Tracy Moore, Photographer/Head Prankster of Tracy Moore Photographers, Inc.
Life through the lens of Tracy Moore seems a bit brighter, more cheerful. Her images glow, evoking the very radiance and energy that seem to burst from Tracy herself.
“I am happiest when I am living my purpose with joy and passion,” she smiles. One of her gifts is connecting with people, through an infectious good humor and genuine compassion, and her photos capture others at their best, their most confident, their silliest, their most beautiful. She captures others as she sees them and the world around her.
Born in southern California, Tracy grew up in Long Beach, where she developed a lifelong love for the ocean.
“It's my favorite place in the world,” she admits. “It's my happy place; it's where I want to go anytime I need to think, cry, plan, or dream. The sound of the waves, the smell of the salt, the mysteries of the deep water, the fish, the beautiful coral reefs, the dolphins…I could literally go on for ages so I'll just stop there.”
Yet, she has no lack of appreciation for the natural splendor of Montana.
“I will always miss the ocean, but I have grown to really love the mountains as well," says Tracy. "I moved to Colorado when I was young and met my husband, Matt, and followed him to Montana 17 years ago.” They both enjoy snowboarding in Red Lodge and Big Sky during the winters, fly-fishing the Big Horn, and exploring every inch of the state chasing adventure and the perfect sunset. She and Matt have two children, Wesley (three) and Joey (one).
Tracy doesn’t just chase adventure under the Big Sky. She also enjoys traveling the world, both for business and pleasure. Or, for the sake of helping others.
“Living in Africa for six months was the most interesting thing I've ever experienced,” she says. “New culture, new experiences, the highest highs and the lowest lows.” A few other memorable destinations include the Seychelles, France, Costa Rica and Bali.
If given 100% financial independence, she says, “I would probably move to the ocean and continue to come back to Billings in the summers to grow Tracy's Closet (my charity) to spend time with family and then peace out when the cold comes and play in the waves. I would also love to go back to Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania (where we lived for a few months) and build a school.”
She believes in the importance of finding balance in life, especially when your passions begin to pull you in multiple directions.
“While working to change the world and create true impact,” begins her favorite quote, “you can't forget to spend the time to live in it."
"I’m not sure who said that," Tracy reflects, "but it hit me hard. I can get lost in work and my passions, and forget to enjoy the present. I get so excited about the future that I always have to remind myself to be here now.”
The turning point in Tracy’s life came in 2014.
“The day I gave up alcohol,” she asserts, “life got a whole lot more clear. I was healthier (mentally and physically), happier, and a much better person all around. Alcoholism runs in my family, and once I felt a hint of that...I decided to never let it ruin my family, so I just stopped. People still think I drink because I can get pretty wild. I am not shy, I dance a lot and I am a pretty energetic, happy person.”
It is that energy that propels her to succeed and to make others smile. In a situation begging for the mood to be lightened, she is an expert at diffusing tension.
“I was born for these situations," says Tracy. "I dance, I make silly faces, I am fully willing to make myself look really dumb in order to make others smile. It's always a fun challenge, and I can usually lighten any mood.” This talent serves her well as both a photographer and a friend.