Ray Johnston Designer Photography

After doing some research I settled on Ray Johnston. From the moment I walked in his studio I knew he was the one I wanted to work with. I could tell by his knowledge, the pieces hanging in his studio, and the appearance of his studio that I was going to be working with a true artist. He struck a graceful balance between dispensing his knowledge and listening to my vision. He was incredibly supportive in helping me realize my vision while also putting a beautiful and subtle part of himself into each of my photos. I would absolutely, without a doubt, work with him again and to get to the end of this review and not just recognize Sarah, but also give her credit along with Ray for the amazing editing job on my photos and her great customer service would be a disservice to Ray Johnston Designer Photography! I look forward to working with you both again very soon!

Pros: A Creative Visionary!

Posted 10/18/09

We just had Ray shoot our 9 month old daughters Baby-Portraits and I must say.... he is amazing with babies! He was so calm during our photo session, took time for outfit changes, made sure the lighting was perfect and saw to it that our baby girl was having a blast. The professional portraits were just that...Professional! Our baby was happy and comfortable and the high end - end product was amazing! So many great images! He truly captured our daughters personality and showcased this wonderful age.

Posted 10/08/09

This guy really knows what hes doing! He is a pro all the way! Thanks again!

Pros: Helpful

Cons: none

Posted 07/15/09

We are a family of five that at long last decided it was time for a family portrait (now that the kids are all in their late 20s!). Ray was extremely personable and professional in preparing us for the photo session; in selecting photo settings, suggesting poses, and conducting the outdoor photo shoot; in helping us select the variety and number of poses we wished to have memorialized; and in producing top-quality, beautifully edited prints. Overall, we were delighted with the experience and the results.

Pros: Creative, top quality, professional, flexible, and fun

Posted 07/14/09

Ray is very good at giving advice and knows where to look to get some really great shots! I had trouble deciding on just a couple pictures. He was great in the studio and is very accommodating. He's wonderful at making headshots for prospective actors/actresses and has worked in the industry for years.

While the photos are a bit pricy, the product is well worth it! If you can spare a little extra cash, he is the best photographer in Davis!!

Pros: Very high quality photographs and a great photographer!

Cons: Expensive, but worth it!

Posted 05/13/09

Ray was realy great with our 3.5 year old daughter and son age 1.5.. There was no way our son was going to cooperate, sit still ,look at the camera, yada yada until Ray brought out his secret weapon - the rubber chicken. It was amazing. Passport photos for Switzerland and Canada were perfect. He does other stuff too, but we just needed the passport photos, plus he's a nice guy. With Ray you get small town service. I was surprised at the cost, $65 per set (but 50% off for the second set of Canadian passport photos was nice). We called around and most places charge the same or more just for US passport photos and they don't know how to handle foreign passport pictures. With so many foreign students at UC Davis you can see how he got into this line of work.

Pros: Understands the guidelines

Cons: You have to book an appointment

Posted 04/15/09

Ray was realy great with our 3.5 year old daughter and son age 1.5. There was no way our son was going to cooperate, sit still ,look at the camera, yada yada until Ray brought out his secret weapon - the rubber chicken. It was amazing. Passport photos for Switzerland and Canada were perfect, plus he's a nice guy. With Ray you get small town service. I was surprised at the cost, $65 per set (but 50% off for the second set of Canadian passport photos was nice). We called around and most places charge the same or more just for US passport photos and they don't know how to handle foreign passport pictures. With so many foreign students at UC Davis you can see how he got into this line of work.

Pros: Understands the guidelines

Cons: You have to book an appointment

Posted 04/15/09

Ray's work is beautiful and I especially appreciated his patience and stamina when working with a 17 year old! The results are outstanding and capture my daughter's energy, playfulness, and personality and not a single picture looks 'posed'. Thank you Ray for caputring her at this time in her life!!

Pros: Captures the Essence of the Person

Posted 03/23/09

I'm a realtor in Davis, across the street from Ray's Shop, I had a few head shots taken for a shopping cart advertisement and he made me look GREAT!! I would highly recommend his services for any picture taking occasion!! Go Ray Johnston!!!

