Up until this morning, I wasn’t sure if I would be posting this. But, the ash clouds have cleared enough to resume air travel. Which means…Pete and I are going to London today! I will also be shooting an engagement session while we’re there, I can’t wait!
I will be out of the country from April 21-28th. I will return all emails/inquiries on Thursday April 29th.
I leave you with an image of Roxy and Cassidy, since I will be missing them so much! Have a great week!
Much love,
t.
Cassidy, always the herder, ready to pouce!
Happy, Holy Warm, Friday!,
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to write in for the Giving Back is Awesome portrait give-a-way. All the stories were heartfelt and touching. One family really spoke to me though and touched my heart. The recipient of this year’s portrait give-a-way is…….The Navarro Family! I cannot wait to meet and photograph this family! The Navarro family will receive a portrait collection valued at $1000.
Happy Easter!
Much love,
t.
The submission letter written by ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, Kristen Maus:
“Dear Tracey,
What a wonderful idea to take your talents and pay it forward to a deserving family!
I would like to nominate a family that I know well and is very deserving of such a wonderful gift! The Navarro family made the journey from Bolivia to the United States in 2003. Their journey, like so many, started with a dream of living and working in the United States.
Coming to a new country brings new changes and challenges for everyone! The Navarro family is a very close, strong, and loving family. In order to keep their dream alive, Señor and Señora Navarro work very long hours at their jobs, each leaving the house at 6 in the morning and not getting home some nights until 7 pm. This leaves little time to see and spend time with their children! Maria Luisa, their oldest daughter, takes care of the home during the day while watching her two year old daughter, Isabel. Every Sunday is a designated family day for the Navarro’s! They start their day traveling to a nearby town where they go to a Spanish mass and then head home for the one big family dinner their works schedules allow in the week. However, more often than not Señora Navarro is called into work not allowing her to spend the day with her family.
Señor and Señora Navarro were blessed with many children! Manuel, Alfonso, Maria Luisa, David, Miguel, Evelyn, and Gabriela are all such respectful and delightful kids!
However, two years ago, they received a dreadful phone call from Bolivia letting them know of the tragic death of the eldest son, Manuel, who was still living in Bolivia with his daughter. With the cost of airline tickets being so expensive, Señor Navarro and Alfonso were the only two that could return to Bolivia for the funeral and burial services. As you could imagine, this crushed Señora Navarro who had to stay here and take care of the rest of the family. This tragic event has actually brought this family even closer, as they have learned to not take life for granted.
Everyone in the family is still learning and improving their English skills. They have all worked so hard at overcoming the language barriers both in everyday conversations and using the language in academic classes!
The children often tell me how much they miss their grandfather that is still living in Bolivia and the mere thought of them being able to send pictures back to Bolivia to their grandfather and their late brother’s daughter brings tears to my eyes! This mother and father work such long days and long hours to provide what they can for their children and a great beautiful big family picture would be something that they would cherish.”
And because every post should have a photo, here is another image of last year’s recipient, Kaitlin….
I love, love, love my job…. I believe everyone should have beautiful photos to document their family, to tell their story…. So please read on and nominate someone who truly deserves the gift of custom photography….
You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish this gift. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience custom photography — a Portrait Collection valued at $1000., to be exact. It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a free portrait session! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.
* The nominee must reside in New York, within The Capital Region. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story : tbuyce@gmail.com
The winner will be announced on April 2nd- get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone….– and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
Much love,
Tracey
Last year's recipient, Kaitlin
Hi Everyone!
Last week I went to Salem, Oregon to visit my amazing friend, Jodi. Oregon is beyond beautiful! The air is so fresh and the pine tress stretch as far as the eye can see. Several of the trees are coated in brilliant, green moss and I love moss! We went all over, including: the Oregon Coast, Multnomah Falls, and Silver Fall State Park. Did you know that the major exports of Oregon are: pears, onions, hazelnuts, blueberries and Christmas trees. Oregon is also home to some of the most amazing chocolate I have ever had: Moonstruck Chocolate, YUM! I had an incredible time and cannot wait to go back!
Oregon also provided the opportunity for landscape photography. Normally, I photograph people and animals, so this was a new experience for me that I enjoyed very much!
Happy Wednesday!!!!
Much love,
t.
April 27, 2010 You have two very beautiful pups, Tracey…you captured their personalities in this photo! Can’t wait to see you on Saturday; will be sending people over to you for photos. Come over to our table and meet Bentley and Rosie — I’d love a better photo of Rosie so she can find her forever home….love ya, Lori