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.
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| 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!
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| Photo by Tracy Howl |
 |
| 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
