Ray McMullen Fine Art Photography

Early morning

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Kidney Transplant

      I was out on a location shooting some breath taking scenes, and I was happy  to be there in the moment. Having my camera made it all the more sweet. I spent most of my day getting different perspectives of this amazing place.       I got back to my office to down load my shots and I couldn't have been more proud. After everything had been downloaded I began to review each shot carefully. After the first 5 shots I realized that there were spots on the images and they were not birds, but dirt on my lens, I was devastated.       The day before I had been up in the mountains shooting some waterfalls. It was a windy day, and some spray must have landed on the lens and attracted dust on the lens. Now I will be spending some quality time removing these spots from each frame I shot.  After this particular experience... I've made cleaning my lenses a part of my after shooting check list. ...

     The definition of a path is “a route to a destination”.       As a landscape photographer, I follow paths on a regular basis. No two paths are a like. Some times they are bright, sunny, and warm; then the next minute they are dark, wet, and cold. I never leave my path no matter how awkward it might be. I meet each obstacle with great anticipation.       "This is not a dress rehearsal this is your life." I often think about my path in life, and the similarities  of  the paths that I walk on a daily basis. Find your path and have the strength to make it yours. You never know what might be waiting for you.

     As I began my photographic adventure, I forgot to spend time learning something very important... my camera. It was the one thing I thought I knew. My pictures were good, but they just were great. Todays DSLR cameras are high tech pieces of equipment that can do amazing things, only if you know how to properly operate the functions.            I’ve had my camera for almost 2 years, a Nikon D3. I have to admit and with some embarrassment, I haven’t learned every function this camera has to offer.  Most of my photos are landscape shots, taken in that golden hour as the sun in coming up or going down. I bought this camera specifically for it’s speed and ability to take photos in lower light conditions.  Taken before learning about white balance.      About 6 moths ago I decided to spend at least 1 hour a week reading and learning about my camera. I have to say my photos are much better, and now I don't f...

     In the beginning, I wanted to find my own photographic style. I looked at thousands of photos, books, magazines, and videos in an effort to do this. There were a few Photographers that really influenced my passion for photography— 1.      Joe McNally  ... Joe taught me the importance of using the right light.  2.     Trey Ratcliff  ... Trey introduced me to the wonderful world of HDR. 3.     Peter Lik  ... Peter taught me how important it is to see the big picture.      While studying these photographers and their work, I took a little inspiration from each in an effort to  develop  “my style”. Years have passed, and now I believe you never stop developing your style. For me it is a work in progress. However, during my search I did find a love for landscape photography that I carry to this day.

     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...

     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.  

     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...

     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 ...

    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...

     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...

In the below 2 photos, I wanted to see what would happen if I changed the F stop. The first shot is done with an F stop of 2.8  The second is done with an F stop of 22 To give a feeling of movement, longer exposures are needed and the F 22 makes this happen. From now on when I take a shot, I will decide what I want the photo to be.