Ray McMullen Fine Art Photography

      Leaving the familiar and allowing yourself to  follow a dream  can be a very difficult thing to do. I was successful in my career, but it wasn't fulfilling and there was something missing. I found that missing piece in photography, and it quickly became my passion. I was torn between my photography and a job that would provide for my family. After a lot of soul searching, I decided to  follow a dream .      I left that job to pursue my passion. Now I spend my days looking for new places to discover and shoot. My pay check may be a bit smaller, but I am happy getting up every morning to follow my passion.      I'm just a guy with a camera trying to capture life one click at a time.  I want my photography to tell a story. Every photo has something different to say.  I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me. The lesson learned... Don't let anything stand in your way and allow yourself to  Follow a Dream...

     As a landscape photographer I thought the most important piece of equipment I needed, besides my camera was my backpack. After all, this single item would be carrying my food, water, camera, and other various things needed to shoot landscapes.       I now believe that your boots are one of, if not THE most important tools you have going out on any hike. A few weeks earlier I had attempted a difficult hike, caring my camera and some provisions about 30 pounds, while wearing my older Vasque boots. Unfortunately I did not achieve the distance I had hoped. I had blisters and my feet were killing me. I left the trail a defeated person.      I had been a loyal Vasque boot wearer for the past 10 to 15 years. However, when I needed to get a new pair, they just weren't the same shoe. I tried on several different brands, trying to find that perfect fit that I had come accustom. Finally I went to REI and tried on a pair of Zamberlan's. I knew from the moment I

     When looking at a photograph that inspires me , I try to break down the reasons why. I want to know what the photographer did to capture the mood and draw me into that shot.  Those special photos of which I'm speaking, are the ones that make me feel as though I'm standing right there the moment the shutter was pressed.  Is it the lighting, angle,  composition or a combination of them all?  I am constantly trying to discover and learn different techniques.  I  seek out new locations and different times of the day, i n an effort to take that special shot.           So the next time you're viewing someone's work, study it. Look at the lighting, observe the time of day, and the angle from which it was taken. You might learn something new. Hopefully, after viewing other peoples work you will be inspired as I am.

     T his is something that really gets me excited. All the work of setting up the shot, post production, processing, and finally... printing.  I love seeing the final product mounted on the wall.        I remember the very first photo I printed. It was a shot taken in Pensacola, Florida, d owntown  in the winter. I liked the texture of the brick wall, and the moment with the guy riding the bike. I printed it up on regular paper and ink from my everyday office printer. It was far from being epic, but I was proud, I was happy, and most of all I was hooked. I am far from that first printed photo of Pensacola.       I've since invested in a photo printer, and the excitement is still there every time I print a shot.  If you haven't printed your own work before, give it a try. It may take your work from a hobby to something more.