I have always loved photography, always enjoyed looking at photographs and taking photos since an early age. I collect vintage postcards, love nostalgic art and have always been inspired by architecture, beautiful landsacapes, abstract art.
Growing up, I never saw myself as an artist, did not study art or photography at school or college. I was so very sporty, I was always involved in the sports teams, training and playing matches, running around in my tracksuit, hair tied back and getting stuck in for whichever team I was playing for.
I achieved a black belt in Karate at age 14, played Softball for the England Under 19’s, Volleyball for East of England and later went on to play Volleyball at Loughborough University. I joined the cricket team at Loughborogh and completed my Sport Science degree.
Upon graduating, I started my career in sport development, which I loved. I went on to be Head of Cricket Development at Essex Cricket, a role I look back on with fond memories of all that was achieved by our incredible team.
I volunteered for a charity, Cricket without Boundaries, delivering HIV/AIDS awareness in East Africa. On the very first trip I was so moved by the need for health care that it led me to train as a Nurse. I left my career in sport and became a Nurse. I worked in Neonates, then the emergency department, later I went on to be a project manager in the NHS.
Unfortunately, during my time working in the NHS, I became unwell with poor mental health. I experienced my first psychiatric admission in December 2016 and years of further torment ensured. Reoccuring admissions, a career and a life being lost and seeing no hope for the end to the illness and distress.
But then…
My sister brought me my first DSLR, an entry level Canon as a birthday present to me. Things started to become brighter. I was noticing colours again, the beauty of light cascading through woodlands; things were coming back to life through the lens.
We went together to photograph a cricket match at a local cricket club, two mens teams were playing. I was noticing emotion, connection, passion. I started to find my joy again.
I upgraded my entry level camera to my first professional grade camera and started to photograph more sports and equestrian events. The more I photographed special moments, the more alive I felt.The more emotion I captured, the more joy I experienced.
I started doing wedding and events, seeing love, love of family and friendships through the lens and preserving memories for people. Everything I captured felt so meaningful that it helped me find my meaning and purpose for life again.
Anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD symptoms were fading and creativity and joy were blossoming and growing. Hope was becoming real again. I could finally see that I was not going to be held captive by a poorly mind anymore.
Photography – documentating people, life and moments was my ticket to happiness and freedom.
Tracey Davies Photography was officially launched in October 2023. The date I decided to turn photography from a hobbie to a profession. I have been enjoying being a professional photographer since then and it has been the best decision I have ever made.
I continue to grow and develop in this incredible space and am taking my journey now more towards photojournalism with a particular focus on sports. Where it all began for me. Where I know and believe in the power of sports, team, connection that has the power to transform, transcend, inspire and bring change to peoples lives.
