"Tracy took so many beautiful photos of our family, it was hard to choose which ones we wanted! He photographed in difficult wind, weather, and sunlight conditions, yet still brought to life exactly what I envisioned. He made our young children comfortable enough to photograph their real personalities. We LOVED the experience and the outcome."
The Cockerham family,
Falcon, Co.

Read more comments from our clients

"Hi Tracy, Robert and I want to take this opportunity to let you know what a pleasant experience it has been having you take our family portrait. We interviewed other photographers and chose you because of your professional presentation and knowledge of your profession. On top of this you are a very pleasant person with whom to work. When you brought the final pictures to our home Robert and I were so very happy with them. We thought the proofs were very good but the final product was excellent. Your willingness to listen to how we wanted the final pictures to turn out and your suggestions made the process absolutely worry-free. We would and will refer our family and friends to Tracy Bookman Photography without hesitation."

Stella & Robert Quintana, Colorado Springs

5 Myths, Mistakes, And Misconceptions About Having A Family Portrait Created:

   By visiting my website, you must at least be considering having a portrait of your family created. Well, that's great, however, there are some things you NEED to know before you and your loved ones step in front of any camera.  By the time you finish reading this single page, you will know everything you need to know about how to have the perfect family portrait created - the one you will cherish forever!

   You may feel that having a family portrait done is going to be a lot of work on your part. Well, it isn't!  In fact, that could almost be one of the "myths or mistakes" right there. As long as you know the information on this site, it won't be any work at all on your part.

                                                             ....So, let's jump right in!

#1 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No Way To GUARANTEE I Will Love My Family Portraits."

   WRONG! Depending on who creates your family portrait, that is.  Just suppose you had a family portrait created, and your son or daughter didn't look natural in it.  The photograph was "ok," but it didn't turn out spectacular.  Should you have to pay for it?  ABSOLUTELY NOT! I believe strongly that no one should ever have to pay for a photograph that isn't PERFECT. That's why I offer the following guarantee:

CHECK THIS OUT - A Guarantee Unlike Any You've Ever Heard:

If Your Family Doesn't Look The Happiest & Best They've Ever Looked Together In These Photographs - If You're Not Thrilled When You Look At Them - You Don't Pay Me For Them.

   That's my guarantee and personal promise to you. These photographs will be completely meaningless to you unless they convey the real emotions and relationships between you and your loved ones. That's the only real reason to have a family portrait created.

   So, if FOR ANY REASON you feel that the photographs I create for you are anything less than perfect - if you're not thrilled when I show them to you for the first time, you don't pay me for them. It's that simple.

"We all were very moved by Tracy's work. Watching the DVD he prepared for us was a neat experience. We appreciate the time and effort he put into doing this for us, and we could not have had a better time! Thank you, from the Thompson family."
Brad, Nancy, Heather, & Chris Thompson, Colorado Springs.

"What a great experience!! I loved all of the pictures... even the ones of myself. :-) It was hard to choose which ones to get." Barb Hunt, Colorado Springs

#3 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"Family Portraits Have To Be Created In A Professional Studio"

   If you're like most people, when you think of a PROFESSIONAL family portrait, you think of all of you gathered in front of a "painted background" in a photography studio, posed unnaturally, and all saying "cheese" as the photographer snaps the picture.  Now, is that something any family will cherish for a lifetime?  I think not.  Yes, it may capture the whole family together, but it will never capture your family relationships - your family's love.

   Picture instead: All of you gathered in your favorite room in your home.  Or outside on the new deck you just had built.  Or in your backyard by the pine trees that give your yard so much character.  All of you are dressed in clothes the photographer helped you choose - clothing that conveys your individual personalities, but still looks great together. 

   Well, that's what makes all the difference, and that's what I will do for you.

And This is SO Important:  All Of You Feel Totally Comfortable In Front Of The Camera!

   Do you know ANYONE who feels totally comfortable in front of a camera?  I'll bet you don't. I don't. Nearly everyone I've ever met tells me the same thing: "I never look natural in pictures."  The last thing you want is a photograph where you or your family members have that fake "posed" look on your face.

   That's why it's so important that you feel very natural and comfortable with your photographer.  Just think of how great your family would look if your best friend was creating the photograph.  They would all look so happy and natural! I take pride in developing very close relationships with all my clients, and their entire family. 

   Plus, I understand the "psychology" of photography.  Learning the technical aspects - what lenses to use, what lighting looks best, how clothing adds and subtracts weight on film - all of those things were only the tip of the iceberg.  Without being able to make each and every one of your family members look and feel comfortable (and natural) on film, all those technical things would amount to nothing.

You'll NEVER hear me utter the words "say cheese."

   That's a surefire way of getting expressions that look totally fake and unnatural. No - a great photographer knows that, in order to get a great expression from a subject, you need to get to know that subject a bit - to know what will make them smile naturally.  That's what I do, and I love it!  I make the effort to get to know your whole family well, so they will feel so comfortable with me, that their expressions will be perfect every time.

#4 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No One To Help Me Make Choices About Clothing, Hair, Location, etc..."

   Okay, by now you are probably considering having a family portrait created. You may even be considering choosing me as your photographer - but I don't want you to make that decision just yet.

   No matter who creates your photographs for you, you will need to make some decisions. What clothing should your family wear? Where should this photograph be created? How heavy should the makeup be on the ladies in the photograph? There are a number of things to think about, and I will walk you through all of them personally.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?  (and why?)

Pick up the phone, and call my studio. CLICK HERE for the number.

   Even if it's after business hours, still call right now. I've got an answering machine that is just waiting to cheerfully take your message, and I'll personally call you back so we can talk.  Just let me know when is a good time to call you back. Don't worry, I'm not going to try to "pressure" you at all into working with me.  Plus, there's no cost at all for us just to chat.

   When you call, we'll briefly discuss the things you need to know. I'll tell you a bit about me. I'll answer all your questions about how to prepare for a family portrait. It won't be a long call, but it will be one of the most important calls you make.

#5 Myth, Mistake Or Misconception:
"There's No Rush To Have A Family Portrait Created Right Now."

   You know how things are. If you don't do it now, and at least call me to talk about your family portrait, you will probably get swamped with other things, and forget all about it.  Then, before you know it, a year - two years - five years have gone by. How different will your family be then?

   You see, time is ticking.... and it's never going to stop.

First, Your Child Takes His or Her First Step. Next, Learns To Ride A Bike. Later, Gets A Driver's Licence.  Graduates From High School. Gets Married.  Starts A Family Of His or Her Own.

   These are precious times, and although things will change, this moment never has to slip from your fingers. 

   Don't put this off.  You know how life is. We put things off, and before we know it, everything has changed.  If your life is half as crazy as mine is, year after year you find yourself frustrated at the things you wanted to do, and never got done.  A family portrait is something you deserve.

It's Not Too Late. This Moment, Right Now, Can Be Held Onto For The Rest Of Your Life - For You To Share With Family And Friends.

   You don't have to make a big decision right now. You don't have to choose your photographer - you don't even have to decide that now is the time for your family portrait. Just take one small step toward holding onto your family's happiest moments RIGHT NOW.

Once again, CLICK HERE for my studio number, and you can call any time. If I don't answer, just leave your name and number at the beep, and I'll call you back. If you're thinking of this family photograph as a GIFT FOR SOMEONE, let me know, so when I call back, I only ask for you, and don't spoil the surprise!

The Perfect Family Portrait Is Only One Phone Call Away...

   Make the call now. It will be a call you will be glad you made for the rest of your life. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tracy Bookman,
Photographer