Ally MCKAY

PPA Master Photographer and Craftsmen – Instructor

Ally is the co-founder of both McKay Photography Academy and McKay Photography Inc., and she’s been working as a professional photographer since she was just 17. With more than 35 years behind the lens, her journey started early. Ally graduated at the very top of her class from the Glen Fishback School of Photography in 1988, a school that was considered one of the country’s best until Mr. Fishback passed away.

She earned her Master of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America a full year before David did, a fact that David admits makes him proud, even if it means Ally can always say she was the first Master in the family.

Ally’s work has received some of the industry’s highest honors, including images placed in the PPA’s “Image Excellence Collection” and the extremely distinguished Kodak Gallery award.

She says she feels most at peace with a camera in her hands and nature all around her. Her gentle approach and calm personality make her a patient teacher, and many women, in particular, find themselves connecting with her because of it.

Interested in owning a piece of Ally McKay’s work or using her images in your media project? Reach out to Ally directly at ally@mckaylive.com to discuss print purchases or media usage rights.

Ally offers prints in a range of sizes and materials, and works closely with every collector to make sure each piece is the perfect fit for your space. From initial selection to final presentation, Ally is personally involved in the process, ensuring that your vision — and hers — come together seamlessly. Limited Edition Collector Prints are also available, but quantities are extremely limited, so don’t hesitate to ask about the images that catch your eye.

The Gallery

Please select a gallery of Ally McKay’s work to view. 

B&W Infra Red

Black and White Infrared photography reveals a hidden world by using light we cannot see, transforming ordinary landscapes and portraits into surreal, high-contrast, and ethereal works of art. IR has been Ally’s passion in photography for many years and she has specialized in this form of photography with film prior to converting digital cameras to handle the task of her artwork.

A digital camera is converted to black & white infrared by removing its IR-blocking filter and replacing it with an IR-pass filter.. This makes the sensor permanently sensitive to IR light, and the results are processed in black & white for the classic glowing foliage and dramatic skies look. Each image is then “worked” in the editing process to ensure the results Ally gets are exactly what her vision for the image should be. 

Color Selections