Amanda Ray is a multimedia specialist with The Seattle Times and former chief photographer of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Amanda's ambition is to pursue a career focusing on the most authentic photography in a variety of settings. Born in Redondo Beach, California, she has lived the life of a wanderer since an early age, having lived in many different locales throughout the country — including right here in Seattle, Wash., where she currently calls home with her adopted cats, Bailey, Jack, and Tux.

 

One of her stops along the way was in Flagstaff, Ariz., where she received her Bachelor of Science in Photography & Photojournalism at Northern Arizona University. In her time at NAU, Amanda worked as a staff photographer for The Arizona Daily Sun, where she was honored as the Arizona Press Club’s College Photographer of the Year in 2014. Upon graduation, she was awarded the opportunity to work for MLive Media Group. 

 

Throughout her life — and especially through her travels — Amanda has embraced a sense of curiosity for exploring unfamiliar places and interacting with people from all walks of life. People are by far her favorite inspiration in search of a great photograph — and to capture the interactions and emotions of those around her has reaffirmed her passion.

​

​

Accolades

• Arizona Press Club — College Photographer of the Year, 2014

• Michigan Press Photographers Association — Second place, news photography 2015

• Society of Professional Journalists – Honorable mention, multimedia storytelling 2018

• Society of Professional Journalists – Award of Excellence, general news 2019

• Society of Professional Journalists — Award of Excellence, general news 2020

• Society of Professional Journalists – Second place, feature and spot news 2020

• Multiple National Press Photographers Association monthly clip awards