Ray Matthews, whose camera captured OBX’s beauty, passes at age 72

By Mary Ellen Riddle

Nags Head photographer Ray Matthews, 72, passed away on July 6, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and character.

Only a dedicated lover of the Outer Banks could capture the iconic images as did Matthews, who traipsed the coast for years photographing the moods of his surroundings. His aerial photographs of his beloved barrier islands alone keenly captured the hearts of many through their fragility and breathtaking color. It was not uncommon to see his images posted on social media, followed by praise.

A Pasquotank County native, Matthews had an intimate knowledge of the Outer Banks that began with summer visits before moving here in the early 70’s, according to his close friend Michael Halminski, a fellow photographer.

“We went out and took pictures together,” he said remembering spending three days camping on a spoil island and motoring around Ocracoke Inlet. “It was a blast.”

Halminski fed off Ray’s passion for taking photographs. “If you met him and saw his work, you couldn’t help but be influenced by him,” he said. “I can’t tell you how much an inspiration he was to me and what I do.”

Ray kept up over the years with all the technological twists and turns in the photography business, moving from working in the darkroom developing film and printing images to mastering digital photography and Photoshop. He cut mats and made frames with help from his wife Pam. Matthews also handcrafted furniture and built his home, according to Halminski.

All the while he had to keep watch on the weather, light conditions, and changing seasons when the possibility might arise to capture a particular image. He would wait for weeks for sea stars to grace the shore again, and it was not unusual for him to rise at dawn to chase just the right light. No one could see and capture beauty like Matthews, said Halminski.

While Matthews did his share of commercial photography covering real estate, boat building, architecture, restaurants, weddings, portraiture, and iconic events — including the move of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — his calling was the landscape.

He breathed life and passion into his scenes whether a silhouetted stand of trees, tangerine waves meeting deep blue sea, or summer strands of sea grass wavering in the wind.

His imagery was so arresting, it was exciting to watch for his photograph of the week on his website and postings on Facebook. Matthews was considered “the” photographer of the Outer Banks, and from the comments he garnered alone, his work was loved and admired by many.

Eve Turek, a photographer and gallery owner, admired his vision, creativity and character. “Over time, our relationship progressed from the purely professional to the personal, and Ray grew from being a mentor and peer to a cherished friend,” she recalled. “No matter what was going on in his world, Ray was consistent in his character – ever gentle, always kind, and completely devoted to his family.”

The father of two sons, Whit and Evan, Matthews worked hard, yet he found time to inspire others through volunteerism and simply bringing joy to his work. Whit became interested in art as a child and mentioned years back after winning multiple awards for his artwork that his father had fun with what he does, and he wanted to do the same with his artwork.

As a member of the Outer Banks region of the Carolina Nature Photographers Association, Matthews was involved in leading outings and giving programs. Fledgling photographers and even professionals credit him with inspiring and helping them

Halminski, who knew him for 50 years, thought of him as a humble man. He noticed that even during his illness, Matthews always sounded good and upbeat. “That was what he was,” his friend said.