Artist's Bio

Ray, a native of eastern North Carolina, was born and raised near Elizabeth City. He moved to the Outer Banks in 1972 after college at UNC-Chapel Hill. During Ray’s college years he spent the summers in Nags Head and it was during that time he became interested in photography. Then, as now, it was the landscape and the ocean that were his favorite subjects. He has always been drawn to the dramatic weather and the subtle beauty of the barrier islands.

Ray says, “Skies here change constantly, the ocean is endlessly compelling, and the landscape, shaped by the waters on either side, reflects the changing light of the seasons and the moods of the sea. Trying to capture this has kept me shooting over the years.”

Ray shoots with digital cameras and prints digitally on archival materials. He custom mats and frames his work. He enjoys the sense of craftsmanship he gets from having his hands on the entire process. His work is divided between fine art and commercial photography. He has a variety of mostly local clients and also regularly submits images to several magazines.

As for awards and recognition; Ray has had his share, but that is not what interest him or keeps him shooting. He has a strong desire to make tangible images from the endless, fleeting possibilities, and to share these small revelations with anyone who cares to look. Ray admits,” The work really is its own reward.” He feels it puts him in touch with what is timeless in nature and hopefully in him as well. Ray acknowledges that he feels successful when someone is so taken with a photograph that they buy it. He feels that person has helped him to go back out and keep shooting.