Thoughts
Smiles
Rise of energy
Even bigger smiles
Butterflies
Hope
Waiting
Wonder
Answer
Oh!
Disappointment
Acknowledgement
Hope
Repeat
Break the cycle
by Tracy Howl
11th December 2014
Friday, 12 December 2014
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
When you fall out of love with Photography
What can I mean... fall out of love with photography?
Exactly that!
It may become a chore, it may feel soul destroying, you may feel like you are taking photos for everyone else, not yourself! That's what becoming a professional is all about. You are no longer your own client. The easiest way to deal with this is to take time out, think about what you used to love about photography, what did you take pix of as an amateur? I bet every day was enjoyable because there was no pressure to meet client expectations, take photos of things you would never choose to and deliver to deadlines, Everything was in your own time. When working as a photographer, you don't get your own time. Everyone wants their photos.
What if you are not professional but you have just stopped loving taking photos?
That's OK you know. It happens. It's nothing to feel bad about. Don't think that's it, you should give up! Do you know why you don't like taking photos any more?
Are you scared of the technology? When we moved from analogue to digital, some of us thought it was a revelation, some of us were unsure of what this meant in terms of working behaviour. Some of us were photographers, or darkroom printers or like me, both of these. Some of us embraced Photoshop, some of us ran a mile because we didn't understand it and some probably still don't.
It was different back then, you would shoot a few rolls, use a light-meter to get your exposure, maybe bracket if you could afford to. Film was expensive! Then off you trot to the lab, go get a sandwich and a coffee and an hour later everything was ready to deliver to the client. Job done.
And now, we shoot more than we need to because we can. And spend hours processing and editing. We are overwhelmed with digital files. Constantly told we need to copy here, back up there, otherwise we lose everything. And hard drives have a life. Replace. Renew. What is this fear that the digital age has instilled in us? But I still have all those boxes of negatives and slides? Doesn't make sense does it?
So back to the question.... Do you know why you don't like taking photos any more?
Is something else missing from your life? Do you have an inability to connect with your surroundings. Maybe an unhappiness in life is the reason for reluctance to press the shutter release. That moment in time.... could be one you would rather forget?
If you don't want to take photos, put the camera down. Instead, draw or paint what you see. Or... write about what your eyes feel. Visual love will return. If you feel empty or full of sadness, look at the Great Masters. Often creativity and sadness go hand in hand. An empty mind, a blank canvas has the potential for artistic wizardry. Interpretation isn't always necessary for the viewer. Interpretation isn't always necessary for the artist either.
Every creative should have a muse and every creative should be one.
Go find the joy! Do what you are and you will become :)
Exactly that!
It may become a chore, it may feel soul destroying, you may feel like you are taking photos for everyone else, not yourself! That's what becoming a professional is all about. You are no longer your own client. The easiest way to deal with this is to take time out, think about what you used to love about photography, what did you take pix of as an amateur? I bet every day was enjoyable because there was no pressure to meet client expectations, take photos of things you would never choose to and deliver to deadlines, Everything was in your own time. When working as a photographer, you don't get your own time. Everyone wants their photos.
What if you are not professional but you have just stopped loving taking photos?
That's OK you know. It happens. It's nothing to feel bad about. Don't think that's it, you should give up! Do you know why you don't like taking photos any more?
Are you scared of the technology? When we moved from analogue to digital, some of us thought it was a revelation, some of us were unsure of what this meant in terms of working behaviour. Some of us were photographers, or darkroom printers or like me, both of these. Some of us embraced Photoshop, some of us ran a mile because we didn't understand it and some probably still don't.
It was different back then, you would shoot a few rolls, use a light-meter to get your exposure, maybe bracket if you could afford to. Film was expensive! Then off you trot to the lab, go get a sandwich and a coffee and an hour later everything was ready to deliver to the client. Job done.
And now, we shoot more than we need to because we can. And spend hours processing and editing. We are overwhelmed with digital files. Constantly told we need to copy here, back up there, otherwise we lose everything. And hard drives have a life. Replace. Renew. What is this fear that the digital age has instilled in us? But I still have all those boxes of negatives and slides? Doesn't make sense does it?
So back to the question.... Do you know why you don't like taking photos any more?
Is something else missing from your life? Do you have an inability to connect with your surroundings. Maybe an unhappiness in life is the reason for reluctance to press the shutter release. That moment in time.... could be one you would rather forget?
