Meet Erica Gray | Portrait & Wedding photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Springfield (near Eugene) Oregon. I was raised to never let anyone feel left out and to always be kind, honest, and humble. The environment I grew up in was surrounded by a “free spirited” type that was unpredictable and allowed you to be who or whatever you wanted. Even though my style didn’t tend to match up with my surroundings, I found a real love for fashion when I started modeling after high school. After 5 years, and having our first child, I switched behind the lens helping new models develop their portfolios. Throughout the years, I’ve been expanding. I now mostly work in the wedding industry. I love being able to take what I have learned growing up and in the fashion world, and apply it to every day life so everyone can feel that confident in themselves…even if they didn’t know they had it. I have over time become great at planning ahead so the environment can always be fun and easy. I’m always down to be a team player because when we all work together we all succeed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I try my best to stay in my own lane and put myself into my work. There is so many photography styles out there but only one you. I really lean into that to make my brand unique. For me, I focus a lot on the experience. You aren’t just paying for photos but the journey as well. I’m proud of myself for being able to juggle a expanding business while still being able to be there for my kids and husband.

I am where I am today through family support and a lot of self reflection. The hardest part of building a brand is figuring out the direction. From my fashion background, I hate being put in a box. I like being diverse because it helps me creatively flourish. I would say that was my hardest challenge to overcome, having to put a label on me was not easy. I would say I’m polished whimsical.

I’ve learned that life is too short to waste. If you have an idea jump at it because you’ll never know unless you try. Based on my story and how it shaped me, my brand is fashionable, fun, and laid back. I think it’s possible to be high maintenance and chill at the same time. My life word is “balance.” Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being from Oregon I grew up with a lot of family trips to the coast. It was always windy and cold but not in LA. I love hanging out by the Santa Monica pier it never gets old. There is so much to do there.
I also would recommend the Griffith Observatory specifically at sunset. You can still see the skyline but with the start of the twinkling lights and rainbow sky it’s breathtaking.

My family has season tickets to the Los Angeles Chargers which is why we travel back and fourth a lot. Their new stadium is stunning and really is a fun vibe. The games always get us hyped up!

Our go to place at least once every time we come is Barton G. The food is delicious and everything on the menu is a work of art. They are all about the experience which I totally relate to in my business.

I also recommend walking the Los Angeles Temple grounds. It’s so peaceful, calming, and really allows the time for good reflection. It helps with being present.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to thank my husband for always believing in me from day one and supporting my crazy ideas. I appreciate my two biggest mentors Bob Williams and Katelyn James who have really help teach me the technical side of things. I want to thank most of all God for always putting me in the right place at the right time. Every path I have crossed has taught me something and has made me more knowledgeable and stronger throughout time.

Website: https://ericagrayphotography.com/

Instagram: @ericagrayphoto

Facebook: Erica Gray Photography