Thursday 7 October 2010

Featured etsy seller & a Giveaway!! - I brake for Bokeh

I'm so excited about this interview with the seller of one of my fave Etsy shops. I could spend days browsing her store. Have you seen it yet?..... I brake for bokeh

And to top it all off, she's very kindly offered a fab giveaway.......read on.....



Tell us a bit about yourself - (where do you live, what's your name etc..)

My name is Tracey and I am a bokehddict.  I better explain that last part, yes? I am addicted to very shallow depth of field.  I love shooting things with a wide open lens. I love the bokeh.  You will notice it a lot in my work.  I live and work in Ottawa, the capital of Canada.

What is your chosen craft/ art?
I am a photographer by choice, a graphic designer by training. I often say I don't 'take' photos I 'make' them. I like to create a vision of how I see the world and show that to you through my photographs.


When/ how did you start?
Accidentally. I fell into it.  I began stalking birds and bugs and anything that moved in my backyard and it blossomed from there.  My first wedding shoot was the result of curious neighbours wondering what I was doing in the ditch in front of my home for hours on end all summer long.  From there on out it just happened. I started posting photos to Flickr and making connections there until a few people asked if they could buy my photos. Opening an Etsy shop seemed the next logical step.


When did you start selling your stuff - where do you sell?
I opened up my Etsy shop on November 23rd, 2009.  It was a great time to start, the Christmas rush was starting and an Ottawa blog did a feature on shopping locally  for Christmas with a spotlight on Etsy and they featured my shop.   Since then I have had work displayed in a local gallery, but I primarily sell through Etsy and when approached on Flickr, through there as well.



Do you also have a day job, or is this your main job?
I have a full time, day job.  It has a nice pension attached to it which is why I am still there full time. The allure of 'quitting my day job' grows with every passing week, however.  I think about it a lot.


What do you love about your medium, what do you hate?
I love everything about it. The only time I am not happy is when I feel stumped. When the image just won't happen. It has taken me three weeks to get a photograph just right. I tend to dislike those photos for a little while.



Where do you get your inspiration from?
I do it all to get a reaction. Sounds like an attention seeker but that couldn't be further from the truth. I hate attention directed at me. I like to sit on the sidelines and watch the world go by. But I want what I make to affect you. I want it to have an impact. My barometer is my friend, whose opinion I value above all others. If I can get a reaction from that one person then I know I've been successful.  I draw my inspiration from that.

What is your favourite music to craft to/ work to?
I'm a fan of silence. I can handle white noise, but when I am working on something I tune everything out. I lose track of time, I forget to eat. I find myself sitting here in the dark because the sun has long since set and I haven't turned the lights on... I get utterly lost in what I am doing. I like silence for that.


What is your favourite piece of your own?
Sometimes, when you fall, you fly. 

Where do you do your crafting?
I do where I am.  I have a dining room table set up at home, with cameras and lenses and usb sticks spread out all over it.  I have a messy office desk at work which looks much the same barring the cameras and lenses.  I have worked in airport lounges between flights, in hotel rooms (I travel a lot).  I need my laptop and time and I can work. It's great.

*******************

Tracey has very generously offered a personalised calendar for a giveaway..... I am so excited. I wish I could enter too.

How brilliant would that be for a Christmas present? (erm....very!)

Here's how to enter:
1) LEAVE A COMMENT - Do you prefer a matte finish, or a glossy finish on your photos. Leave a comment below and let me know for your first entry.
2) TWITTER - for a second entry you can follow @Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter (and let me know you have here!)
3) BLOG - for a third entry blog about this giveaway (and let me know here!)
4) TWITTER - for a fourth entry tweet this "Brilliant raceytay giveaway on http://www.redbirdjewellery.blogspot.com/ from @redbirdjewels"

The giveaway closes at midnight GMT on Sunday 17th October.

123 comments:

  1. I like matt and glossy finishes I think it all depends on wot the photo is of :o) xXx

    I have tweeted this also :o)

    xXx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I prefer my pics matt.
    Traceys pics are stunning, I'm off to look at more of her work.
    Deborah

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like matt pictures - I just love Tracey's pictures! I've followed on Twitter too

    Such a lovely idea for a blog post too
    x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I prefer a matt finish for photos. I love the dandelion photo it reminds me of summers in the garden. apryl bluedaisyglass

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think I like a matte finish, but Tracey would know my taste better than I do :) I tweeted and already follow the fabulously talented ibrakeforbokeh on twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I prefer a matte finish. I already follow @ibrakeforbokeh. And I'm twittering this giveaway now. How many entries is that?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love Tracey's work! I think I'm definitely a glossy girl!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I prefer a glossy finish!

