Thanks for dropping by!

I absolutely loved being a professional photographer for over 22 years. I continue to enjoy the art of photography, shoot portraits here and there, and create personal work. I went back to school when my youngest child was five. I was almost 40 years old! It’s been a wild ride and I have experienced so much. I gave it everything I had, and have some scars to prove it! I love life and and people beyond measure. I am editorially moved and inspired. I covered everything from environmental portraits to political junkets, concerts, events, and recently worked for several years on Harvey Mudd University’s prestigious photographer pool. I covered events, portraits, space studies, live classes, etc. for web and magazine content. I’ve been published in various media, and for 16 of those 22 years I also covered boutique-style weddings. I consider it an absolute blessing to have witnessed so much love and happiness.

Although I began shooting for years on 35mm film, working with Minolta Maxxum 9’s (the choice for many journalists covering Operation Desert Storm, due to weather sealing) and a cool Bronica Medium Format, I transferred over to digital in 2007 with Canon, and eventually picked up a Fuji-X series. Between dad and I, I think we have over 15 systems, not including our film systems. Plus an incredible collection of vintage cameras, including 8mm. Since dad passed away, it’s been hard to sit in his camera closet and realize the depth of his talent. I get teary-eyed when I am able to put one of his beloved cameras in my hands.

It’s been an honor to have this kind of privilege in life. To be a working artist.

My inspirations:

*The Creator God, creating for the Creator. To live my purpose here on earth.

*My dad - who brought my mom and I to the U.S. from England, in the 60’s. He always had an 8mm or a still camera in his hand and I watched his smile behind the lens. He was a great photographer and spent many years as a volunteer fire photographer, covering fires, accidents and FD events. His work was often published in the Statesman Journal in Oregon.

*The Whimsical Magic of Children - nothing like being around the imagination of a child.

*Dance - I have a background in dance, feel movement even in the stillness.

*The Waltons - My time in the entertainment industry confirmed my visual curiosity.

*Cinema - I can tell who directed a lot of movies by the way it’s lit and the camera angles.

*Architecture - I live for lines, design and history.

*Stories - Everyone has a story. There is nothing like telling it through the lens and/or writing it.

I am a struggler and big lover of Jesus. I try, and often fail, to make every day, all day, about prayer, petition and thanksgiving. I aspire to create as an offering to Him. I hope to see everyone that I come in contact with as a child of God, which makes every single person unique and special in His eyes. I married a great guy almost 40 years ago. Together we have accomplished a lot through the hills and valleys. I love how talented and hard working he is. He truly has become my best friend and my deepest ally. As a double bass and electric bass player of over 45 years, we share a common bond in the arts and can talk about music and art for hours. Our favorite dates are concerts. We have also enjoyed many years traveling cheap to NYC and the jazz scene there. In August of 2018, after 18 years in our long time family home, we went on this crazy journey and moved to a 1953 mid-century renovation in a cute little downtown in L.A. County. Together we camped inside and tore through this home with no heat or air for a year, no kitchen for 5 months and completely “renovated us.” A testimony to a perfectly imperfect life that is always capable of renovation.

After losing my photography contracts, (due to “my vaccine choices” in the pandemic), losing family members and experiencing immense grief in 2020, I woke up in May of 2022 to hear a clear voice say: “The Family We Keep.” On June 1st, 2022, after many years of my mom encouraging me to write, I kicked off a Substack Newsletter and haven’t stopped writing-for-life since! Find me at deborahthewitt.substack.com at “The Family We Keep,” as I journey through family stories, history, grief, art, poetry, music, commentary and gratitude. I write quite a bit through the pictures I’ve taken over the years and the music I love.

God says we are never done creating and living. EVER.

For more information and pricing, please give me a ring at 909.721-9968 or email me at debtraceyphoto@gmail.com