Ray McMullen Fine Art Photography

     Entering a Photography Contest was a hard thing for me to do. This meant I would be going head to head with other photographers to see whose final photo would be the judged, "The Best".      I found out quickly that doing this is more about the experience, than the win.  It gave me the chance to appreciate different photography styles and techniques.  After seeing the winning photo, I felt quite honored knowing that I was judged at the same level.  I like to  study the winning shot to find out why it won and captured the judges eye.       The above shot was my first entry into a contest. It didn't make much of an impression on the judges. Looking back, I see a lot of things I could have done better-- under exposed wrong angle for that time of day should have had less sky dust specs on the actual waterfall burn out on the top of the waterfall     ...and the list could go on for some time.       The point is, it made me revisit what I wa

     Recently the phrase, “Look outside the Box” has been stuck in my head. I've been trying to figure out how I can relate this to my photography. But, I'd have to do something while shooting, that I would not normally do.       Typically, I like my photos a bit under exposed. I really like that dark quality the image takes in these types of shots, as seen below. I wanted to look outside the box and remember that there are no rules to taking photos. I really didn't want to do it but, I  intentionally  over exposed the below image. I knew it wouldn't be a keeper. When I got a chance to look at it on the computer, I liked what I saw. So, remember... ... never limit yourself or your photographs.  

      M aking a list of the places you want to photograph this year is a must do for every photographer.       There are times when I wake up and I have no idea where to go shoot. Making the list would be a great tool. This list isn’t a "wish list", it’s a list of local spots in your town that would be good to photograph, and you just haven’t made it there yet.  Maybe 10 or even 20 different spots.        The point of this exercise is to keep thinking of places that you could shoot, even if you already have shot there before. Think outside the box. Maybe, a different perspective, angle, or time of day. I shoot a lot in the same places but each time I go, I shoot a different angel then the time before. I want to come away with a different perspective each time. Below are 4 shots I took at the same waterfall. 4 Different angles and different times of the day or year.  So get your list together and happy shooting!

    Ever wonder how your favorite photographers capture those magical moments? Those shots were planned days, weeks, months, and in some cases years in advance. In may instances a photographer will keep a journal of conditions or times to revisit certain locations.      For me I plan my shots out to the next season. In the Spring, when I go to a particular location, I try to imagine what the Summer, Fall, and Winter scene will look like from that spot. I write it down and set reminders in a calendar a week or two in advance, to revisit that area. And, depending on the weather conditions this may even be a year or two away. Have you ever anticipated the bright colors of Fall to only wake up to a heavy rain fall? The leaves disappear almost over night.       Below are a couple of shots that it took me some time to get just the way I wanted them. From the type of light to the amount of water flowing over the waterfall. I by no means am calling these shots great but, I know that th

     I wonder if I am the only person that must take photos on a regular basis. If there is a day that I don't hit the shutter on a camera, any camera, I just don't feel like my day is done. I love it. I am addicted to it. It calls my name. It's like a drug. It is my passion.      So I find myself carrying my Nikon D3 around with me all the time. Given the size of this unit, not an easy thing to do for the past 3 years. My friends have given the camera a nickname… “Precious”. They know that she comes before a lot of other things, and she is very important to my sanity.      Precious and I have been through a lot. We get out on a regular basis and explore. I can hardly tell she is on my back when we are out there away from civilization. That is, until I get back home and my backs stiff from carrying the extra weight.      She and I work like a team, and she is a great partner. The photos that we bring back are incredible. They are like the blue prints of w