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Ray Rafiti
The desire to pursue photography was the result of colliding life interests. Born a 'fresh air junkie' I've spent much of my adult life wandering diverse wilderness with a fly rod in one hand, a camera in the other. When asked what I liked about fly fishing I'd always respond, "I like where my fly rod takes me." The same is now true with my camera.
A few years back I made a wintertime visit to Yellowstone National Park. During this trip my path crossed with the Druid Peak wolf pack. For five days I followed the Druids as they wandered their territory in Lamar Valley. Being witness to this intact eco-system was an instant catalyst for change in my life. The experience transformed my definition and appreciation for truly wild wilderness.
For me wildlife and outdoor photography is the opportunity to borrow nature’s moments on her time. The privilege to witness the world through a camera lens is something I don't take for granted. The fractional moments I capture show me time and again the delicate tension that exists in natural order. As a traveling nature photographer I believe I have the opportunity, and perhaps responsibility, to give something back. My commitment in supporting conservation initiatives includes contributing a percentage of sales proceeds, donation of work for fund raising campaigns and supporting marketing efforts to organizations most able to impact species or regions from where the images were captured.
The focus of my work is nature, wildlife and the American West. The images I create are meant to reflect the mood, spirit and personality of wild faces and wild places.
10% of the profits from my work goes to support Wildearth Guardians.