Joel Ray, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board member of the Missouri Arts Council and  local neurosurgeon.  He has been taking photographs since 2000, but gained recognition locally and around the state for his shots of the construction of the Bill Emerson Bridge.  He was appointed by then Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson to create photo essays on multiple Federal projects.   He has won multiple photography awards, including the State of Missouri’s highest photography award. The WESTARY Photography School for Kids (501C-3) collaborates with area schools and the Missouri Department of Conservation, encouraging the expansion of digital photography. As a photographer, Dr. Ray’s work pursues life, science and the beauties of nature. His work explores the art and technical components of digital photography.

Dr. Ray’s interests in photography are to develop his talent, include others in the future of digital photography, and create an organizational structure that projects the best in talents and relationships associated with the exploding field of digital photography.