First and foremost, I am a storyteller.
MEET LILA
Hi, I'm Lila!
First and foremost, I’m a storyteller. My passion is finding the moments that tell the deeper stories of creative humans. My favorite kind? The ones who let their genuine colors shine.
At Lila Gray Photography, I believe everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated for exactly who they are. No fluff, no faking it. I’ve been surrounded by diverse stories, big dreams, and bold visions my whole life. The Bay Area is home—and the people here inspire my work daily.
I GREW UP IN THE BAY AREA AND I LOVE THE STORIES THAT UNFOLD HERE.
I grew up here, in the Bay Area. My parents divorced when I was young and I bounced between homes. I bounced a lot. I moved 16 times in 10 years, but never left the Bay. I lived in an extra room in Piedmont, a commune in Berkeley, a house in Albany, a transitional home in Oakland, a rental in El Cerrito, the list goes on. I learned to put pictures on the wall quickly, to cover my bed with a special quilt, and to get along with and appreciate people from a broad range of communities.
My education in Bay Area culture didn't stop there. My dad was an assistant minister at the Lakeside Temple of Practical Christianity. He married a Buddhist woman. My aunt and uncle converted to Judaism to marry the conservative man and the female rabbi they fell in love with. My mom preferred a Baptist church for the music.
Again and again, I was offered a million lenses through which to view the world.
Now I travel with a tarot deck and usually know what phase the moon is in—despite being a self-proclaimed skeptic.
All of these experiences resulted in some deeply held beliefs.
Black Lives Matter.
Love is love.
Gender is a social construct.
All stories deserve to be told.
These aren't just stickers on my water bottle, these are my fundamental beliefs that help shape my decisions and actions daily.
SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
As creatives and business owners, we’re constantly bombarded with advice on how to present ourselves, market our work, and stand out online. But trying to follow every trend or strategy can leave us feeling twisted like a pretzel.
BUT here is the secret in the sauce:
Your story is your strategy.
That’s why I combine intentional planning with story-driven photography—so your visuals don’t just look good, they actually mean something and work for your brand.
HERE’S WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE:
We start with strategy.
We dig into your voice, your values, your audience, and the kind of connection you want to create. I’ll ask questions that help you reflect, clarify, and claim your message—so when it’s time to get in front of the camera, you’re already rooted in something real.
We design a session that flows.
No stiff poses or awkward energy—just honest moments, thoughtful composition, and images that help your audience feel like they know you. From wardrobe to location, from session plan to the must-have images—we’ll map it out with intention but always leave room for magic.
You walk away with a gallery that’s not just beautiful—it’s built to work.
Portraits, behind-the-scenes, creative details—images that show the full picture of who you are and why you do what you do. Visuals that reflect your personality, elevate your presence, and support your goals.