Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Dray.
Hi Steven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My family and I grew up poor but well-traveled – Experiencing many different countries and cultures. It’s the reason I choose experiences and people over something money can buy any day. And is the reason I focus most on the people and emotion in my photography rather than the material things. As you go through my portfolio, you’ll find that I photograph personal details with people.
If I’m being honest, my talent doesn’t lie solely in photography… It’s being creative in general. And whether that creativity is channeled into photography or some other artistic outlet, it’s an itch that’s in constant need of scratching.
In fact, that’s why I turned to photography as a profession in the first place. It has allowed me to hone my deep connection with people…Leverage my experience growing up in a big, crazy family… And rely on people as the constant in my work – rather than style, editing, or locations.
When I’m not photographing or with my wife and three young children, I get lost in creating my own pop – impressionism oil paintings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I openly share with the world that when my wife and I met, I was homeless. Like, living with what I could carry in a backpack, and just the clothes on my back – homeless. I grew up in a very unstable environment. I was used to being in survival mode but had no long-term plans or educational training for a successful life. I was accepted into a transitional living homeless shelter where, in a short time, I got my driver’s license and my GED and did things like open my first bank account and got a cell phone. I was living very off-grid!
In high school and growing up, many people told me that I would never make a living as an artist, yet here I am! I feel so grateful to have an autonomous career doing something I love, and that supports my family.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my desire to consistently become more excellent. I don’t ever want to get comfortable and ‘settle on my haunches’ — for lack of a better term. I am inspired by the people who started in the same place I am but continue to challenge their craft and style. I try to stay conscious of what is trendy but NEVER lose sight of what is classic and timeless.
Photos have power. I can’t tell you how many of my clients reach out to me after their weddings to share stories of grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents who have passed on. They ALWAYS mention how important their wedding photos are to them, not because I took photos of them looking amazing in their outfits or because their decor was perfect — but because of the people, the feelings, and the moments in the photos. This is never lost on me. I am a legacy preserver and a memory capturer. It’s one of the highest honors to be the one who can freeze time, in a way.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID was a transformational time for the events and wedding industry. In the blink of an eye, I watched an entire year PLUS of my personal and business income completely evaporate. At first, I went into problem-solving and customer service mode. My wife and I tried to reach out to all our clients to see how we could assist them. We spent weeks on the phone, answering emails, and figuring out how to salvage wedding plans. What we came to realize is that doing business from a place of empathy was our new normal. Did we make mistakes? 100%. Could we have done things better? Most likely. We came to see that we needed to put on our business hat WHILE serving clients at the same time. Now, we strive for that balance and have found that our couples respect us for doing just that. COVID taught us that when you treat people with respect and work with them, they will remain loyal to your business for years to come.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at 6895
- Portrait sessions start at 1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stevendrayphotography.com/
- Instagram: @stevendrayphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevenDrayPhotography
Image Credits
Steven Dray Photography
