Photographer Overview

RAY MASSEY

ROOTS:

I was first exposed to light in Somerset in the southwest of England. Thirteen years later I discovered photography whilst experimenting with a pinhole camera made from a coffee tin during a science lesson. To this day, the emotional experience of watching my first print develop before my eyes remains with me as a constant reminder of light sensitive materials and the magic of photography.

By the age of sixteen, to the consternation of my mentors, photography, which had by this time developed into a passion, enticed me away from further academic education and I was accepted at The Somerset College of Art which provided a foundation in Photography and Fine Art. This prepared me for a three year course in Rochester, Kent where I studied Graphic Design and Creative Photography. Although my parents supported my decision, I believe that they would have preferred I pursued a "proper job".

Having left the security of University, where I was able to build a portfolio and experiment with techniques and processes, I moved to London where I endured a period of assisting. During this time I was privileged to have the opportunity to assist iconic photographers Julian Cottrel, Richard Avedon and David Montgomery. Although I love working with people of all nationalities, creeds and cultures I was not enchanted by the fashion industry At the age of twenty I became an independent freelance photographer from my first studio in Camden focusing on Still Life, SFX, Problems and Portraits.

My earliest work consisted of editorial commissions for magazines, record covers and book jackets before establishing a firm base of design and advertising clients.

WORK AND SPECIALITIES:

I consider myself lucky to be making a living in a profession that has never felt like work and at the same time built a reputation as a professional able to deliver creative and technically demanding images.
Today I am able to offer a long and tedious list of impressive clients guaranteed to send the most diligent art buyer to sleep.

I consider my best achievement however to be my unfailing enthusiasm stimulated by the diversity of my work. I have always been competitive and enjoyed a challenge. My passion for solving problems and making effects special has provided me with a regular flow of interesting commissions mainly involving Still Life, Liquids, Drinks, Hand Work, Physical Artistry and Travel.

I still get such a buzz from bringing all the facets of a production together and I enjoy the support of an experienced and loyal team of assistants, model makers, stylists, producers and retouchers.

I frequently set aside time for my own personal projects. My most recent being a series of images entitled "Liquid Illusions". I love to travel and rarely do so without a camera which provides contrast and a holiday from the discipline of exacting still life studio productions.

HIGH END DIGITAL RETOUCHING:

I have close links with Jean-Michel and Chris Mosey at the Forge www.theforgeuk.com. I consider photography and retouching to be two inter-dependent elements of the same process of image creation, that benefit from a common art direction. We often work together here at the studio capture stage as well as following through the whole of the retouching process.
Our studio ethos encourages the interaction of Art Director, Photographer and Retoucher before, during and after the shoot whenever possible.

STUDIO:

The studio can be found in a deconsecrated church in London's Camden district. The enormous hall provides a 35ft high, beamed ceiling that offers almost unlimited possibilities for photographic sets overlooked by large mezzanine chill out area. A smaller still life studio, offices, kitchens, shower room and other facilities are also accommodated within this wonderful old building.