Get ready to be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

Here are some things you can do:

1. Make a list of things that your child thinks are funny and send it to us prior to the session. This way, we can be prepared and add these things into our bag of tricks.
2. Also give us a list of icebreakers for your child. Tell me the kinds of shows they watch, music they listen to, friends’ names, favorite story, etc. This will give us something to talk to them about and will help them forget they are in front of the camera.
3. Practice phrases at home to see which ones will evoke the best smiles from your child. (Please, oh please, avoid “Say cheese!” unless that really works for you child.)
4. Try out a couple of jokes with them. During the session, I can ask them to tell me a joke and this will typically loosen them up as they talk to me.
5. If there is a song your child loves, load it on your phone and bring it with you, or be prepared to sing it!
6. Prepare a bribe (such as a toy, a trip to the zoo, etc.) and shoe it to them or remind them of it during the session.

With all these tools we are sure to get them to be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

Do you need headshots of your kids??  Or are you ready for portraits? They grow up so fast! I can't believe how grown up my kids are getting!! Even though they aren't babies anymore I still think it's important to capture them at different stages.  

Remember to be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

• Especially if this is your first session together with the family now that the kids are mobile, let him know how the session will go and discuss your expectations. Also, if you have to bribe the kids, communicate this with him so he can help remind them of the bribery.
• Warn him that the kids will probably be crazy or freak out and that he should prepare himself for that. Let him know that it will still be fine and to try not to get overwhelmed or worried.
• Let him know that the more helpful he is in getting himself and the kids ready, the less stressed you will be and the less chance of an argument between you arising.
• Remind him that the session is only one to two hours and then it will all be over. This way, he sees a light at the end of the tunnel and can stick it out.
• Give him the stress relieving tips we have in this article. Click here.
• If your husband is being difficult, bribe him to cooperate during the session as well. If it works for the kiddos, it may very well work for him!
• And most importantly - remind him that you love him (and that he loves you, and that’s why he’s cooperating with this). Tell him how much you appreciate his support and cooperation in this, and how pleased you are going to be with the finished photos.

Remember to be happy and smile! 

xoxo, Traci

1. A leash. This will help you keep your pet near to you and where you want him or her for photos. (They aren’t just for dogs, you know.) Be sure to bring a thinner leash, as they are easier to hide or edit out if necessary.
2. A friend. Having someone come with you specifically to take care of your pet is ideal. This will help so that your pet is not running around all over the place or alone in the car, should you wish to take some photos without Fido.
3. Treats. Treats are great bribery for your animal. It will help keep your pet still and focused on the camera.
4. A favorite toy. The noisier the better. This is also a great tool to help keep your pet’s attention on me. We can also use it for a fun game and get some fun interaction shots.

You may or may not have heard I prefer sessions is in the evening before sunset. I do have some daytime sessions available, but I prefer to shoot in the hours leading up to sunset. This is called the ‘Golden Hour.’ During this time, the lighting is absolutely perfect.

The perks:

• You get yummy light flares and beautiful soft light.
• There are no soft shadows or squinty eyes from the blinding sun at high noon.
• In the summer, the weather isn’t too hot, so you’re able to relax a little better knowing there isn’t sweat running down your face or making stains on your shirt.
• During Golden Hour, everything is warm and pretty and gives off a magical feeling.
• We can also get some sweet silhouette shots as the sun is going down on the horizon.

Schedule a sunset session with me. You won't regret it!

Be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

1. Dress appropriately. Summer means hot and, sometimes in AZ, humid weather, which can lead to sticky bodies. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics that don't weigh you down. As for shoes, sweet flats or loafers are a great option.

2. Think about your hair. If you or a family member tends to get sweaty, opt for a hairstyle that won't leave you feeling insecure. For example, a pretty braid or an updo is a good choice. If it's humid you can use some product to help keep the frizz away.

3.Pack necessities. When packing your photo shoot necessities, we recommend bringing the following items: Lots of water for all, a snack for sustenance, sunscreen, umbrella for shade, water mister, makeup touchup.

4. Get creative with session ideas. Summer offers a host of activities that lend themselves to amazing photo sessions. For example, there's the fair (elephant ear, anyone?), the circus, festivals, and plenty more. I'd be more than happy to shoot a really creative session with you.

5. Think about head to toe details. For example, if you're wearing flip-flops or open toed shoes, you want to have manicured feet. If it's really breezy, a hat or scarf can keep things under control.

