I’m so excited to announce that Traci Buck (of Photography by Traci Buck) and I have changed things up at our downtown Grants Pass photography studio. We officially call it The Loft – A Creative Space. We have some very exciting plans for our clients and our community. The vibe of The Loft is exactly what we both envisioned…a place where our clients feel comfortable and special and have an outstanding experience that they will never forget, all while getting some killer photos. More about this later though. For now, I want to introduce you to Traci…so grab a glass of wine or a beer, kick back and read my recent interview with her. Not only is she a great photographer, she is a really great person. Here we go . . .
What is life to you? For me, life is about moments. Living fully in the moments we are given is a gift, and it leads to a joyful life.
There are a lot of professions out there – why be a photographer? Photographers document life, and sometimes life’s moments can be forgotten. Photographs remind us where we have been.
Do you have a second profession or passion? Beside my work and my family, my passions are anything to do with France and cooking. I am obsessed with everything french and I am currently studying the language. As far as cooking, I love the entire process from planning recipes to shopping for those meals to spending time in the kitchen. My ideal moment is having my family home, music on, Christmas lights twinkling (because yes, they are up year-round in my kitchen), and drinking a glass of wine. All while preparing (and usually photographing) a meal. I am a true foodie.
If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? So many times I have said “I should have done this or that” but honestly, I do not think I would do things differently. And why should I? If I had, I would not be the woman or photographer I am now.
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer? In second grade I wrote a paper (which my mom still has) titled My Future. I declared then that I would be a photographer when I grew up. But it was not until I was 25, got married and moved to Oregon that I really desired to document life in an artistic way.
What inspires and motivates you? Simple, my family. I have a husband who goes above and beyond in all that he does and he encourages me to do the same. And as my kiddos are getting older, now 11 and 17, they have each discovered their own unique paths and have great passion too. They motivate me and inspire me to always do better, because I desire to be an inspiration to them; it has come full circle.
Can you share an image that you are particularly proud of and tell us why? This is an image that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is from a lifestyle session I did with my parents. Neither one of them wanted to do it (but I think they both ended up kind of getting into it). I truly know they said yes just for me. I documented them in their 70s, at their home, and nearly 60 years into their marriage.
Are there any mantras that you live by? My favorite word is eucharisteo. It is a Greek word that means ‘to live a grateful life.’ I even have it tattooed on my side.
What are some of your favorites? Music – My house is filled with a huge variety of vinyl. I listen to everything from the Beatles to 80s pop and 90s grunge, to today’s rock and roll. I am currently listening to Nirvana Unplugged while I write this. Television series – Pretty much anything superhero. Book – A Year in Provence. Quote – “She laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Where is the last place you traveled? My last big adventure was a trip to Europe with my family. I am such a homebody but I love traveling and experiencing other cultures.
Have you been influenced by other photographers and who are they and how have they influenced your work? There are many photographers I follow and they have influenced me in different ways. I take bits and pieces from them which influences my own style.
What would be your dream photography experience? To fly off to an exotic destination to shoot an elopement and then fly home.
How many years have you been a photographer? 17 years.
What kind of photography do you do? My passion is lifestyle photography. Whether it be of a couple, a family, an individual or a bride and groom at their wedding, I love telling real life stories through images.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened on one of your photo shoots? Years ago, I was shooting a high school senior. We were roaming around a local park when out of the blue I got hit on the head with a frisbee golf disc.
How can people find you?
facebook – http://www.facebook.com/photographybytracibuck
Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/traci_buck_photography
website – http://www.photographybytracibuck.com
studio – 111 SW H Street, Grants Pass, Oregon