Tag Archives: photography

Photo of the Day- “Just Jack”

Posted on
2

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!

Image

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

Posted on
4

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

Posted on
14

"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”

Posted on
4

"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

Posted on
2

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”

Posted on
12

"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.

Continue reading →

Photo of the Day- Le Maestro

Posted on
2

"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*

Photo(s) of the Day- The Camera Love Series

Posted on
Reply

"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*

Photo of the Day- “The Uptown”

Posted on
5

"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.

Continue reading →

Ramen Noodles and PB&J

Posted on
8

I admit, I am not totally certain where that quote is from and who said it but, the second I read it, I identified with it. That is especially true after the last four days at the One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago. To say I had the most amazing, most cathartic, experience is putting it mildly. Sure, some might think that’s a wee bit dramatic but I promise you, it isn’t an exaggeration.

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*