If you don't want to take photos, put the camera down. Instead, draw or paint what you see. Or... write about what your eyes feel. Visual love will return. If you feel empty or full of sadness, look at the Great Masters. Often creativity and sadness go hand in hand. An empty mind, a blank canvas has the potential for artistic wizardry. Interpretation isn't always necessary for the viewer. Interpretation isn't always necessary for the artist either.
Every creative should have a muse and every creative should be one.
Go find the joy! Do what you are and you will become :)
Tuesday, 21 October 2014
So what do you get for your money?
Like every photography job, every price can be different. Commissions can range from a couple of hours to all day and evening at some events.
Good photography is not something to be skimped on. Sure there’s cheaper out there but ask yourself, will you get as good quality? Look at it as an investment for your brand, your business or your family. You are not just hiring a person with a nice camera, you are hiring:
Good photography is not something to be skimped on. Sure there’s cheaper out there but ask yourself, will you get as good quality? Look at it as an investment for your brand, your business or your family. You are not just hiring a person with a nice camera, you are hiring:
* An Award Winning Professional Photographer with 25+ years experience
* 9 years of intensive college/university courses
* Up to date knowledge of latest technology
* Non-stop creativity and energy
* The ability to listen to what you want, interpret briefs and come up with creative ideas when you may have none
* Most importantly, work with you to achieve your objectives
* The ability to get on and just do it! We will have done our research and there’s not much we haven’t shot!
* Personality – We get on with everyone from Royalty to the cleaners!
* Using the best professional and tested equipment
* Fully insured, with public liability, professional indemnity and employer’s liability insurance too
* A fully enhanced CRB disclosure and Ministry of Defence clearance,
* Full awareness of Health & Safety Risks and fully respectful of surroundings
* NUJ, BPPA and IFJ member
* And when it’s all done, fast turnaround and delivery of your fully edited highest quality images!
Please email me for my rate card londonpresspix@aol.com or telephone to discuss requirements on 07931 900269
* 9 years of intensive college/university courses
* Up to date knowledge of latest technology
* Non-stop creativity and energy
* The ability to listen to what you want, interpret briefs and come up with creative ideas when you may have none
* Most importantly, work with you to achieve your objectives
* The ability to get on and just do it! We will have done our research and there’s not much we haven’t shot!
* Personality – We get on with everyone from Royalty to the cleaners!
* Using the best professional and tested equipment
* Fully insured, with public liability, professional indemnity and employer’s liability insurance too
* A fully enhanced CRB disclosure and Ministry of Defence clearance,
* Full awareness of Health & Safety Risks and fully respectful of surroundings
* NUJ, BPPA and IFJ member
* And when it’s all done, fast turnaround and delivery of your fully edited highest quality images!
Please email me for my rate card londonpresspix@aol.com or telephone to discuss requirements on 07931 900269
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
The Moon
Like a big shiny penny, balancing in the darkness,
Tempting us with its fortune,
The ever seeing eye of the night,
Stealthily, seeking the blackest of corners,
Drowning minds with paranoia, until
The coin flips and the morning is born
Words by Tracy Howl 10.9.14
All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
A Visit to the Tip
Today I went to the tip, also known as the local refuse centre. I got bored waiting in line, so started photographing what was around me. The shadow patterns of the trees, the signs, all from the vantage point of my driver seat.
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
When I got there, I noticed the fruit machines, standing awkwardly amongst the white goods. Stripped of their power and the shrill ringing of the game. No prizes in their banks, no desperado clinging to the play button, anxious for their next win! A forlorn sight, comparative to the bewildered look of the losers who walk away with no more coins to play! And the words of "How did that happen?" spin around in their heads as did the cherries and sevens of their desire!
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
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| Photo by Tracy Howl |
I will be back to photograph more. I'm not concerned with the people, only the life stories of the abandoned.
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Shortlisted for Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize
One of my photos has been selected for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize book and exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery in London. Winners will be announced on 11 Nov and the exhibition will run from 13 Nov 2014 to 22 Feb 2015.
60 images were selected out of 4193 submitted. I'm a little bit in shock that mine was one of them! This is another dream come true! Thank you to everyone who has supported me!
This is the image titled Felix:
Felix and his favourite horse at the local riding stables. Felix is the youngest son of my dear friend and work colleague Paul Clarke.
60 images were selected out of 4193 submitted. I'm a little bit in shock that mine was one of them! This is another dream come true! Thank you to everyone who has supported me!
This is the image titled Felix:
Felix and his favourite horse at the local riding stables. Felix is the youngest son of my dear friend and work colleague Paul Clarke.
A song by PixelVixenUK
Scared to tell
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Putting fingertips to screen
Why can’t I do this? Fear creeps in
Expectations rising, panic subsiding,
Stop doubting your own mind,
Who is your worst enemy?
