An Inspiring Conversation with Trey Ratcliff: Exploring Creativity, Photography, and Life Beyond the Lens

In the inaugural episode of our new series, Jakub's Photography Talk, we had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary photographer Trey Ratcliff. Known for his captivating HDR photography, his popular blog Stuck in Customs, and his innovative approach to travel photography, Trey has long been an influential figure in the world of visual storytelling. His work has not only inspired countless photographers but also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in photography. In our conversation, Trey shared insights into his creative process, his thoughts on the evolving world of photography, and even his spiritual journey that has profoundly impacted his life.

The Tools of the Trade: It's Not About the Gear

When asked about his current photography gear, Trey surprised us with his relaxed attitude towards the tools of the trade. He currently uses a Sony α7CR but emphasized that the specific camera model is less important than many might think. Trey humorously pointed out the absurdity of camera acronyms and suggested that in today’s world, nearly every camera—including those on smartphones—is capable of producing amazing images.

"I think people get a little obsessed with what camera is the best or what lens is the best... The magic is in your creativity."

Trey's approach reflects a broader philosophy: it’s not about the equipment, but about the vision and creativity behind the lens. This mindset has allowed him to remain focused on what truly matters in photography—capturing the beauty of the world in unique and meaningful ways.

The Magic of Drones: Expanding Creative Possibilities

As a pioneer in drone photography, Trey has helped many photographers explore new perspectives. He expressed his love for drone photography, describing it as a way to break free from the limitations of a ground-based viewpoint.

"When you're using a handheld camera, you're very limited to where your head actually is... If you can move your head up above the trees to get a shot, then that's amazing."

For Trey, drones represent a way to elevate creativity, both literally and figuratively. By providing new angles and perspectives, drones allow photographers to see the world in ways that were previously unimaginable.

HDR Photography: Blurring the Lines

Trey is widely recognized as a master of HDR photography, a technique that has become synonymous with his name. During our conversation, he discussed how HDR has evolved over the years.

"You don't really have to take three photos anymore because that one RAW photo is so good that you can really pull a lot of the shadows and push a lot of the highlights."

Trey’s current approach to HDR is less about the technical aspects and more about achieving the desired visual effect. He uses tools like Luminar Neo to create HDR-like images that resonate with the way he perceives the world—rich in color, light, and emotion.

Travel Dreams: From Earth to the Stars

As someone who has photographed some of the most iconic locations around the globe, we were curious if there were any places left on Trey's bucket list. His answer was as imaginative as his photography.

"I'd love to go photograph other planets... but that doesn't seem quite feasible right now."

For now, he’s planning to return to Japan, a country he deeply admires for its culture and its photographers. Japan, much like New Zealand where Trey currently resides, offers a lifetime’s worth of photographic opportunities.

The Joy of Editing: Presets with Personality

Trey’s new preset bundle for Luminar Neo and Lightroom has been a hit, and we asked him about his process for naming these presets. True to his playful nature, Trey revealed that his presets often have “naughty” or humorous names.

"Photography is for fun, so why not be a bit comical in the way you name your presets?"

This light-hearted approach to editing reflects Trey’s belief that creativity should be enjoyable and free of rigid rules. His presets are designed to add unique looks to your photos, encouraging experimentation and fun in the editing process. Get Trey's new presets for Lightroom & Luminar NEO here.

Beyond Photography: A Journey of the Soul

In a surprising turn, Trey opened up about a profound spiritual experience that has led him to write a new book titled Soul's Compass. This book marks a departure from his usual photography-focused content and delves into his personal journey of self-discovery.

"My soul left my body and I went to the spirit world... It's just been a fascinating series of rabbit holes for me."

Trey’s candidness about his spiritual exploration adds a new dimension to his persona, showing that his creativity extends beyond photography and into the realm of life’s big questions. Find out more about Soul's Compass here.

Looking Forward: Creativity in a Changing World

As we wrapped up our conversation, Trey left us with a hopeful message for the future.

"If you're a loving, kind, generous person, everything's going to be fine... what's on the other side of this is going to be incredible."

In these words, Trey encapsulates the essence of his approach to life and art—optimism, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of love and kindness.

This interview with Trey Ratcliff has been a journey through creativity, technology, and the mysteries of life itself. His insights remind us that photography is not just about capturing images, but about expressing our unique vision of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Trey’s wisdom offers inspiration to embrace your creativity, explore new perspectives, and always remain curious about the world around you.