Captured Characters is a compilation of street, documentary, concert and portraiture photography as a means to showcase Sydney photographer Ray Galea's work. But the scale of the task was to pursue his passion with a newly acquired camera.

"Most of my subjects felt comfortable about themselves and offered something different to my lenses. For instance, the front jacket illustration, titled Chef Fesal - The Italian Bowl, evolved while I awaited for my meal at a popular restaurant in bohemian Newtown. Camera in hand, I captured the blazing scene for a mere two seconds."

"It's not magic. I leave my ego at the door and try to see every opportunity and movement as potentially riveting. Success in people photography is being observant and one-on-one with individuals from various walks of life," said Galea.