Tag Archives: photo of the day

Photo of the Day- “The Nomad”

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"The Nomad" - Tracey Capone Photography 2012

Anyone who knows my work knows that I love color. The beautiful, emerald green of the marquee over The Green Mill here in Chicago, the pop of red of the front of Chez Marie in Montmartre, or the pop of color that a tiny little bulb added to today’s photo of the day, “The Nomad.”

Also part of another recent photo of the day, “The Lineup,” this Sawyer Nomad caught my eye because of the beautiful reflection of the turquoise bulb against the aluminum of the flash.  I love how the neutral tones of the camera body are such a stark contrast to the flash and wanted to draw that out when photographing it.

I get a little crazed about vintage cameras don’t I? Don’t get me wrong, I love my Nikon but let’s face it, the body of today’s SLRs, while technologically captivating, are rather dull and boring. How can you not love a camera that can not only take a photo but add some amazing vintage charm to your home?

Enjoy!

*tracey*

Photo of the Day- “The Wait”

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"The Wait" - Tracey Capone Photography

There has been so much death and destruction in the media that I’ve actually taken to avoiding it lately. (The media that is, I realize avoiding Death is about as easy as avoiding taxes) I know it’s a fact of life, and, having lost my father and three of my grandparents, I know that no one is immune to it. That aside, there are so many happy things to celebrate, both in the world, and in my own little microcosm, and the impending birth of the first born child for two of my very good friends is one of them. (After watching the Grammy’s the other night, Adele being back and more awesome than ever is another ;) )

Today’s Photo of the Day, “The Wait” is one of several from a recent maternity shoot I did for them. I loved how the sleeve of tattoos, with the fiercely protective dragon, made it more of a beautiful abstract than a simple photograph. I’m so honored that these photographs will be hanging up in their home as a remembrance of this wonderful time.

There were several others from the day which can be seen here on my Facebook page.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

Quick Post- “Editing is Tiring Business”

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Today has been a rather busy day so far… delivering prints, getting orders together, working on an order for a local shop and editing photos from a maternity shoot this weekend. It’s enough to wear a kitten out… good thing he has me as back up!

Enjoy!

*tracey*

Photo of the Day- “Just Jack”

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Long time followers may remember the new addition, Jack. He was but a wee little kitten the last time I posted a photo of him but he’s quickly growing out of that “kittenness” and in to the adult phase (at some point I’m hoping his behavior will catch up to his maturing physical features :) ) I don’t have kids of my own but Jack and Charlie make for some great practice… You think shooting a screaming, running, jumping, squirmy 2 year old is difficult? Try a rambunctious cat :)   I have a portrait session today and I am very much looking forward to a cooperative subject!

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Photo(s) of the Day- Have Your Camera at the Ready

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Tracey Capone Photography 2012

I get asked all the time whether I carry a camera with me everywhere and, for the most part, the answer to that question is yes. To take that one step further, when I have my camera with me, it’s always accessible and ready to go at a moments notice because I’ve found that some of the best shots are those which are not planned for and therefore least expected.

At the risk of having a “tourist” sign taped to my back, if I am on a trip, the camera rarely gets put away because you just never know what you’re going to happen upon. Whether it be street performers in Montemartre (above) or this squirrel deciding to hang upside down in St. James Park in London while eating his lunch, the possibilities are endless while traveling.

Are you new to the world of photography? In past posts I’ve talked about taking your camera out and practicing as much as possible (remember, it’s playing with light, you can’t break anything) and the same holds here. Practice grabbing your camera and shooting a “spontaneous scene.” So it might end up being a picture of your dog yawning, and sure it might look a bit odd whipping your camera out at a moments notice when your neighbor goes out to get the paper…no big deal. The point is getting the practice in with the camera for those times when you don’t want to miss the shot simply because you don’t understand your camera as much as you should.

You never know where you’re going to find a perfect subject, this leaf, with a single ray of sunlight peeking through the trees and hitting it perfectly, was only about a mile from my apartment. Some of my regular readers might also remember my post with the lounging chipmunk. How often do you come across a chipmunk sleeping in a tree?  It’s about keeping your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.

Enjoy!

*tracey*

Photo of the Day- “Waiting”…. Taking the Camera, and Life, Off Automatic and Throwing it in Manual

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"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*

Photo of the Day- An Exercise in Minimalism- “Spruced Up”

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"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*

Photo(s) of the Day- A Little Hipstamatic Action at the Galleria

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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*

Photo of the Day- “Another View of Metropolis”

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"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.

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Photo of the Day- Le Maestro

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"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*