We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Mora and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ray, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I’m a big Star Wars fan and it’s a quote I often use and it’s, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Yoda tells Luke Skywalker that in my favorite movie of all time, The Empire Strikes Back. Life is short and you have to just do. To worry or think about other people’s opinions should not be a factor in your decision making. I try to encourage others by telling them to do what you love and love what you do. If it’s their passion then fan that flame. I love taking photos. I love documenting moments in time that can always be remembered. Give it my all and not hold back. Try new things like angles and edits. So just do!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take photos for cosplay groups. I didn’t always take photos and the reason I do now is because of the Star Wars cosplay groups in Arizona.
Please note that I am not the public information officer for any of these groups and what I am about to tell you is based on my experiences interacting with these groups. The Dark Empire, Shonare Vhekadla Clan, Dune Sea Garrison and Comicare.
Several years ago my daughter had been misdiagnosed and we almost lost her. We went from one hospital to The Phoenix Children’s hospital which is amazing! Great doctors, nurses and other staff. So we were very worried and stressed out. Our lives in almost in instant had been turned upside down. We were all very emotional and just put our trust in the amazing staff there at PCH. Well one of the nurses found out that we were all big Star Wars fans and she heard that a group of Star Wars cosplayers were in the activity room. She got authorization to move my daughter from her room to the activity room. In that room were the Dune Sea Garrison and Comicare along with other patients of the hospital. For a moment just interacting with both groups, my family including my daughter forgot that she was seriously ill. We were so happy to see in person stormtroopers and Iron man from Comicare. The groups just lifted our spirits so much and the stress and worry of why we were there was placed on pause. The smiles on our faces and all the other children and parents. All the joy that those groups brought to that room was immeasurable. Comicare even gave my daughter a stack of comic books to read which she cherished.
I never forget that moment and wanted to be more than just your average Star Wars fan. I wanted to get involved. So eventually my daughter did recover and we built her a stormtrooper suit and she joined the Dune Sea Garrison of the 501ST Legion. I went along to help the troopers walk around because it is difficult to see in those buckets or helmets. I helped provide water and other small tasks and eventually went from taking photos on my phone to purchasing a DSLR of my very own.
I would get invited to the group’s events which they do a lot of charity work. They attend the charities and help raise awareness but also spirits. I began to capture those reactions from adults and children alike. The same reactions we had in the hospital. The Dark Empire, Shonare Vhekadla Clan, Dune Sea Garrison, Comicare and others attend these functions and to see everyone’s faces light up! To see children and adults excited. To capture those moments like the one I personally experienced is an awesome experience. I would submit my photos to the groups and they would share some of them on their social media pages.
I went from taking photos at events to cosplay photoshoots. I would also be asked for a photoshoot which I also enjoyed. But nothing compares to those charity events. Some are real tear jerkers. I’ve even posted two videos on YouTube.
My passion is capturing those moments of fans and the cosplay groups and the sense of family I feel with the groups. Everyone in the Star Wars cosplay groups are awesome!!! They do this on their own because they have such big hearts! They are absolutely wonderful people and just hanging out with other Star Wars fans is always fun whether at a birthday party or comic book convention.
I have even had the tremendous honor of becoming an honorary member of The Dark Empire and Shonare Vhekadla Clan. They surprised me both times and I was so thrilled and happy because that was never my goal but very much appreciated. Like I said what an honor!
I hope my photos bring joy to those that see them. If I get remembered for anything in the cosplay community it’s that I too wanted to make an impact somehow on someone’s bad day. That I brought joy to someone when they looked up their photos on the group’s social media pages. That they saved them and look at them from time to time. It’s not just a memory in their head but a memory captured in a photo that can be shared and seen by everyone.
Turning my photos into an art form was thanks to the help of my barber and also friend Karla Leon. She has been featured here. She asked to do a photoshoot with her and other patrons downtown. I was taking photos of people that weren’t wearing a cosplay costume. I really loved it and my expanded my way if thinking when it comes to my photos and editing. I’d like to thank her for that.
So now I take a wide range of photos not just cosplay. But my heart and joy will always be grounded in the events the Star Wars groups attend.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to Roosevelt Row between Central and 7TH Street. A strip lined with breweries, restaurants and art galleries. So much to see, eat, drink and do. My favorites are the Churchill and Arizona Wilderness. Then I’d take them to Grand Ave between Roosevelt and Van Buren. More restaurants, breweries and stores. I’d start at the Desert Sun Plaza where Karla’s shop can be found but also El Charro Hipster and 3 G Vintage.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Dark Empire The Shonare Vhekadla Clan (Arizona Mandalorian Mercs)
The Dune Sea Garrison (501st Legion)
Comicare
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Image Credits
My Geeky Gallery