Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Mills.
Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Santa Barbara, California. At a young age, I was given a camera and for as long as I can remember, I have loved to take pictures and document life.
When I was 19, my sister and I backpacked Costa Rica for 2 months and I was bit by the travel bug… big time. I discovered a love of adventure and seeing the beauty of this amazing world we live in.
Soon after that trip, I moved to Utah. I followed friends there… but fell in love with the beauty of this state. I grew up in a beautiful area, I love the beach! However, something about the mountains and experiencing the seasons for the first time really spoke to me.
I’ve had different jobs throughout the years but my camera has always stayed with me. Exploring the outdoors and traveling the world has become my passion. I’ve been to 34 countries and am constantly discovering new places in Utah (and other states) to explore and I love capturing it all with my camera and sharing the world the way I see it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think photography is ever a smooth road. It’s an art that is always changing and there is always something to learn or new equipment to buy. It can get quite expensive to invest in a camera and different lenses etc..… so over the years, I’ve saved up for the camera and lenses I’ve wanted, spent many hours trying to learn how to edit photos and dealing with clients that aren’t 100% satisfied with your work or are difficult to work with. However… with struggle comes growth. That’s how you learn and get better, so I’m thankful for it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I work for a small health company called Organa International. It’s a family business that I’m proud to be a part of. We sell liquid minerals such as silver, iron, calcium, etc… I make the magnesium cream, silver gel, and progesterone cream and I also cover the front desk part-time.
On the side, I am also a licensed massage therapist and take clients in my home. This has been so great because working from home means that you can make your own schedule so that I can schedule around my other job and around other things I want to do but I still get to help people and have the extra income.
Another side job is my photography. I don’t do a lot of paid photo shoots (mostly photography is a fun hobby for me) but when people ask me to do a shoot for them, I’ll do it (unless it’s a wedding… too much pressure 😂) I’ve done family photos, engagements, newborn photos, a jewelry photo shoot for a company and I have even done a piano recital.
My specialty is definitely nature and travel. I’m proud of all the different travel and Utah nature Instagram accounts that I’ve been featured on and am super flattered every time someone asks me if they can hang one of my photos in their house.
My goal is to set up a website where I can sell some of my photos.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those just starting out in photography…. There are A LOT of photographers out there, even just in Utah! Don’t look at other photographers as competition or compare yourself to them and think you aren’t good enough (yes… I’m so guilty of this). Instead, let them inspire you to become better. Know that people like different styles of photography. Spend lots of time figuring out how to edit in your photoshop of choice. Get really comfortable with your camera. Ask questions and watch tutorials.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Adventuresoftracyjean
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresoftracyjean
Image Credits
Tracy Mills
