Today we’d like to introduce you to Keera Gray.
Hi Keera, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Gray Images Photography was birthed during a trying time in my life. I was a single mom of two daughters, Faith & Hope. It was during the pregnancy of Hope I was at my lowest. From losing my job to moving back home with my Mom. I genuinely believed life was over. Eventually, I found a new job and moved into an apartment. Things were looking up, so I thought. I failed to plan and budget. After the birth of Hope, I was off work till I recovered. The first month I paid my rent late & almost received an eviction. The second month funds were low & I awoke to an eviction notice on our door. Yes, I had family who would’ve helped, but this was my responsibility. After contacting a few agencies, my rent was paid! The bills didn’t stop, so I returned to work earlier than I should’ve.
I knew I had to do something different. There was no way I could continue to live this way. My biggest fear was being a failure to my girls. They didn’t deserve to struggle due to my mishaps. My mother lost custody of my five siblings & I. I was fostered and later adopted by my Grandmother, Joan. I prayed daily my children wouldn’t experience what I went through. Only I could make sure of that.
One Sunday, Pastor Hall assigned an assignment. We were to journal our strengths & determine how we could financially invest in ourselves.
Guess what I journaled? Photography, duhhh! Lol. Truthfully, I was looking to make extra money. There wasn’t a passion there, but it seemed easy enough.
At that time, I didn’t own a camera. My First Lady, “Lady D” suggested using a cellphone. Faith and Hope were Gray Images first clients! I took a chance, posted the image on Facebook, and the rest is truly history!
My cousin Quita was the first to invest in Gray Images. With the investment, I bought props. Income tax season was heading my way! I was finally able to purchase a professional camera. Shortly after booking clients, I began to realize just how much I enjoyed photographing people. It was no longer about the money. There was an excitement I’d never felt before. I was good at it. Finally, I was able to quit 1 of the 2 jobs I worked & do what I love!
After great trials and tribulations, I vowed I’d never be broke again. My exact words. Seven years later and I’ve yet to go back on my word. Truthfully, I owe it all to God!
During those seven years, I met an amazing guy, Timothy. He took my girls in as his own. He became my husband and a great father to our girls. We’ve been married six years and now have four children: Faith, Hope, Timothy Jr., and Serenity.
We recently relocated from Michigan to the oh so hot Texas! Many days I think back to those trying times. It keeps me humbled. There are many people who journeyed alongside me, and I’m so grateful: Grandma Joan, Mrs. Sandy, Brittany, Mama Tiff, & Uncle Steph to name a few. My advice to the world is, trust your journey. Everything you’re experiencing is preparing you for something greater.
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?
Of course, it has…NOT! Haha. I worked two jobs: AM and PM as an assistant teacher and cashier. There were many days I’d only see my girls for a max of 20-30 minutes. I’d pick up, drop off to daycare/school, & head to my 2nd job.
Asking for help was a struggle! As someone who tries to figure out everything alone, this time I couldn’t. Before qualifying for daycare assistant, I couldn’t afford to pay anyone. God sent two amazing angels, Mrs. Sandy and Antonia. They babysat my girls for $10 per day! Yes, $10 per day.
Whew, the struggle was real!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lifestyle photography is my specialty! From newborns, family, & children, I love them equally. I live for candid moments & being present when it comes to my clients.
Aside from my spunky personality, I’m known for the simplicity of my work.
The moment photography brought in more than my 9-5, I knew this was something big! That for sure was a proud moment.
Yes, I’m a photographer, yet I’m more than that. To my long-standing clients, I’m a friend, sister, auntie, and cousin! Lol. To my new clients, I’m the long-distance cousin. Lol. I value my clients. I connect with them not only behind the camera but in life! I’ve attended weddings, birthdays, and sadly, funerals as well. Without my clients, there would be no Gray Images. That my friend is what sets me apart.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Houston has so much to offer! The diversity is the best thing ever. I cannot forget about the food, so many good places to choose from.
It’s not so much the traffic, but the distance I have to travel. As a girl from a small town, it took time to adjust!
Pricing:
- Newborn- $300
- Family- $250
- Children- $250
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Keera Gray- Gray Images Photography, LLC