Will you listen to me?
I have to tell you, I want to tell you
I’m scared to tell you, fear creeps in
Why do I want this? Why do I feel this?
Don’t want to miss out on this.
That’s why it’s hard to
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Fingertips to screen, fear creeps in
Yes I will tell you, yes I have missed you,
And no I don’t want to, it’s so hard not to!
I don’t want to lose you, that fear creeps in
So many times I’ve been so close to telling you,
I want you to know.
I don’t want to change things, don’t want to break things
Don’t want to change us, don’t want to break us,
What if I do? Fear creeps in
That’s why it’s hard to
Put pen to paper, tell you those words,
Put fingertips to screen, fear creeps in.
Truth is I want you, truth is I need you
To hear what I say,
When I’m thinking about you, full of wonder about you,
So happy to know you, grateful for all of you
Yes I will tell you, yes I have missed you,
And no I don’t want to, it’s so hard not to!
I don’t want to lose you, don’t want to scare you,
That fear creeps in, stops me from
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Putting fingertips to screen
Why can’t I tell you? Fear creeps in
Written by Tracy Howl (c) 2014
Tel: 07931 900269
londonpresspix@aol.com
@Pixelvixenuk
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Putting fingertips to screen
Why can’t I do this? Fear creeps in
Expectations rising, panic subsiding,
Stop doubting your own mind,
Who is your worst enemy?
Will you listen to me?
I have to tell you, I want to tell you
I’m scared to tell you, fear creeps in
Why do I want this? Why do I feel this?
Don’t want to miss out on this.
That’s why it’s hard to
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Fingertips to screen, fear creeps in
Yes I will tell you, yes I have missed you,
And no I don’t want to, it’s so hard not to!
I don’t want to lose you, that fear creeps in
So many times I’ve been so close to telling you,
I want you to know.
I don’t want to change things, don’t want to break things
Don’t want to change us, don’t want to break us,
What if I do? Fear creeps in
That’s why it’s hard to
Put pen to paper, tell you those words,
Put fingertips to screen, fear creeps in.
Truth is I want you, truth is I need you
To hear what I say,
When I’m thinking about you, full of wonder about you,
So happy to know you, grateful for all of you
Yes I will tell you, yes I have missed you,
And no I don’t want to, it’s so hard not to!
I don’t want to lose you, don’t want to scare you,
That fear creeps in, stops me from
Putting pen to paper, saying those words,
Putting fingertips to screen
Why can’t I tell you? Fear creeps in
Written by Tracy Howl (c) 2014
Tel: 07931 900269
londonpresspix@aol.com
@Pixelvixenuk
Monday, 28 July 2014
My LPOTY entries part 2
13. Birds on a Wire
Birds on a Wire, Harris
A tribute to Alfred Hitchcock!
Your View
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| Birds on a Wire |
14. Black Magic
Luskentyre Beach - We experienced every weather imaginable on this beach and the most amazing electric light. This was just before the most almighty rainbow appeared to yet again take our breath away!
Your view
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| Black Magic |
15. Sea of Light
ICM - long exposure at a fountain in Kings Cross, London
Exhibited at Patchings Art Centre in Connected 2014 - A Tale of Two Cities
Your view
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| Sea of Light |
16 Stone Crossing
Here I was fascinated by the abstract patterns caused by the relationship of Kilt Rock waterfall and the ocean that it meets.
Your view
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| Stone Crossing |
17. Traigh Mhor
ICM on Traigh Mhor beach, Lewis
Your view
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| Traigh Mhor |
18. Telephone Dog
Centre Point, London, Solarised version.
Exhibited at Patchings Art Centre in Connected 2014 - A Tale of Two Cities
Your view
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| Telephone Dog |
19. Oxo Wharf
Living the View
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| Oxo Wharf |
Saturday, 12 July 2014
My entries for Landscape Photographer of the Year
LPOTY ???
"But you are not a landscape photographer,..... are you??? I mean, you photograph people, right??? And doorknobs??? That's not like photographing trees and stuff is it?? " I hear this all the time.
Some people will think I'm only entering because my boyfriend got in the book last year. And that I've never shot a landscape until I went to Scotland with him this year. So. Very. Wrong!
I'm a full time photographer. I've been a photographer forever it seems. My passion is Travel photography, which surprisingly incorporates different kinds of landscapes. Yes I'm known for my people, music, fashion, documentary and product photography but surprise surprise, a lot of my past/present commercial work is actually ..... wait for it...... LANDSCAPE!
