The story of RAY
Ray Photography + Design is the love child of Ralaina (Ray) Virostek, farm girl gone city. With a passion for the arts since early childhood, Ray has been developing her artistic skills since she was capable of holding a crayon. Ray jumped head first into design at the age of twelve with numerous creative projects for neighbouring teachers, family and friends. This quickly progressed to company branding, illustration and photography.
Embracing her creativity, Ray schooled for two years in a Visual Communications program, then set her sights on a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Calgary. Constantly seeking creative growth, she launched Ray Photography + Design officially in January of 2017 which has since provided an outlet for all of Ray’s passions and talents.
Ray Photography + Design has since been published in numerous channels. As a female entrepreneur, she was personally showcased, along with photo sessions of clients within the publication, in 2018 in the first Canadian version of Know YYC. As well as numerous design projects set into print within her local community, Ray also provided her skillset as a partner with her long time friend, Conny Kappler in producing a children's book focused on agriculture, called 'Dirt To Dinner'.
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SARA + PAOLO
“I cannot even begin to explain how amazing working with Ray was! Professional, kind, fun! We are so thrilled with both our engagement and wedding photos!! You cannot go wrong working with her!!”
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SYDNEY + TRAVIS
“Ray Photography and Design is hands down the best photographer around. She is a pleasure to work with, very flexible, very kind, and helps to ease any “camera shyness” you may have. Her photos are stunning and her prices are very fair. The only problem we had was picking our favourites because we loved them all. If you want the most stunning wedding photos, pick her!”
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retraite trésors
“We were looking for a discreet photographer who would be able to capture all the moments and emotions perfectly and I honestly don't think we could have found a better photographer than Ray. She was EXCEPTIONAL, smiling, available, professional and so pleasant. The pictures she gave us were sublime! She was able to capture every moment, even the most sensitive ones, and the result is simply extraordinary.”
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NANCY + SADE
“Our wedding day experience was only made that much better by having Ray take out pictures! The photos turned out beautiful and she was very easy to work with. The actual process of taking the pictures was also so easy, she didn’t waste time but was able to get our pictures done fast and efficient, exactly what me and my husband were hoping for. She also stayed discreet, not getting in anyones way. I love our pictures and would book with Ray again!”
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KENNEDY + BRAYDON
“Ray Photography + Design was a pleasure to work with! She was very open to working with what we wanted and I love how the photos turned out! Absolutely amazing!”
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BRITTNEY + TERRY
“Ray! You are an absolute JOY to work with!
We're honoured to have had you capture our wedding day! We loved your easygoing and calm nature (and I especially loved your ability to keep a group of squirrely boys on track). You have such a unique gift of spotting special and organic moments -- you truly are a magician!
By the end of our day, we were sad to say goodbye to you! You really are just a wonderful spirit. We're so happy to have such cherished memories to look back on for the years to come.”
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JESSICA + REESE
“Ray has done our engagement, wedding and anniversary photos and always does the most amazing job!”
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TRISH
“I first met Ray when I won a valentines giveaway. I was completely blown away with our pictures. We went on to hire her for our daughters first birthday and fall family photos. Ray you are such an amazing breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for capturing our love and my sweet family! Looking forward to our future shoots!!”
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Buena Vibra retreat
“Ray is a delight to work with. She is professional, hardworking, and comfortable to be around. She has a calming energy that allows people to feel at ease. Her photography skills are exceptional and she brings natural beauty to the light!”
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Dulcee S.
“What an excellent experience I had with Ray. She was adorable, professional, and able to capture some amazing shots with her very keen eye. I absolutely adored working with her and can’t wait for more photoshoot opportunities!”
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Samantha + JD
“She was extremely professional, laid back and so easy to work with! Highly recommend.”
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ERIN E.
“I loved working with Ray. She took the time to understand what I was looking for and offered creative suggestions too. She made the entire process easy and fun. She has an incredible eye and I loved the photos from the first shoot so much that I asked her to come back and take some more!”
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MEAGHAN + TYLER
“Ray is amazing and so talented! She has an eye for detail that you can't find in just anyone. We have done several shoots with her and they all have been more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! I highly recommend her for ANYTHING you have in mind! She's taken my ideas and made a reality!”
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JALAINA + JORDAN
“I am so so so happy I choose Ralaina for our engagement pictures and future wedding day pictures! She helped my fiancé and I feel so relaxed and comfortable throughout the shoot, even with all the kissing pictures! She knew exactly what poses would look good and helped us out so our pictures would turn out beautiful (which they totally did)! Ralaina literally captured exactly what I was looking for, I couldn’t be more happier with how they turned out! I would totally recommend her to everyone!”
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Lesley + Scott
“A great shoot with Ray....she asked us what kind of photos we liked before starting, she made sure to accommodate the timing of our sunflowers being in full bloom, and offered to come back for another shoot is we weren't happy due to missing out on the pretty August sunsets. I had no worries about having pictures we were happy with and absolutely loved the results of our first shoot....Ray's talent makes grey skies beautiful. Thanks for the captured memories Ray!”
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CINDY + MATT
“We loved working with Ray! She is talented, professional, creative and her friendly personality made everyone feel at ease. Ray captured our special day so beautifully and we were thrilled with the stunning photos.”
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Michelle + Dale
“Being a photographer myself sometimes I have a critical eye and expectation of what kind of images I am looking for. I chose Ray because I love her style, the documentary though the detail images and I'm truly just drawn to her work. I wanted her creative flair to be woven through our session and she did just that, she worked her magic and we had a wonderfully relaxed and fun session. Her warm energy and kindheartedness seeped into each moment.
She was truly fabulous to work with.”
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Tamara
“I had recently done a Boudoir shoot with Ray. I am beyond pleased with all my photo’s. I love love love them -- Ray was amazing to work with, made me feel extremely comfortable & took the time to work on the perfect pose / angle. I highly recommend Ray for any photoshoot!”
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Evelyn + Riley
“Ray is such a calm and easy person to talk to and to also feel relaxed around. She takes amazing pictures and there was no waiting to see the finished product! We couldn't be more pleased!!”
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CHRISSy
“Ray's quiet calm demeanor helps strip away the anxiety in front of the camera, leading to more natural, and beautiful photos.”
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LACEY
“Fantastic Pictures! Can’t wait to get more done. Very professional, quick and friendly!”
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GORD
“I met Ray a few months back at an event we both worked and decided to have her do a photo shoot of my massage studio. Her calm chill vibe was the perfect fit for the shoot and setting. Not only did the photos turn out amazing but she had them edited and ready to post in record time. I appreciate the work you did and moments you captured. I would highly recommend Ray Photography and Design!”