6. Rest assured knowing I won't let you overheat. Sometimes it's hard just to walk outside when it's scorching outside, but know that we're going to have an amazing shoot. We'll spend lots of time in the shade, dive into the cool A/C when we can, and I will never push your family into staying longer than they can or want.

7. Incorporate props. Outdoor summer shoots are loaded with imagery as is, but we can always incorporate a few props into the mix. Vintage step stools in a field look gorgeous, as do blankets, balloons, and even visually striking treats (lollipops, ice cream, etc.).

Be happy and smile! 

xoxo, Traci

I just love her so much! 

Be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

Be happy and smile! 

xoxo, Traci

Be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci

xoxo, 

Traci

Choose two to three outfits to wear during your session and lay them out the day before so they’re ready to go. Make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free. Also, don’t forget to bring matching socks and shoes for each outfit if one pair won’t go along with all of them.

While you’re at it…if you plan to bring any props – your skateboard, football, guitar, etc. – go ahead and lay that out as well. If you are going to bring your car or truck to the session and want it to be in photos with you, be sure to wash it the night before/day of your session.

Get a good night’s rest the night before so you can look well rested for your session.

Get your hair cut about a week to a week and a half prior to your session.

Don’t forget to shave away any stubble from your face and neck prior to your session.

If you wake up two days prior to your session, or the morning of, and acne has appeared on your face – don’t pick at it and make it worse while trying to get rid of it. Don’t even worry about it at all. I always do  basic retouching, which includes blemish removal.

Practice a nice natural smile in a mirror or send us over some things we can talk to you about that will help you relax – your favorite sport, your girlfriend, etc. Feel free to bring a buddy but ONLY IF they will put you at ease and not make you self-conscious!!

Most importantly... be happy and smile!

xo, Traci with an Eye

Senior year is a time when you make all of your last high school memories before graduation and enter your new life. As time goes by, life will get hectic and crazy and these memories will start to fade. Planning a BFF session will help preserve these memories forever and help create some new ones during this fun photo shoot! Below are some tips to help you come up with a plan for your session:

Location

Choose a location that means something to you and your bestie. If you like to hang out at the local skate park or walk around the town square, these are places we could go for your session. We can also talk to your school about setting up there. If you are in drama club and want to recreate some memories in the theatre or have a special lunch table or a joint locker, etc., we want to incorporate these things as well.

Props

Now it’s time to think about props. Do you want to bring your sunglasses because you guys are obsessed with oversized shades? How about a copy of your favorite magazine so you can look through it and get all the latest celebrity gossip during our session – talk about multi-tasking! Are you planning on going to the same college after graduation? If so, you can bring some college swag to your session! You can bring your graduation caps/gowns if you’d like. We can even stop by and grab some props during your session – if you are coffee lovers, we can take some photos of you and your BFF at your favorite coffee shop, or we can stop for some ice cream cones for some super cute shots. Think about the things that you guys like to do together and bring items that will reflect it in the photos.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, you don’t want to be completely matchy-matchy (unless you are going to the twin BFF look). However, you don’t want to clash either. Choose a color palette that looks good on both/all of you and coordinate your outfits with colors from that scheme. Don’t forget to bring matching shoes and accessories.

Let's schedule it!  Call, email or text me. It will be so fun to capture this moment in time TOGETHER!!

Be happy and smile!

xo, Traci with an Eye

I recently had so much fun photographing the For The Love Of Travis Gala, held at the Windgate Ranch Clubhouse. It was a beautiful and emotional event as it was held in honor of my dear friend's son, Travis Perry who took his own life at 16. The Gala included a silent auction, a raffle and a live auction. I donated a portrait session and a $300 gift certificate for photo printing. So many people wanted to win. I was flattered!

It was all about raising money for suicide prevention research studies. My friend gave a beautiful, open and honest speech about her grief and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

The totals have not been officially given but we believe the gala may have raised close to $50,000! It was an incredible success and an honor to photograph so the memories of the event will last forever!

Be happy and smile!

xo, Traci with an Eye

I'm Ellie O'Donahue and I'm a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory! At school, I am very involved in student government. I used to play soccer but after concussions and a messed up knee I decided to stop.

When I'm not in school, I spend a lot of my time hanging with my friends. I was dreading pictures and procrastinating but finally my mom convinced me to get them done. Traci was awesome! I wish I had brought more outfits. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

After graduation from high school, I plan to attend either Marquette or Fordham. I am looking forward to a big city experience!

