We were lucky to catch up with Ray Remington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ray, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Well, a good place to start is being okay with failing miserably, while being incredibly hard working and persistent. You have to allow yourself to fail and make mistakes. Our culture doesn’t emphasize or encourage that enough. You will let yourself down, you will let people down, but it’s all the more reason to be persistent and work hard toward the things that bring passion and inspiration to you’re life. You will learn what works, and what does not. It’s important to surround yourself with other creative people. But it’s also important when it comes to any form of art, that your voice and opinion should take priority. If you listen to negative people, and you’re art is based on other people who are not even excited about what you are doing, and where you are headed, you might want to start reevaluating who is in control of the art and creative vision. The worst investment you could make is putting value in someone else’s negative perception and interpretation of you’re work. You don’t have time to let that kind of person fill you’re space.
From my own experience, I have been a Singer-Songwriter, Lead Guitarist and Producer. I’ve recorded Christian Music and Country Music. It took a very long time to sound and write the way I wanted to. But even at that, I’m not satisfied. I’m always learning, and always growing. My new music will have a very different sound than you heard on the Wyoming LP. Another thing I’ve learned while I’ve navigated through divorce and being a Father to my two boys is that I needed to start a business that still allowed me to create In a capacity that works for the way I spend time with my family. In January of 2024, my new Photography Business Website “Ray Remington Photography”;will be up and running. I have seen what works and doesn’t work right now, and photography is definitely something that works great. I’ve been studying and absorbing everything photography related. It allows me to still use my creativity while also investing my time into other people and projects besides my own. And that is inspiring me in this new chapter of my life.
I’m also learning to take in the moments in life where I’m able to be there for other people. I’ve been spending time with New Story Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I’m able to sing music there and bring my leadership perspective alongside Pastor Carter and New Story’s leadership. One of the things New Story does well is they are feeding and taking care of the homeless in our community. I’ve always had a heart for people in vulnerable situations; which can really happen to any of us. So, I’m looking forward to assist however I can. Trying to live a life with purpose.
Ray, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My passion for Photography started in 2014. I bought my first camera and really just focused on photographing family and trips we took.. I started in music, and the more photo shoots I was involved in, I realized that I really wanted to set direction of how the photograph would look, who would be in it, and what it would communicate. In December 2022, A really good friend of mine had a Leica Camera. He took a photos of me for my music and he not only introduced me to Leica Cameras, but also the Swedish Camera Company, Hasselblad. I decided if I was going to get into fashion photography I needed to get a Hasselblad Camera. I will be doing fashion photography, artists, family portraits, product, and whatever you or your business might be desiring and needing.
Instagram : rayremingtonphotographer
www.rayremingtonphotography.com
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
So, social media is a funny thing.. I have found there to be a good deal of pressure to grow really fast. But anything worth while takes time. Don’t feel pressured into anything. Do your thing, network in person and connect the people that might enjoy what you’re doing. And let you’re social media grow organically.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The biggest lesson for me this year is learning that I have nothing to prove to anyone. I don’t need awards, I don’t need affirmation. Sometimes we work so hard to hear or receive things from other people or organizations. Although there is nothing wrong with that, the point is you have to love what you do. Through the highs and the lows.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.rayremingtonstudios/
- Instagram: @rayremingtonstudios
Image Credits
Ray Remington Photography