As many of you know, I grew up in the land of photography; it’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Saturdays spent playing with props at the studio, after-school hours spent watching cartoons in the back room. Endlessly having to wear clothing like overalls and Victorian-era dresses to be a “model” for mom. Many mornings spent in the middle of nowhere in time to catch the golden light from the sunrise to model some more. In high school and after college, I went to work as the studio manager, handling a little bit of everything and all of the sales.
I met recently with local photographer Tracey Watkins, and her and I are in agreement on why a lot of folks choose to pursue photography: It’s an opportunity to capture a moment in time, an emotion, a feeling. That moment can then be shared with others who weren’t fortunate enough to see it happen. A truly great image will tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh. It will make you feel.
Tracey grew up in Claremore and graduated as a Zebra. In the late 90s, Tracey and her husband, Jason, moved to Owasso. The Watkins’ have three boys (more like men!) in Tyler, 23, Cole, 19, and Braeden, 16. The boys did a good job of keeping Tracey busy as she worked her way up the ladder at CarMax in Tulsa, where she currently serves as sales manager.
She may be happy to sell you a car during the day, but her true dream lies in being a full-time photographer. With her boys being older and more independent, she has been able to focus more on photography recently. What used to be a hobby began with photographing her children and taking photos on vacation. When friends and relatives began to notice her work, they began asking for sessions, and she decided to go for it.
Tracey Watkins Photography serves Claremore, Owasso and the Tulsa areas. She works primarily on location, but intends to open a studio in the next few years. She truly enjoys working with families and children, but also takes portraits for seniors, weddings and sports.
To arrange a session with Tracey, potential clients may either call, text or email her. After the session is complete, the images will be edited to approximately 60 – 80, and will be given to the client on a thumb drive, complete with copyright release. If a client chooses to have the images printed by Tracey, that is an option, too.
Portrait prices range from $250 (small families, newborns) to $400 (sports teams). Seniors are $300. All sessions are two hours long, with as many clothing options as the client wants.
See samples of Tracey’s work on Facebook (be sure to follow her!) or on her website, at traceywatkinsphotography.com. Text Tracey at 918-640-9109 or reach her via email at tracey@traceywatkinsphotography.com.
Tracey recently photographed the Gordon family of Claremore, and she will be the official event photographer for ZipperQ 3 this Saturday, October 4, at the West Bend Green. If you see a camera pointed in your direction, be sure to smile!
Keep it local, Claremore!
-MCM Staffer Ashley,
who now only enjoys photography from the sidelines
