Life and Work with Tracy Fultz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Fultz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
If you had told me three years ago that I would be living my dream as the owner of Blushing Cactus Photography, shooting live bands and music, I would never have believed it. I am alive today to say never give up hope, live a life of gratitude, do what you love and start now. It was three years ago that I made the decision that would forever change my life, leaving behind an abusive ex, saying goodbye to the violence, the name-calling, the destruction. As scared as I was to leave, I was more terrified of staying. I had always considered myself to be a strong woman and couldn’t believe I had found myself in this position. It was when he was arrested for domestic assault and false imprisonment that I made my getaway, leaving everything in Tennessee
and heading to Phoenix with the few belongings I could fit in my car, including my camera. A funny thing happens when you lose everything, stay strong in faith and find value in yourself… you gain a new outlook
that will push you towards a future so bright that it’s unimaginable. Taking photos for me has become so much more than just a hobby… it kept me looking forward, saved my life, helped me smile through the pain, and became an intricate part of my healing process.

Initially, I took a job in Prescott, doing the same type of work I had to leave behind so suddenly in Tennessee. As part of my recovery, I began taking photos on the courthouse square in the evenings and this evolved into photographing the incredible local musicians. I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew that it felt
right. I began seeing angles, lighting, faces, and composition of moods in my sleep. For the first time in my life, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up (at the age of 44). I watched every youtube video I could, constantly listened to podcasts and took my camera everywhere with me. The very idea that I’ve had the opportunity to photograph artists such as Collective Soul, Candlebox, 3 Doors Down, G Love, Justin Moore, Brett Eldredge, Walt Richardson, Shooter Jennings, Roger Clyne, The Black Moods, Blaine Long and so many more are simply mind-blowing. My goal… create art that tells a story, share my heart through photographs, and make myself and my two grown sons proud (now ages 22 and 24).

On a larger scale, it is my dream to make Blushing Cactus Photography successful enough that I can give back to my community on a continuing basis. As one of the official photographers for the National Make-A-Wish Conference and the Boys and Girls Club of Central AZ, I have found great joy in serving. In addition, I’m incredibly grateful to say that I have allowed love back into my life and wouldn’t you know it… he’s a photographer. We have combined forces and now, along with music, we photograph events, weddings, rodeos, and portraits together. Life is juicy good!

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely not been an easy one. Just as I was getting my life back together, I was dealt another hard blow. A year and a half ago, I became very ill with viral cardiomyopathy. To this day, we don’t know where the virus came from that sent me into heart failure, but by the time it was discovered, my heart was only working at 19%. I found myself to near death again. Once again, photography and strong faith carried me through. I would lay in bed with my extreme fatigue and study the works of some of my favorite photographers (Neil Preston, Diane Arbus). I believe in the power of positive thinking and I’m now learning how to live with my heart pumping at half capacity. This much I know… I appreciate every day that I’m alive and will make the rest of my life the best of my life. I will continue to learn and grow, as proof that it’s never too late to start a new career path.

Also, I feel compelled to add, for women (or men) reading this article who are living with domestic violence, let me just say there is hope. Make a plan, tell your secret, be brave, value yourself, seek safety and discover your best life. The Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. One phone call can be life-changing. Stop the cycle today.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Blushing Cactus Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I have a camera in hand, everything seems to make sense to me. I feel at home behind the lens, patiently waiting for moments to move me. I love to tell stories and capture real moments, whether it’s a
candid shot of a musician backstage before a show, the face of a passionate singer or a bride getting ready on her big day. Some say I have a “style”… every photograph becomes a painting, it sets a mood. Everyone has his/her own way of expressing their art and I’m simply finding my own way. In a pit of photographers, I want to capture the not so obvious. It’s all about watching, anticipating, allowing the music to guide the moment. Or it’s about the way a father looks over at his daughter as he is walking her down the aisle. There’s an
immeasurable amount of moments to be captured and I’m inspired by the works of so many of my photographer friends that choose to interpret a photograph in their own unique way.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
This is advice that I would give my own kids, not specific to gender. The biggest barriers are the ones we create for ourselves. The mind blocks. The thoughts that say you aren’t good enough and you’ll never make it. Get over it and don’t listen to that nonsense. Surround yourself with strong people that will encourage you to be all you can be. Never give up. Learn your craft to its fullest potential and feel confident in it. Discover your value in this world and go for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: blushingcactus.com
• Phone: (423) 774-2118
• Email: tracy@blushingcactus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blushingcactusphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blushingcactus

Image Credit:
Tracy Fultz, Blushing Cactus Photography

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