Photo Tip!

Thanks Shyla!

Relish Portrait Studio

My Other Blog

I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but I did. Here you have it people. An interview from THEE AMAZING KAL BARTESKI. If you're not familiar with her work, you can find her design here, her blog here, and fall in love here.

1. What has been the biggest influence on your art?
Two things. First, my family has always been incredibly supportive - helping me since I was 12 years old by talking positively about my work and sharing their pride with others. That's such a powerful network. They helped me to setup a little mini painting-space in our family room, had plenty of opinions about the work, and never pushed me to get a 'regular' job. Basically, they influenced my art by nurturing and adding to my positive attitude. That's big. Second, I was part of a big painting project for our city a few years ago and I was nervous as heck. There were 40 artists working together in the same room. These were real artists with galleries and books and names for themselves. I was feeling very self-conscious and very unworthy of being in their company. If they asked me what I did - I said I was a graphic designer that painted on the side... I didn't feel like I measured up. One day, I could feel someone watching me work. When I turned around it was a very old man. It was a very old famous Canadian painter and he looking at my work and quietly put his hand on my fist closed tightly around my nervous brush and said, "You are a painter." That was a life changing moment for me.

2. Are you self taught or do you have formal art training?
A little of both. I had the privilege of taking private art lessons from international wildlife artist Gail Adams from the time I was ten until I was seventeen. I had a gift for drawing - and I was lucky enough to have a mom that recognized my passion. Gail worked with me on improving my sights and dry media and in turn I taught myself how to paint. After that - I went to couple of different colleges for design and art history.

3. How did you make the leap into doing it professionally? What did you do to start?
I started doing commissioned drawings and paintings the year I turned twelve. There wasn't much of a leap - someone would ask me to paint their portrait and I would. Someone would ask if they could buy one of my pastel or chalk works and I would sell it. Word traveled and I painted. I learned that there was an exchange to be had.

4. What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Colours inspire me. Stories inspire me. I am inspired by the communication of a feeling or moment.

5. What other jobs have you had?
I worked as a fitness instructor and personal trainer through college.

6. What's your favourite part about being an artist? Least favourite?
My favourite part of being an artist is creating things. I love being submersed in the moment when you are painting or drawing or writing or creating and I love coming out the other side and seeing what's been created. I really, really love it when someone looks at a painting and is moved... What's my least favourite? Pricing artwork, promoting myself, turning people down when I can't accommodate their job or time frame...

7. How do you deal with creative blocks?
There's usually a reason for creative block... I try to listen to what's stalling me out and tackle that first. Sometimes creative block means it's just not the right project and that's okay. Sometimes I can kick creative block in the ass with little bit of adrenaline - a tighter deadline. There's always a way around it, through it, or over it - just keep going.

8. How do you define success?
Tough question... success is different for everyone, but to me - it's waking up jazzed about what's on your to-do list that day... I feel successful/blessed/grateful because I created a life - a home, a career, a purpose - doing what I love and that works for me.

9. Who is your favourite artist? Why?
I have too many favourites. I couldn't narrow it down to less than 10. I love the artists that live in their own style. Rodin. Basquiat. Rothko. Kilmt. So many more.

10. Do you have a favourite piece? Why?
I have a different favourite everyday.

11. Could you offer a tip...
Make the decision to make it happen. Be flexible. Follow the life you set out to lead

*Check back next Thursday for another amazing Rockstar Interview RIGHT HERE!

Another post, I'm cooking with gasoline!

I hope to make Fridays about photo tips. And since it's Friday, well, that's where I'll start. I think I'll answer Kelly's questions from the previous post since she was nice enough to leave a comment on a brand new blog and all.  You asked about a good time of day to shoot. Traditionally photographers have agreed that mornings and afternoons are good. Sunsets are SWEET.  BUT, you can't always get it. I rarely ever shoot in "ideal" light, actually. The trick is LOOK FOR SHADE because you don't want funky shadows and highlights across faces. And the biggest trick I can give you for using your point and shoot is to look at your environment like it was a studio backdrop. Just like you wouldn't want a billion props in the picture with you, you don't want a million distractions in your photograph. Keep it SIMPLE. A great trick for doing that when there is lots of junk in the trunk...sorry, i just wanted to say that...is to USE THE SKY AS YOUR BACKDROP. Get LOW. You will feel stupid because people will stare and you will be amazed at the difference too. I would post pictures to show examples, but I haven't figured out how to upload them yet.  

OK. YAY. We're making progress.

Any other questions or comments would be greatly appreciated in this tiny bud of a brand new blog.