International

Michael’s fascination with photography began when he purchased his first SLR camera in 1985.

Photographing initially in colour he soon became dissatisfied with the results and took a correspondence course in photography. His work improved dramatically, so he thought, until he purchased “The portfolios of Ansel Adams”. Stunned by the quality of the black and white images in the book he decided to work with the black and white medium. Some time later he built a black and white darkroom where he would spend many hours practising the art. The medium gave Michael full control of the creative process although early attempts were dull and most photographs were uninteresting.

Recent years have seen the digital revolution and Michael remains fully committed to film, using medium format and 5x4 cameras. The film exposure and development is based upon the zone system, which he has modified to suit the digital process where darkroom printing has been replaced by digital printing. Negatives are scanned into photoshop where contrast controls are applied and prints are made using the latest pigment digital printers and baryta papers.

It is important for Michael to capture the mood and atmosphere in his work and being in the right place at the right time is of utmost importance. Some images have taken years to fully capture the atmosphere of a place and he perseveres until he feels the image has the qualities he strives for.

Michael was born and raised in London and lives near Clapham Common.

For more information about Michael Gray and his work please visit his website