READING TIME: 3 min 16 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/13/2024
UPDATED: 09/13/2024
Ralaina Virostek, known professionally as Ray, isn't just a wedding photographer; she's a visual storyteller with a unique perspective. Her work is a testament to her diverse skills and artistic vision. "I seek the narrative in my clients' lives," Ray explains, her eyes lighting up as she discusses her craft. "Combining the art of portraiture with the breathtaking beauty of landscapes and architecture is my passion in photography, as it allows me to capture the intimate connection between the couple and their surroundings, creating timeless and captivating images. With years of capturing diverse life, love + adventure stories, my goal is capture the purest essence of my client and all that unfolds within our session together."
Ray's professional journey in wedding photography is relatively recent, but her passion for the craft runs deep. "I have officially been shooting weddings full-time for three years now," she explains, her voice carrying a mix of pride and excitement. "However, I've been into photography for as long as I can remember. I decided in 2018 that maybe it was time to venture into photography full-time as well as get paid for my sessions."
Ray's approach to photography is a blend of documentary and fine art. "I choose a Documentary/Fine Art approach to my imagery," she explains, her hands moving expressively as she speaks. Her editing style is subtle yet impactful. "I provide simple, yet elegant natural touches to my images," Ray says, her voice soft but confident. "Ideally, I'll crisp up the colours as well as subjects but defer from anything that steps too far outside of the reality of our environment. Soft and natural, enveloped in hues of greens and blues is my favourite."
Ray's life extends far beyond her photography. Her voice fills with warmth as she describes her other passions: "When I'm not behind the camera, you can find me being Mama to one little man and indulging in my other passions. I'm a serious foodie and am always up for trying new and inspiring dishes."
Her love for travel and yoga intertwines with her work. "Yoga has been a lifelong practice for me and my travels often include photographing yoga retreats all over the world," she says. "Traveling is extremely important to me, as exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures fuels my creativity."
For Ray, each wedding is a unique opportunity to tell a love story. "With years of capturing diverse life, love + adventure stories, my goal is capture the purest essence of my client and all that unfolds within our session together," she explains, her tone revealing her genuine interest in her clients' stories.
Her approach is personalized and attentive. "As a photographer, I pride myself on providing a unique and unparalleled experience for my clients. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the power of storytelling through imagery, I strive to go beyond simply capturing beautiful photographs. My aim is to create a personalized journey for each couple, ensuring that their vision and personalities shine through in every frame. By taking the time to truly get to know my clients, I'm able to tailor my approach and deliver a collection of images that authentically reflect their story, creating a lasting and meaningful connection," Ray says, her commitment evident in every word.
Ray's approach to wedding packages is as unique as the couples she photographs. "Absolutely," she says enthusiastically when asked about creating custom packages. "My goal is to invest in exactly what my clients are looking for. I strive to make their day as custom and authentic as they are themselves."
When it comes to preparing for a photo shoot or event, Ray has one key piece of advice. "Meet with your photographer firsthand to make sure that your connection is there and you won't feel nervous!" she suggests, her voice warm and encouraging.
Despite her success, Ray's ambitions continue to grow. "It is my absolute dream to get into this market," she says of destination weddings, her eyes lighting up at the prospect. "I would love to travel with my photography more and capture gorgeous brides and grooms around the world."
At the core of Ray's work is a deep appreciation for authentic moments. "I love seeing my clients faces light up as I watch them come alive behind the camera," she says, her own face glowing with genuine joy. " After the initial nerves wear off for them, it's amazing to watch their stories unfold."
Ray Photography + Design is more than just a business for Ralaina Virostek. It's a culmination of her passions, skills, and dreams. "This enables me to express my creativity to the fullest and live the life I've always dreamed of," she concludes, her satisfaction evident in her smile and the passion in her voice.
