Go on celebrating the Oceans Day with us!
Ray Collins is one of the most distinguished photographers of ocean beauty and its powers. He's been shooting the ocean since 2007 when he bought his first camera. His shots are stunning and mind-blowing. Just take a look at a few of them below.
Can you imagine yourself taking these shots fleeting in a salt water? Ray does it and he feels the ocean be his home. We asked Ray about his passion and his life. Here's what he told us...
1. You've taken hundreds of amazing photos. Is there anything you haven't captured yet, but really want to?
The beautiful thing is that no moment is ever repeated, it goes as quickly as it comes. That thought always makes me get out of the bed early when it's dark and cold outside. As far as things I want to capture, sure, there are heaps!
I just need all the elements to combine to make it work. I've been shooting out of helicopters a lot lately which has expanded my vision somewhat, so I'm keen to build on that.
2. What is the toughest (most challenging) thing about capturing ocean?
It's kinetic. It never stops moving.
In a 'normal' studio you are able to repeat a shot until you're happy with it. It's harder to do that when you're swimming with 8kgs worth of camera gear, trying to focus, compose, manually dial in all of your settings in changing light, get no water droplets on your lens port and stay out of harms way.
I guess its risk versus reward in the end, and there are so many 'almost' good shots, that's challenging, coming so close but having one tiny thing not align and it ruining the photo.
3. What do you feel about the Ocean in general? What's so great about it?
It's all I've ever known. My earliest memories I have are from the ocean. It's taught me so many lifelong lessons. Patience. Respect. Overcoming fear. It has been my greatest teacher. You know how our bodies are made up of 80% water or something?
That's why it always feels like home whenever you're near it. Whether I'm surfing, swimming, shooting or just walking my dog with my morning coffee. I'm drawn to it. It resets the build up that you can acquire through day to day stresses.
4. What kind of person are you? What kind of people do you prefer to be around with?
I'm actually doing this interview from my hotel room in Istanbul, and I asked my wife she said something along the lines of "... a kind, gentle, and genuine person who likes to spend time with positive people who don't necessarily conform to the norms of what society deems cool."
I'd say I'm a bit of a dreamer. I'm a doer too, though. I often overthink things and doubt my instincts at times. I've been learning lately to just go with it, and it all works out how its meant to. Or it doesn't and that's fine too!
Are you amazed by Ray's photos as we are? Let us know what you think about these photos and shooting the ocean in the comments.
To learn more about Ray Collins, you can visit his website http://raycollinsphoto.com/.Or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Have a great Oceans Day with Skylum and check these posts for extra inspiration:Interview with Anuar Patjane and 50 best ocean photos and videos.
