Ron McCoy embarked on his career as a professional photographer immediately after high school at Arizona Design and Drafting. His inaugural assignment involved capturing the historic landing of the space shuttle, which was piggybacking on a 747 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Following the company’s closure, Ron relocated to Hollywood, where he joined G-2 Graphics. There, he specialized in color printing and pre-press photography before advancing his career at The Color House, the world’s largest lab at the time. At The Color House, Ron focused on producing large-scale murals and Cibachrome composites, working with high-profile clients such as Warner Bros., Capitol Records, and Disney Studios.
In the late 1980s, Ron moved to San Francisco to contribute to Wells Fargo mural projects, many of which remain on display in the bank’s branches. Upon returning to Tucson, Ron balanced wedding photography with his role as a color mural printer. He was later hired by the University of Arizona’s Biomedical Communications department as a medical photographer. Despite enjoying the technical aspects of this role, Ron sought greater creative freedom and joined a prominent Tucson photography studio. This experience deepened his understanding of the business side of photography and the importance of creativity in advertising.
Ron took full ownership of his own studio and embraced digital photography as one of the pioneers in 2000. Eventually accepting a role with the Tucson Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit, as a Crime Scene Investigator. Collecting evidence, documenting and photographing crime scenes as well as becoming an expert in fingerprint identification, Ron’s passion for creative photography led him to establish another business. His interest in aerial photography, fueled by his newly acquired flying skills, became a significant part of his work. However, after the 2008 housing market crash, which impacted many of his aerial clients, Ron diversified his portfolio to include fashion, architecture, product, restaurant, and hotel photography.
Ron’s versatility and resilience in a challenging economy allowed him to thrive as a business owner. He discovered that regardless of the economic climate, businesses needed to maintain a strong visual presence to stay competitive. This realization further fueled his creative drive, enabling him to deliver exceptional imagery that reflects both his technical expertise and unique style.
Currently, Ron focuses on commercial and residential photography, with a particular passion for architectural photography. His extensive experience and a robust client base in real estate underscore his ability to produce standout images. As Ron explains, “Although the market is saturated with new real estate photographers, my extensive experience allows my work to stand out. My images evoke an emotional response and help my clients secure more listings by showcasing their services effectively. We collaborate to market each property in a unique and compelling way.”