Boutique fine art portrait studio in Long Eaton. Ray Gumbley specialises in character-driven portraits — intimate, creative sessions that put you at ease and deliver timeless professional images.
I’m Ray Gumbley — a Fine Art and Portrait Photographer working from a small studio near Long Eaton on the border of Derby and Nottingham. My practice is rooted in portraiture: I make boutique, fine art portraits that are as much about self-discovery as they are about a pleasing image. I’m drawn to people, movement, fashion and the little narratives that sit beneath a face. Those influences — from dance and haiku to classical and contemporary art — shape how I see and how I create. My approach is collaborative and unhurried. Before any sitting we’ll plan together: you can visit the studio or we can choose a location that suits your vision. Sessions are flexible, typically lasting between one and three hours, because great portraits often need time. I welcome partners, friends or a small support team, and I can work with hair and makeup professionals if you’d like. In the studio I keep a considered wardrobe and accessories selection to help shape the look; alternatively, you’re very welcome to bring your favourite outfits and props. What makes my work different is the emphasis on character and storytelling. I aim to capture not just how you look but who you are — the small gestures, moods and private expressions that become the heart of a photograph. Whether we’re creating a quiet, painterly portrait or a more stylised, fashion-led image, the goal is the same: a timeless photograph that you and future generations will value. Comfort and trust matter. I create a relaxed, respectful environment so even camera-shy clients can explore and play. Many people leave the studio not just with photographs but feeling lighter, more visible and looking forward to returning. I retain copyright by default but always discuss usage openly and only share images with your permission. While my core expertise is fine art and boutique portraiture, I also provide straightforward professional headshots and business portraits for individuals and organisations who want honest, effective images for websites and social media. If you’re local to Long Eaton, Derby or Nottingham and looking for a portrait experience shaped around your story, get in touch — let’s plan something memorable.