Traci Lord Photography

Z-Baby: One Year Old!

2011-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

You may remember this little chunk of love from
when he was a few weeks old
or from when he was 9 months old...

he is still as adorable as can be!

Look at those curls...sigh.

Mom wasn't sure how he'd react to balloons...

but I think it's safe to say he loved 'em.

Thanks for a fun & fabulous session, Z-baby!
Looking forward to your family session in the fall!

Thanks for visiting.

"H" Kiddos

2011-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to be sharing these shots
from first time clients,
the "H" Family.

We were after a variety of shots for this fabulous foursome...
but mom really wanted shots of
her 2-year-old little girl,
"R" - could stand for:

refined,

radiant,

a little rowdy.
(Big brother "D" was happy to play along.)
Yep, we had lots of personality in this shoot.

Don't you love her heirloom dress?

Mom made it herself and you can check out her blog here.

You didn't think I was including mom and dad
as part of the foursome, were you?
Because surprise...

the other two are five-week-old twins.

And this is as close as we got to a complete sibling group shot.

I love baby toes.

There are SO many more shots to share
with you Eva - this is just
a small sampling!
Thanks so much for all of your hard work and
help to make this a great session.

Thanks for visiting!

Summer Sweetness - Little Miss E

2011-07-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Summer...garden time takes over blogging time, apparently.

You'll forgive me when you see the sweetness I'm about to post.

Meet little Miss E...

I can barely take all the cuteness...

the hand...posing already

the joy

the concentration...

Momma's pearls

even the butterflies know to show up when there is this much sweetness...

Such a kind and beautiful family...
no wonder Miss E is SO happy!

The only trouble was narrowing down the number of shots to post!

Thank you so much to the "V" family
for allowing me the honor of
photographing your daughter.

Thanks for visiting!

Spring Joy

2011-05-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Spring...so many things to

be happy about

fresh from the garden
the first strawberry of the season,

delicate strands of
bleeding hearts,

the warmth of sunshine,

the perfume of lilacs.

Late, but joining over at:

Thanks very much for visiting!

Baby Z - Under the Category ADORABLE

2011-04-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Remember this little guy?

He's become this adorable
chunk - of - love.

I am going to have to use some self control with this post.

Because

I

can't seem

to get

enough

of

him.

Makes you wanna reach into the screen and
pinch those chubby cheeks, doesn't it?

Have a beautiful day
and
thanks for visiting!

Bicycles and Trendy Treehouse

2011-04-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Bi-cycle, bi-cycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it now...

Not really,
but I did want to join over at:

Thanks for visiting!

Self Portrait

2011-04-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Self portrait...
and a LOT of thanks to photoshop!

Inspired by the incredible Caroline (blog link) when
I took her class: Just Shoot Me.

I can't tell you how much I got out of her 4-week class.
Actually, I can...read my testimonial here.
You can check out more details from the button
on my sidebar or click the Just Shoot Me link above.

She only takes five students a month, so
sign up quickly - May is fast approaching!

P.S. I do not get a commission or anything
like that for this post.

Linking up over at:

Thanks for visiting!

Fairy Mosaic

2011-03-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

You know it's spring when the fairies
start taking their bubble baths
in the tulips...
and when the lilac buds
begin to appear.

Just something different I was
challenged to try.
It's a good thing to try
something new and different.
Don't you think?

Thanks for visiting and be sure to visit
other mosaic loveliness
over at Mary's!

Spring Mosaic and Macros

2011-03-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

(photos above from last year's garden)

Are you ready for spring?
Interested in learning when to
prune hydrangeas?
I've written a post on my other blog
complete with photos telling you exactly when to prune what.
(you're welcome, Ma-Ma)

Buds are finally appearing,

plants are pushing up,

unfurling,
making us forget
the harshness of winter.

I'm joining over at Mary's
for her Mosaic Monday.

Check out other fabulous mosaics by visiting the link above.
Thanks for visiting!

White

2011-03-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Linking up sooner than later for this
week's color over at:

Be sure to check out other super-fly white photos
from the other fabulous photographers there!
Thanks for visiting!

Lavender

2011-03-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

My very late submission for Lavender
over at Project 64.

Thanks for visiting!

Next week's color is white,
be sure to stop over at:

Indigo

2011-02-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

My submission for Indigo.

And I thought the cropped version
would have you wondering...
"What the heck is that?"

So I included a distance shot so
you too could marvel at this
glass sculpture at the
Atlanta Botanical Garden.
(not my submission)
Check out the other colorful indigo finds at:

Thanks for visiting!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Had to wait for a somewhat warm day

to take the kiddos outside for
a Valentine's Day photo.

