Meet Courtney Ray of Daybreak and Dusk Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Ray.

Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started as a journalist and spent 10 years as a reporter and then as a magazine editor, which actually helps a lot with photography. A few years ago, I decided to take a photography class and absolutely fell in love with it. I spent about a year building my business and photographing on the weekends while taking classes at night and still writing and editing during the day. Eventually, I had built enough business to leave journalism and become a photographer full time. My experience as a journalist, in talking with people and learning how to build a connection with people I’m meeting for the first time, has helped me tremendously as a photographer. It’s the same process, just with a camera instead of a pen. I photograph people who open up to me, who aren’t afraid to be their truest self in front of the camera. That’s actually a lot to ask! It can be very difficult to be comfortable or cuddly with your loved one in front of a camera that’s operated by a complete stranger. I make every effort to get to know my couples and my subjects and learn what makes them comfortable in front of the lens and gets them laughing. This is how their best self shines through in photos.

Has it been a smooth road?
When you’re starting a business, it’s never a smooth road. I should have saved a little more money before I left my old job to be a full-time photographer, and I should have taken a few business classes on top of art classes. There have been some extra-lean months, but I’ve always managed to make it through. And I’ve learned lessons about copyright law and the importance of a solid contract the hard way. But you keep going through the hard times because they will pass, you will learn a lesson and you won’t let it happen again. Being my own boss is worth all the struggles.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in photographing wild hearts and fearless love. As a documentary wedding photographer, I work with couples who feel free to express their passion for each other and want to bond with a storyteller to create art from their memories. Pure love and raw emotion fuel my creative fire—just as when I was a journalist, the truest moments inspire my work.

I get overly excited about the small things in life (surprise flowers, last-minute road trips, hot tea on an unexpectedly rainy day). In my work, I seek out the small things that make your story unique—the way your fiancée brushes hair from your face, the wrinkle in your nose when he makes you laugh, and of course, that look he has on his face when you don’t know he’s gazing at you.

My specialty is pulling those moments of pure emotion and love from my couples—yes, even if you think you’re awkward in front of the camera. I got you, babe.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is definitely a crowded market for wedding photographers—for photographers in any field, really. But there’s a reason for that: We have some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery, not to mention killer natural light, of anywhere in the U.S. For those reasons, it’s a great place to start as a photographer. And because there are so many photographers, there are a ton of opportunities to learn from some of the most talented artists in the industry. If you’re going to start in Los Angeles, you must go out and meet people. No matter how strong your portfolio is, your business will be slow without professional relationships to help you grow. That’s the other great thing about LA—there’s no shortage of chances to meet and build relationships with other professionals in this city.

Pricing:

• 2018 Wedding packages starting at $3800
• Portrait packages starting at $350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daybreakanddusk.com
• Phone: 310.880.5561
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daybreakanddusk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daybreakanddusk/

Image Credit:
All photos were taken by Daybreak + Dusk Photography

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