Desra Ramey Photography is a natural light, self taught photographer serving  East Tennessee. She has been in the photography business for almost 7 Years, where she enjoys real life, documentary, lifestyle photography. She lives in Kingsport, Tn with her husband and 4 children ( all girls). She enjoys documenting her children daily, as well as giving clients the precious moments that they may not be able to gather on their own. Her motto is ,  “documenting your life, and gathering moments”.

Desra is a homeschool mom and enjoys taking random trips, as well as going to her favorite destination in Hilton Head every year with her family.

Desra has a Behind the Scenes video inside the Academy where she shares her tips and tricks for capturing children authentically. Check it out in our Course Catalogue HERE.

For more inspiration from Desra:

Instagram | Facebook

Here is Desra, Unraveled…

What inspired your art?

Most certainly my children. They were the entire reason for purchasing my first dslr body. I can remember first getting my camera and being a crazed person, shooting continuously and constantly. Every moment at the beginning I carried my camera everywhere. I’ve slowed down some on that. Ha! It’s been about 7 years now i’ve been in business.

What do you shoot with?

Nikon d750 Camera body and favorite lens? Favorite lens, would be my Sigma 35mm 1.4   That’s actually the only lens i own right now, i sold all my others. (except my kit lens, i do use it some as well, but it’s rare. The D750 us actually my 3rd body as well. I started out with a D3200, then a D7000. I’m a Nikon gal, all the way!

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I homeschool 3 out of my 4 girls, so crafting, teaching and school activities also keep my creative juices flowing.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

My husband and I both love to watch movies. TV watching is rare at my house, with 4 girls, him and I usually give up and wait until after bed to watch a movie together. I also actually love to edit. So some nights i’ll sit up and edit to destress.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

Not a thing. Nothing. I like it super quiet while i edit. It helps me keep on track.

What is your favorite book?

I just finished a book a few days ago. I have to say it’s been my favorite so far that i’ve read, (i don’t read a lot, unless it’s homeschool related), anyway my favorite book is Brian Welch from Korn’s new book. He struggled throughout his entire career and beyond with drugs and alcohol, and Gave his life to Christ a few short years ago and completely changed his life around . It’s an amazing book!! His story is beyond inspiring!

Name one movie that inspires you.

The impossible. What a journey that family lived through and it’s one of my all time favorite movies.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

Unfortunately we all have self-doubt. It’s just a part of being human. I’ve had my fair share of it for sure. I always try and create something personal that i don’t share to the public, only for me. This also helps with creative slumps. I feel everyone has had both some time in their lives. Taking time for yourself is very important as well.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Probably self doubt, comparison. In my opinion, Comparison is a thief. It will rob your joy super fast. It’s best to get ahold of it soon after you feel this way. Surround yourself with uplifting, encouraging people, and let a friend into your life! We all need someone to help lift us though we may not think we do.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

One of my favorite photogs is most definitely lamblovesfox, she moves my soul with her everyday images, use of light, creativity,  and love for her children. She inspires me so much! Her natural talent is phenomenal..