My bright idea was to have them give
each other a kiss on the cheek
Simple, right?

Um, no.

This is the one shot I got of Lulu
being kissed by Jackie-baby.
Why?
He planted a slobbery one on her.
Boys.
He was thrilled with her disgusted reaction.

Finally, I get some quality shots.
Truly my children do so much better separately.

Enter my husband.
He looks at the kiss shots and
makes some crack about us
living in the south for too long.

My response?
Shut up.
Next year they won't be willing to
stand within five feet of each other.

Happy Valentine's Day to you,
my blogging friends!

Drop over at:

and at:

for lots of sweetness and joy.
Thanks for visiting!

Gray

2011-02-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

With the color of the week being gray,
I didn't want to shoot the gray sky that
has been lingering here and probably
everywhere else in the country.

So I thought of the elephants at the zoo.
Turns out they aren't fond of gray cold days either.

What do I have that is gray???
I have gray floor pillows from IKEA
and a gray background.
And a pretty cute model.

Sassy, but cute.

Linking up with my colorful friends over at:

Thanks for visiting!

Canine Sweetness

2011-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

My Ella in the snow...

She's as sweet as the day is long.
Be sure to check out other sweet shots at:

and other happy shots at:

Thanks for visiting!

Mosaic of Robin's Egg Blue

2011-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

Joining over at Mary's Little Red House
for Mosaic Monday
and
at Project 64 where the color
this week is
Robin's Egg Blue.

Click over to check out the other entries
from these wonderful host sites.

Thanks for visiting!
ETA: A Raggedy Ann baby spoon given to us
upon returning from Russia with our daughter -
that's what's in the Tiffany & Co. box.

McC Family

2011-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

This lovely family shoot was waaayy back in November,
but I am just now posting since things were
crazier at that time.

Both girls are as beautiful on the inside,
as they are on the outside!

What sweet smiles...

Sisters who get along...a dream come true.

Mom and Dad - seriously photogenic.

Thank you McC family for allowing me to take
your family portraits!

A New Challenge

2011-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Joining Brooke and her friends over at:

where they pick a color from a box of 64 crayons
and use the color as a prompt.

My submission for the color Pink Carnation:

Lulu's hat fits the bill...
and because her brother will
feel left out if I don't...(and because I love this shot showing him enjoying the snow)

Jackie-baby.
Thanks for visiting!
P.S. Feel free to join - next week's color is chestnut brown!

Sweet Shot & Project Happy

2011-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Joining in some linky fun...

this little guy certainly qualifies as sweet and makes me so very happy.
(Unless he's been digging.)
Ozzy is constantly cracking us up.
I'm amazed at how he has won me over...I was the one saying
"I'm SO not a cocker-spaniel type person".
Mutts are my "breed" of choice.

My absence here was due to post-holiday funk,
a new camera which required new editing software and
SIX, yes 6, straight days inside with two children.
The ice storm of 2011 made me understand
why some species eat their young.

Be sure to check out other sweet and happy shots at:

Thanks for coming back!

A Very Special Afternoon

2010-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

What a treat!

Lulu was invited by her friend, K,
to the St. Regis Hotel...
to have tea with Santa.

First, there was the incredibly impressive
Gingerbear House.
Made from :
800 eggs, 350 pounds of sugar, 1000 pounds of flour, 400 pounds of icing
and took 500+ hours to create.

Next was tea, hot chocolate and sweet treats.
(Which is what the girls started with first!)

And then there was the anticipation...

for you-know-who.

Yep, he stopped and talked at length
with both girls.

It was quite the experience...even for this "grown-up"!

Their tree was pretty impressive, too. Gorgeous!

Thanks for visiting and be sure to check out
other fabulous mosaics over at Mary's!

Brothers for Black & White Wednesday

2010-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

Joining in over at:

Check out the other beautiful black and white shots!

Thanks for visiting!

Favorite Photo Friday

2010-12-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to join in on
this challenge for awhile now.

And since I'll be decorating today,
I happened to remember a
couple of photos I took
(on my film SLR)
when Jack and Lulu saw a Christmas
tree for the first time.

I decided not to make any adjustments in
Photoshop as I want to present them
just as I received them. (noise and all)

Stop by to see other Favorite Photos,
or even better - join in the fun!

Thanks for visiting!

Birthday Mosaic

2010-11-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, but our youngest just turned 8!

She is big-time into dogs...
real dogs,
stuffed animal dogs,
walking, barking, stuffed dogs,
American Girl dogs...
you name it, this girl's got it!

