Director's Works
Wray Sinclair is a Los Angeles-based director and photographer from Virginia. Focused on capturing the passion and personality of his subjects, Wray roots his work in tradition, culture, and human experience to create a distinctly lived-in feel. Story is at the heart of each moment he captures. He finds constant inspiration in documenting the relationship between people and the worlds they inhabit. That’s drawn him to his intimate, 7-year project photographing fishermen on the Chesapeake Bay, an enduring community navigating the larger story of commercial fishing decline and our nation’s growing detachment from its food providers. It also led him to capture the Oglala Lakota Tribe in the Lakota Badlands, deep-sea urchin divers off the coast of Northern California, and ranchers in rural Virginia. In that vein, he most recently filmed his debut short film, Second Chance Rescue, about a man serving three life sentences who finds a newfound purpose as a dog trainer, which premieres in late 2024. Wray has a distinct eye for approachable yet elevated imagery, bringing out the emotional truth of his subjects. That involves uncluttered setups and compositions that draw inspiration from the natural environments his subjects inhabit. A nimble and versatile approach to his direction and lighting also allows him to capture unexpected events and expressions of character. His ability to collaborate and connect with his subjects is reflected in the successful campaigns he has shot for clients, including Expedia, Stetson, and John Deere. It has also led to awards from American Photography, Communication Arts, and Lürzer's Archive.
Rebelling against the strict nature of his family and seeking community in a local gang, Jensen Ramos found himself sentenced to three life sentences for attempted murder at the young age of eighteen. Twelve years into incarceration, Jensen was introduced to a local non profit, Paws for Life K9. In scenic portraits bearing emotional resonance, we follow Jensen working with rescue dogs who had been discarded, neglected and overlooked. Coupled with marrying the love of his life Jennifer while imprisoned, along with his daily commitment to bettering himself, we watch his growth be recognized by California Governor Gavin Newsom who communicated his sentence in 2020 and gave Jensen a second chance at redemption. In this intimate character story, Jensen, in his third act, now a dedicated father and husband, elevates his intentions and experiences by opening a small business, training dogs and committing himself to the betterment of not only himself but his wider community. Jensen’s story is just the beginning, since the program began, over 20 other inmates sentences have been recognized and communicated, allowing them to continue this work in their communities and outside of the incarceration system where they were first introduced to it.