Tracy Calder: Ferrero Rocher and the Storytelling of Close-Up Photographer of the Year
Welcome to another empowering episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights of influential women in the photographic industry. This time, we're thrilled to feature Tracy Calder, a renowned photographer, editor, and writer whose work has not only graced the pages of numerous consumer magazines and books but has also been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Photographer's Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Tracy Calder is co-founder of the Close Up Photographer of the Year competition, a platform that celebrates the art of close-up, macro, and micro photography. Her deep passion for photography began in childhood, influenced by her father, a keen amateur photographer. Tracy's story is not just about capturing images but about how photography can be a medium for storytelling, whether through visually stunning landscapes or the intricate details seen in macro photography.
In this episode, host Angela Nicholson engages Tracy in a fascinating conversation about her career, her inspirations, and the profound impact photography has on her life. Tracy shares how a secondhand SLR camera, a gift from her father, sparked a lifelong passion for photography. She reminisces about her first project, photographing a box of fruit for days, a simple start that led her to a complex and rewarding career.
As an editor and writer, Tracy’s journey through the world of photography is filled with rich experiences, including her contribution to establishing the Close Up Photographer of the Year competition. This competition not only showcases the beauty and complexity of the natural world seen through macro lenses but also encourages photographers to engage with their surroundings in new and meaningful ways.
Throughout the podcast, Tracy discusses the therapeutic aspects of photography. She emphasises how the practice of close-up photography demands patience and mindfulness, offering a form of meditation that slows down time and allows deeper engagement with the subject. This genre of photography, according to Tracy, not only enhances the photographer's wellbeing but also brings a unique appreciation for the often overlooked details of our environment.
Listeners will also find valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of managing a photography competition. Tracy explains the logistics and emotional journey of running the Close Up Photographer of the Year, from curating entries to navigating the complexities of judging a diverse array of photographs.
This episode is not just for those interested in macro photography but for anyone looking to understand more about the emotional and storytelling power of photography. Tracy's experiences underline the importance of passion in driving one’s career and the impact of photography on personal and professional levels.
Connect with Tracy
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