Photography

Smugmug

I am FINALLY a member of the Smugmug family! I started my 14 day trail this afternoon and just purchased a 1 year subscription to the amazingness. I will be using it for an online portfolio gallery, proofing, and emailing you your photos. 

As it is probably new to you, here is a quick lesson in getting the most out of your visit to view your photos on my smugmug page. 
This is the homepage. If you visit http://www.traceysawatzkyphotography.smugmug.com/ this is what you will see. 

There might be some locked galleries that you need a password for. If this is your gallery I would have sent you the password. Please only share this with who you want. These galleries are private and unsearchable and will have a random password that I only give to you in a separate email from the link. 


This is the gallery view. It really neat as it will stretch/shrink to fit your browser. You can click on the thumbnails to view that photo. Make note of the multiple pages (if there is) so you don't miss out on seeing some of your photos. That is shown right above the thumbnails.

Leave comments on your favorite photos. If you are ordering from me. Comment with the size and quanity that you would like. Online ordering of prints is currently unavailable, but I will be looking into it to make the ordering process as easy as can be!


You can change the different view types for your needs. 


You can even share your photos (email, link, facebook, twitter and more)


You can also give a photo "Thumbs Up" or "Thumbs Down" and below a quick tweet, share or like. You can also see the file name here if you are ordering from me and sending your list by email or order form. 


And last but not least, I will send you your digital copies via smugmug. It is quick and easy, saving on finding a day to meet up or waiting on shipping. I will only be giving discs by special request. And it is your responsibility to back up your photos once recieved. 

Here is what the email will look like when your photos are ready. You just click on the link and just like that your photos are being downloaded to your computer! *Note: your photos will NOT have the watermark on them*


If you have any questions at all. Do not hesitate to send me an email!

Wedding Photography Bucket List

I have decided to write up photography bucket lists sharing my "must have" locations that I want to shoot at. I really want to expand into destination wedding photography (or just be flown in by a local) Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are getting married in one of these places.
It would be my dream to be your photographer! Please email me for more details and rates! 

Ireland

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Paris

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Santorini

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Napa Valley

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San Francisco

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New York City

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Venice 

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Rome

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Victoria

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Tuscany 

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Other locations include and are definitly not limited to: Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Amsterdam, Drumheller, London, Colorado, Seattle, Portland, New England area, the Canadian Maritimes, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Switzerland...

What to Wear

Stumped what to wear for your photo session? Here are some quick tips!

First, your main goal is to have everyone compliment each other without being matching. (You also want to avoid big logos or characters. Unless you are really a NHL star and want to wear your jersey-because that’s okay!)

You also want to think color. What colors look best on you and your family? What colors best fit the season that your photos will take place in? Combine these colors with coordinating patterns and textures to match (Not everyone has to be in the same solid color or pattern) Adding variety in colors and patterns adds depth in the photo (which is a good thing!) Another thing to do is add a pop of color (in accessories and layers) on a few people to tie everyone together.  

Don’t forget to layer and accessorize! It is all about the details! Decide on an accent color (your pop of color) and add that into your jewelry, shoes, scarves, ties, bows, etc. You can always add or drop layers for different looks during the shoot.

Bonus, Props! Props also add that extra dimension to your portrait session!  Pennant banners or wooden letters to spell out your family name, balloons, bubbles, vintage pieces of furniture, picnic blanket + basket, or anything that has meaning to you.

Resources: I use kuler for a color palette resource. (Note: some color schemes created on here look like they were made by someone who doesn’t know what they were doing. So please don’t take every color scheme as a rule)

If you are having a hard time coming up with a color scheme, or just need some insight. Don’t hesitate to message me to help you out!