Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Bracey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A little about myself, I’m a software developer by education and trade, but a photographer at heart. I’ve always had a passion for photographer since I was a kid. It has only been within the last few years that I’ve taken that passion to the next level. I started of doing landscape photography more as a stress reliever than anything else. I guess my journey started when I took my niece Destiny to a local botanical garden to take some photos. I uploaded one of the photos taken to get a print. When I arrived to get it, there was a note on the envelop saying to ask whom took the photo. Apparently the photo lab though that it was a professional photo and wanted to make sure I had permission to print it. It was at this time that I realized that maybe I should be putting more effort into photography. One day a family friend saw some of my photos and decided to ask me to take family photos for them. That led to homecoming and prom photos for their daughter. It was these two watershed events that led to me wanting to do more editorial, fashion, and avant garde type photography.
Over the next 1 year, I’ve been focusing on portfolio building work for models just starting out in the industry. My main focus has been the following styles: beauty, fashion, editorial, and hair/makeup. When not doing portfolio building work, I like to organize group shoots/workshops mainly focusing on new models in order to give them experience and most importantly provide them a safe environment in which to work with and learn from experienced and trustworthy photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe stylists.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a little of both. The biggest challenge is balancing my software developer job and photography. Not everyone can shoot on the weekends or weekday evenings, so I have to plan around so many different schedules. Another struggle has been learning the trade. The industry is very competitive and a lot of established photographers that would be great to receive mentoring from, really don’t want to teach you anything in fear of you becoming a rival and taking business away from you. Which is not the case for me. I’m merely trying to improve my skill set. Perhaps one day down the road as my IT career winds down, I’d like to become more of a professional, but currently photography is an emotional outlet and an extremely passionate hobby. The last struggle that I’ve encountered along the way is access to quality models, hair stylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe stylists. When you’re starting out, it seems like no one wants to give you a chance to prove your worth. At some point, we all where that inexperienced person that someone eventually gave an opportunity.
Please tell us about Tim Bracey Photography.
I mainly specialize in portrait photography, whether that be beauty, editorial, fashion, or avant garde. I’m best known for my creative/avant garde portrait photography. It seems to be my niche, since a lot of the hair stylists and makeup artists I work with like to doing creative shoots whenever they can. They mainly do weddings, so whenever the opportunity arises to do something creative, they are always up for some out of the box thinking. What I’m most proud of as a company is my willingness to opportunities to people that would normally be passed over by many traditional agencies. You don’t to be 5’10” and a size 0 or have a long list of top professionals you’ve worked with, to work with me. As long as you’re willing to work hard to a common goal, I’m willing to work with you. What sets me apart from others is that I’ve very detailed oriented when it comes to my approach to photography. This is due to my 20+ years in IT. I prefer to have all the details for the shoot planned out well before the shoot starts. This includes, but is not limited to the concept, wardrobe, hair, makeup, location, lighting, and length of the shoot. My motto is “Quality over quantity.”
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is going hiking/exploring in the woods. Growing up in the South and in the 80s, there were no iPhones, iPads, YouTube, or Netflix. To keep from being bored, one had to venture outside and find things to do. I remember days or walking into the woods with friends and no clue as to where we were going. We’d walk for hours exploring and when it was time to go home, would listen for the sounds of civilization and head towards them. It was then, we had to ascertain were we were and how to get back home. Luckily for us, everyone knows everyone, so it easy to find the home of a relative or family friend and be able to call our parents and have them come pick us up. I really miss those days. The smell of fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the feeling of freedom. Good times…
Contact Info:
- Website: http://500px.com/timbracey
- Email: timothy_bracey@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbraceyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimAnhVuPhotography/
Image Credit:
Models: Lux Lacheln, Tifani John, Emily Thornhill, Bechan Maddock, Kendall Moe, Alexis Lauren, Natalie Parks
Hair Stylists/Makeup Artists: Lux Lacheln, Elizabeth Rist, Shelley Luther, Jessi Marquez, Megan Michelle Hover,
Evanne Renae Haag
Makeup Artists: Angelica Renaud
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
