Meet Amelia Gray | Photographer & visual story teller

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

Hi Amelia, what makes you happy? Why?
Spending quality time with the people in my life is when I’m the happiest.

I grew up with 9 other siblings so being around lots of people has always felt so natural and comforting.

Life is so magical and amazing but without people to share it with it can be pretty dull.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I started photography at the young age of 13 when I was gifted a cheap camera for my birthday.

I started out just taking pictures of my family and things around the house. I did that for a few years. But when i turned 15 i really wanted to photograph “real things.” at the time i thought that just meant things out of my home. Instead of attending high school like most kids my age, I started interning with a photography company in Sedona. I was so eager to learn from other talented photographers.  I had taught myself the basics with books and youtube but i longed for real-life experience.

You can learn so much on your own but that can only take you so far. learning about other people and how they create their art is priceless and something i’ll always be grateful for.  My art has taken many different styles over the years but i’m really inspired by the details and small things in life, that’s something i always try to incorporate into my work. I’m also in love with film photography and how nostalgic and timeless it feels. I shoot digital but that’s always something i have in mind while editing. Throughout the last 4 years of shooting professionally, i’ve grown so fond of storytelling. When i first started photography i didn’t understand how powerful it was to be able to capture someone’s story and true essence.  At times i’ve felt discouraged for not having the proper training or for being young. But everyone has a story to be told, and my immense love for telling stories and capturing people from all walks of life has kept me going.

I’m now 19 and doing what i love almost every day.take the road less traveled and do what you love.You’ll be happy you did.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are in Sedona definitely check out Indian Gardens Market. They have a beautiful garden and great coffee

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I never went to school for photography so everything i know i researched myself or learned from someone else.
I’d really like to thank Jane from Janeinthewoods photography for taking me under her wing and teaching me a lot of what i know about photography and business.

Website: https://ameliagray.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliagrayphotography/