People are my preference and my passion, capturing that split second reveal of true insight simply not discernible in real time.

I love the interplay of light and shadow and, like Batman, find the shadows most interesting. Consequently there is a sense of drama to my favourite images: those I’ve shot and those I admire from other photographers.

I fell in love with Hedy Lamar from a black-and-white photograph. I was eight at the time and that image was captured twelve years before I was born by the Hollywood photographer, George Hurrell.

When asked about his techniques for lighting, George said, “I don’t think about where to place the main light. For me, I’m always asking myself  ‘where do I put the shadows?’”

Shadows incite drama, they tell the story and bring the mystery that draws our interest and keeps us interested.

If everything in life was fully lit, all would be revealed and nothing left to the imagination.

Consequently I am most intrigued by what I don’t see; what the shadows hide from inquiring eyes.

It’s easy to see the light.

It’s hard to plan your shadows.

                       bob ray  / 11.19.08