"Waiting" - Tracey Capone Photography

When asked what my one piece of advice for new SLR photographers is, I always say the same thing. Take the camera off it’s automatic settings, put it in Manual and play around. You’re only playing with light… you can’t break anything. To me, it’s the best way to learn the camera, learn how to manipulate the light, basically learn photography overall.

I have the same piece of advice when asked how to get the best photographs when traveling. Sure, I pull together an agenda of places I know I want to see ahead of time. I do it because, typically, I’m seeing multiple cities or countries in one trip and want to make certain I can get key places in. That said though, my best piece of advice when traveling is, take at least one day where you put away the map, put away the agenda and just take a walk.

I have come across some of my favorite pictures simply by getting out and walking without a plan, without an agenda, without a map. (or, have a map and don’t be afraid to get a little lost ) A former photo of the day, “Bicyclette” would be one of them. Another, today’s Photo of the Day, “Waiting,” is this photograph I shot of a beautiful Cocker Spaniel outside of a dry cleaners in Paris, just down the road from the Orsay.

I loved how he was just sitting at the door, patiently waiting for his mom or dad to come out of the shop. He didn’t bark, he didn’t whine, he just watched people walk by and, thankfully, took a few minutes to pose for the paparazzi.

Had I not been walking without a purpose, had I been sticking to my agenda, I never would have come across him and ended up with another one of my favorite shots from my last trip to Paris. In April, I head off to take a road trip from Northern England through Scotland and Ireland. Sure, I’ll have a basic plan, knowing I need to be in Shannon by a certain day to make my flight back to Chicago but I cannot wait to take a few trips off the beaten path just to see what I come across.

Sometimes, you just have to take life off automatic, throw it in manual and just see what happens.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

"Spruced Up" - Tracey Capone Photography

I’ve been spending the last few days working on reorganizing my studio/office. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time and, now that I no longer have to share space with stuff from the old job, I have the opportunity to really make the space in to something both functional and inspiring.

That said, while I wouldn’t call myself a pack rat, I am notorious for saving things here and there; bits and pieces, if you will, that I think I am going to need at some point. A broken lens that I swear I am going to have fixed; a multitude of books that I am certain I am going to re-read even though, in many cases, I wasn’t even that thrilled with the book the first time and, nevermind I have the Kindle; multiple blank notebooks because I never seem to have gotten over my love of school supplies and I’m constantly buying blank notebooks whenever I’m at Target.

You know what’s a fantastic cure for that? Watching Hoarders. Seriously, five minutes of that show and I’m in the studio, black garbage bags at the ready, sorting through what gets donated, what gets pitched and what stays. I’m not one for “knick knacks” (although the Al Capone bobblehead will forever be a part of my space), and, ultimately, the space isn’t at all messy, it’s actually rather tidy. It’s just not as organized as it could be and, in the end, I want my space to be as efficient and effective as possible while still inspiring me to create.

I thought I would make today’s Photo of the Day one that truly represents the minimalist spirit. “Spruced Up” was taken during the tour along Route 66. I don’t know what struck me the most when I took this: the fun, retro colors of the sign or the fact that this very simple, rectangular sign was surrounded by an expanse of afternoon sky. It’s not an ornate photograph; it didn’t take much of anything in the way of technique, but I think that simplicity is what I love most about it. It’s beauty is in it’s lack of complexity.

Once the Great Organization Project of 2012 is complete, I will be sure to do a post about the studio space and provide some great resources for getting organized no matter how big or small the space is. If you have a project of your own going, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and please feel free to share some of your own organization tips and resources in comments!

Enjoy!

*tracey*

New Galleria Space- Tracey Capone Photography

So very excited to have spent yesterday afternoon moving in to the new, bigger, space at the Andersonville Galleria. I have loved the last few months in the old space but am so looking forward to being able to share even more of my work.

Today’s Photo(s) of the Day were a couple of Hipstamatic shots taken last night. I still have some finishing touches I have to put on the space… info tags, more smaller pieces (people seem to really be digging the 4×4 and 5×5 photo blocks!) and some other final touches.

