Hey, I'm Ray
Thanks for stopping by! So, a bit about me… I’m Ray, a wedding photographer based in Chilton, Durham. I live here with my amazing wife Bee and our two little gremlins, Elodie and Tobias. Life’s busy with these two running around, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Before photography, I was deep into IT Support, Graphic Design, and Web. A mix of skills that somehow, when mashed together, led me down the path of becoming a wedding photographer. It all kicked off in 2015 when I was designing school prospectuses and realised the photos were, let’s just say, not great. So, I did what anyone would do—I bought a camera on eBay, watched a ton of tutorials, and dove headfirst into the world of photography.
From 2015 to 2017, I dipped my toe in the wedding industry, shooting just a handful of weddings while I figured things out. Then I decided to go all in, and by 2018 I’d booked 38 weddings in my first full year as a pro. No looking back since!
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve now photographed over 300 weddings across the UK and Europe. Along the way, I’ve been incredibly lucky to win over 150 awards, including Winner of 30+ Masters Awards, 2022 Top 3 Wedding Photographer of the Year – Masters, and being named a 2021 + 2022 Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars Nominee. Not to mention picking up the 2021 + 2020 Wedding Photographer of the Year and UK Number One Photographer – Wedisson. It’s been a wild ride, but one I’m so grateful for.
When it comes to my photography, it’s simple: it’s a wedding day, not a photoshoot. I’m all about capturing the real, authentic moments that make your day special. No forced poses or awkward smiles, just genuine memories that you can look back on and feel all the feels. I’ve been told more than once that having me at a wedding feels like having a mate there with a camera—and that’s exactly how it should be!
Outside of weddings, you’ll find me with a coffee in hand (Whittard’s Coffees of the World set is a personal fave), holidaying with the fam, or enjoying a cheeky glass of red wine. I’m also a sucker for charcuterie boards and musicals like Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera—don’t judge! TV-wise, I’m into Ozark, Yellowstone, Suits (shame all 3 are now finished) and anything directed by Spielberg, Nolan, or Snyder.
Well, that’s a little bit about me. If you think I’d be a great fit for your wedding, and you’re looking for relaxed, authentic photos that tell the real story of your day, let’s have a chat. I’d bloody love to hear from you!
The Family
Bee, Tobias and Elodie x
