Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Gray.
Hi Crystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a storyteller by nature and journalist by trade. I’ve always enjoyed the beauty of sharing other people’s stories because I’m a major history buff! I spent 9.5 years in TV news. I earned my stripes, along with a few awards including an Emmy.
What I learned during my time in the newsroom was simple but powerful: stories help create our reality, and our personal realities greatly impact our perception and that of those around us.
In current society, what you see, is seemingly what you get. But most of it is fluff and mirrors, but not much substance.
As I moved into business for myself, I wanted nothing more than to provide an enjoyable, authentic experience, without all of the hype.
I love the look of retouched, editorial-style photography, but it’s not my style of choice. Because I enjoy capturing my clients in their natural element; enjoying one another’s company, soaking up their own awesomeness with a side of unfiltered joy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Every journey is plagued with twists and turns along the way. But I now see many of those detours in a different light. At the time, they were inconveniences that prohibited me from accomplishing a goal or continuing a relationship. Now, I know they were the best course of action for me, regardless of how things appeared at the time.
The one challenge that has plagued me the most, and if we’re being honest, rocked my confidence the most, has been the loss of my mother. She passed away in 2019, and I’ve not quite regained 100% of my footing.
While things are getting better with each passing day, I’d be remiss to tell you that not having my confidant and guiding light has not had an impact on my personal as well as professional life.
I’ve resolved to take things more slowly. Spend more time listening to my daughters, and actually take time to rest and relax because that was the one thing my mom didn’t take advantage of enough: stopping to smell the roses.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am Crystal Gray, owner of Gray Manor Creatives. We provide photography/videography services for brides and small female business owners across the Southeast. Whether you’re starting a career or business (headshots), getting married (bridal), adding to your family (family portraits) , or looking to spice things up (boudoir photography), we’ve got you covered!
Our photography is as unique as the ladies we capture!
How do you think about luck?
When it comes to luck, I can’t say how much/or little it has played in my life, because I don’t believe in luck. I believe realities are created and destroyed by our own actions.
I truly believe the works you put out come back one way or another. Call it what you’d like, karma, manifestation, the universe, or God. You get what you give, sooner or later. So, be mindful of how you treat others, personally as well as professionally, what goes around, truly does come around.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@graymanor.co
- Website: www.graymanor.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/GrayManorCreatives
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrayManorCreatives
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/GrayManorCreatives
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gray-manor-creatives-birmingham
