Whether he was shooting as a staff photographer for LIFE or freelancing for other major publications — Smithsonian, Fortune, Newsweek — Bill Ray never shied from an assignment, however large or (seemingly) small, during the course of his long career. Global events and quiet moments; armed conflicts and avant-garde artists; the grit and menace of the early Hells Angels and the bracing glamor of the Camelot years, he covered it all.
Bill Ray was a staff photographer for Life magazine, based in New York, Beverly Hills, and Paris. From these bureaus he traveled the world covering major events, wars, and great personalities.
Since Life's demise, his work appeared in many major publications, such as Smithsonian, Archaeology and Fortune, including 46 Newsweek covers. Bill specializes in portraits of individuals, families and executives in their environment.
His work has been exhibited and sold in prestigious galleries. Many of these pictures are available signed, in 11 x 14, 16 x 20, and custom sized silver gelatin prints of exhibition quality. Color prints are Fuji Crystal Archival. All printing supervised by Bill Ray.