August 22, 2016

Meet DTLA Photographer: Ken Tracey

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Tracey.

Ken, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 9 my father starting working at the local cable company at the time. Continental cable vision. I interned on a video and photography team. I was addicted to capturing moments in time. So I had my own business as a teen. Video and photographing events and selling VHS tapes of them. Furthered my studies at Santa Monica college. Then I met a few pairs that begin taking on different various projects like editorial and helping aspiring models with comp cards. But I began to mix my two Passions for designing and coordinating builds for custom motorcycles and photography. I am requested for events and special shoots. It’s more a part of who I am than it is a business.

Has it been a smooth road?
It is always tough in a field where it’s easy to access at entry level. To be self-taught and proclaim you’re a photographer or any type of artist. From music to photography. Making good money and making it consistently is the biggest challenge. No matter how good you are there are a lot of photographers on all levels out there. So you have to love what you do and a lot of times your work is dome for free for exposure. Sometimes even stolen.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to push on to bigger and more creative projects. Music videos, commercials, and infomercials for small up and coming talent and mom and pop business that are trying to survive in a corporate world.

Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
The hardest part was where I grew up and the influence gangs had around been I lived. I had to stay focused on peer pressure and daily violence. Photography was an escape for me. This is what kept me focused and saved my life so I owe it to my Craft. I also in my later years had to choose between a wife that hated my passion for photography and her. I was still young and had to realize that I have to do what makes me happy and be with someone that was happy for me. Shooting photos take me away from problems. It helps me think and relieve stress. It was the answer for my therapy thru my hardest hours.

What about “Wow-moments” – any moments that stick out? Any moments when you felt like you had made it?
I realized my photography career was where I wanted to be when people from many factions of life would compliment my work. When larger projects came along. But most of all when I myself can see the difference in my work over the years how it developed. When already established models began to call I knew then I was on my way.

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