Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Gray.
Hi Maya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been interested in photography because my mom loves taking photos—I remember her capturing thousands of images when I was a young girl. Still, I never really considered it as a possible career for myself.
My first degree was in English education, and I worked as a teacher for a while, but I didn’t truly enjoy it. I wanted something more creative and fun. Before I discovered photography, I actually tried quite a few things. I worked as a teacher, a babysitter, and a yoga instructor. I’ve also always been drawn to psychology and nutrition, and I explored some creative paths like design and illustration. At one point, I even dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist.
But everything changed when I bought a camera from a friend—I instantly fell in love with photography.
I’m a very sociable person, and I love being around people, capturing their genuine emotions and the connections they share. Over time, I’ve explored different photography niches, like real estate, food, brand photography, but I’ve realized that what I truly love most is photographing people. Today, I specialize in family and wedding photography.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m a self-taught artist. I didn’t go to school for this, and in the beginning, it was really challenging for me. I learned everything on my own—through YouTube, online courses, and a lot of trial and error.
But I decided to dive right in. After only a month or two of practicing, I started taking on clients. I didn’t say no to any opportunity that came my way. I was always open and said yes to everything, even when it felt scary or overwhelming—especially since I didn’t have much experience at the time. But I was really passionate about photography, and that passion kept me going. I started photographing families and weddings right away, and over time, I began capturing all kinds of events—baptisms in churches, baby showers, birthdays, and more. In the first year or two of my career, I even had the opportunity to work with some brands and magazines.
The more I practiced, the better I became. I believe my courage and openness helped me learn quickly. Later on, I decided to go to college to deepen my knowledge, especially in lighting, editing, and all the technical aspects of photography.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a lifestyle photographer specializing in family and wedding photography. I’m known for capturing genuine emotions, real connections, and timeless moments in a natural, storytelling way. I love working with people and creating a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere during sessions, so they can be themselves and enjoy the moment while I preserve it through my lens.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as a self-taught artist. I started with no formal background in photography—just a camera I bought from a friend, a lot of curiosity, and a deep passion for visual storytelling. Within a couple of months, I was already working with clients, photographing everything from families to baptisms, baby showers, and even brands and magazines. I’ve learned fast because I’ve always been open to opportunities, even the ones that scared me.
What sets me apart is not just my editing style or use of natural light, but the experience I create for my clients. I focus on making every session feel personal, intentional, and enjoyable. I truly care about the people I photograph, and I believe that care shows in the final images. Every session is not just about beautiful photos—it’s about connection, emotion, and lasting memories.
What’s next?
In the future, I really want to become a well-known photographer and be recognized for my work. I’d love to host my own exhibitions in art centers and have more of my work published in magazines. Ideally, I’d also love to start teaching photography to others, because it’s something I’m truly passionate about.
Pricing:
- Price: $525 (+$0.70 per mile travel fee if outside of San Diego) Duration: Approximately 1 hour Location: We choose locations together based on your preferences, and select outfits accordingly. You can choose 1-2 nearby locations and one outfit changeDelivery: Edited photos are delivered in a private online gallery within 1-2 weeks. You get 80 edited high resolution images
- I also have a 45-minute package: 1 location and 1-2 outfits 60 edited high resolution images Price: $450
- 30-minute package: 1 location and 1 outfit 40 edited high resolution images Price: $375
- 2 hour package: 120+ edited images Price: $725
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayagrayphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayagray_photography
