Regina Ray embarked on her professional photography journey in the mid-90s, ultimately earning a Master's Degree in Photography from the Cambridge School of Art in 2017. Her work is often described as "visceral," reflecting deep and powerful emotional responses to her subjects. She aims to move beyond a literal representation or conventional interpretation of a given subject, incorporating elements of chance and unpredictability to add a new perspective or dimension. Unexpected departures are used to disrupt, reinterpret, and redirect conventional thought processes. Regina describes her approach as fundamentally intuitive, where she gives precedence to spontaneous and instinctive elements. However, she recognises that new learning, experience and acquired knowledge provide a key foundation for all her creative work.
In her 'people' photography, she explores emotional responses to the visual elements of texture, surface, reflection, colour, and light. The control of light is a key component of her work, and she is highly responsive to the qualities of natural, ambient lighting in the construction of her images. Additionally, her imagery delves into the rich complexities of human relationships, and she establishes a natural affinity with her subjects. The emotional world we all inhabit provides inspiration and a springboard for continued exploration, whether centred on the individual in isolation or as part of an extended community or social group.
