Jennterview: Tracie Balkey, Photographer/Hobbyist

“Jennterviews” is an ongoing interview series in which I (via my Ghost Writer/Web Minion/Human Glitter Bomb, Stacey) interview the fascinating artists and creative industry figures that I work with. In this installment, we feature Tracie Balkey, Photographer/Hobbyist. You can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TJBphotography.

How did you get into your field?

I fell in love with photography when I got my first camera at 8 years old, and always had it in my hand wherever I went. You can just imagine what kind of camera it was all those years ago…lol

What inspires you creatively?

People. I love to show people how beautiful they are. I love to capture memories for people that will last a lifetime.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

Being able to tell a story without saying a word.

What is your least favorite thing about your work?

People who sign up for a package knowing exactly what it involves and then at the end of the session they ask if I could just do “a few more shots.” I tell them of course I can (if I don’t have another client scheduled) but that it will be an additional charge. They think that since we are already there, it shouldn’t cost more.

What do you wish people understood about your work?

It’s not just about pointing the camera and pushing a button, you have to find locations (I only shoot outside), you have to get the light just right and you have to get them to cooperate with you when you are posing them. I am posing you a certain way for a reason, sometimes it is to hide a flaw that you have told me you don’t want showing. Being a photographer isn’t an easy job, you don’t just take the pictures and then go home and poof they are edited and your pictures look great and you get them back in an hour.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I shot a calendar that all the proceeds went to Autism research, and I also shot a CD cover (front middle and back) for Scott Ford. I’ve also had some of my pictures published in Chromed Out magazine. I’m the most proud of the CD.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career?

Thinking that I don’t need to continue to learn everything I can about my field.

What advice do you have for someone entering your field?

Do extensive research on cameras. If you have friends who have different brands, ask if you can try them out. Never stop learning. Decide what kind of pictures that you want to take: weddings, families, landscapes, senior pictures, etc.

What do you look for in a makeup artist?

Someone who is experienced, confident, friendly and can offer “suggestions” without coming across as insulting (if that makes any sense). They have to be great under pressure also. The one and only wedding I ever did, the makeup artist (experienced and cousin of the bride) got so mad at the bride and bridesmaids for asking for certain colors of eyeshadow that she packed up her stuff and left. Leaving the wedding party without their makeup done, luckily I lived close enough that I ran home and got ALL of my makeup and they did their own makeup.

What one personal care item would you be most lost without?

Moisturizer.

In your opinion, what is the worst trend in recent memory?

Bright bright (80’s) blue eye shadow that covers your entire eyelid.

White chocolate: Sweet treat or a lie and an abomination?

Is this a trick question?....lol I don’t like chocolate but if I had to choose it would be white chocolate.

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

ALWAYS keep yourself educated in your field! Just because you have a camera and have been taking pictures for years does not mean that there isn’t something new that you can learn. If you are doing a big shoot like a calendar etc and someone suggests a makeup artist, do your homework. Just because someone says they are great doesn’t mean they are. Check out their work, talk to them, get references, same goes for hair stylists. Don’t get caught off guard, it makes you look bad and everyone will remember that more than they will remember all the good you do.