The weather plays an integral part in Collins’ work. Therefore, he makes a habit of monitoring different weather maps from all over the world in order to keep track of storms, map the sun and tides, as well as to see where the waves will hit the coastlines. That being said, Collins admits that the ocean is an unpredictable force, and there are many obstacles during his excursions.
“Imagine swimming in a washing machine with a bag of concrete, and lifting that bag up to your face so you can focus, compose the shot, get all of your shutter settings, aperture and ISO right. Plus getting no water droplets on the front element while the ocean is pushing, pulling, gurgling and crashing all around you. It can be physically exhausting at times.” The only thing Collins can do is to minimise and prepare for the risks.
One of Collins’ wildest memories was from a time in Iceland. “Swimming off the coast of Iceland was pretty wild. It was -20°C, the whole landscape was white and snow was falling on my face and hands whilst swimming and shooting the waves.” Never in his wildest dream did the Aussie photographer think that he would be in a situation so unique.
Being his own harshest critic, Collins does not have a favourite ocean photo of his. “My favourite photo does not exist because it hasn’t been captured yet.” Instead, he focuses more on the emotions his photos can stir in its viewers. He wants people to feel something; it can be everything from anxiety to calm. It is all about interpretation and that is what Collins loves: “We all take something away from it”.