photo by Tracy Dietrich

Being the the mother of twin girls, I frequent a list serv that has announcements emailed to me for Parents of Multiples in my local area. I discovered Tracy Dietrich and her unique photo work through this email list and contacted her to find out if she would agree to an interview. She kindly accepted. The name of her photography business is Twice Blessed Photography, and she has an easy-to-navigate, professional website with beautiful pictures in her gallery. They definitely deserve a look.

JG: How long have you been a photographer?
TD: I have been photographing since I was a young girl. I have been shooting professionally for over 8 years. I remember the Christmas when my mom gave me a roll of 110 film – remember that? I was thrilled that I got to use that whole roll myself!

JG: How long have you focused on maternity/infant/childhood photography?
TD: 4 years

JG: What made you decide to focus on childhood photography?
TD: I have a real connection to the subject! I worked for some time for commercial, still life, food and architectural photographers, but when I had my own children I knew this was it for me.

photo by Tracy Dietrich

photo by Tracy Dietrich

JG: Does Twice Blessed, the name of your photo business, refer to your own children?
TD: Absolutely!  For some reason when you have multiples complete strangers feel the need to openly throw their thoughts your way.  I heard a lot of “better you than me” and of course “double trouble”. Twice Blessed seems to be closer to the truth for me, and it’s a great come back!

JG: What geographic area do you serve?
TD: The greater Baltimore metro area.

JG: What is the most common problem you encounter photographing children?
TD: Parents are used to having to keep their kids “in line” so it can be a little hard at first to let them run, play and be silly during a photo session. Parents quickly see how their kids relate to me and the kids are more relaxed, which results in more natural photos. I often remind the parents that it’s okay if they run around – that’s what kids do!  I want to capture them being kids in their natural environment. This is why I love being an on location photographer.

JG: Do you shoot film or digital?
TD: I now shoot 100% digital.  I learned using film of course and from time to time do miss the magic of processing my own black and white film and printing them in the darkroom.  Digital is just amazing now and I’d never go back.

JG: Describe the environments that are popular with your customers to photograph their children in.
TD: The most popular place for me to photograph customers is in their own home. New parents especially enjoy the convenience and their home is my backdrop. For older children many parents like to hold their session at a place like a park or playground that is special to them.

photo by Tracy Dietrich

photo by Tracy Dietrich

JG: Do you shoot outdoors or in a studio?
TD: I shoot outdoors and indoors and can create a studio like setting if so desired.

JG: What advice do you have for parents who are taking their children to a professional photographer? Any hints to make the experience easier for all concerned?
TD: I think it is important to get a “what to expect” list or idea from your photographer.  Also parents should remember if they are using a custom photographer that this photographer will take the time to get to know them before/during the session and will take great care in the editing and presentation of proofs. It’s very different from going to a “chain” photo studio. Most parents find it’s well worth the investment.

JG: Do you have any tips for amateur (parent, family) photographers when shooting images of their own children?
TD: Try to make it fun! Offer the children a toy or a book and try to capture them doing what they do rather than always looking into the camera.

JG: What have you learned during your experience as a childhood photographer that you did not know before you started?
TD: How much newborns sleep – having twins – well I just don’t remember that!  I also didn’t know how rewarding it can be, I get to make moms cry – in a good way!

I want to thank Tracy for the interview. If you would like to contact her, her website is www.tracydietrich.com. She can also be reached at (443)857-3776

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