MARK EL-RAYES

Time Capture

Photography has been an integral part of my journey, serving not just as a hobby but as a profound means of expression and observation. To me, photography is the art of freezing moments, allowing us to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in a captured slice of time. My professional journey in this field was significantly shaped by my five-year tenure as a journalist in the United States Navy, during which I was involved in four wartime assignments and two humanitarian missions. This period was a deeply enriching chapter of my life, filled with days dedicated to the lens and the journal, leaving me with a nostalgic appreciation for those experiences.

Carrying my camera has become second nature to me, both before and after my naval service. This passion for photography seamlessly blends into my professional role as a Creative Director, serving as a constant reminder of the inherent design in everyday life. The principles of leading lines, perspective, and layout are omnipresent in photography, mirroring the foundational elements of design. It's about having the keen eye to recognize these elements and the skill to encapsulate them within a frame, a duality that I strive to embody in both my personal and professional creative endeavors.

People

Life Tip: When you go on a trip, remember to put people in the photos. You can always look up what South Africa looks like, but you'll want to see yourself and your loved one's in the photo.

DA NANG, Vietnam (Aug. 19, 2015) Children play after having their face painted by service members assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Vietnam for its fourth mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

Military

Serving in the military was an honor. It changed my life and let me see the world like never before. There are moments I will and can never talk, there are moments I will always talk about. The experience is one I will never forget, that I am sure of.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 21, 2015) - Sailors attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 attach cargo during a vertical replenishment at sea drill aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Mercy is on her way to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for Pacific Partnership 2015. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indio-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, PP15 has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through the completion of more than 100 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SAVUSAVU, Fiji (June 17, 2015) The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) anchors off the coast of Savusavu, Fiji during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Savusavu, Fiji for its first mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ROXAS CITY, Philippines (July 23, 2015) Members of the Pacific Fleet Band, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), perform for children at the Dao Elementary School during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ROXAS CITY, Philippines (July 26, 2015) Musician 3rd Class Steven Lamonica, from Dallas, Texas, part of The Pacific Fleet Band, attached to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), performs at Robinsons Place Mall during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ROXAS CITY, Philippines (July 26, 2015) The Pacific Fleet Band, attached to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), performs at Robinsons Place Mall during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

DA NANG, Vietnam (Aug. 23, 2015) The Pacific Fleet Band, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), performs during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Vietnam for its fourth mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SIGMA, Philippines (July 30, 2015) A Filipino acrobatics group performs for service members assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) at the Sigma Community Health Engagement during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SIBAYAN SEA (August 01, 2015) Service members, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), perform a fractional CO2 laser procedure on a child during Pacific Partnership 2015. A Fractional CO2 laser puts tiny holes into the skin allowing collagen regrowth leading to healthier skin and, if located on joints, increased mobility. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

CAPIZ, Philippines (July 29, 2015) Hospital Corpsman First Class Dustin Laxton, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), collects water samples during Pacific Partnership 2015 at Camp Antonio Belo, an Armed Forces of the Philippines military camp. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ROXAS CITY, Philippines (July 20, 2015) The Pacific Fleet Band, attached to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), performs during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in the Philippines for its third mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ARAWA, Autonomus Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (July 1, 2015) Cpl. Lydia Eckles, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), sets up communications to Mercy during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Papua New Guinea for its second mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

ARAWA, Autonomus Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (June 28, 2015) Master-at-Arms Chief Rodrigo Celones, from San Diego, California, attached to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) dances with a Papua New Guinea girl during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Papua New Guinea for its second mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2015) Service members transport a casualty, part of a mass casualty drill, aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mass casualty drills prepare service members to handle a large volume of patients at one time. Mercy is currently underway to Papa New Guinea for its next mission port. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2015) Service members evaluate a casualty, part of a mass casualty drill, aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mass casualty drills prepare service members to handle a large volume of patients at one time. Mercy is currently underway to Papa New Guinea for its next mission port. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SUVASUVA, Fiji (June 13, 2015) Musician 2nd Class Christian Ivy, from Fort Worth, Texas, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), dances with a Fijian woman during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Suvasuva, Fiji for its first mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SUVASUVA, Fiji (June 13, 2015) Musician 3rd Class Steven Lamonica, from Dallas, Texas, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), sings with Fijian children during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Suvasuva, Fiji for its first mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

SUVASUVA, Fiji (June 13, 2015) Musician 2nd Class Catherine Chauvot, from St Charles, Missouri, plays as Fijians dance with other service members attached to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2015. Mercy is currently in Suvasuva, Fiji for its first mission port of PP15. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,00 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,999 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 21, 2015) - Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Ashley Anderson attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 tows an MH-60S Sea Hawk onto the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Mercy is on her way to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for Pacific Partnership 2015. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indio-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, PP15 has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through the completion of more than 100 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

130611-N-TQ272-045 SAN DIEGO (JUNE 11, 2013)- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) pass underneath the Coronado Bridge while leaving San Diego. Boxer is conducting training off the coast of Southern California in support of Dawn Blitz 2013 and routine training integrating Marine Corps forces with the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes / RELEASED)

130611-N-TQ272-958 SAN DIEGO (JUNE 11, 2013)- Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Andrea L. Pietras guides a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU 5) in the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is conducting training off the coast of Southern California in support of Dawn Blitz 2013 and routine training integrating Marine Corps forces with the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes / RELEASED)

130729-N-TQ272-259 (July 29, 2013) PACIFIC OCEAN - Marines, in amphibious assault vehicles, wait to begin an exercise in the well deck of amphibious dock landing ship USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49). Harper's Ferry, part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Certification Exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

130628-N-TQ272-379 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 28, 2013) Sailors and Marines take part in a fresh water sweep down on the flight deck of USS Boxer(LHD 4). Boxer is training off the coast of Southern California, conducting PMINT, which integrates 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Forces with the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes / RELEASED)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 13, 2015) The Japanese fleet oiler Mashu (AOE 425) takes part in a replenishment at sea with the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2015. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided real world medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through more than 180 engineering projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

130823-N-TQ272- (Aug. 23, 2013) SAN DIEGO - USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49) is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), comprised of USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49), amphibious assault hip USS Boxer, amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans, and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)

130619-N-TQ272-0530 SAN DIEGO (June 12, 2013) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes / RELEASED)

Animals

I have a natural pull towards animals. I view them as souls and not much different then us. I do imagine if they could talk we would tolerate them less. But, beyond that thought I have nothing but love for them.

The World

I will always travel from now until forever. I truly believe my journey around the world has shaped who I am today. I can not imagine myself being who i am without the places I have been.

Time Capture

People

Military

Animals

The World

Let's Talk