Nikon Surf Photo of the Year contest shows incredible ocean images from the world’s best

Ray Collins wins for second time with shot taken by helicopter in Australia

The winning image, taken from a helicopter. Photo: Collins

Ray Collins has won the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year award in Australia’s most prestigious surf-photography contest. Collins’ image (above), titled “Convection”—which was taken from a helicopter—was of a giant wave in New South Wales, Australia, and it gave him his second Nikon prize (he first won in 2013).

“I almost wasn’t going to enter the photo in the competition because it had no real surfing action in it,” Collins told GrindTV. “So I am glad I did. It’s an honor just to be on the shortlist with some of my heroes. Guys like Ted Grambeau, Joli, and Trent Mitchell are the reason I took up surf photography in the first place.”

Ted Grambeau’s “Matahi Madness,” featuring 17-year-old Matahi Drollet surfing Tahiti. Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

Joli’s “Kirra Lineup,” one of the 20-strong shortlist. Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

The competition criteria stated that while the image must be taken by an Australian photographer, the photo can be taken anywhere around the world and can be drawn from action, water, lifestyle, lineup, or portrait photography. The photos below were on the shortlist and capture every aspect of the ocean and those who enter it.

Deb Morris’ “Sea Shell.” Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

Russell Ord’s photo of Mark Mathews taking a photo of Taj Burrow. Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

Stuart Gibson’s aptly titled “Desperations,” featuring a surfer ducking under a wave. Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

Brodie McCabe captures two dolphins playing in “Your Curve.” Photo: Courtesy of Nikon

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