So a dog themed party was in line.
Especially when my way-cool girlfriend, Amanda
offered to make the dog bowl cake!

She made the bone of fondant
and decorated with bling-bling.

The "dog food" are Whopper balls
which she kept in position with chocolate.
The base of the cake has pink fondant balls
rolled in pink sprinkles.

The favors were also doggie themed!
Human "Puppy Chow", packaged in
pink, red & green boxes,
topped with glass doggie ornaments.
(One little girl prefers cats, so there was one cat ornament.)

Human "Puppy Chow" is an easy and sweet treat -
perfect for sharing over the holidays.
I'll post the recipe on my other blog
later today.

Linking up over at Mary's - be sure to check out the other
wonderful mosaics!
Also using this as my sweet shot submission.
Find other sweet, sweet shots at:

Thanks for visiting!
** Edited to add: the cake was as delicious as it was cute!

Incredible Give-Away by Florabella

2010-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of my photographer friends know
of Florabella actions and textures.

(This is actually a vertical template, but I rotated it for this photo.)

But did ya know, she has generously sent out an invite
to download these gorgeous holiday cards? The
invite came via her newsletter. Sign up!

Yepper. All you have to do is "like" Florabella
on FaceBook and you can download all FIVE
of these beauties.
Comes with lovely matching patterns
for your text on the back.
Details found here.

Not only that, but you can then sign up for the
chance to win a $100 gift certificate to
purchase any of her incredible
actions, textures, frames or digital papers!

Thanks for visiting!

Macro Challenge

2010-11-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

A little mushroom in our front yard...

I was shocked to find it, as my husband
is rather fanatic about the grass.

Might not be your typical macro shot,
but when you realize it's barely as tall
as the grass, I think it qualifies.

My first time submitting to:

Be sure to visit or join in!
Thanks for visiting!

Black & White Wednesday

2010-11-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Posting a little late, but I'm here!

This adorable little one belongs to a good friend.
I took this about 10 (!) years ago.
I actually printed this to B&W in a darkroom class.
Gosh, I loved working in the darkroom.

Now she has blossomed into this
lovely young lady.

Doesn't she have flawless skin?

Beautiful eyes...

And the most likable, sweet personality.
(She comes from good people.)

Thanks to W for allowing me to do your headshot!

Using this as my submission here...
check out other fabulous Black & Whites at:

Sweet Shots

2010-11-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

My submissions for Sweet Shot Tuesday.

These were taken on a fairly recent shoot,
but have yet to edit more.

Trying to get back in sync with life.

Planning on being here tomorrow...
shocking, I know!

Check out the other Sweet Shots at:

Thanks for visiting and
have yourself a sweet Tuesday!

Pink Bouquet

2010-10-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

An all-pink bouquet of roses and zinnias,
especially meaningful in this month of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Dedicated to a very special friend...
who may have lost her hair,
but not her positive attitude.

Who has been exhausted from treatments,
but lives with plenty of fight and joy.

Who has had to make tough decisions,
but remains strong and informed.

She is beautiful inside and out.
She is fun, authentic and inspiring.

I keep you close in my heart as you battle and beat this disease, my friend.
Love,
Trace

Day 39/365

Sweet Shots with Lulu &Ozzy

2010-09-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was to be some shots of our girl...

who loves to braid her hair and wear silly bands.

When someone insisted he be part of the shoot.
Ballsy little thing, isn't he?

He has wiggled himself right into our hearts.

Check out other sweet shots captured over at:

Day 5/365

Pear Mosaic

2010-09-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Glad to be back.
These shots are from Day 6 of my 365 Day Photo Challenge.
I am far behind in my editing, but life happens!

Please check out the other fabulous mosaic makers
over at Mary's.
Thanks for hosting, Mary!

And thank you for visiting!

Black & White Wednesday

2010-09-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

Back home...

looking forward to catching up on my blog reading.

This photograph is from Day 8 of my 365 Day opportunity.

Check out other fabulous black & whites at:

Sweet Shot!

2010-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

My contribution for Sweet Shot Tuesday...
Daniella's reaction after rolling her first spare.

Sorry for the lousy quality - bowling alley light really stinks!

Check out fabulous Sweet Shots here:

Thanks for visiting!

Mosaic Monday & 365 Days

2010-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Joining the fun over at Mary's
for Mosaic Monday.

Click over to see other fabulous mosaics.

These shots are from Days 1 and 2 of
my 365 day challenge.
Click the button on the right column if
you're interested in joining us.
It's a supportive group, interested in becoming
better photographers and committed to taking a photo every day.

Thanks for visiting!

Lulu and B&W Wednesday

2010-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Back for another challenge...

using a photo from my recent archives of our daughter.