My clients were and still are Town Planning Consultants, Quarries and Landfill Sites, The Environment Agency, Travel companies and many more.
Yes I've walked for miles, waiting for the right light, I've even used a tripod and I have a huge box of filters. But I like to break the rules now and again... (who imposes these rules anyway?) I shoot landscapes without a tripod, I'll use a car bonnet or rock if I have to! Or dare I say it..... shoot handheld!
Yes I've photographed more landscapes in the past year than I have in previous years. It's a great way of having down time and still staying in love with photography when the rest of the time is crazy busy constantly shooting/editing. It's also so nice when you finally meet someone who shares the same passions as you and doesn't mind the hours of non-communication which often comes from being at opposite ends of the beach!
I take all and none of my photography seriously. Yes that's right. I don't stress that the shot is not obvious and ready for me to press the shutter, I will go looking for it and make it happen. And I will ALWAYS come back with something good which I am happy with.
So I have entered this competition with photos which bring me enjoyment, some have been a stolen moment after an event, or while wandering around the city and others from our amazing trip to Scotland.
I have entered images which still come under the genre of landscape, maybe a little more abstract than traditional but nonetheless, still a landscape image.
I hope you like some of them, I hope some challenge your ideas about landscape, I don't mind if you really dislike some of them. It would be nice to be shortlisted, even better to be commended and be in the book/exhibition. Of course it would be awesome to win a category. I'm being realistic, I've never entered before. I know my vision is different to everyone else's so I'm taking a risk entering not as a landscape photographer but as a photographer who takes landscapes too!
These are some of my ideas about the genre of Landscape - the more traditional selection....
2. First Morning
7. Storm-o-way
8. Tree House
10. Sticks and Stones
11. Before the Fire
12. Points of View
See my next blog post coming soon with the my images entered for Your View and Living the View
Tracy
"But you are not a landscape photographer,..... are you??? I mean, you photograph people, right??? And doorknobs??? That's not like photographing trees and stuff is it?? " I hear this all the time.
Some people will think I'm only entering because my boyfriend got in the book last year. And that I've never shot a landscape until I went to Scotland with him this year. So. Very. Wrong!
I'm a full time photographer. I've been a photographer forever it seems. My passion is Travel photography, which surprisingly incorporates different kinds of landscapes. Yes I'm known for my people, music, fashion, documentary and product photography but surprise surprise, a lot of my past/present commercial work is actually ..... wait for it...... LANDSCAPE!
My clients were and still are Town Planning Consultants, Quarries and Landfill Sites, The Environment Agency, Travel companies and many more.
Yes I've walked for miles, waiting for the right light, I've even used a tripod and I have a huge box of filters. But I like to break the rules now and again... (who imposes these rules anyway?) I shoot landscapes without a tripod, I'll use a car bonnet or rock if I have to! Or dare I say it..... shoot handheld!
Yes I've photographed more landscapes in the past year than I have in previous years. It's a great way of having down time and still staying in love with photography when the rest of the time is crazy busy constantly shooting/editing. It's also so nice when you finally meet someone who shares the same passions as you and doesn't mind the hours of non-communication which often comes from being at opposite ends of the beach!
I take all and none of my photography seriously. Yes that's right. I don't stress that the shot is not obvious and ready for me to press the shutter, I will go looking for it and make it happen. And I will ALWAYS come back with something good which I am happy with.
So I have entered this competition with photos which bring me enjoyment, some have been a stolen moment after an event, or while wandering around the city and others from our amazing trip to Scotland.
I have entered images which still come under the genre of landscape, maybe a little more abstract than traditional but nonetheless, still a landscape image.
I hope you like some of them, I hope some challenge your ideas about landscape, I don't mind if you really dislike some of them. It would be nice to be shortlisted, even better to be commended and be in the book/exhibition. Of course it would be awesome to win a category. I'm being realistic, I've never entered before. I know my vision is different to everyone else's so I'm taking a risk entering not as a landscape photographer but as a photographer who takes landscapes too!
These are some of my ideas about the genre of Landscape - the more traditional selection....
1. Loch Lomond through the trees
Taken on way back from Scotland, this image made Flickr explore I particularly like the abstraction but incorporating all the classic elements of landscape; trees, water, mist, rocks and land.
Entered into Classic View and Your View categories
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| Loch Lomond through the trees |
2. First Morning
My first morning waking up in Terry's camper van on Mellon Udrigle beach. My first proper sunrise of the trip. This was my idea of heaven!
Classic View
Classic View
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| First Morning |
3. High Waters
Taken a short time after the above image, at Loch Lomond. Another play on boundaries, where the Loch and the land become one!