If I had to do it over again I would have gone to get my hair and makeup done at Primp and Blow. I wish I had worn something more comfortable too. I was so worried the pictures would look bad and that didn't happen at all! Traci showed me some on the camera as we were shooting and that was reassuring that we would get some good shots. Don't procrastinate! Get your senior pictures taken with Traci. You'll love it!

Thanks for taking the time to meet me!

-Ellie

1. Choose two to three outfits to wear during your session and lay them out so they are ready to go. Make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free.
2. Also, don’t forget to pack any accessories you’ll want for each outfit – jewelry, scarves, headbands, etc. Bring matching socks/tights, and shoes for each outfit if one pair won’t go along with all of them.
3. While you’re at it, if you plan on bringing any props – your ballet shoes, favorite book, softball gear, etc. – go ahead and lay that out as well. If you are going to bring your car to the session and want it to be in photos with you, be sure to wash it the night before/day of your session.
4. Get a good night’s rest the night before so you can look well rested for your session.
5. Get your hair cut about one to two weeks prior to your session. Don’t drastically change it from your normal style in case you don’t like it. Have the hair stylist show you some easy styles you can do during outfit changes to switch it up a bit.
6. Practice your makeup the week leading up to your session so you can get it just right the day of. We do offer professional makeup artist services with several of our packages. This is something we strongly suggest you look into for your session.
7. If you wake up two days prior to your session, or the morning of, and acne has appeared on your face – don’t pick at it and make it worse while trying to get rid of it. Apply some makeup over the area (not too heavy) and leave it at that. We offer basic retouching, which includes blemish removal; so don’t even worry about it.
8. Get a manicure the day before or day of your session to ensure your nails look their best. Don’t forget that the color needs to match all of your outfits. For this reason, and to keep a clean appearance, we suggest going with the French manicure or just a clear coat of paint.
9. Practice a nice natural smile and cute poses in a mirror or send us over some things we can talk to you about that will help you relax – your favorite movie, your boyfriend, etc.
10. If you are doing a session with your BFF or BF, don’t forget to coordinate an outfit with them so you guys don’t clash.

It will be amazing and fun! This is such an exciting time for you!

Be happy and smile. xoxo, Traci with an Eye

• Canvas – I offer beautiful canvases stretched over varying thicknesses of wood to make it stand out more or less depending on your preference. These photos are free-floating and do not require a frame.
• Framed on Wall – Dress your photos up with stylish frames to match your home décor. I offer a variety of print sizes for you to choose from. Contact me for more details.

*When hanging photos on your wall (framed or canvas) you can choose to hang a single photo, or a group of photos in a collage to change it up.

• Framed on Shelves, Desks, Tables – If you are renting or don’t want to put holes in your walls from prints or canvases, you can also frame your prints and place them on shelves, desks, or tables around your home. (You can also do this in addition to the wall hangings if you’d like.)
• Photo Boxes – Customized photo boxes are totally in! These are very popular amongst our clients. This is a great way to display your photos, and you can keep more prints inside or use them as a keepsake box to house your precious memories.
• Wall Calendars – Enjoy your photos all year long with these beautiful wall calendars!
• Albums/Coffee Table Books – If you just can’t pick out a few photos to display in your home and you need more space, you can always get an album printed up and place it on your coffee table or bookshelf. Pull it out and look through it to remember how fun your session was, and how much your family loves each other.
• Computer Screensaver – Use the digital files to create slideshows that can be used as screensavers so you can enjoy your photos while your computer gets some rest.

If you would like, I am more than willing to visit your home prior to the shoot so we can come up with a plan for the type of photos that might look best. I want you to be happy and smile and if there's anything I can do to help then let's do it!

xoxo, Traci with an Eye

When it's me looking through those photos, I like to see the essence of whoever is in front of the camera. For example, I want to see my family enjoying each other and having a good time. I want to see real smiles and emotions.

I want to be able to look at my photographs and be able to relive the moment and feel the emotions as if I was actually in that moment again. And I think that's why I have such a passion for scrapbooking as well. My memory is not the greatest (and it's getting worse as I get older). Pictures and scrapbooks take me back to those times and places better than my mind is able to. It fills my heart with joy and love.

