While you were sleeping...

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I took some great lightning photos during the storm. It was challenging because I couldn't use my metal tripod to be safe, so I used the top of a chair and the top of a trash can. Keeping dry (at least the camera) was another challenge (shooting while holding an umbrella, at 3am). For those interested in shooting lightning or as to how I did this, I photographed usually all manual settings. First I used ISO 5o (yes 50!) so that the city lights didn't interfere so much with my exposure. Then I shot at F10 for aperature and my shutter was set at 30 seconds. I would wait for lighting, then cover my lens to not let any more light in after the lighting. It was fun out there tonight, though I think I will need a nap tomorrow!

So happy storms to you all!

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Updates to my web page...

Since it is so hot and things have slowed down, I finally made time to add some pages and sections to my website.

I added a Commercial section (under the Portfolio page) to show some of my work done for other businesses. The first ones on that page are of Crave (a private Chef's company). Those were very colorful and artistic, and somewhat editorial as Rich made his creations. Some others show shoots that I did for a jeweler/veil designer, some foot fashion, and of course some of my favorite shots from Vincent's (on Camelback). Two of the shots of Vincent and his pizza oven were in the Scottsdale Republic last Friday (and I got a nice photo credit for that too!)

I also added one of my custom guestbooks which are so popular at weddings with all the crowds.

Lastly, I added a section for showing fully designed albums. I design from scratch for my clients. I was able to get 4 very different albums up for viewing.

So when you get a chance, please go check out all this new stuff at my website, http://www.photographicpassion.com/.

I hope to post some new photos soon-- from the fireworks at Lake Pleasant on the 3rd. Sitting in the lake watching is the only way to enjoy in the heat. We had a blast!

Take care all of you!

Tracy

Texas for two!

Rebecca and Chris came all the way to Arizona from Texas, just to have me shoot their wedding! Just kidding-- but it was a privilege working with them on the 26th of May. They had a really fun group, as you will see in the photos. And Becky's eyes have amazing colors! Thanks you two, and congratulations once again!

Fun in Sedona!

A couple of weeks ago, I got the honor of shooting Jenae and Rich's wedding in Sedona. I invited two photographer collegues/friends to come along and shoot with me. So Michell Jonas and Ana Counts hiked up to Sedona with me to spend a short weekend shooting together. We had a blast! Jenae and Rich are a beautiful couple. And after Michell, Ana, and I left Sedona, Sedona will never be the same again (we partied, after we worked, of course!) Thank you Ana and Michell for ALL your help! We make a great team!

NEW Website for Me!

I just finished my new website. Did it all by myself (hopefully it doesn't look like I did it by myself!) It took me about a full work week or just a bit more than that. Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

Tracy
http://www.photographicpassion.com/
http://www.tracykreck.com/
http://www.phototk.net/
http://www.diagonalview.com/
(All of the above websites merge to the same one.)

Danielle & Matthew

I have finally caught up from the crazy wedding season. My last blog entry had engagement portraits on it. That very day I was shooting their wedding-- blogged them in the morning. Well, here are Danielle & Matthew's wedding images. It was one of the smoothest, best planned out weddings that I have had the pleasure to be at, in almost forever! Everything went ahead of schedule, and the dance floor stayed packed for hours-- it was perfect harmony!

This first shot is one that I don't normally take-- it has my reflection in the mirror, but I think it has a papparazzi type feel to it. The rest are just a few of my favorites (from over 1000 images) from their special day.

Congratulations again, Danielle & Matthew! I had a great time at your wedding!