Tracey Hagen
The sights, sounds, rhythms, and people of South Beach have helped shape the work of photographer Tracey Hagen. A native of South Beach, Hagen’s family have been full-time Miami Beach residents for more than 90 years, and the vibrant energy of the culture-rich environment of sea and sand, along with her own ceaseless curiosity, have inspired her work as a photographer. Shooting primarily in black and white, she is interested in unique photo processing techniques. Hagen has photographed everything in nature from fauna to flora and all types of people. Her love of travel has led to beautiful discoveries in front of the lens, capturing fascinating images from east to west. Hagen's favorite endeavor is photographing people, especially children, and her goal is to reveal people as they really are, as their most authentic and natural selves. For each client, she works to create comfort and warmth to draw out rare and intimate moments. She gives careful thought to location, props and style of portraits to depict the true essence of her subjects. Earlier in her career, Hagen became known and sought after for her one-of-a- kind portraits that were digitally printed onto paper-thin aluminum metal. Working on such a medium allowed her to experiment with light and shadows and produce a very contemporary body of photographic work. Hagen's interest in photography began at a young age, when, inspired by her father's work as a dentist, she routinely assisted him in photographing each client and developing x-rays in the dark room. Noticing an interest, her parents gave her a camera at age seven and ignited her desire to explore the world, observing life and developing her own unique style. She studied photography with and has been mentored by Helmut Newton, Eduardo Del Valle, Mirta Gomez, Steve Althouse and Evon Streetman, who have all greatly influenced her work. And although she began her professional career as a Realtor in Miami Beach, she changed track and began focusing on her passion for photography. A true nature lover, she has traveled the world with her camera to produce unforgettable images and capturing the unexpected. Hagen is working on her latest series, "Know Thyself," a photographic interpretation of tarot cards. Primal and transcendent with use of archetypes, alchemy and facial expressions, the series, will include different images to represent each card in the tarot deck. Based on research and travel with real-world tarot card readers, Hagen seeks to produce photographs for each card that are mystical in nature, romantic, edgy, spiritual and highly creative, using traditions and practices that are metaphysical, mysterious, and mesmerizing. Currently residing in South Beach, Hagen is a wife and mother to a young son who draws every day and loves art. She is an animal lover and is involved in her community, regularly participating in charitable art events and frequently donating her artwork to support different causes. She enjoys meeting new people, embarking on new adventures, and is always ready for the next special moment when the click of her camera will create something magical.