Posted 02/13/09

When our company required new professional head shots of all scientific and consulting staff, we selected Ray Johnston Photography to provide the service. Ray provided tips prior to the photography session on wardrobe and make-up, and worked with each individual taking multiple shots using different angles and lighting to achieve the highest quality head shot possible. We were very pleased with the results and will use Ray Johnston Photography again in the future. Some of our staff have talked about also using Ray for family portraits because they were so happy with his service.

Posted 02/07/09

I am a local fashion designer and had a new piece that I needed high quality professional photos of. I've admired the photos in the window of Ray's storefront for years and decided to take a chance with him. I was thrilled to discover that in the past he worked as a fashion photographer for a number of years and really understood how to work with models and highlight a garment. I modeled my piece and while I was modeling, Ray gave me great direction during the shoot and created a positive and comfortable atmosphere. He paid special attention to the lighting so as to capture the vibrant colors of my garment accurately. I am so happy with the photographs that I purchased from the shoot. When the opportunity arises, I will definitely be able to submit them for publication in magazines and books. I took a chance with Ray and discovered that he was a sure bet.

Pros: Friendly atmosphere, Very experienced, Great Lighting, Great studio space

Cons: None

Posted 09/22/08

I highly recommend Ray Johnston to anyone looking to build a modeling portfolio. Ray photographed my nine year old son who?s embarking on a modeling career. The photographs Ray took of my boy were absolutely amazing! He was able to capture my son?s radiance, handsomeness, talent, and drive! So if you are a male or female wanting quality photographs by a brilliant photographer call Ray!

Pros: Great service and products for your money!

Cons: None

Posted 08/26/08

The requirements for Canadian Passport applications are very specific, and I had already had one application denied because of shadows in the picture I had taken at Kinkos. Ray knew just what to do. He used reflectors and a quality flash, and touched up the photograph with Photoshop. He even gave me another print at no charge when one was inadvertently ruined. I just got my passport on Friday. He is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. I am a very satisfied customer, and will know to go there first next time I need a passport photo or any other photography work done.

Posted 08/03/08

Ray is a photographic artist who knows how to use a camera and lighting. I wanted memorable photos of my kids who are finishing up high school and starting college, pictures of them at their best youthful vitality. But, being a photographer, I didn't want good smiling poses, but something extra. I wanted thoughtful poses that revealed something about their character.
Ray's photos went beyond expectations. It was very difficult to decide which to keep and which to let go. But the ones we finally selected are more than notable. The assistant at the framing shop was taken aback. One of the photos looks like a painting by a Dutch master. Such expertise is not cheap, but totally worth it.

Pros: Thorough preparation in preliminary consultation

Cons: Wait for final prints

Posted 06/08/08

I am a student at UC Davis and have a trip planned to travel to Europe this summer. I'm also lucky enough to have a dual citizenship with the UK. Both my passports needed to be renewed which means new passport photos. When I renewed my American passport, I did it at the post office and wound up with something not dissimilar to a mugshot that has to last me for 10 years. I learned my lesson and went to a professional for the British passport. Ray Johnston was great! I got a great photo that meets all the specifications. He was really nice, helped me figure out what the specifications for a British Passport are and spent time retouching the photo to eliminate shine and enhance my features. He used the right lighting (not that awful fluorescent lighting). He even retouched a blemish or two. In a small town like Davis, it can be hard to find a place that can handle the technical needs from another country, Johnston made my life a lot easier.

Pros: nice, inviting place, professional quality, parking relatively easy, great service, pays attention to the details

Cons: a little pricey

Posted 05/30/08

Ray has done an outstanding job photographing our son. We were first introduced to Ray's work at the Sutter Davis Birthing Center. While my wife was in labor, we would "take laps" around the ward. Ray's portraits decorate many walls in the Birthing Center, and let me say they are absolutely beautiful! It was there, even before our son was born, that we decided Ray was going to capture our son's first year.

