A former local coal miner used a tragic underground accident in 2007 to turn his life around and reinvent himself. Ray Collins is now recognised around the world as one of the best ocean photographers on the planet.
While recovering from a serious knee injury, Ray used those long months in rehabilitation to immerse himself in the art of photography.
"I discovered photography as a form of therapy, immersed in the camera manual, I absorbed the intricacies of the craft and learned how to interpret and manipulate light," Ray said. "As I progressed in my rehabilitation, I took a leap and invested in a water housing, blending my newfound passion for photography with my lifelong love for the ocean."
Starting out, for Ray, his initial goal was to capture his friends’ surfing moments in the Illawarra, with the dream of getting a single photograph published.
A new career begins
"Within a few months my fresh perspective and my willingness to take risks to capture the perfect shot grabbed the attention of the surfing world. The front covers of international magazines featured my work, propelling me into the industry."
Ray’s life in the Illawarra’s coal mines was over.
In 2012, after years of travelling and photographing the biggest names in surfing, Ray made the decision to put his camera down for a year. During this sabbatical he focused on self-discovery, and he ultimately chose to give up alcohol.
That pivotal decision opened up a new path for him, and with the additional hours of daylight that were previously lost to partying and hangovers, Ray turned his gaze back to the sea. This time his focus shifted from people riding the waves to the waves themselves.
"I delved into the complexities of water and light, capturing the final surge of energy as a wave completes its journey to the shore. It was in this exploration that I found my true self as an artist. My signature style of moody landscapes began to resonate with the art world and nature enthusiasts across the world," Ray said.
In his relatively short career, Ray has transitioned from capturing his friends’ surfing moments to becoming a global advocate for the ocean.
The awards keep coming
For his remarkable success on the global stage, Ray was recently named by Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery as the winner of the 2024 Wollongong to the World award. This award recognises an individual who may no longer live in the city, but who is achieving great things nationally or internationally.
Ray’s other awards include the ‘Ocean Photographer of the Year’ from the UK’s Lux Magazine, the Crystal Compass Award, also called a ‘Geographical Oscar’ from the Russian Geographical Society, and he’s released two award-winning hardcover coffee table books.
Ray’s photography certainly serves as a powerful reminder of the ocean’s strength, beauty and vulnerability, and the accolades keep coming.
According to National Geographic: "Ray is able to capture the power and essence of the ocean in a single snapshot…"
Forbes Magazine said: "In just eight years Ray has arrived as one of the most distinguished photographers of waves, and the ocean in the world…"
The final word goes to CNN: "Ray’s awe-inspiring images have the power to bring the Earth’s primal force to a standstill. He’s an up-and-coming creative talent, set to be the next big name in art and culture."
To see more incredible images, visit Ray's website