Be sure to check out the other black & whites over at:

Thanks for visiting!

Ozzy & Sweet Shot Tuesday

2010-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Another new challenge to me...
Sweet Shot Tuesday.

I decided to use Ozzy.
And because this was sweet.
It stopped this family of four in its tracks.

You see we've never had a vertically challenged dog before now.
Never had one that needed a little boost to see
the squirrels and chipmunks outside.

So, the Oz-man decided to prop himself up with his
catcher's mitt-sized paws and look.

Thanks for visiting and be sure to visit here for more Sweet Shots!

Baby Z

2010-08-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

I told you I'd be giving you a baby fix...
This is precious Baby Z.

He was three weeks old when these were taken, so
he was wide awake for awhile.

This day we concentrated on mommy and baby:

and daddy and baby.

I just feel the love coming from mom & dad, don't you?

Then he ate and drifted off...
I think sleeping babies are possibly the definition of perfection.

What could he be dreaming of with that smile? Sigh.

Thank you "M" Family.
I am thrilled to watch and photograph your beautiful growing family!

If you are new here and would like to see their other two beautiful children,
click here for big brother and here for big sister!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

New Friend Friday

Black & White Wednesday

2010-08-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Taking part in a new challenge...new to me anyway!

If you're interested in black & white photography,
but sure to visit over at:

Thanks for visiting!

Grrrr!

2010-08-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

HOLE? WHAT HOLE?
I didn't see any hole out there.
Why does everybody look at me when a new hole appears?
I'm hurt.

Can you see the dirt on the top of his head?
Can you see the dirt at the bottom of his ears?

Apparently, you are supposed to give dogs a "job".
Otherwise, they give themselves a job
and its usually not good thing.
Chipmunk hunting for Ozzy...not a good job.
Hmm.

Anyone seen my mimosa?

Rainbow Mosaic

2010-08-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Linking up to Mary's Little Red House
for Mosaic Monday.

What's with all the rainbows, you say?
Well, my friends...
last week was the first full week of school.

"Sunny day, chasing the clouds away"

Some moms have tears in their eyes as their little ones board the school bus.
Not this momma.
I was ready for a Mimosa!

Of course, I had been home bound with the wild ones for a few weeks before
school started while my husband started back on the road.
Monday through Friday.
Not early Friday.
Late Friday.

Celebrate with me as we start week 2 of school and check out
the other mosaics linking up at Mary's.

Thanks for visiting!

P.S. I forgot to add that the pastel coloring was made by my 7-year-old daughter
P.P.S. Anybody else not surprised my flower rainbow ended up in the shape of a pie piece?
Nope. Me neither.

"H" Family Portraits

2010-08-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

This lovely family was wonderful to work with...
dad with his easy, comfortable smile,
mom and her beautiful eyes and hair I envy
and "K" is the perfect combination of both of them.

A crop of Miss K, since she practiced this pose before I arrived.

Oh, to be young, naturally beautiful and photogetic. Sigh.

I can't decide between the next two,
so I'm posting both of them.

Hmmm. Vintage or not....

I am honored when a family allows me to
take their family portrait.
Thank you H family!

Beauty and (a cute) Beast

2010-07-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today's post is brought to you as part of Elk and Gayle's Pet Parade.

Ella is dignified, patient and a bit spoiled.
She should be - she had a rough start and spent too much
time as a rescue waiting for a home.

My kids imitate how I talk to her.
"Momma wuvs you! Yes, she does!"
I care not one bit, mind you.

And then there is Ozzy...

He has been with us for over two weeks now.
And we have learned some things about the Oz-Man.

1. Occasionally, he howls in his sleep.

2. He has become quite enamored with Ella.
Doesn't everyone?
He, however, tries to mount her.

3. He looks out the window and barks at everyone and everything
moving along our street.

4. In an attempt to smell Ella and her business,
he has been peed on.

5. His ears are so long, they hit the water in the bowl way
before his tongue reaches it.

And speaking of his tongue...

6. The tip of his tongue sticks out of his closed mouth while
he sleeps. And sometimes stays this way even
after he has woken up.
(This is not a good look for anyone...not even a cute poochie.)

(Okay, maybe it's a little cute.)

Feel free to join the Pet Parade here!

And because animal lovers should stick together, I'm providing
the link to a wonderful photographer, Joy.
She is offering a fabulous set of textures for a very
reasonable price here at her site.
They are called "Maggie's Textures" because they are
being sold to help pay for her
sweet Maggie's vet bills.

Thanks for visiting!