Tracey Capone Photography @ The Andersonville Galleria

If you’re in the Chicago area, take a trip up to Andersonville to check out the 90+ independent merchants at the Galleria offering some of the most amazing finds. While you’re there, swing on up to the second floor and visit Tracey Capone Photography. Sign the guest book, drop me a note, I love to hear from folks!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Enjoy!

*tracey*

"Another View of Metropolis" - Tracey Capone Photography

A hearty Happy New Year to all of you! I hope your holidays were full of fun, family, friends and, of course, awesome food. I took a week or so off from the blog but it was time well spent, I promise.

Those of you who have been following the blog know that I recently gave notice and ended my 15 year career with the company I have been with since college in order to pursue my photography full time. While it’s going to take a few weeks to realize that I’m not just on vacation, I really never have to go back [insert ridiculous jig here], I can honestly say that I am excited, and extremely thankful, that I have this opportunity.

The past few days, since my last day of work, have been filled with planning, organizing and, thankfully, fulfilling orders but also getting out with the camera. This is one of the things I am truly looking forward to. Having the time, and energy, to get out with the camera and see more of my beautiful city as well as other places both near and far. At least a few times a week, I plan to either hop on the CTA and just hop off at various places in the city or hop in the car and go for road trips. I’m also in the process of planning a trip to two amazing countries, one of which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting previously and another that I am very much looking forward to seeing for the first time. (more details to come!)

All that said, given my love of Chicago, I thought it only fitting that my first Photo of the Day for 2012 be of just that, my favorite city in the world. I’ve been a lot of different places, let’s face it, those of you who have followed me know that I’ve lived in a lot of different places. Chicago has, and always will be, my favorite place to call home. Blizzards and sub zero temperatures be damned, everything else about this city makes up for the frozen eyeballs while waiting for the bus.

Today’s Photo of the Day, “Another View of Metropolis” was taken from the Museum Campus just off the Lake. The campus, which houses the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquariaum is also just a stone’s throw from our beloved Solider Field. (if you’ve ever been to the city and driven past what looks like a Greek coliseum with a giant spaceship on top, well, that would be Solider Field.)

I wanted a different take on the city; a different point of view from the original, “Floating Outside Metropolis.” We are lucky to have some of the most amazing architecture in Chicago (giant spaceship on top of a Greek coliseum aside… sorry, I liked the original version) and, combined as one, fluid landscape shot it makes the most amazing abstract.

If you haven’t been to Chicago and ever have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend both the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour that takes you out on to Lake Michigan and stopping by the Museum Campus. The views alone will make it worth it.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

"Le Maestro"- Tracey Capone Photography

I knew nothing of the real life of a musician, but I seemed to see myself standing in front of great crowds of people, playing my accordion. – Lawrence Welk

Today’s Photo of the Day, “Le Maestro” is, to me, quintessential Paris with it’s artisans painting and sketching along the Seine, the scent of freshly baked baguettes wafting from the local boulangerie and the sound of music making it’s way through the crowds of people, providing a soundtrack for your visit.

I came across this accordion player outside of Notre Dame Cathedral and I couldn’t help but stand and watch for a while. His music was so spirited, so cheerful, despite the cold and dreary day.  Set along the backdrop of the Seine and an arch of very typical Parisian architecture, this was, for me, the Paris you always remember.

The next few days are going to be filled with holiday travel and family time so I will be taking the rest of the week off from the blog. However, I am looking forward to coming back next week and sharing some new pieces, tutorials and other assorted goodies.

Wishing everyone who is celebrating this time a year a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Enjoy!

*tracey*

"The Camera Love Series" Wood Photo Blocks- Tracey Capone Photography

Last week, at the One of a Kind Show and Sale, I had this wood photo block set, “The Camera Love Series,” hanging up as one of my featured items. I couldn’t believe the response it got and loved hearing the comments both directed to me and those overheard.

