Meet Karl and Tiffany Ray of Karl Ray Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karl and Tiffany Ray.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We met during a model bootcamp session. He was the photographer and I was the model coach. When I laid eyes on him, I melted inside. He was my fantasy man I always dreamt of. He began taking photos of the models who attended the class. Up next, it was my turn. I stepped in front of him and his camera and began my photoshoot.

Once the shoot wrapped, we introduced ourselves formally. We had a brief conversation and he let me know he had eyes for me as well. He then made a bold statement, “You are going be my wife one day. I’m going to marry you.” I smiled from ear to ear.

We connected on social media never to have physical interactions or telephone calls between one another. Eleven years had passed. I finally contacted him to do a photoshoot for me. He didn’t respond at first but two weeks later, I received a reply. He said, “Where have you been my entire life? I’ve been looking for my wife and you’ve been nearby all these years.” I was a nervous, excited and a silly wreck. The man that I always wanted, wanted me just as much. We decided to meet with one another on that day. We had a fifteen minute conversation on what we wanted out of life, love and a spouse. Things were understood!

Long story short, we’ve been connected ever since. A true love romance and testament of God’s faithfulness toward us. Out of all the things; heartache, breakups and life’s struggles we experienced throughout life separately, God was molding us to be the best example of His love together. And for that, we are very grateful.

Two years later, we finally said “I Do”!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not many struggles. The regular season on, season off for photography. Work is generally great in spring and summer months, but slows down tremendously in fall and winter months.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Karl Ray Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Karl Ray: I have been an active, professional photographer for a little over 15 years.

Photography is my craft. In the way a master chef that can make an excellent meal in most any kitchen, but what they are able to accomplish in the familiarity of their workspace is almost bliss, I am able to work with any camera, but the one I am the most familiar with will yield the best results.

My camera is so familiar to my hand that I don’t think so much about the controls and setting as much as I know what they have to be based on any particular situation. This based on an intuition honed in years of practical application. My camera is a natural extension of my hand and my eyes. Preparation is a very important part of the process. When a great artist begins a work, he does so not by imagining what outcome he desires, but by having an intimate knowledge of the empty canvas before him. He chooses paints based on types, and textures as well as colors. Often beginning with simple pencil drawings in preparation for his art. I find that the more prepared I am for the expected, the better I am prepared for the unexpected.

In the same way, the more practiced I am in my art, the better able I am to see and follow opportunities for improvisation. I prepare myself by knowing the subject well before the photo, exploring the venue for the beauty it may yield. I consider textures, temperatures and lighting well before the camera even clicks.

When the photographs are taken the work is not yet complete. They have to be observed in great detail to determine if they are to be set up for final editing. Initial preparation reduces the need for editing, but it never eliminates it. Once the edits are complete then you are presented with the final photograph, always a work of art.

With the proliferation of cameras in the world today, from the ubiquitous camera phones to the high end single lens reflex, anyone can take a picture, and some people take better pictures than others. Even the best of pictures doesn’t compare to a photograph. I’d love to show you the difference.

This is what sets me apart from others, precise preparation.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to continue to grow as a person and an artist. To work with the best visionaries to create magic. I plan on expanding my photography business to different cities around the world. One of my dreams is to travel the world as a photographer capturing the most beautiful, eclectic, and broad range of diverse beauty I can find.

I also plan on collaborating with my wife, Tiffany Ray, as she opens her very own modeling agency in the city of Chicago. This has been a dream of hers all of her life, teaching what she has been gifted to do. This is her purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karlrayphotography.com
• Phone: 773-719-8863
• Email: karlrayphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl5026/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karl5026

Image Credit:
Karl Ray Photography
Stryde Models

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