From Kingston to Pitchside: Ray Bogle is Seizing The Opportunity with The Reggae Boyz

At just 19, Ray (ray.jrrr) a rising Jamaican photographer, is making a name for himself in the world of sports photography. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Ray’s journey began with a passion for the arts, nurtured by years of painting, drawing, and experimenting with photography on his phone. Little did he know that within a short time, this passion would land him Pitchside, capturing the biggest moments in Jamaican football.

Ray’s story is one of raw talent, determination, and seizing opportunities. Without formal photography training, he picked up his first professional camera in March 2024, just months after graduating from high school in Florida. His break came when he was invited to photograph the Jamaican Men’s National Football Team during their Nations League training session in Dallas, Texas. Although he went in with little experience and no clear idea of what to expect, his photos from that session were so impressive that some were featured on Adidas’ official page – a moment that solidified his presence in the industry.

Reflecting on that experience, Ray said, “I didn’t know what the media team had planned, but I knew I had to make the best of this one shot. I was just grateful for the opportunity, and everything turned out better than I could have imagined.”

Since then, Ray has continued to develop his craft, refining his style, which includes a strong focus on color grading and capturing the raw emotions of the athletes he photographs. He’s had the chance to work on numerous projects, including the recent Copa tournament, where he was the sole photographer.

Despite the rapid slew of opportunities, Ray remains humble and eager to learn. “I’m still young in the industry and always learning. I look up to people like Richard Gordon and others who have inspired me along my journey,” he said. His focus now is on honing his skills and pushing himself to create unique content, constantly striving to make his next post better than the last.

Ray also credits much of his success to the support of his family and the Jamaican Football Federation, particularly the opportunity provided by his father’s connection within the federation. He was able to share his vision for content creation and photography with the team, and they placed their trust in him – a trust he hasn’t broken.

When asked about the challenges of photographing major sporting events, Ray admitted that it’s not as easy as it looks. “People think it’s just about taking pictures, but there’s so much more to it,” he explained. “You have to stay focused, prepare your equipment, and be disciplined, because one missed moment could mean a lost opportunity.”

As he prepares for the upcoming Nations League matches and other major events, Ray is ready to push himself even further. With a packed year ahead, including the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers, Ray is focused on growth, both personally and professionally. “I’m still learning every day,” he said, “and I’m excited to see what’s next.”