Profile | Photographer Tracy Dixon

I’ve been searching for prints to hang above our bed for months and, as is often the case nowadays, I ended up finding the answer on Instagram. It was there that I recently stumbled across Tracy Dixon, whose beautiful photography instantly caught my eye.

Tracy captures unusual perspectives of the world around us, and her photos are simply stunning: striking enough to stand out against our grey and white scheme, yet serene enough for a space designed for sleep and relaxation. I chose the ‘Bird Flying High 1’ and ‘Bird Flying High 2’ giclée prints, which arrived beautifully wrapped and now take pride of place in our bedroom.

Keen to know more about the woman behind the lens, I chatted to Tracy about her work and where she finds her inspiration…

Please can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

“Up until Evie, our 11 year-old daughter, started school, I worked in buying and merchandising for Daisy and Tom, a high-end children’s department store on London’s Kings Road. My husband and I also have our own business, a specialist running shop. We work well together, with my background in retail and his in sport. On top of that, I own a picture-framing workshop with my father, and I run my online print shop. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Above: Tracy’s ‘White Flower’ and ‘The Eye’ prints

How did you get started in photography?

“I’ve always been creative, and I come from a family of artists and dressmakers. I studied soft furnishings at London Met and then photography at a local college, and I fell in love with it straight away. I knew I had found my ‘thing’, and I haven’t looked back since.”

What inspires your work?

“Lines, space and colour. I’m drawn to things with great contrast. Photographers who inspire me are Dorothea Lange and Saul Leiter. Although Leiter became famous in the 50s, his work could have been shot yesterday – it’s elegantly timeless and truly inspiring.”

How would you describe your style?

“Minimalistic, strong and monochrome, with a splash of colour. It’s sometimes mysterious too, as shown in my popular ‘Taking Shelter’ and “Secret Garden’ prints.”

Above: ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Black Mountains’

What subject matter do you like to photograph?

“When I first picked up a camera, it was people. I started out shooting street photography. Looking back now, my style has changed so much. My tutor told me that I had the ability to see the unusual in the everyday and I’ve tried to stay true to that, but I don’t focus on just one subject.”

Do you have any personal favourites from your range of prints?

“Would it be wrong to say I love them all? I shoot hundreds of photos every week, but I’m ruthless when it comes to selecting which ones I send to print. It’s an emotional process and the whole family is involved. Sometimes the decision on which to sell isn’t made until I have the prints in my hand.”

Above: ‘Dark Water’ and ‘Bird Flying High 1’

Do you have any advice for others looking to start their own business?

“Always have a plan and know your numbers. And I know it sounds such a cliché, but stay true to yourself and follow your dreams. Life is too short for anything else!”

What are your future plans? Do you have any new prints on the horizon?

“I’ve just released some new prints, and I’m focusing on Instagram as it’s enabled me to make some incredible friends who have been so kind and supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am without the Instagram community, and for that I am truly grateful.”

Thanks Tracy!

Just head over to Tracy’s Instagram feed to see more of her beautiful work and home.

Images by Abi Dare and Tracy Dixon