Classic view/Your View
4. Immersion
5. Roadtrip
6.Standing Proud
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| High Waters |
4. Immersion
The Black Mount of Glencoe. I wanted to concentrate on the surface immersed in cloud and show where the relationship between two become one.
Classic view.
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| Immersion |
5. Roadtrip
Aptly named - my first real stop to take in the beauty around us. This is what I imagined it would be like. It certainly didn't disappoint!
Classic view
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| Roadtrip |
6.Standing Proud
The standing stones at Calanais. Each stone was beautiful, I wanted to show the raw beauty of this stone in context with her sisters. This image also made Flickr Explore.
Classic view
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| Standing Proud |
7. Storm-o-way
An incredible sight as we drove from the ferry at Stornoway on our way to Harris.
Classic view
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| Storm-o-way |
8. Tree House
A very familiar sight on the Isle of Harris, Derelict buildings everywhere, taken back by their land. Classic view/Your view
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| Tree House |
9. The Awakening
Sunrise on Mellon Udrigle beach. I had never seen the light dance like hard rain on the sand.
Classic view
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| The Awakening |
10. Sticks and Stones
I could identify with the chaos of this beach. A pile of sticks. In no particular order. Some look for the lonely rock but to me this was perfection.
Classic view
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| Sticks & Stones |
11. Before the Fire
Taken from Canary Wharf with a Canon G12. My first experience of seeing rain like this. The sky turned to fire but I prefer these more subdued colours against the stark grey of the city!
Urban view
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| Before the Fire |
12. Points of View
Another moment after an event up high. So many unexpected colours in the city. So many spires. So many cranes. The moment the sun turned everything to gold.
Urban view
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| Points of View |
See my next blog post coming soon with the my images entered for Your View and Living the View
Tracy
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Engagement Shoots
Think of that special place, perhaps where you first met, your first kiss, or where one of you proposed? Maybe you are not thinking of engagement, but would still like a set of professional images taken with that special someone! Most engagement/couple shoots are photographed at locations which have fond memories for you, or maybe somewhere you have never been before but would like to explore? The possibilities are endless! Previous shoots have been at home, in church gardens, in the park, in hotels, by the sea, in the country, on the streets of London and beyond, and also in studio!
I am very creative, ensuring each shoot is tailored for the individual couple to reflect their personalities, goals, desires, and passions and of course, love for each other. I listen to you, work with you and together we create something beautiful.
Style can be very natural, highly glamorised or a mixture of both. You may want to add drama, dress up or maybe not be dressed at all?
Images will be of the highest quality to be printed for the wall, to send to friends and families, perhaps for a book to take pride of place on the coffee table or maybe to keep under wraps for your eyes only! The whole experience will be very enjoyable and fun. Transport between locations can also be arranged.
Please contact me if you have any questions and if you would like to see examples of engagement shoots. They are a very personal experience and I don’t use them publicly for advertising. If you have ideas already, I’d be very happy to discuss at any time.
(+44) 07931 900269
londonpresspix@aol.com
Thursday, 27 February 2014
You want me to work for free???
Just had the call we have every day!
"You come very highly recommended. We love your work. We are a not for profit organisation. We have a Gala Dinner event in a 5 star Central London hotel with 300 people attending. We will promote you and introduce you to influential people. All our high profile speakers are waiving their fee, will you? But we will give you dinner and your expenses"
My thoughts:
Er thank you but no. I have photographed all your high profile speakers. My portfolio is shit hot which is why you have come to me in the first place. The cost of the meal will feed me and my daughter for a week so I'll have that instead. My expenses will be the same as my fee. For that you will get my time, 4 hours at event plus 4 hours editing, 2 hours travel. You will also get my 25 years experience. College & degrees cost money. My pro equipment to hire would cost more than my fee! Then there is insurance and public liability. So if you want me to work for free, it will still cost you!
"You come very highly recommended. We love your work. We are a not for profit organisation. We have a Gala Dinner event in a 5 star Central London hotel with 300 people attending. We will promote you and introduce you to influential people. All our high profile speakers are waiving their fee, will you? But we will give you dinner and your expenses"
My thoughts:
Er thank you but no. I have photographed all your high profile speakers. My portfolio is shit hot which is why you have come to me in the first place. The cost of the meal will feed me and my daughter for a week so I'll have that instead. My expenses will be the same as my fee. For that you will get my time, 4 hours at event plus 4 hours editing, 2 hours travel. You will also get my 25 years experience. College & degrees cost money. My pro equipment to hire would cost more than my fee! Then there is insurance and public liability. So if you want me to work for free, it will still cost you!
