Portray

Being photographed

I’m Ray. Most people arrive a little apprehensive and leave with a picture of themselves they actually like. That, more than anything, is the job.

Most of what I do is get to know someone, and wait. A portrait taken in the first five minutes is a portrait of someone being photographed — braced a little, waiting for it to be over. Then you get talking, the camera stops mattering, and somewhere in there the person actually arrives. I’d rather have that than something perfect.

Natural light where it flatters. Nothing in the frame that competes with a face. No direction beyond what helps you settle.

I work across London and the South East, in the studio or on location. If you’re weighing it up, say hello and tell me what it’s for — I’ll be straight with you about whether I’m the right person for it.