What is photography to me?
Ray D. Zalk
It's getting the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and celebrate their wonderful milestones. It's a reminder to look for the special, detailed moments that always surround us. It's reminiscing on a sliver of time that now is now frozen forever. It's authentically embracing the beauty around us because the life we live is worth celebrating.
Photography is always around us and exists at all moments. The camera just helps us remember it forever.
My photography journey started by wanting to capture special moments for my friends and family. What started as a simple gesture has evolved into something far beyond what I ever imagined. It’s allowed me to connect with incredible people and be part of some truly beautiful, emotional moments that continue to inspire me.
I love every opportunity I get to capture, but I’ve always been drawn to photographing couples and families. I love getting to capture authentic, real-life moments that embrace and showcase the beautiful life you live. My goal is to create an environment where you feel completely comfortable, so the photos we create together feel true to who you are.
When we work together, I’ll be there to guide you throughout the entire session, offering direction to create different emotions or settings while also giving you the space to move naturally. I'll start our session by sharing a few tips and tricks, and I promise to be your biggest cheerleader the whole way through. Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or you’re a seasoned pro, my goal is for you to feel confident and beautiful in every moment.
I'm always looking for new ways to learn and grow my craft, often finding inspiration while working with my amazing clients. I hope to inspire you during our sessions, but no matter what, I promise that you will always inspire me. Often, I find myself crying (happy tears, of course) while editing a gallery because these moments can't be recreated; they are original and true to only you. Experiencing these times with you inspires me to continue providing the best experience possible, and it will always be a privilege to witness and capture your special moments.
I have a lot of hobbies and interests
I would definitely characterize myself as a creative and wish I had more time in the day to focus on all of my hobbies. Although I don't actively do all of these at once, I definitely dabble in them all throughout the year!
Some of my hobbies include being a beat-based fitness instructor, playing guitar, playing video games (anyone else loving Marvel Rivals right now?!), sewing, calligraphy, cooking, reading, and forever discovering more.
I used to live in Boston
I'm a semi-recent Rhody resident, but prior to my move, I lived in Boston for about 5 years. I absolutely adore the city and often miss it. Luckily it's a quick drive away and I love any excuse to go back so I'm always down for a Boston based session!
I eloped in Italy
My husband and I got married in Tuscany, just the two of us, in 2024. It was absolutely amazing but international weddings/elopements can be very tricky to navigate.
I'm always happy to help answer elopement related questions or help capture "non-traditional" wedding experiences, as I understand the intimacy they bring!
I cry at almost anything
When I say anything, I truly mean it. From the more traditional tear jerkers like weddings, movies, milestones, and births, to more untraditional motions like riding my favorite ride at Disney, my dog being silly, or having the first soft serve of the summer season - nothing is off the table.
I bring this up in case I cry during our session because happiness and love just naturally make the waterworks start!
