Meet Leray Posey | Freelance Photography

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

Hi Leray, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art has been an integral part of my life, as it has been for many people. However, as an artist, I often face the question of what to do with my art when it comes to building a career. I have been asked, “Who needs to hire that?” This question is funny because art surrounds us in our everyday lives, from the paintings in waiting rooms to the home-style trends we follow. Even the way a skillet is made to cook our morning eggs is the result of the work of designers, left-brainers, and artists.

It is interesting that people do not consider the number we type on our calculators or the bed we sleep on a form of art. But, everything around us is the product of artistic commercialism. As a photographer, I am only a small part of this pyramid. It is important to acknowledge that everything we see and use has been manipulated in some way or another to make it appealing and add value to our lives.

I believe that everything is art, which is why we owe everything we have to art. Without it, life would have no beauty or creativity. No one can learn to paint a portrait overnight. It takes time, effort, and research to master. It is a craft that one has to be a part of, understand, and appreciate.

Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of art in our lives and appreciate the creativity it brings. Art is not just a source of inspiration or pleasure; it is a vital aspect of our lives that we must cherish and support.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a portrait photographer, my passion lies in creating powerful and meaningful images that leave a lasting impact on those who view them. I believe that photography is a form of art that can connect people in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers. As I continue to refine my craft, I am constantly exploring new techniques and experimenting with different styles to push the boundaries of my creativity.

As an artist, my identity is in a state of constant evolution, and I am always looking for ways to grow and expand my skill set. I believe that it is important to capture moments with clarity and emotional depth, and I strive to bring out the unique personality and essence of every portrait I photograph.

While pursuing my passion, I have encountered various mental distractions and challenges along the way. However, I have come to realize that these obstacles serve as opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Through my work, I am able to channel my emotions and experiences into something meaningful and beautiful.

I am excited to continue on this journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, and I hope that my work inspires others to pursue their own passions and creative endeavors.

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.
There is a place in Kalamazoo that I highly recommend visiting. Every first Friday of the month, the Fire Art and Collaborative Art Historical Community hosts open mics and art crawls. If you take a road to Portage, you can find peace and comfort with open mics, art exhibitions, live art demonstrations, sound bowls, and meditation. I have been a part of the Fire community, or Fireflies as we call ourselves since I was 16 or 17 years old. I will never forget how happy I was to find such a supportive and creative art family at Fires.

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?
I don’t have anyone to dedicate my work to. I understand that saying this may seem insensitive, but the only thing that has inspired me to become an artist is my desire to be something completely unique, something that no one else could have influenced me to be during my own personal development. My life itself has been inconsistent and harsh. I remember my parents telling me, ‘You’re like a rose growing from concrete,’ and it’s ironic because a rose typically comes from a single seed while growing through soil, not stones. Sometimes I wonder if I ever had any fertile ground to begin with. Despite receiving love, support, and passion from those who claim to care about me, I still view myself as my own rose.

Website: https://leraymay.wixsite.com/leraymayphotography/photographs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leray.posey/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leasia-posey-060294173/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leraymayphotography

Image Credits
All images by Leraymay Photography (@leray.posey on Insta)