Mastering the Business of Photography with Tracey Woods
Get ready for the ultimate lesson on the business of photography with Tracey Woods, Director of Photography at The Luupe. Tracey not only shares stories and reflects on her career (that included photographing Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama!), but also gives advice on finding your unique voice, building and reviewing your portfolio, and handling feedback.
Top takeaways:
Takeaway 1: Mastering the Business of Photography
Tracey’s career proves that creativity and business savvy go hand in hand. From learning the ropes as a studio manager to leading photography at The Luupe, she cracked the code on balancing artistry with the practical side of the industry. Her message to aspiring photographers? Don’t shy away from understanding budgets, client management, and promotion—it’s the secret sauce to turning your passion into a thriving career.
Takeaway 2: Fuel Your Creativity with Personal Projects
Whether sewing, quilting, or exploring new techniques, Tracey shows how passion projects can spark fresh ideas and even level up your professional work. Her mantra? Stay curious and keep testing. These creative side quests not only sharpen your skills but also help you bounce back stronger from setbacks. And yes, rejection happens—but with resilience and a focus on celebrating small wins, you’ll always find your next big break.
Takeaway 3: Find Your Voice and Build a Killer Portfolio
Tracey is all about helping photographers stand out by finding their unique style. Whether you’re crafting your portfolio or tackling a review, her advice is gold: lead with your strongest work, keep it cohesive, and don’t overload with too many images. Plus, use portfolio reviews as an opportunity to gather feedback, refine your vision, and connect with industry pros. It’s all about showing the world what makes your work unmistakably you.
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