Photolyfe: Ray Collins

Welcome to PhotoLyfe, in which Stab’s favourite photographers answer questions about themselves with their own images. It’s that old picture-tells-a-thousand-words chestnut but with more colour and pop. It’s a way to cut out all the bullshit. It’s like jacking into the main vein of those who supply us with exquisite surf imagery every day. Give thanks by studying each image with a more careful eye than ever!

With very good reason, Ray Collins man is an International Award Winning Photographer. When it comes to swimming in the ocean with a camera and capturing light, many Oz surf photographers will tell you that Ray is the best. Ray bought his first camera in 2007 to shoot pals around home, but given his aptitude for this end of town, it wasn’t long before his work was in international campaigns for companies like Apple, Nikon, United Airlines, Isuzu, Qantas, Patagonia, National Geographic and Red Bull. In a world where most crafts that orbit surfing (except professional surfing itself) become less profitable, Ray has no rear view mirror and only moves forward. He’s even supported by Nikon Australia, Aquatech waterhousings, DaFiN, Zion wetsuits and SunZapper sunscreen. We’ll waste no more time here though, because below are some of the most magnificent water shots you’ll ever see.

Check out Ray’s (actually amazing) website here, and Instagram @raycollinsphoto

1. Describe yourself.

2. Where are you from?

3. What got you into photography?

4. Where do you wish you were right now?

5. What inspires you?

6. Who’s your favourite person to photograph?

7. What makes the best photograph?

8. What’s your favourite weapon?

9. Describe your mood right now.

10. What else should we know about you?