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Last week Danville Social had an opportunity to interview Tracey Medcalfe and to learn more about her photography business and what makes it special.

How did the business get started?
I have always loved taking photographs, even as a kid! After my degree in physics and Masters in Information Systems, I knew that our growing family wasn’t blending well with my IT consultant role. As photography took its place in the evolving digital world…a business in photography was a natural step for me and allowed me to combine my love of technology and art with the flexible schedule I needed for my family…and yes, I still got to play with cool gadgets!!! Yay!
I started my photography business in the UK. Initially, I focused on family portrait and reunion photography and loved the pictures I was able to capture for my clients! I loved their reactions to their pictures even more! I was so excited to be able to do something directly for people that I knew they would love forever!!

What inspired you to start your own business?
I am a huge fan of pictures…natural, spontaneous, candid, capturing people’s emotions and connections.
I found that I was inspired by the experience of photographing other people. A dear friend of ours hired a wonderful photographer to photograph an event; I was so inspired by her style and pictures. We had a family session with her and I was able to work with her on a number of occasions before we moved to the US. It wasn’t long before I started my photography business here in the East Bay.

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
I completed a number of professional photography courses for both portraits and weddings. I am also a member of the Professional Photographer Association, which offers wonderful resources for anyone in the business of photography or even photography enthusiasts. I believe you can always grow as a photographer and dedicate specific time on a regular basis to improving my skills and adding new ones regularly.

What’s the one thing your business is known for, over your competitors?
There are many aspects of capturing a great photograph…light, gear, great subjects, location to name just a few. I believe that timing is also an essential component and am always in search of that telling expression, smile, laugh, action that captures a moment!
A collision of action in soccer.
A crazy laugh from a chased toddler.
An expression of determination in lacrosse.
A confident character presence on stage.
A knowing smile from a big sister.
An adoring smile from a proud parent.
A secret smile from a bride.
A passionate embrace of a couple
A confident exchange between business partners
A friendly wrestle between brothers.
I believe that these are moments captured in time forever with a photograph and I am always in search of this rich treasure! I love to get to know my clients and to be able to capture them as they are most beautiful and natural.
I am excited to have a senior photography banner on the football pitch at Monte Vista. Spring is a great time to get senior and family portraits with great weather and blossoming trees and plants.  Springtime also has the bonus of avoiding the seasonal rush in fall!

Which small businesses are you inspired by?
I am inspired by people more than businesses. People achieve great things, work hard to understand their clients, love what they do! I love working with people who are energetic and passionate about their pursuits!!

What is your favorite part about living/working in Danville?
For an outdoor photographer, Danville and the Bay Area presents a spectacular location! Just within five miles of Danville, there are more than 20 locations that I wouldn’t hesitate to use for photographs! I have included just a few of the locations in some of the pictures.

Tell us the most interesting and fun tidbit about your business.
The story of our logo is fun and quirky! We used to live in Holland and just after our second child, Hannah was born, we visited the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. They boast some of the most impressive displays of tulips and other plants in their spectacular botanical gardens. The logo heart is made up of a beautiful stone sculpture which I rotated to be vertical and then duplicated in Photoshop. Here is a picture of our oldest taking a quick look through the sculpture.

Click here to view Tracey’s work on her website, https://www.medcalfe.com/