Company Name: Katy Gray Photography (Dylan List member)
Name: Katy Gray
Location: Jackson Hole, WY
Tell us a little about what you do.
I am a fine art and wedding photographer based in Jackson Hole, WY but I’ll go anywhere to shoot your wedding!
How long have you been in business?
About 4 or 5 years. I started out just doing a few little ones and elopements but last summer things really took off and this summer is looking huge as well!
What inspired you to start your business/studio?
Actually it was my own wedding photos! I had graduated from MSU with my BA in photography in 2004 but didn’t really know what I wanted to do with it until I saw the photos we got from Jonathan Adams after our wedding. He was kind enough to let me tag along and second shoot with him at a few of his events and give me a great critique at the end of the season. I booked a few little elopements and intimate ceremonies, shot for a few friends and then things just started snowballing.
What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?
I love that I capture irreplaceable moments for people. The cake gets eaten, favors get taken, flowers dry up, the dress gets put away, but the photos will be there forever. When your grandkids and great grandkids want to hear about your wedding, out comes the photo album. I love being a little piece of all of these family histories. It’s quite an honor!
Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?
Shooting Jenny & Ryan’s wedding – our sunset session out in the field. I looked at the back of my camera a few times and was literally hopping with excitement. In my opinion, if your job makes you hop, you’re onto something.
When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)
I shoot in a bit of a modern style – edgy compositions and funky perspectives – but then I process in more of a dreamy vintage look. So modern vintage with a bit of funk? And I love odd juxtapositions – a bride in a gas station, or the groom out walking his dog before the ceremony, things like that. I like to make people do a double take.
When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?
I photograph the couple’s vision – I try to shoot every detail I can get and use items from the wedding to shoot the bride’s accessories and dress – like hanging a dress on a set of antlers for a ranch wedding, or shooting the rings on a record album for a reception with a vintage record player.
Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)
I stalk an embarrassing number of blogs. My absolute favorite wedding photographers are Sean Flanigan, Olivia Leigh, Anna Kuperburg and Amelia Lyon – I’m always turning to them for inspiration. I also subscribe to a LOT of style blogs – Lucy Dylan, of course!!, Style Me Pretty, Design*Sponge, The Bride’s Café, Wedding Chicks, & Grey Likes Weddings are my favorites.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?
I love taking pictures, I love weddings, and I will work my butt off to help make your wedding day the best day it can be! Plus I’m pretty funny in person. And brides have said I’m a good ‘calmer-downer’. I often have gum.
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