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

"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 of the Day- “In to the Deep”

"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*

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of the Day- “Betty Sue and Her Suitors”

"Betty Sue and Her Suitors" - Tracey Capone Photography

Betty Sue knows what she wants; a guy who has experienced the open road, one who has held up through the years and sure, has a few dings and scratches but they just tell the tales of all the places he’s been. Problem is, Betty Sue has several to choose from. Does she go with Billy Jack? Carrington? [Hot] Rodney? What about that mysterious indigo blue stranger who’s name she doesn’t know but she knows he’s dangerous. So many to choose from, so little time. I know where they can go on their first date

While Betty Sue is choosing she and her suitors are hanging out on some finished wood blocks, stained up in a gorgeous medium brown that compliments Betty Sues beautiful teal blue… well, not eyes but body??

Enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend!

*tracey*

Photo of the Day- “The Pony Solider”

"The Pony Solider" - Tracey Capone Photography

Found along Route 66 in New Mexico, today’s Photo of the Day, “The Pony Soldier” was an unexpected, but an equally delightful find. The perfect mix of retro colors, the fun typography and the actual mention of Route 66 make this quintessential motel sign one of my favorites from the Route 66 road trip.

Enjoy!

*tracey*