Today we’d like to introduce you to Grey Ghxst
Hi Grey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first fell in love with photography through my fascination with horror movies. Growing up in Houston as the eldest of seven homeschooled children, my family and I spent weekends watching films together, and I was especially drawn to the eerie atmosphere, bold lighting, and psychological depth of the genre. Houston’s vibrant but often overlooked underground art and music scenes also played a huge role in shaping my creative perspective. The city’s mix of raw, unfiltered energy and rich cultural storytelling pushed me to explore photography as a way to capture emotion, movement, and atmosphere.
At the core of my work is the idea of “finding beauty in negative spaces.” I juxtapose soft, intimate imagery with darker, more technical compositions, creating a balance between vulnerability and intensity. This philosophy became especially prominent as I established myself in boudoir photography, blending cinematic storytelling with deeply personal and empowering portraits. My work channels the dramatic lighting, rich textures, and mood-driven aesthetics of classic horror films, transforming them into elegant yet evocative visual narratives.
Now based in Central Texas, I’ve built a career spanning multiple photography styles, from boudoir to music and editorial work. My path has taken me from shooting headshots and music videos for college friends to documenting Houston’s club and live music scene—an experience that honed my ability to capture fast-paced, high-energy moments with precision and depth. In 2018, I followed my passion to Austin, where I had the opportunity to photograph artists during SXSW. Since then, Austin has become my home base, allowing me to continue growing as a photographer and refining my craft while pushing creative boundaries.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up as the eldest of seven siblings in a constantly moving household around Houston, I had to adapt quickly to new environments while taking on a lot of responsibility at a young age. Social anxiety made it even harder—I often felt like an outsider, struggling to find my place. But photography became my escape, my way of expressing what I couldn’t always say out loud. It gave me a sense of stability and purpose in an unpredictable world.
Taking the leap into photography as a career wasn’t easy. I was raised by a lawyer and a business owner, so I understood the importance of hard work, but pursuing art came with its own set of challenges. I started my photography business in Houston, a city that shaped me in ways I never expected. After being homeschooled my entire life, stepping into the real world was overwhelming. Houston, like most big cities, is tough—it demands resilience, adaptability, and a sharp sense of self. I had to quickly learn how to navigate its fast-paced environment, working with diverse clients and hustling to make a name for myself.
Freelancing in a city like Houston taught me that talent alone isn’t enough. I had to sharpen my business skills, market myself, and build relationships, all while pushing my creative boundaries. The grind was relentless, but it forced me to grow. Over time, I found my niche, capturing model portraits, working with local businesses, and shooting live events. But what I loved most was photographing live music—immersing myself in the raw energy of performances and collaborating with artists to bring their visions to life.
In 2018, that passion led me to Austin. The city’s music scene was unlike anything I had experienced before, and I saw an opportunity to grow in ways that Houston couldn’t offer. I started covering artists at SXSW, working with up-and-coming musicians, and building my portfolio with some of the most electric live performances I’d ever shot. Austin became my home, pushing me creatively and exposing me to new styles, new people, and a different way of approaching my craft.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a standstill. Live events disappeared, photoshoots were canceled, and for the first time, I questioned whether I could continue. Photography had always been my anchor, but suddenly, it felt out of reach. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I seriously considered giving up.
To get by, I took on jobs I never imagined myself doing—delivery driving, warehouse work—anything to survive. It was humbling and exhausting, but it also strengthened my resolve. Each long shift reminded me why I loved photography and why I couldn’t let it go. I used that time to sharpen my sales skills and find new ways to adapt.
By 2022, I fought my way back, more determined than ever. The struggle reshaped my perspective, making me appreciate every creative opportunity even more. Now, my work is deeply personal, centered around “finding beauty in negative spaces.” I juxtapose elegance with darkness, drawing inspiration from my love of horror films and the cinematic storytelling that first sparked my passion.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has pushed me to grow, adapt, and refine my vision. Through it all, photography has remained my constant—my way of making sense of the world, one frame at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Dvrkgrey Photo is an extension of my own story, shaped by the way I see the world around me. I’ve always been drawn to finding beauty in unexpected places—the quiet spaces, the shadows, the moments that might pass unnoticed. I’ve learned that there’s power in contrast and complexity, in taking something raw and turning it into something striking. That philosophy guides every project I take on, whether it’s working with a musician to capture the essence of their sound, or a small business trying to find its visual voice.
When I partner with someone, it’s never just about creating an image—it’s about capturing something deeper. It’s about understanding what they truly want to express, not just what they need, and translating that into something that feels authentic. Every project is personal to me, because I know how much it means to see something come to life that feels true to the vision behind it.
This process isn’t just about the technical side of things—it’s about being there for the people I work with, helping them tell their story through visuals, content, and everything in between. There’s a relationship that builds as we work together, a trust that’s established when you’re both in it to make something special.
The digital world has given us new ways to connect and be seen, and I’ve learned how to make that work, not just for myself, but for the people I collaborate with. Helping someone find their place in a sea of noise—finding a way to make their message stand out in a space full of distraction—that’s where I get the most fulfillment. It’s about making something timeless, not just for now, but something that will resonate in the future too.
At the end of the day, what I do isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about taking what’s invisible, what’s not always easy to see, and making it clear. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera, or through social media strategies, it’s about helping people see the world, and themselves, in a different light.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The next 5-10 years in my industry are going to be full of transformation, particularly with the rapid advancements in AI and the ongoing evolution of social media. We’re already seeing how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the creative landscape, from generating art and video content to streamlining production processes. Just like when digital photography replaced film or when social media first gave artists direct access to audiences, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and altering how content is made and consumed.
What’s fascinating is how quickly things have changed, especially compared to previous decades. The ’90s and early 2000s were all about traditional photography—film cameras, dark rooms, and analog techniques. The introduction of digital photography in the late ’90s was a huge leap, and now we’re in an era where social media platforms are not just tools for sharing but also for driving trends and building brands. In comparison, the shift we’re seeing now—AI, automation, and deep integration of social platforms—is much more immediate, and I expect it to have just as massive an impact on how we create and connect.
The beauty of this shift is that, while technology is advancing, the essence of what I do as a photographer and digital media consultant hasn’t changed: I’m here to help people tell their stories. But the tools I use will continue to evolve, and that’s where I see the big shifts happening. Social media continues to grow, but it’s not just about posting anymore—it’s about engagement, interactive content, and building lasting relationships with audiences. AI will be a game changer in automating some of the more technical aspects of production, but it will never replace the need for human creativity, intuition, and connection.
I hope to be right in the middle of all these changes, adapting to the new trends and staying ahead of the curve. I keep a close eye on new technologies and social platforms because it’s important to not only understand these tools but also to use them in ways that enhance creativity. As new trends come up, I aim to stay as close as possible to them, finding ways to integrate them into the work I do while still staying true to the core of what I believe in: capturing the real, the raw, and the beautiful stories that people have to tell. The next few years will be exciting, and I’m eager to continue growing and evolving along with the industry.
Pricing:
- Ph0t0shoot $150
- Social media video $150
- Music Video $300
- Drop mic $75
- Free Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dvrkgrey.wixsite.com/dvrkgreyphoto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvrkgreyphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DVRKGREYphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dvrkgrey3655
Image Credits
@nea__letti
@tre.oceann
@ausssyyy
@kiakartagena
@jazmin_bertrand
@myninadontplay
@lyyvve
@thatsmamak