People from all walks of life, not just photographers, commented about how they, “remember [their] grandmother had a camera just like that” or, “[their] dad taught them how to shoot on that Instamatic”  The photos brought back memories for them that reminded me just how important photography is.

As a photographer, first and foremost, I consider it to be my job to help record and preserve history. Whether it’s photographing all of the amazing neon signs and marquees here in Chicago (and elsewhere) before they’re gone, shooting all of the wonderful, mid-century motels along Route 66, or even capturing the beautiful smile of a five year old before she grows up and has kids of her own, I have a part in preserving a piece of history for future generations and that inspires me to do even more.

My vintage camera collection is ever growing. (I would like to pause for a moment to thank my mother for snatching up an old Ansco for me, the latest in the collection, soon to be photographed) To hear that my photographs of the vintage cameras, or those from my trips to France, Italy, or of something as simple as the marquee over the Green Mill Lounge, transported people back to a happy time in their life, inspired me tremendously. As my collection grows, I will continue adding to the Camera Love Series and I hope that it continues to help bring back fond memories for many others whose paths I cross.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

"The Uptown" - Tracey Capone Photography

Today’s Photo of the Day, “The Uptown,” holds a special place in my heart…

When I first moved to Chicago back in 1999, I had only been to the city a handful of times, mostly for business, and never had the opportunity to get out and explore too much beyond the downtown area. So, when looking for my first apartment here, while I had advice from co-workers already living here, I was flying a bit blind.

Back then, the common advice was, “Don’t move above 5000N” (funny how things change as now, back in Chicago, I’m living well north of that) This was Uptown, pre-Starbucks, pre-Borders (ok well now it’s post-Borders but, at the time, Borders moving in was huge), pre-”a whole lot of things that made Uptown what it is today.” Upon receiving the advice not to move above 5000N, I promptly chose an apartment right at 5000N, on Argyle. Uptown was going to be my new home.

For those who know Argyle, especially the stretch along Sheridan, you know that my trip to the Red Line took me past headless ducks hanging in the windows of the local markets, the now boarded up and abandoned halfway house that used to be on the corner of Sheridan and Argyle and any number of interesting individuals who, as far as I was concerned, made life all that much more interesting. (I would like to take a moment to pay homage to the character I like to call “Karaoke Man” who, dressed like James Brown, used to serenade people with a fake microphone and a red guitar) I was a city girl now and, despite the occasional gun shot, reported mugging and somehow getting stuck in the middle of a police raid coming out of the Red Line terminal, I loved it.

The Uptown Theatre, located at Broadway and Lawrence, was constructed in 1925 and is the largest in Chicago. (Fun fact- It’s also said to have larger interior space than Radio City Music Hall) While it is no longer being used, it has been the site for a number of location shots for movies including one of my all-time favorites “Backdraft.”

Unfortunately, time, the elements, vandalism and an unfortunate situation with a pipe bursting has taken it’s toll on this Uptown gem which is flanked by some other popular landmarks, The Green Mill and The Aragon. Many are working towards the restoration of this wonderful space and I, for one, hope that I get to see the day when it can once again be used.I wanted my shot to capture the beauty of the crimson marquee and I hope that I accomplished that here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy!

*tracey*

As most of you know, this was my first show ever. One might say that picking the OOAK Show as your very first show is mildly insane and one might be right. To say I was stressed beyond belief in the weeks leading up to it and just about all four days… not an exaggeration. Sales aside, which were wonderful, phenomenal, outstanding… what I walked away from the show with is a renewed sense of what I want to do, who I want to be and what I need to do.

I got to hear, first hand, people’s responses to my work. I got to see their faces when they looked at the pieces on the wall and see just how it affected them. This isn’t something I can see selling online or even at my Galleria space. I had a woman come up to me and tell me that my work makes her happy, it makes her smile and I can’t begin to explain the impact that had on me.