We have had 2 sessions so far, and we cannot begin to explain how pleased we are with Ray's professionalism and fantastic shots. Just to see how our son has grown and developed in the first 6 months of his life is quite a marvel. Ray's excellence in creating artistic portraits has allowed, and will continue to, let us vividly rememer and cherish our first year of welcoming a new life into the world.

Thank you Ray for the beautiful portraits you create. They provide wonderful art, and are a great reminder that I am blessed with an amazing family.

Doug and Kellie Whited

Posted 03/01/08

I've needed photos for my Irish passport for a while but been frustrated by the strict requirements that are so different to passport photos in the US! So I called to Ray and he took excellent photos for me that fit the specifications perfectly, and now I'm on my way to renewing my passport. =)
So if you need passport photos make sure you get them from Ray if you want the job done right.

Posted 02/16/08

Passport photos have to be in a very specific format. Ray Johnston did a marvelous job. On top of that the atmosphere in the studio was very pleasant, and the photos were of extremely high quality. We can recommend him without any reservations.

Posted 02/10/08

Ray doesn't just create a photograph, he creates an art piece, using photography as the medium. I went to Ray's studio with an idea of celebrating my turning 50 with a portrait. Right away, Ray's creative and unique style was evident. We had a long conversation about what I truly wanted, he gave me "homework" to think about and I returned ready to work with him. The end result was not just one portrait but several beautiful glimpses into myself , all caught on camera. These portraits will last a lifetime and I plan on showcasing several of them. 50 never looked so good! Thank you Ray!

Karin from
Davis, CA

Posted 01/23/08

Ray Johnston Photography recently photographed our law firm staff
business headshots here in Vacaville, California. Ray created a
package that included the studio session, cosmetic touch up, prints,
and digital images for web and print. We are all very happy with the
portraits and these images will help make our firm stand out from the
rest. Ray and his staff?s ease to work with and professionalism
impressed us. We will definitely use Ray again for our staff
photography update in two years, definitely a wise, worthwhile
investment in today?s competitive market.

Posted 01/19/08

super job on our family photos...he did a great job, very well done, clear and beautiful work. just a super job..

Pros: great

Posted 01/18/08

A year ago Ray Johnston Designer Photography of Davis, California visited our church in Colorado Springs. We took this opportunity to have him take pictures of our church members. The photography was so impressive that my husband and I flew him out to take a one of a kind family portrait of us for our home. It was a memorable experience as we explored the many water ways and mountainous backgrounds to find what we thought was the perfect spot. Ray helped choose our apparel to blend with the red rock background within the Garden of the Gods park. When we saw the proofs we decided to have a 40 inch canvas mural made. This magnificent masterpiece is hanging in the place of honor above our fireplace near the entrance of our home and every time I pass it, I hold my breath in thanksgiving - as it captured the splendor of the occasion and the love our family has for one another. Thanks and God bless you Ray!

Posted 01/17/08

We have a large family; 5 children, 2 sons-in-law and 4 grandchildren. We wanted a photographer who would be creative with a family sitting. After visiting Ray's studio a viewing his portfolio I knew we had the right person. He had ideas for locations for the photos; gave good advice for clothing as well as the best times of day to get the best quality. I must admit that with the number and diversity of our group I was sure that this would be a stressful event. Ray and his staff, however, made this an incredible experience. They were soft spoken, easy going yet sure of themselves, professional yet friendly. Our entire family enjoyed this experience. The photos themselves are beyond comparison. I would reccommend Ray Johnston Photography for families, weddings, and all celebrations.

Pros: quality

Posted 11/27/07

Ray was very helpful and willing to fit me in for a walk in appointment. He did the custom photographs for my canadian passport in less than an hour and took time to make sure they were exactly what was required. Was good to find someone who could help me with the strict demands of the canadian immigration dept. I would recommend him! A little pricey at $50 for two pictures, but that's what happens when you need custom stuff.