    ReplyDelete
  9. lovely! I prefer a matte finish.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I prefer matte!

    sophia.komninou at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I follow on twitter


    @sofiathereader

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  12. I like glossy, seems my cup of tea!

    pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com

    i like the way glossy looks but matte is so much more practical for my greasy fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I almost always prefer a matte finish, but every so often there's a photo that calls out for glossy.

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have always prefered a matte finish, it reflects less light when you hang it on a wall.

    I already follow the talented Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter.

    ...and I just tweeted about your fab giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  16. it depends but I'm leaning more towards the matt finish at the moment :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so excited too! So beautiful photos!!
    I think I prefer matte:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I follow http://twitter.com/#!/Ibrakeforbokeh
    @landofpoppies

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'd prefer Matt!
    Thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow @Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter @thepeachrainbow

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tweeted here;
    http://twitter.com/thepeachrainbow/status/26728297360

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi! What a great giveaway! I adore matte finish on my photos!!! It looks more natural and more attractive for myself!

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. omg what a STUNNING shop!!!!! i prefer glossy finish

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  24. i follow @Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter as @SFBblog

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I prefer a matte finish for anything in photo albums...too many fingerprints get on them if I have glossies. I do prefer glossy for anything I would hang in a frame.

    productsoftheday at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would prefer a matte finish. LOVE the photo's!

    audreyscountrycrafts at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great giveaway! I prefer glossy :) thanks for the opportunity! Meredith dot Targarona at Gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think that for a calender they should be glossy. But I'm more than willing to try something new. ; )

    lannywh AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I perfer matte most of the time. However, some photos look great glossy.

    cmw_2289 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love love love Raceytay's photos! Been a long time fan. I prefer matte most of the time for prints though, as I don't like how the light reflects on gloss print.

    kyonpichi @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Followed Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like Matt finish, personally.

    everlastingjoys(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh man, I love Tracey's work! First time I've seen her face too (partially).

    I would love matte finish!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I already follow her on Twitter as well.

    Oh, email is hi [at] preetalina.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I like glossy photos, but I guess it really depends on the photo, because I like matte sometimes too!
    Thanks!
    ~Sarah
    smartin15@gmail.com
    http://andthenifoundtwentybucks.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love Tracey's work - very artistically done!
    Thank you for this beautiful giveaway.
    Thea
    pmtmd@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like a matte finish. I really love Tracey's work - I check out her blog almost every day. She is so very talented in her photography and as well has a great sense of humour!
    Thanks for the best giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like a glossy finish, but even better is metallic {I know, not an option, just sayin'!}

    ReplyDelete
  39. Following on twitter! @dsgndbyrj

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  40. I like matte because there is less glare.

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

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  41. MATTE X

    martinefitchett@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I used to prefer gloss but now I adore matte for everything

    duhnellecarter [at] yahoo . com
    --Get this giveaway free exposure here!
    http://byhandgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like Glossy Finish, I love shiny things :)

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tracey's photography is truly remarkable! I especially love the Icy Encrusted Berries, isn't Mother Nature simply awesome? Matte would be lovely, thanks for the fabulous giveaway.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Matt finish - I like to see the picture not the shine! lol

    ReplyDelete
  46. Finally got around to blog about the giveaway! :)

    http://skyejuice.blogspot.com/2010/10/other-october-giveaways.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. Twitted about the giveaway :)

    http://twitter.com/#!/skyejuicedesign/status/26931835764

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love a matte finish.

    anmhays at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a fab interview and prize. I personally like a matt finish as that way you don't get any reflection ruining a stunning image.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I've always liked glossy finishes but then again, i think i haven't paid much attention to matte ones :)

    katch05 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow, what wonderful pictures, love October Night.

    I prefer matte, me...

    ReplyDelete
  52. What exquisite photographs!

    I love a matte finish on my prints :-)

    ReplyDelete
  53. I've tweeted about this post too :-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I prefer matte finish this calendar is gorgeous.Thanks fingers crossed. Marian

    mtzeenla@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I think for the most part I like the glossy finish

    ReplyDelete
  56. Lately I've been into the matte finish for photos. It gives the photo more of a realistic look. I'm following you on Twitter @surfchickity.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I like a matte finish. Her stuff is so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wonderful giveaway! I would like a glossy finish on the photos. Thanks for the giveaway!
    khrisocubillo at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. following @Ibrakeforkobeh as bellekhris
    khrisocubillo at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/bellekhris/status/27111642572
    khrisocubillo at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. peripatetic33
    peripatetic33athotmaildotcom
    i prefer matte

    ReplyDelete
  62. I usually prefer glossy finish for my photos

    lyisia[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I think matte looks a lot more classy and luxe than glossy, for most photos.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    --Liza

    ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I prefer a matte finish. Wonderful work!

    ashley.w.burns(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. How neat! I like a glossy finish.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    lesliedoll at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I'm a matte finish girl myself
    --Brandy
    fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I like both, but I would prefer matte. :)

    animalcrackers@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I prefer a matte finish for vintage photos - black and white or sepia, but glossy for color. Unless it's watercolor of course. I would love to win!