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Promotional Photography for Businesses
A PR or promotional photo needs to tell a story and show the product/service at it's best. It also needs to connect with the audience and create a lifestyle desire.
Although it helps to have an idea of what you want to achieve from promotional photography, be open to ideas from an experienced photographer.
Some business owners cannot think creatively or visually. That's where our experience, creativity and vision comes in to make it happen!
When you have been doing Press & PR photography for this long (20 yrs), you get to know what works! We are not just there to mindlessly click or film, we lead the process. We are the image makers after all! From concept to publish and beyond!
Never underestimate the power of branding!
www.tracyhowl.com
Although it helps to have an idea of what you want to achieve from promotional photography, be open to ideas from an experienced photographer.
Some business owners cannot think creatively or visually. That's where our experience, creativity and vision comes in to make it happen!
When you have been doing Press & PR photography for this long (20 yrs), you get to know what works! We are not just there to mindlessly click or film, we lead the process. We are the image makers after all! From concept to publish and beyond!
Never underestimate the power of branding!
www.tracyhowl.com
Friday, 14 February 2014
The Black Mount of Glencoe
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| Black Mount copyright Tracy Howl |
This is another of my favourites from the journey home through Glencoe. The Black Mount is famous for it's triangular shape. I wanted to concentrate on the surface immersed in cloud and show where the relationship between the two become one.
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Callanish Stones
My latest image from Scotland is the Callanish Stone Circle on Lewis where we went to watch the sunset. There are 3 circles all within walking distance from each other but this is the one near the visitor's centre. The sky was so delicate which added to the sublime experience at this sacred site.
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| Callanish Stone Circle copyright Tracy Howl 2014 |
And since posting on Flickr, this image made EXPLORE on 13 Feb 2014! Very happy that 2 images in 3 days have had so much attention! At 10am 14.2.14 there were 3491 views and 71 favorites.
For more information on my photographic work see my website www.tracyhowl.com
Some Thoughts on Explore
Today I achieved my goal to get one of my photos on Flickr Explore.
That's no big deal some may say, some who reach the top 500 a few times a week or month! Well it is a big deal to me. Because this is my first. And I'm sure when the regular achievers had their first, they were pretty excited too!
It reminds me of my first front page working for newspapers. It is special. Everyone wants front page. Flickr Explore is the front page! Yes I admit that once you continue to be published, it becomes an everyday thing. It is still nice though! Seeing your work in print!
I remember when Paul Clarke, my work colleague, made it on to Explore with his photo of Rain over London. We had photographed an event at Level 39 Canary Wharf during the day. While packing up, we were amazed at the view of the storm over London. We both photographed it. In different ways. Paul uploaded his pix to Flickr on the train. It went viral, reaching Reddit and Explore. The next day we were photographing a wedding together. At quiet times we would check the Flickr views. They crept up through the hundreds, then thousands, by the end of the wedding reception, views were over 100k! The power of the internet and people's curiosity! All in the 24 hours after capture and upload!
So back to me... I doubt very much my image will be as popular as Paul's. I don't particularly want it to be. By this image reaching Explore, it has done everything I wanted an image of mine to do. I didn't plan for this particular image to be so popular. In fact I am surprised although I like the image a lot, which is why when I saw the view from the window, I asked Terry to stop the campervan so I could capture it.
This is the image, taken at the side of Loch Lomond on the way home. Taking advantage of the last light of the day. The cloud was very low, hovering just above the surface of the water. The Loch barely visible through the veil of trees. This image is very personal to me. Each time I look at it, I feel the emotion, the energy and our connection to the landscape. The passing of Loch Lomond denotes the last dusk we would experience in Scotland and the close of our wonderful trip. A transition back to reality.
That's no big deal some may say, some who reach the top 500 a few times a week or month! Well it is a big deal to me. Because this is my first. And I'm sure when the regular achievers had their first, they were pretty excited too!
It reminds me of my first front page working for newspapers. It is special. Everyone wants front page. Flickr Explore is the front page! Yes I admit that once you continue to be published, it becomes an everyday thing. It is still nice though! Seeing your work in print!
I remember when Paul Clarke, my work colleague, made it on to Explore with his photo of Rain over London. We had photographed an event at Level 39 Canary Wharf during the day. While packing up, we were amazed at the view of the storm over London. We both photographed it. In different ways. Paul uploaded his pix to Flickr on the train. It went viral, reaching Reddit and Explore. The next day we were photographing a wedding together. At quiet times we would check the Flickr views. They crept up through the hundreds, then thousands, by the end of the wedding reception, views were over 100k! The power of the internet and people's curiosity! All in the 24 hours after capture and upload!