I have worked for the same company since I was 23. Fifteen years, in various roles, a steady and very good income, health benefits, you name it. The trade off? The kind of stress that knocks you for a loop and makes you want to curl up under the covers and shut out the world. What sort of life is it if everything you enjoy: family, friends, the holidays and, in my case, my craft, is negatively affected? No amount of money or security makes up for that. So, today I gave my notice and December 30th will be my last day with the security blanket that I have carried around for 15 years. Sure, there may be times when I have to eat Ramen noodles and PB&J for breakfast, lunch and dinner (ok that was an exaggeration… thankfully I was given the ability to cook and cook well so I think I can forgo the Ramen noodles… I will never forgo the PB&J though… yum)

The OOAK Show was the air I needed to realize that the job may have been providing income but, ultimately, it was holding me back. I never pushed myself 100% because I knew I had the steady paycheck to fall back on. Over the last four days, I stepped away, stepped outside, breathed deeply and realized, this is who I want to be, this is what I want to do. January 1st will not just be the beginning of the new year, it will be the beginning of a new life for me. One where I am on my own and don’t have the safety net to fall back on.

I’m scared, I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m relieved, I’m hopeful, I’m energized. I am 38. It took me about 35 years to finally figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up and it took me four days at the OOAK Show to finally decide to pursue it full force.

My point in sharing all this is, sometimes you have to find that one thing that forces you to get up from your desk, step outside, take in a breath of air and decide who you are and what you want to be. If it means taking a new path, it’s never too late to go for it.

*tracey*

Camera Love No. 2- Tracey Capone Photography

To those who celebrated Thanksgiving last week, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. If you braved the stores on Friday, I hope you found many a deal and are ready to find more today, Cyber Monday. (we have a lot of made up holidays surrounding shopping in this country don’t we??)

I myself spent Thanksgiving working on wood photo blocks for the OOAK Show & Sale Chicago coming up this Thursday. My apartment is currently filled with a couple hundred blocks of all sizes, prints and other assorted goodies all ready to be packed up and moved in to the Merchandise Mart for the show Thursday through Sunday.

It was this craziness that has made me a very bad blogger the last week or so and I apologize December may be a bit light on the “Photos of the Day” but I will do my best to post as much as possible. I also have a few tutorials that I’ve been pulling together and putting the final touches on so all you Photoshop geeks (my people) be ready.

Today’s Photo of the Day, “Camera Love No. 2″ is one of my favorites in the Camera Loves series. I love vintage cameras and proudly display my own collection in my studio. That said, I wanted to bring that love of vintage cameras to others and did so in the form of the Camera Love Series.It can be found here in print format and here in block format, you like?

I am happy to say that “Camera Love No. 2″ was included in a fantastic grouping on Etsy Love in Maeve Magazine found here. Aren’t the pops of red so much fun? The whole page has that fun vintage feel that I love.

I hope everyone has a fantastic week! I will be posting about the show from set up to finish here and on my Facebook page so be sure to check it out. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, and venture out to the show, please stop by and say HELLO! I’ll be in the Etsy Pavilion, booth 26.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

The Camera Love Series Wood Photo Block Set

"In to the Deep"- Tracey Capone Photography

It’s getting colder and colder each day here in Chicago. Yesterday the high only reached about 45 and most of the day looked gray and on the cusp of wintery weather. Those of you who have followed my blog long enough know that I absolutely love cold weather, love snow and Autumn is my favorite season. (not solely for all the beautiful foliage to shoot either… I get to wear my sweaters)

That said, knowing that they have predicted the worst winter in years here in the Windy City, I am preparing myself. On a day when the temps drop well below zero and the second you walk outside your eyeballs freeze over and your nose starts forming icicles, I am ready to look at photographs like today’s Photo of the Day, “In to the Deep.” Taken just off the Santa Monica Pier, photographs like this one bring me back to the warm temperatures of sunny California, walking in the sand barefoot, heading down to the water to dip my toes in the Pacific. Given Lake Michigan will be a sea of large iceberg-like formations in the coming months, that image simply warms me from the inside out.

Enjoy!

*tracey*