Welcome to the latest episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, where we delve into the journeys of women in the photographic industry. Your host is Angela Nicholson, founder of SheClicks, a community dedicated to supporting female photographers. This episode features an enlightening conversation with Tracy Calder, a talented photographer, editor, and writer known for her contributions to various consumer magazines, books, and prestigious exhibitions like those at the Photographer's Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Tracy's passion for photography was ignited early, thanks to a camera gifted by her father when she was just around 10 years old. This episode explores her photographic and writing pursuits, which she describes as parallel interests that allow her to tell compelling stories through both imagery and words. Tracy's career trajectory is inspiring, starting with her role at Outdoor Photography magazine, leading to the inception of the Close Up Photographer of the Year competition—an event celebrating the art of macro and micro photography.

During the discussion, Tracy shares anecdotes from her early experiences, such as her first creative photography project involving a box of fruit, which marked the beginning of her lifelong engagement with the craft. She also discusses her educational path, highlighting a pivotal moment at university that broadened her perception of photography beyond beautiful landscapes to a powerful narrative medium.

Tracy's contributions to the photographic community are profound, especially through her co-founding of the Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition. This platform not only showcases the intricate beauty of close-up photography but also encourages photographers to learn and explore the minutiae of the natural world continually. Her insights into the therapeutic aspects of photography, particularly its ability to slow down time and foster mindfulness, are especially poignant.

This episode looks at Tracy Calder's professional life and explores her personal philosophy about photography and storytelling. Her approach emphasises emotion and storytelling over technical perfection, advocating that the true measure of a photograph's success is the feeling it evokes in the viewer.

For anyone interested in the intersections of photography, storytelling and personal expression, this podcast offers a deep dive into the experiences that shape a photographer's career and creative outlook.

Connect with Tracy
Instagram
CUPOTY website
CUPOTY Instagram
CUPOTY Facebook
CUPOTY X

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