Meet Amy Gray | Award Winning Wedding and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Authenticity. In this profession, it’s incredibly easy to compare yourself to others or fall into step with what everyone else is doing. I’ve definitely had moments where I stumbled and found myself going along with the crowd—but at the core, I always try to lead with my heart. Staying true to myself and my values, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain, has been the foundation of everything I’ve built. People can feel when something is real, and I believe that’s what resonates most. The more I leaned into who I truly am, rather than who I thought I “should” be, the more aligned and successful everything became.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The moment I allowed myself to fully embrace being a “creative,” something in me shifted—my heart opened up in a way I can’t quite describe. It was the most freeing, joyful feeling, and since then, being part of this artistic community has felt like such an honor. There’s an incredible amount of talent in North Carolina, and I truly believe there’s no such thing as “better”—we each see the world differently, and that’s the beauty of it.

What truly sets me apart as a photographer is the connection I create with the people I photograph. There’s a quiet, intuitive way I’m able to put others at ease—it’s not something I force; it just happens naturally. I see every person in front of my camera as a soul, not just a subject. That depth of connection allows something real and unguarded to surface in the images. It’s not just about capturing a face; it’s about honoring the person behind it. My ability to find meaning in the in-between moments—the ones that might seem ordinary or insignificant at first glance—and turn them into lasting family treasures is also a gift. That’s what lights me up. I want my work to evoke deep, heartfelt emotion. I want people to look back at their images and not just see a memory, but feel it all over again.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a thriving photography business that’s still going strong ten years later. And now, I’m especially excited to support other emerging photographers the same way others once supported me. I have to give a huge shoutout to Megan Gielow—her guidance in my early days was invaluable.

The path hasn’t always been easy. In the beginning, I spent endless hours teaching myself how to use editing programs, learning how to run a business, figuring out taxes, insurance, licensing—you name it. I cried plenty of tears (and still do sometimes!), and imposter syndrome is something I continue to work through. But I kept showing up. I researched, I learned, and I grew. What’s always come naturally, though, is the photography itself—documenting people’s lives is what fuels me. That part has always been effortless in the best way.

A major lesson I’ve learned along the way is that I don’t have to take on every opportunity that comes my way. I’ve become more selective with the work I take on, focusing on projects that truly speak to my heart. If it doesn’t light me up inside, I’ve learned it’s okay to say no.

At the end of the day, what I want people to know about me and my brand is this: I care deeply. I pour my heart into every session. My greatest hope is that when you look at your photos, you’re transported—that they awaken something in you, bring a tear to your eye, or simply make you smile. My goal isn’t just to deliver beautiful images—it’s to give you something you feel.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’re so lucky to live in a state that offers so much natural beauty. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina truly has it all! I split my time between Virginia and North Carolina, and while both are gorgeous in their own ways, the NC mountains definitely have my heart.

If I were planning the perfect itinerary, I’d actually start on the coast—even though I’m not much of a beach girl. We’d spend a few days exploring one of the many charming beach towns we’re fortunate to have, soaking in the sun, eating all the seafood, and visiting the local historic sites. A couple of days at the beach is the perfect warm-up.

Next, we’d head to Asheville for a little city-meets-mountains magic. We’d sip on craft beers, indulge in the local food scene, unwind at the Sauna House, and explore the Biltmore. I love the energy of Asheville—it’s vibrant, creative, and always inspiring.

We’d wrap up the week in the High Country—my absolute favorite place on earth. That’s where my soul feels the most at peace. We’d hike every day, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and just soak in the quiet beauty that makes that area so special. It’s the perfect end to a perfect week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people who’ve supported me along the way. Photographers like Stormy Solis, Sarah Cornish, and Emily Hodge have been incredibly inspiring and influential in my journey. I’m also so grateful for the friends who encouraged me to take the leap and pursue photography full-time—it was a big step, and their belief in me made all the difference. And of course, my mom is my biggest cheerleader. I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive and uplifting crew.

Website: https://www.silverpebblephotography.com

Instagram: @silverpebblephoto

Image Credits
Self Portraits and my own work

Photo of laughing with camera: Caitlyn Underwood – https://www.caitlynuphotography.com