tracydeephotography.com

Uncle!

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:17:59 +0000

Since the day I decided to start my photography business I have been completely consumed with all aspects of it. The equipment, learning the programs needed to edit, marketing pieces, my website, branding and on and on. There is so so much to learn! The one topic area that has baffled me the most is creating a brand, and my web presence, and what exactly did I want to specialize in?
It seems that everyone in the industry who is “someone” is a wedding photographer. Do I try to persue that market? Babies are fun and I could do that while the kids are in school….I should do that! I love love love Senior high girls. They are so into fashion and so willing to “work it” in front of the camera!
Nothing has tugged at my heart though as much as shooting families. One in particular. The Asams. It was my first year of business and they were one of the first families I had ever done. They were a referral from another client. I was kinda surprised that we hadnt met before because we had kids the same age, they lived in the same general area and they had a son that played soccer in the same league as my son. I had my pre consultation with Shannon at their new house. We carefully planned out where she would hang her canvases after the shoot, measuring walls deciding on size etc.
Durring our session I dont think I have laughed that hard while shooting ever. Mike (the dad), couldnt be serious if he had to!
The love for each other was so evident. So beautiful.
Fast forward several months… While sitting in church our pastor announced at the end of the service at one of our church families was involved in a firey crash killing 3 member of the family. Pastor went on to say it was the Asam family. I had no idea that we went to the same church. Mike, Shannon and their oldest son were killed. The two youngest children survived. My heart sank, my mouth dropped wide open and the tears began to flow from the entire congregation. How could that happen? I had just done their session?
I knew their families would want the images from the session but had no idea how to get the images to them. I called my friend Kristy who had sent them as a referral and she came to my house. I knew that these images were no longer “mine” and that they now had to be given to whomever wanted them. Kristy would get them to the family. I must have burned 50 CD’s of their session.
They used every image I took at their service.
I realized God had used me that day. He used me in such a special way. I dont know exactly why me. I have my ideas, but thats all they are. Ideas. I know I have craved being a part of a family like that for 35 years until I had a family of my own. I know that there is nothing more precious and beautiful than the relationships that are found in family.
So why the heart wrenching story? It seems I had to go back, to go forward. I quickly forgot about being used by God in the early stage of my business and have since tried to make decissions about all the aspect that I described in the beginning of this post all on my own. No wonder I have gone in circles in my mind trying to figure things out! I never gave Him a chance with my business, to lead me, to guide in any direction whatsoever. That no longer holds true. Making some changes….and excited to see just exactly what will happen.

Courtney King High ~ Inland Empire Senior Photographer

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:44:18 +0000

I have NO idea how it happened….but little courtney down the street grew up overnight, and is now a stunning young lady. In fact, I was going through my old box of pictures ( yes, the photographer has an old box of pictures that are totally unorganized) …lol any way…… I found a picture of Courtney and her brother sitting at my kitchen counter eating birthday cake. It was Robbie’s birthday and all the kids had been outside playing ( at this point we had not lived there very long and had not met their parents), so I had them go home and ask if they could stay for birthday cake! I think Courtney must have been in the 3rd or 4th grade. That was the beginning of of some really fun times. Before any of us had built in pools, I remember blow up pools in my front yard and all the kids splashing around, the dogs running wild, and me in a lawn chair trying to read a magazine! Ok….. enough of the trip down memory lane, lets get on with the GORGEOUS images of Little Courtney…

Boudoir Party ~ Inland Empire boudoir Photographer

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:43:05 +0000

I recently started offering Boudoir Parties, and they are a hit! It just seems natural that it would be way more fun to get the girls together, have your hair and make up done and place dress up together rather than all by yourself. Thats just what these friends did! They brought oodles and oodles of hot looking shoes, outfits, jewelry and accessories! We had a blast putting outfits together and then matching them with the props. With the music blasting their favorite station, we giggled until our cheeks hurt! With your friends around telling you how good you look, you cant help but have a rockin good time!
And get gorgeous pictures of course. Contact me If you and 4 friends would like to book a party! As a hostess of a party you will get your session free when you bring 4 of your girlfriends! Thanks Shenanigans Hair Salon for Amazing hair and make up!

Bergman Family ~ Riverside Family Photographer

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:05:17 +0000

With two active boys under the age of 10, I knew better than to expect these kids to get excited about family pictures, football yes, pictures no! So that is exactly what we did. Played football.
Even Grandma showed up to join in!

Thanks so much Doug and Sirena for letting me join in our your day of fun in the park!

Magical Mission Inn ~ Mission Inn Wedding Photographer

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:48:01 +0000

There is something so magical about Mission Inn Weddings. I cant really explain it but there is just a certain grandiose aura that embraces its guests. The Chapel with its enormous doors, the gorgeous courtyard, with the pretty fountain and numerous picture perfect locations for photos. Every wedding I have shot here has been truly dreamy and this one was no exception! take a peek…

Bridal Boudoir ~ Inland Empire Boudoir Photographer

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:50:01 +0000

One of my favorite parts of shooting a wedding is watching the bride and groom open those special gifts they give to each other on their wedding day… usually the bride will receive a beautiful piece of jewelry, or a special family heirloom. The groom typically opens cufflinks, or I have even seen personalized cigars which were actually kinda cool. But how much more would he love images of his bride like this presented in a little black book? Hmmmm, cufflinks, little black book of his hot wife…. not really a hard decision is it? Bridal Boudoir… It’s Perfect!

The eyes have it ~ Inland Empire Boudoir Photographer

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:23:11 +0000

Here ya go girls…Fear the eyelash no more! The really do make all the difference in your portraits.

Hair Fashion ~ Beautiful braid

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:50:55 +0000

One of the toughest things about having Portraits done is deciding what everyone should wear and what can my clients can do to make their portraits look just a little bit more special than their everyday look. So here is a casual solution perfect for Seniors, Brides and Moms.

Images and video curtisey of Megan. Love her blog!

Ponte Winery Wedding Photographer ~

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:36:43 +0000

I have this system after a shoot. first I download, I take out the CF card and put it in a certain spot, then after I backup the session I clear the card and it goes into another spot. Well somehow this card “with the pics” was put among the cleared cards and I found it some months later.. A delightful Wedding I second shot with my friend Cean at Ponte Winery in Temecula. Just thought I’d share….

Josah and Page ~ Redlands Wedding Photographer

Tue, 10 May 2011 05:16:46 +0000

When Josah first approached me about a Gangster themed wedding, I was thrilled with the idea right away. A bit curious I admit, about how she was going to pull it all off, however she did an amazing job getting the whole feel of it all with the Venue. The wedding took place at The Mitten building in Redlands. Its old brick exterior, the nearby train tracks and historical neighborhood was a convincing backdrop. Of course the guns helped too!