I truly believe that photographs are so important. And the best kind tell a story. Remember the phrase, “A picture's worth a thousand words?” My goal for every photo is to have it be worth a thousand and one.

If you want to learn more about me  click here

Be happy and smile. xoxo, Traci with an Eye

P.S. I am based out of Scottsdale, AZ but am always open to travel, as well! (Anyone out there want to take me with them to Hawaii?!?)

Miss Keyarrasimply beautiful

We had so much fun finding  places to take pics throughout Market Street in DC Ranch. Of course Keyarra looks beautiful with a smile too!

Be happy and smile. (Well, at least be happy!) xoxo,  Traci with an Eye

If your child doesn't like sitting still or posing for the camera, have no worries! I can still get some great photos of him/her/them. When children don't want to cooperate, we as photographers jump to plan B. It is our job to create situations where your child can relax and candidly bring out their personalities. About 98% of the time I prefer candid shots instead of posed ones. I think you will too!

I promise to do my very best so you will be happy and smile! 

xoxo, Traci with an Eye

It's every child in my son's 5th grade class on their bellies reaching their hands out creating a heart in the center. We are going to auction this piece off at the Spring Auction and I am hoping it will make a lot of money for the school. I'm very proud of what I helped to create!

I'm going to print one for myself to and I know when I see it I will be happy and smile! xoxo, Traci

Be happy and smile!

xoxo, Traci with an Eye

Let’s say the event is a family reunion and you want to get a group photo of the whole family. You could do it yourself, but one of two things could happen then. A) You have someone take the photo for you, leaving a family member out of the photo because they had to take it. This could possibly offend that person or make them feel awkward for being excluded. Or B) You set a timer on your camera. This can be problematic because there are so many people in the photo that you will need to take several images to make sure everyone is looking and has their eyes open. You will have to take two to three times as long to get the photos done because you’ll have to keep resetting the timer, and you still might not have gotten the shot. Hiring a professional will eliminate all of this stress.

I love taking pictures, but sometimes I don’t want to go around all night taking selfies with my phone or pictures with my camera (that I'm never in!) of my friends and family members. I would much prefer to relax and enjoy the moment instead of trying to capture it. The quality of the photos will be much better than the selfies. Also, trying to take a selfie with a group of people is next to impossible when trying to get everyone inside the frame.

If the event is a birthday party, you don’t want to miss out on visiting with guests or helping your child open presents or cut the cake because you are too busy trying to take the photos. You want to be part of the action, not stuck behind the camera. You've done SO much work planning the event... you should also be able to enjoy it AND capture it all in pictures too!

Another great thing about hiring a professional is that you don’t have to worry about editing and distributing the photos after the event is over. You just have to wait to receive them from your photographer.

Finally, it’s really a gift to have well lit photographs taking by a professional who preserve the memory of your event. Those images are going to be cherished by everyone for a very long time to come.

So come on.... hire me for your next event. You will be so glad you did!

Be happy and smile. xoxo, Traci with an Eye

Sweet little Matilda Jade

A princess belongs on rose petals...

Little princess

And what's a newborn photo shoot with out a pic of those sweet little toes...

After seeing these pictures, how can you not BE HAPPY AND SMILE!

xoxo, Traci with an Eye

It’s almost time for your session and we’re trying to decide on a location. Here are some things you’ll want to think about:

1. Keep in mind the décor of your home and where you plan to hang photos from this shoot.  Make sure you coordinate your outfits and locations to match the décor style of your home and the colors with the walls of your house so they don’t clash.

2. If you have a rustic home, studio portraits don’t typically look good unless you put them in vintage type frames to make them fit in more. There are lots of places outdoors where we can get a rustic look. 

3. If you have a more modern home, studio photos will more than likely be your best option. There are also some cool places I've found for a crisp, clean and geometric look.

4. You can also choose to have a lifestyle session done inside your home. We will come to your house and take photos of your family in your own natural environment. These are beautiful and will look great in your house because they match perfectly.

Even in my daily routine, I'm constantly looking around to see what locations might make interesting and beautiful portraits. If you have an idea let me know. I'm willing to try (almost) anything. :)

Be happy and smile. xoxo, Traci with an Eye

Bring it on 2017No people or numbers were hurt in creating this picture. But Emily's shoe is a different story. Sisters

Picking the location (and time of day) is often the hardest decision to make.  Stay tuned and I will give you some things to consider when choosing a location. xoxo, Traci with an Eye