AWARD-WINNING Eastleigh photographer Ray Humphrey has just returned from Holland where his work was shown at the prestigious eight-day Fotofest-atie in Zoetermeer.

Ray, who runs Picture IT, a photographic and image technology business, was one of only two British photographers invited to show alongside 14 international professional and amateur photographers.

Ray's work received a very favourable reaction, and he and fellow British photographer Keeley Stone were featured on the front page of the regional daily newspaper.

"It was a great privilege to be invited to Holland to show my work to fellow professionals as well as the general public. I find it fascinating to compare how photographic styles, techniques and preferences vary from country to country," said Ray.

The Fotofestatie was a series of exhibitions in 14 venues, including restaurants and museums, with a theme of photography - a renewed confrontation with art.

Ray selected examples of work which particularly reflect his speciality - clever use of colour and unusual angles to portray products to their best advantage.

He said: "It is relatively easy to capture an exciting image of a photogenic subject such as a sunset, but far more challenging to visualise and create an eye-catching image from a simple everyday object or un-interesting environment.

"Photography is all about lighting and composition, and I enjoy capturing moments by whatever means available and bringing them back to life."

In a successful 30-year career, Ray has won more than 40 awards including a 3M Award for the best use of colour, and is a former UK Photographer of the Year.

A Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography, he is actively involved with the admissions and qualifications board of the institute, and has lectured extensively both in the UK and Europe.

Ray has been running his business, recently renamed Picture IT, for 20 years and has his studio in Eastleigh.