So back to me... I doubt very much my image will be as popular as Paul's. I don't particularly want it to be. By this image reaching Explore, it has done everything I wanted an image of mine to do. I didn't plan for this particular image to be so popular. In fact I am surprised although I like the image a lot, which is why when I saw the view from the window, I asked Terry to stop the campervan so I could capture it.
This is the image, taken at the side of Loch Lomond on the way home. Taking advantage of the last light of the day. The cloud was very low, hovering just above the surface of the water. The Loch barely visible through the veil of trees. This image is very personal to me. Each time I look at it, I feel the emotion, the energy and our connection to the landscape. The passing of Loch Lomond denotes the last dusk we would experience in Scotland and the close of our wonderful trip. A transition back to reality.
 |
| Loch Lomond through the trees - copyright Tracy Howl 2014 |
I am glad that other people like this image too. It makes me so very happy that my art can bring a smile, a sense of wonder and joy. This is why I take photographs. For a living and for pleasure.
At the time of publishing this, at 1am, there were 5279 views and 75 people had favorited it. I'm looking forward to seeing results in the morning. :)
This is the link to the Flickr page here..
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Love is the Ocean
Love is the ocean.
Small waves, ripples teasing, coming closer, running away.
Faster, coming closer, maybe a little nearer each time.
Running away faster.
One day a tidal wave consumes you, covers you, drowns you.
You can't breathe, you can't survive it.
Takes you away to an unknown place.
That's love.
Words & image copyright Tracy Howl
An excerpt from 5 Women About Love, a film I co-wrote in 2012
Image - Sunrise at Traigh Mor beach in Lewis, Scotland taken 9th Jan 2014
Monday, 27 January 2014
Immersed in the Light
In January I was so very lucky to be able to travel around Scotland and some of its Islands.
I went with my boyfriend Terry who was no stranger to these parts. My previous Scottish adventures consisted of a weekend crammed of a night in Edinburgh, a night at Stirling University, an STUC conference during the day and a brief walk around Glasgow on the way home! Not enough time to see the reality! Unlike this time!
I flew Luton to Inverness on the 4th Jan and was met by Terry who had driven his campervan from London through the night on New Year's Eve. We drove to Ullapool where our adventure really started. The rest of the trip consisted of sleeping in the van next to amazing beaches, next to Lochs, mountains, a hotel here and there, catching ferries to Isle of Lewis/Harris and Skye, climbing mountains, walking lots and generally seeing amazing landscapes before driving home on the 15th. 11 days of pure bliss!
I will write about the trip in more detail. What we did, where we stayed, what we saw. Most importantly I will write about how 2 people can survive in such a small confined space. Especially 2 people who like their own space!
We saw amazing sights. Amazing light. As a photographer of everything, I notice and use light, but when you are surrounded by such awesome landscapes, the light becomes everything. You become immersed in it. You become part of the landscape.
This photograph was taken on Luskentyre beach. We had stayed a couple miles up the road ready for an early start. We were rained on, hailed on, blown around on this beach. It was also very cold. Just watching the weather was like watching a performance on stage. Our own private performance. No one but us were on that beach. I have never seen a stage show like it! I probably never will! The clouds, like main characters, sashaying across the sky. The rain, like dancers pirouetting all around us. After the rain, came the light - a spotlight on the dunes allowing them to become centre stage!
I went with my boyfriend Terry who was no stranger to these parts. My previous Scottish adventures consisted of a weekend crammed of a night in Edinburgh, a night at Stirling University, an STUC conference during the day and a brief walk around Glasgow on the way home! Not enough time to see the reality! Unlike this time!
I flew Luton to Inverness on the 4th Jan and was met by Terry who had driven his campervan from London through the night on New Year's Eve. We drove to Ullapool where our adventure really started. The rest of the trip consisted of sleeping in the van next to amazing beaches, next to Lochs, mountains, a hotel here and there, catching ferries to Isle of Lewis/Harris and Skye, climbing mountains, walking lots and generally seeing amazing landscapes before driving home on the 15th. 11 days of pure bliss!
I will write about the trip in more detail. What we did, where we stayed, what we saw. Most importantly I will write about how 2 people can survive in such a small confined space. Especially 2 people who like their own space!
We saw amazing sights. Amazing light. As a photographer of everything, I notice and use light, but when you are surrounded by such awesome landscapes, the light becomes everything. You become immersed in it. You become part of the landscape.
