Tracey Todd Photography

Update

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:57:24 +0000

Hi all! I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still dedicated to this site and photography. I’ve been very lately, in addition to my day job I’ve started taking classes at night. Unfortunately, photography has taken a backseat for a bit. Once I figure out the balance I will be back at it full force. Thanks to those of you who have asked about me. Your support is appreciated!

Fall Family Shoot

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:01:57 +0000

Recently I had an excellent opportunity to reconnect with an old friend/coworker and take pictures of her gorgeous children. They were wonderful subjects and so cooperative. They didn’t even mind sitting in the wet leaves the day after a big rain. Of course I had to lay down in the wet leaves to get shots like this, but it was worth the extra visit to the dry cleaners.

Finally I have proof!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:15:41 +0000

Proof that they do get along sometimes!

Another Old Favorite

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:18:16 +0000

I was just going through some of my older pictures on my flickr account and came across this butterfly picture. It’s been one of my favorites since I took it last year at the Cleveland Zoo in the butterfly house. I always loved the effects and the colors in the background but didn’t even realize that effect had a name until I started to learn more about photography. That is called bokeh and it’s something I’ve always admired in pictures by other photographers but I never even considered trying to achieve because I didn’t realize it was an actual thing. Now that I’ve learned more about it, I’m going to attempt more pictures that employ this effect. I’d love to examples of how you have employed bokeh in your own photography. Feel free to link to your shots in the comments.

Lost Weekend

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:59:22 +0000

I took this picture of Riley last week on our hike. It’s one of my favorites from the day. Unfortunately, later in the week she came down with and was diagnosed with H1N1 and I ended up catching it from her. I’m happy to report neither of us sprouted a pig’s tail or snout and we’re both improving but need another day or two until we will be completely over it. Needless to say, the flu had a big impact on our weekend plans. A trip to the pumpkin patch turned into movies at home. A planned lunch out turned into tea and crackers while snuggling on the couch. Not so bad, really. Corn mazes always make me uncomfortable and itchy and the whole time I’m going through it I’m trying to figure out how many mice are likely to be in there with me. The number never works out to my liking.

The only disappointment was that I was forced to reschedule a photo shoot that I had planned for today. I look forward to getting the session done later this week and enjoying the Halloween weekend. What are your plans?

Snake on a Path

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:47:39 +0000

Before the sickness of ‘09 hit our house this week, Riley, my mom and I went on a hike at Buffalo Rock State Park. My plan was to get fall color shots and enjoy the beautiful day. The park didn’t have as much color change as I had been hoping for but we were still able to enjoy the walk and our time together. This little fellow (or lady. I didn’t get that close!) was crossing our path as we walked back to the car.

American Girl

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:02:01 +0000

Finding perfection

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:27:08 +0000

Technically speaking, there are so many things wrong with this picture. The biggest problem is that her face is so out of focus. Critically, I keep ripping this picture apart in my head but my heart loves it. I love her eyes in this picture and how the shot captures her personality and to me, that makes it a perfect picture.

Farm in Southern Wisconsin

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I took this while driving up to Milwaukee last weekend. I was drawn to this farm and the color of the fields so I made my husband quickly pull over the car so I could get in a couple of shots.

Past jump shots

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:13:56 +0000

I’ve always been fascinated by the water tower in Hebron. I wonder how many times the water tower has been repainted to reflect what is now a 57 year old high school basketball championship.