Pros: speedy, attentive, helpful

Cons: cost

Posted 06/28/07

Recently, designer Ray Johnston photographed a family portrait and album for our family. The candid and posed images of our family were beautifully assembled in an album that Ray and his staff put together. My family and I are so pleased with Ray?s creativity. Ray?s comfortable studio made us feel at home. Our family wall portrait hangs above our fire place and we look at it everyday. Ray printed our portrait on canvas. It looks like a painting. Thank you!

Pros: patient, great interaction with people, artistic, quality

Cons: non

Posted 04/27/07

If you've walked around or driven in downtown Davis, you have probably noticed the breathtaking photographs in Ray Johnston's gallery. I recently needed to have a picture taken of myself for a business website. I didn't think that Ray would provide this more simple service, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that he does. Ray was great to work with, from scheduling the appointment to helping advise on the correct color and wardrobe. The photo shoot was very easy and comfortable. The final product was exactly what I had requested, and he even provided me with an electronic version of the images that I can use in future marketing materials. I am a very satisfied customer.

Posted 01/09/07

I needed a professional business headshot in a hurry. Ray Johnston was very helpful in planning a time for the sitting at short notice. Ray took time to offer suggestions on what to wear (and not to wear!), and suitable colors to make the most of the shoot. He then consulted with me on the images and made sure I was happy with the final photograph. With the wonders digital editing small enhancements could be made to the final product!. The images were saved on a CD to take away for future use. Ray Johnston is a talented photographer who tailors his services to the needs of the individual client. He takes time to make the client feel relaxed and at ease during the sitting. The whole process was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly recommend Ray Johnston to any business person or professional who requires a business head shot that they can be proud of.

Pros: Flexible, Ambience, Professional

Cons: none

Posted 12/19/06

As the owner of a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) service (DJ-MC Entertainment), I've worked with many photographers at weddings and other special events where I've been the DJ at the reception.

Some of my "best work" (in the past) happened to be at events where Ray Johnston has been the person capturing the images. It is probably no coincidence that Ray keeps popping up at our events: he has a great eye for the perfect shot, he knows how to coordinate an event (having owned "Events" in Davis for nearly two decades), and he's got a great "bedside manner!" This translates into a more successful event, from my experience...

Quite simply, your wedding vendors, particularly a photographer and DJ, can make or break a wedding. Your DJ needs to know how to synchronize with the photographer, and vice versa. If you've ever been to an event where the vendors weren't on the "same page", you'll know what this means (boring events where things seem to take forever to happen).

Ray has a great rapport with both the subjects of the photography shoot, as well as the surroundings (ie. wedding reception with its need for organization and proper direction).

Over the years, the vast majority of my family portraits and cherished childhood images have been captured by Ray Johnston Photography, and we're particularly fond of that image Ray shot of "DJ-MC" at an early-summer North Shore Lake Tahoe wedding, which is now featured at my own DJ service's web site.

Like I said previously, our DJ's having seen literally hundreds of photographers as a wedding DJs, we at DJ-MC Entertainment give Ray Johnston Photography a big "thumbs up" as one of the top 5 Photography services in the Sacramento region.

Pros: Organized, Talented, Great person to work with

Cons: None

Posted 11/13/06

Ray did our wedding photography on May 20, 2006 and we just picked up our album - the images are beautiful and he really captured our personalities as well as our wedding party and guests. Definitely take advantage of the engagement session - it's a great way to get know Ray and for him to get to know you (your personalities, what's important to you, what "look" you like in photography, etc.), and it really makes a difference the day of the wedding. The viewing sessions at his studio allow collaboration to design your album, and you get exactly what you want (not to mention, it's a fun afternoon - we brought wine and cheese and had a great time. Ray was very professional and abstained from the wine until we were done!) The day of the wedding, he got all of the shots that we requested, and after that we don't remember seeing him or his assistant so we were pleasantly surprised to see all of the great photo-journalistic and candid shots he took. Very responsive, takes his time with you and is a really nice guy!

Posted 07/17/06