This photograph was taken on Luskentyre beach. We had stayed a couple miles up the road ready for an early start. We were rained on, hailed on, blown around on this beach. It was also very cold. Just watching the weather was like watching a performance on stage. Our own private performance. No one but us were on that beach. I have never seen a stage show like it! I probably never will! The clouds, like main characters, sashaying across the sky. The rain, like dancers pirouetting all around us. After the rain, came the light - a spotlight on the dunes allowing them to become centre stage!
All rights reserved - Tracy Howl 2014
And then came another rainbow. Another reminder that Scotland would continue to wow us without notice.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Return to my World
Well that is what it feels like. A return to Pixel Vixen's world.
I've not been away. I've not been silent. Only on here.
I've been busy. Busy with photography and exhibitions. Busy with life, moving on. Busy moving forwards and upwards. Learning and growing.
2013 was quite a year. I may share some of it. Some of you will know all about it from Twitter, Facebook and some of you have been there with me all the way through it. Or some of it.
I left my part-time position of eCommerce Marketing Manager and Photographer almost a year ago. The knowledge that you can support yourself (and daughter) as a freelancer is very comforting. Of course I have my good friend and work colleague Paul to thank for that. For support, for work, for being there. A great team. Also I thank my clients.
I achieved my goals.....
I photographed Prince Charles, David Cameron, Boris, a long list of World Leaders. I photographed not so famous people who were so extraordinary, they left their mark on my existence.
One of my photographs was used as a poster on London Underground for the Royal Parks. Much bigger than I had hoped for!
I travelled. To the city I loved the first time I went and still continue to love. New York.
My daughter became an adult. What happened there? She has always been very mature and grounded. She has worked for the last 3 years, she got good grades in A'Levels. She will do well. I am happy!
I met someone I like a lot, who has similar interests. Unexpected. Nice. Very nice.
I made new friends in random places, on trains, via Twitter, on the street.
I learned a lot about existing friendships. That is all.
I told the world that I was Daisy Meadows. That it was me who won the London Photography Award in 2010. Some of the world knew. Some didn't care. It didn't matter. I was glad the 'secret' was out! I exhibited in Wolverhampton at the Lighthouse Media Centre. I was happy to take my work back to my roots. To where my inspirations and passion for photography started.
I was reminded of the actual picture I saw as a teen, which made me so desperately want to become a photographer. The cover of Nik Kershaw's The Riddle album. I finally went to a Nik Kershaw gig. I met Kim Wilde and Rick Astley. I'm an 80's girl.... what can I say? ;)
I learned a lot about myself. I failed. I survived. I succeeded. I set new goals.
These are the cobwebs I needed to clear...
I've not been away. I've not been silent. Only on here.
I've been busy. Busy with photography and exhibitions. Busy with life, moving on. Busy moving forwards and upwards. Learning and growing.
2013 was quite a year. I may share some of it. Some of you will know all about it from Twitter, Facebook and some of you have been there with me all the way through it. Or some of it.
I left my part-time position of eCommerce Marketing Manager and Photographer almost a year ago. The knowledge that you can support yourself (and daughter) as a freelancer is very comforting. Of course I have my good friend and work colleague Paul to thank for that. For support, for work, for being there. A great team. Also I thank my clients.
I achieved my goals.....
I photographed Prince Charles, David Cameron, Boris, a long list of World Leaders. I photographed not so famous people who were so extraordinary, they left their mark on my existence.
One of my photographs was used as a poster on London Underground for the Royal Parks. Much bigger than I had hoped for!
I travelled. To the city I loved the first time I went and still continue to love. New York.
My daughter became an adult. What happened there? She has always been very mature and grounded. She has worked for the last 3 years, she got good grades in A'Levels. She will do well. I am happy!
I met someone I like a lot, who has similar interests. Unexpected. Nice. Very nice.
I made new friends in random places, on trains, via Twitter, on the street.
I learned a lot about existing friendships. That is all.
I told the world that I was Daisy Meadows. That it was me who won the London Photography Award in 2010. Some of the world knew. Some didn't care. It didn't matter. I was glad the 'secret' was out! I exhibited in Wolverhampton at the Lighthouse Media Centre. I was happy to take my work back to my roots. To where my inspirations and passion for photography started.
I was reminded of the actual picture I saw as a teen, which made me so desperately want to become a photographer. The cover of Nik Kershaw's The Riddle album. I finally went to a Nik Kershaw gig. I met Kim Wilde and Rick Astley. I'm an 80's girl.... what can I say? ;)
I learned a lot about myself. I failed. I survived. I succeeded. I set new goals.
These are the cobwebs I needed to clear...
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