Behind the Lens: Ray Kirkland

When Ray Kirkland began providing volunteer photography services for “The Stephen Foster Story” in 2019, it symbolized the perfect union of his lifelong passion for photography and his long-held love for a show he has cherished for nearly as long.

Ray has been taking photos for as long as he can remember, from a small box camera when he was in high school, to his first 35mm SLR he acquired after his first child was born. He said he later graduated to a DSLR camera after his first grandchild was born, and that the digital camera opened a “whole new world” of possibilities. Soon, he said he became a sort of “historian” for his family, documenting graduations, family vacations, senior photo shoots and more. 

Ray has also used his talent to serve the University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band, working for several years as a volunteer photographer and administrator of their social media platforms. His son holds the role of “Voice” of the Cardinal Marching Band, and one of the band’s Directors, Dr. Amy Acklin, is a longtime family friend.

Since retiring in 2014 as CEO of the Louisville Medical Federal Credit Union after 35 years, Ray has dedicated more time to capturing photos. Though he possesses no formal training in photography, his work has gained recognition, including publication and a feature in a Kentucky Derby Museum display. Beyond his involvement with the Cardinal Marching Band, Ray has volunteered at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, The Governor’s School for the Arts, and in the WHAS Crusade for Children Accounting Department.

When Ray reached out to the Stephen Foster Drama Association to volunteer as a photographer, he knew he would be capturing a subject close to his heart. Although born in Louisville, Ray spent his formative years in Mississippi. Growing up, he was familiar with icons like the Kentucky Derby and My Old Kentucky Home, but it wasn’t until his family returned to Kentucky in 1965 that he experienced these landmarks firsthand. At the age of 16, he first visited Federal Hill and watched “The Stephen Foster Story” with his family. During his time at Georgetown College, a friend invited him to see her perform as Jeanie in the production the following summer, sparking a tradition of returning regularly to enjoy the show ever since.

“The level of talent and professionalism from all the cast and crew is beautiful to see up-close,” Ray said.  

When Ray first volunteered for “The Stephen Foster Story,” he requested access to rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and any other related events. However, he quickly expanded his photography duties to cover a wide range of activities, including promotional events in downtown Bardstown, local auditions, performances for the Kentucky Legislature in Frankfort, and more. 

“I never dreamed I would be given all the access I have,” he said. “It’s an amazing experience to see the show come to life, to meet the actors, watch all the layers come together, from script to choreography to staging to performance, from lights-up to final bows.”  

Ray said he finds great joy in witnessing the evolution of the show season after season, regularly attending early-week rehearsals and at least one dress rehearsal each year. As the performances begin, he continues to visit once or twice a week, diligently capturing moments from various angles in pursuit of the “perfect shot.” 

On top of pursuing a lifelong passion and gaining access to a beloved theatrical production, Ray said he has treasured the longstanding friendships he has made over the past five years.

“It really does feel like being part of the family,” he said. “Each season there are new faces, but very quickly it feels as if everyone has known each other for a lifetime.” 

For cast and crew members, this appreciation is mutual. 

“Ray has a gift for capturing the moments that make this production special, and he has quickly become an esteemed member of the Foster family,” said Johnny Warren, Executive Artistic Director for The Stephen Foster Story and the Stephen Foster Drama Association. “Anticipating the stunning photos Ray captures has become something everyone looks forward to year-after-year.”