The man behind the camera
Biography
My Story - stay a while and be inspired!
About Ray
Ray has travelled extensively across the UK and far beyond, from the frozen forests of Finland to the rainforests of Borneo. His global projects have taken him into diverse environments, photographing wild creatures in their natural habitats — from orangutans high in the Bornean canopy to bears roaming through snowy woodlands.
Specialising in wildlife and nature photography, Ray is driven by a passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world. His favourite images are often those that embody a “decisive moment,” showing animals in harmony with their environment. Many of his photographs embrace simplicity and minimalism, highlighting the essence of the subject.
Over the years, Ray has built an outstanding portfolio covering a wide variety of subjects. His work is regularly shared on social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, where video content can also be found.
Ray’s dedication has been recognised both in the UK and internationally. His photographs have been successful in major wildlife competitions and international salons. His work has appeared in national newspapers, leading wildlife photography magazines, and The RPS Journal — with one image even selected to feature on the Royal Photographic Society membership card.
Among his distinctions, Ray holds the Licentiate of The Royal Photographic Society (LRPS), awarded for consistently high photographic standards. He also holds the CPAGB from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, is an Adobe Certified Associate, and has been honoured with the title of Hon CPE from the Campina Photographic Exhibitions Society.
Ray currently works with the Canon R1, paired with a versatile range of Canon lenses — from the 15mm f/2.8 fisheye to the powerful 600mm f/4.
His images have been finalists in the
Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) on three occasions. His photography has also been used by the
Rutland Osprey Project and featured by the
BBC.
What`s in my camera bag.....
Camera Bodies
Lenses
PROUD TO PARTNER WITH:
Elevate Your Winter Photography Experience.
Working with a company as passionate as Vallerret was really special as they are photographers inspired by winter, thriving in the deepest darkest days of the year. They know the perfect winter shot takes patience and endurance, so if you’re going to thrive in winter, it requires the tools to stay warm.
f-stop backpacks - Why you need to consider your shoulders and back!
Camera Backpacks for the Wildlife Photographer#
As a wildlife photographer, I often find myself living out of a camera backpack. Sometimes all I need is a single body and lens, while other times it feels like I’m packing everything but the kitchen sink. Having the right bag makes all the difference.
The backpacks I’ve tested are designed with precision and built to last. Crafted from high-quality materials, they withstand the rigors of the outdoors and keep valuable gear safe in challenging environments.
Of course, no matter what, you’re still carrying weight on your back — but the comfort surprised me. The straps hug the shoulders and arms rather than cutting into them, and the hip belt provides excellent support when cinched around the waist.
What really impressed me, though, was the ICU (Internal Camera Unit) system. With this modular setup, you only need one backpack: simply swap in different ICU sizes depending on the shoot. Heading to the beach at sunrise? A smaller ICU is perfect. Planning a multi-day expedition? The larger Pro ICU handles extra gear with ease. While some ICUs pair better with certain packs, all the compatibility details are clearly laid out on the website.
For outdoor photographers, the Mountain Series is the standout range. It offers five backpacks from the compact 32L Lotus to the massive 80L Shinn. At the time of writing, three models — the Ajna (37L), Shinn, and the Tilopa — have been upgraded to the new DuraDiamond™ fabric, offering even more durability in the field.
In short: this could well be the only camera backpack you’ll ever need.
Protection. Performance. Precision.
Welcome to LensCoat®
Your gear deserves more than standard protection.
At LensCoat®, we design custom-fit lens covers and rugged field gear that let photographers push their tools further—into the wild, into the weather, and into the action—without worry. Whether you’re tracking wildlife through dense brush, photographing coastlines under unpredictable skies, or traveling with delicate optics, our products keep your equipment covered, cushioned, and ready for the shot.
Canon Covers
Benefits of Canon Lens Covers
The LensCoat® line of Canon lens covers delivers more than surface-level protection. Each cover is crafted with premium materials and precise tailoring to safeguard your equipment while keeping your presence discreet.
- Thermal comfort: Neoprene padding insulates your hands from extreme heat or cold.
- Smart design: The hood segment slides easily over the barrel, and a precision cutout aligns with Canon’s red dot indicator for quick, hassle-free mounting.
- Secure grip: Textured zones improve handling in demanding field conditions.
- Quieter operation: Covers help reduce lens contact noise—an advantage for wildlife and video work.
- Complete protection system: Fully compatible with LensCoat’s TravelCoat™ and Hoodie® accessories, offering full-barrel and front-element coverage.
With Canon lens covers from LensCoat®, you’re not just protecting your gear—you’re enhancing its performance in every environment.
Long Lens Bags – Xpandable Series
Premium Protection for Your Investment
The LensCoat® Xpandable Series redefines long lens protection with rugged design and versatile carrying options. Built for professionals who demand reliability in the field, each bag combines best-in-class durability with smart details that keep your gear safe and accessible.
Key Features:
- Impact defense: Dense closed-cell foam padding shields lenses from bumps, drops, and rough transport.
- Weather-ready shell: A durable, water-resistant exterior guards against rain, dust, and moisture.
- Secure fit: Adjustable compression straps and heavy-duty zippers keep your equipment firmly in place.
- Reinforced bottom: Extra base padding absorbs shocks during ground contact.
- Flexible carry options: Choose between the optional backpack harness system or a removable shoulder strap for comfort on the move.
For photographers who need a
water-resistant, shock-absorbing lens case without sacrificing versatility, the Xpandable Series delivers complete confidence—wherever your work takes you.
Tripod / Monopod Protection
Benefits of LensCoat® Tripod & Monopod Covers
LensCoat® tripod and monopod covers are more than accessories—they’re essential upgrades for photographers who work in demanding conditions.
Why Choose LensCoat® Protection:
- Comfort & insulation: Soft, closed-cell neoprene provides a secure grip, thermal insulation in extreme temperatures, and water resistance.
- Tailored fit: Each piece is designed for specific tripod and monopod models, ensuring a snug, shift-free fit.
- Stealth & style: Choose from patterns like Realtree Max4®, Snow Camo, and Digital Camo for field use, or solid black for a clean, studio-ready look.
- Carry with ease: LegWrap® Pro includes a built-in shoulder pad that attaches via sewn-in Velcro®, making it easy to carry with legs open—perfect for photographers on the move.
- Heavy-duty build: Constructed with rugged Cordura®, dense foam padding, and a moisture-wicking 3D mesh lining for durability and comfort.
- Quick setup: Most models feature Velcro® closures for fast, secure assembly and easy adjustments in the field.
With LensCoat® tripod and monopod protection, you’ll not only extend the life of your support gear—you’ll make it more comfortable, versatile, and reliable wherever you shoot.