ABOUT RAY BALL PHOTOGRAPHY – Always involved creatively, over the years Ray has developed skills and techniques to help him better express his experiences. Born and raised in South East England, it was at Epsom Art School (n/k/a UCA Epsom) in Surrey that Ray studied for his NDD and developed his keen sense for design, lighting, composition and drama. After completing his education, Ray moved to Central London where he had secured a creative post at Lintas, Unilever’s advertising agency.
He later moved on to experience magazine work at Odhams Press before dipping back into the advertising agency world for a while before eventually finding his true passion as an independent, offering his experience and creative expertise on many prestigious accounts as a freelance art director, illustrator, photographer and musician for institutions such as London Press Exchange, Grays, Condé Naste, Benn, Marquee, Maxwell, Ricoh and a variety of independent studios and agencies. He also spent time running, co-running or generally ‘helping out’ in other studios/agencies in Covent Garden (mostly advertising stuff), Knightsbridge (mostly album covers and PR), Earls Court (mostly fashion and glamour) and Richmond (mostly catalogue work).
SETTING UP THE SURREY STUDIO – After getting married and becoming a proud parent Ray returned to live in Epsom, Surrey. Where he soon established his photographic studio/workshop (without the London overheads and expenses). Backed by years of experience acquired in his previous posts, Ray – with his wife Monica and/or his son Nick’s assistance – has completed volumes of remarkably high standard work. As a team, they have produced many stunning images shot on a wide range of formats from 5”x 4” to 35mm and finished off on their Apple Macs. With his extensive commercial art, advertising agency, catalogue and studio experience, Ray is well-equipped to undertake creative projects from the original ideas through to providing the finished product, from the photography, retouching and design to typesetting, post-production and organising the final print, Ray has it all covered, but is also quite happy photographing someones personal portrait or taking a single product shot.