Hydrangeas for Cold Regions

2010-07-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Live in a cold region?
Think you can't grow hydrangeas?
You just might be able to!

Check out this post on my other blog!

Ozzy and K

2010-07-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

Another mosaic featuring Ozzy and "K",
my daughter's "very best friend".

Thanks for visiting!
Be sure to come back as I have photo sessions to post...
long over due.
(thanks for your patience)

Ozzy Mosaic

2010-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Mary for Mosaic Monday at her Little Red House.

Now, I know some of you are saying, "Who is this?"
This is Ozzy. He is watching the birds on our feeder.
How did he get into our house?
I'm still asking myself that question.
You can read his story here.

Photoshop

2010-07-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

SOOC - straight-out-of-camera

Playing around with textures and actions in Photoshop.

No wonder I can't get a grip on what my style is exactly.

I can't decide what look I like best.

Sometimes, I think it was easier when I just handed the film over to the developer and what ya got back was whatcha got!

Butterfly Mosaic

2010-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, Friends!
Linking up over at Mary's again for Mosaic Monday.
You can find other fabulous mosaics here.
Thanks for dropping by - I'll be posting before next Monday this week. :D
Thanks to Mary for hosting MM!

P.S. Ella was hunting chipmunks - not butterflies!

Queen Anne's Lace

2010-07-04T15:42:00.001-07:00

I'm joining the Monday Mosaic party over at Mary's.
Be sure to check out the other fabulous linkers here.

And yes, I do realize Queen Anne's Lace is technically a weed,
but she's so lovely... I welcome her in my garden.

At Nanny's House...

2010-07-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

...Ella gets spoiled as much as the grandkids.

And why shouldn't she?

From Creativity Boot Camp

2010-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Something very different from me.
The theme from this day: ivory.
Trying to challenge myself to go outside my comfort zone.
You can check out the Creativity Boot Camp here.

Thanks for looking!

Hydrangea Mosaic

2010-06-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Joining the fun at Mary's Monday Mosaic, found here.
All of these shots are from my garden this week.
Interested in learning about hydrangeas?
Check out my other blog: One Fell Out of the Cuckoos Nest!

Thanks for visiting!

Veranda

2010-06-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

I always thought we had a front porch.
After living down south now for many years,
I realize we actually have a veranda.
What's the difference?
Other than it sounds fancier, I don't know!
Do you know?

Be sure to stop back tomorrow - I'll be posting some of my hydrangeas!
Interested in learning about hydrangeas?
Check me out here!

Thanks for visiting!

M Family Session

2010-05-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites and from the beginning of our session, no less!

Big brother, Luke, is handsome, charming and quite a thinker.

I think he looks so happy and relaxed - I'm pretty sure he was talking
to mommy when I shot this:
Mom asked for the original of this shot to be
cropped and converted to B & W.
But I couldn't resist trying this:
And then, because I'm weak for sassy, little girls:

Thank you for a fabulous family session, M Family!

And because I'm curious - tell me which you prefer-
the B&W or vintagey portrait.

Garden Visitor

2010-05-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Caught this little lady
sunning herself
on my 'Lemon Zest' Hydrangea.

Be sure to check back for more shots from my garden which
seems to be exploding by the day!

Thanks for visiting!

Tulips

2010-05-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

Like this with or without the frame?

Dogwoods - Part III

2010-05-01T00:48:00.000-07:00

Looking up...

a good thing to do...

unless geese or seagulls are flying overhead.

Thanks for visiting!
I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging comments.
P.S. I totally faked this sky - is it obvious?

Lears - Part I

2010-04-24T18:30:00.001-07:00

My dear photogenic friends and their fabulous children...so much fun to do your family portrait.
Of course I have lots more for you to check out, but thought this sneak peak of finished shots was l o n g overdue.

Can you all tell that Mommy modeled? Can you all tell, Miss I. does not care for her picture being taken? Hmmm. Luckily, mom and I agree that catching them as they really are is better than forcing the issue. Beautiful smile, Miss J!

A father and his sons...love this.

A family shot given a vintage look. (I'd post the full color shot, but I've already tried a few times and now the vein in my forehead is sticking out.)
I've made it through the first full memory card and will be processing the second set of shots shortly.
Thank you to the Lears for the honor of allowing me to take your family portrait!

Dogwood - Part II

2010-04-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

Dogwood

2010-04-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

Not mine, but

2010-03-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite things about

living where we live.

Driving by the horse farmevery day.

Sunday Lunch

2010-03-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hubby's delicious pancakes Sunday mornings
mean light Sunday lunches. (usually)
Strawberries.
Perfect.

Thanks for visiting.