    ReplyDelete
  69. finish depends on what I am using the picture for. if I am framing the pic, I like a matte finish, but for a flip book, I like glossy.

    boswife @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I have always preferred matte finish on my photos.
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. i'd prefer a matte finish, great giveaway!
    engh.katie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like matte finish for my photos.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I generally prefer matte finishes on my photos.

    :) Deb
    twocheekymonkeys AT live DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I prefer a matte finish to my photos.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I follow on Twitter @kiddo47.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/#!/kiddo47/status/27224183252

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I like a matte finish on my photos.

    megan.lindley33@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Follow on Twitter! (@charlestonmegan)

    megan.lindley33@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Matte for me!
    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I prefer a glossy finish on my photos, even though it means I have to be really careful with them.

    a(dot)long(at)tcu(dot)edu

    ReplyDelete
  81. Matte finish

    monaodegard at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Following @Ibrakeforbokeh on Twitter as MonaOdegard

    monaodegard at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/MonaOdegard/status/27289959915

    as MonaOdegard

    monaodegard at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. i like glossy finish:) just hv few glossy photo collection:( i like romantic touched >,<
    wulanseries(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. i follow @Ibrakeforbokeh on twitter
    id: wulanjog
    wulanseries(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. http://catatanwulan.blogspot.com/2010/10/featured-etsy-seller-and-giveaway.html

    i post blog about this giveaway:)
    wulanseries(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  87. https://twitter.com/#!/wulanjog/status/27312083854
    my status on twitter
    id :wulanjog

    ReplyDelete
  88. https://twitter.com/#!/wulanjog/status/27310655420
    i tweeted this (twitshare)
    id:wulanjog
    wulanseries(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Matte finish would be great!

    regards,

    maidenhealer@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I prefer glossy finish.

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I prefer glossy finishes.

    ~Chrizette
    baychriz at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I greatly prefer a matte finish. I like the modern look it gives.

    maureen dot flynn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I like a glossy finish.
    Email is:
    ms.anagoncalves@googlemail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I am now following you on Twitter! My ID there is: TruAnaGoncalves
    Email is: ms.anagoncalves@googlemail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Is this open to the U.S.? I might have missed that...but if so, glossy.

    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love matte finish!!

    Katmckid at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Following on twitter!
    KatieBMcp

    ReplyDelete
  98. Tweeted about it too (:
    same name^

    ReplyDelete
  99. A matte finish. I can't properly justify it, it just seems... cozier. Does that make any sense? Probably not. :)

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Following on Twitter. My username is my_wunderkammer.

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Blogged: http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/101014_18.html

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/my_wunderkammer/status/27383831200

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. i like glossy finish
    gustosagiveaways at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. @gustosa11 twitter follower
    gustosagiveaways at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. blog post
    http://gustosa-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/10/personalized-calendar-giveaway-10172010.html
    gustosagiveaways at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/gustosa11/status/27392293594
    gustosagiveaways at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. http://twitter.com/#!/wulanjog/status/27395867171
    daily tweet
    id:wulanjog
    wulanseries(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I like Matte finish

    kristenlaudick at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I'd prefer matte finish
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. i follow on twitter!
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/MommyTrenches/status/27473902679
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Blogged!
    http://beeluckymama.blogspot.com/2010/10/customized-dask-calender-giveaway.html
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I have always been a glossy fan, but my hubby is slowly converting me to matte finish
    theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. follow her on twitter! @knitwitshair
    theknitwitbyshair@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I would love a beautiful matte calendar to keep track of events for my wedding next summer
    kmfrein@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I like a matte finish...heavensent1@yahoo dotcom

    ReplyDelete
  117. It kind of depends on WHAT the picture is of! I always prefer matte for people pictures especially portraits.

    When I was younger I always preferred glossy (shiny!)- but as I get older what used to seem like "gloss" now seems more like glare!

    jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  118. I prefer glossy finish on photographs. I think it shows the details more clearly.

    sabrita@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. That's tough. I like both ways for different reasons. BUT....typically matte wins out. :-) joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot[ net

    ReplyDelete
  120. I really like the matte look to pictures. If you took two of the same pictures and just changed the finish, it makes the pictures look totally different. ambrerose at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I prefer a matt finish.

    dhesh at webmail dot co dot za

    ReplyDelete
  122. i like matte! my email is in my profile!

    ReplyDelete

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