As a photographer, videographer, and founder of Shoot Cameras, Not Guns, Vernon Ray captures images and truth. Raised in North Philly, Vernon witnessed leadership early through his father, who created Men of Blaine to support neighborhood children. That image of love in action stuck with him.

“I got to give it to my dad. When I was in elementary school, he used to come up to the school all the time with his homies. The name of the school I went to was called Blaine Elementary School in North Philadelphia. They created this thing called, ‘Men of Blaine.’ They were acting as fathers to so many children in the neighborhood. For me – being a little kid, seeing him come up there – I was happy about that. He spearheaded that initiative and I was super proud and wanted to emulate that feeling–the grab of the community’s eyes, ears, inspiration just like he did.”

Now, Vernon mirrors that spirit, using his art to give voice to those directly impacted by gun violence. His work is raw, real, and brave—inviting people into spaces of deep vulnerability and healing. “Love is consistency,” he says. “It’s showing up.”

And he does—whether behind the camera, mentoring young creatives, or building Fade Five, a new fatherhood initiative. Surrounded by a support system he calls a privilege, Vernon believes love is a choice. A balancing force. An inside job.

In his world, love is focused, framed, and forever remembered.