Rachel Gray
About
Rachel Gray is a Malibu-based photographer specializing in weddings and events. She holds a BFA in Photography from the University of Washington and brings over 15 years of experience in dynamic, client-facing environments. Her work is rooted in connection—capturing honest, unscripted moments and transforming them into lasting, archival images. Known for her calm and intuitive presence, she creates space for people to feel at ease, allowing genuine emotion to unfold naturally. As one client shared, “Rachel’s intention to conjure vulnerability without imposition is her true talent.”
Rachel spent nearly a decade at Netflix and NBCUniversal working in production and production strategy, where she also contributed to sustainability initiatives across large-scale productions. This experience informs her ability to navigate complex, high-pressure environments while balancing logistics, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to building a sustainable career.
As both a photographer and observer of life, Rachel is deeply attuned to human connection and the nuances of presence. As an instructor, she focuses on bridging artistry with real-world application—teaching photographers how to anticipate moments, navigate fast-paced environments, and build client-centered practices. Her mentorship emphasizes storytelling, technical fluency, and the interpersonal and business skills required to succeed in high-pressure event settings.
Scheduled to Teach
Gallery
LACP Interviews Rachel Gray
LACP asks Rachel Gray ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about photography.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of photographer are you?
Rachel Gray: I’m a wedding and family photographer. I’m a documentarian first, portrait photographer second. I capture real connection and emotion, using simple direction and prompts to guide people into the
present. It’s easy to feel stiff in front of the camera—my role is to help people relax so what’s
genuine can come through.
LACP: How long have you been photographing?
RG: About 20 years. I started at 16 in a darkroom class in high school, continued through my senior
year, and then went on to study photography in college.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
RG: I studied photography at the University of Washington, where I earned my BFA. I was part of a
small, 15-person program, and my education was rooted in conceptual photography—working
across multimedia, film, and performance—with a strong focus on building bodies of work and
storytelling.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to photography?
RG: It never really left me. Photography and I have “broken up” a few times—mostly when I was trying
to figure out how to balance creativity with the business side of things. But we keep choosing
each other. The deeper I go into the craft, the more it unfolds.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
RG: Yes. In my early twenties, after starting in weddings and events, I realized most of my work was
work-for-hire. Coming from a conceptual art background, that was difficult for me. I stepped away
for a time and worked in corporate entertainment, while still shooting on the side. It took time to
fully commit to this path, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a photographer?
RG: Absolutely. For much of the year, I give up my weekends. I’ve sacrificed time off and time with my
family. There’s also a level of unpredictability—often saying “yes, I can attend,” with the understanding that if a job comes in, I may have to shift plans. That uncertainty can make
scheduling challenging, but it’s part of the nature of the work.
LACP: What have you gained by being a photographer?
RG: I’ve gained the freedom to design my life. I choose how and where I work. I get to meet incredible
people and be present for some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. I witness joy,
grief, love, and transformation—and I get to give people their memories. I don’t take that lightly.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
RG: Horizon: Event & Wedding Mentorship
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
RG: I care deeply about people’s careers—especially creative ones. What I love most about teaching
is helping photographers move through limiting beliefs and step more fully into their work and
potential. I love teaching the things I didn’t learn in art school—the real-world tools that make this
path sustainable.
I also love the sense of community that forms—realizing you’re not alone, and having a space to
be seen, supported, and challenged. It creates accountability—showing up for your work,
following through on projects, and growing in a way that’s hard to do on your own.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in photography?
RG: It’s absolutely worth it—and it’s absolutely hard work. Build a plan and take it step by step. A
successful career doesn’t happen overnight. Learn your backend. Shoot as much as you can.
Find your voice and tune out comparison. Seek out mentors, build community, and intern or
second shoot with other photographers whenever you can. That’s one of the beautiful things
about this career—there is so much opportunity to learn on the job.