After capturing the gorgeous Mimi Elashiry in our latest swim styles, we sat down with renowned Byron based surf and lifestyle photographer, Ming Nomchong, to get to know what makes her tick and find out what inspires her sun-drenched aesthetic.

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What’s your earliest memory of the ocean?

I remember my dad used to take us to the Gap on South head in Sydney and watch the ocean during storms. Seeing the ocean at its rawest is definitely a humbling experience.

Where are you from originally and where are you based at the moment?

I was born and grew up in Sydney but I left there in 2008 to sail the seas for a few years before settling in the northern rivers of NSW in the town of Byron Bay.

Can you describe what it is about water that inspires your photography?

I think it's probably the blues and colour hues that the ocean creates. It just looks so good in a frame. I've been an ocean lover since birth so it's a part of my everyday life, which is probably why a lot of my imagery is based in or around the ocean. The ocean and especially the warmer temperate areas of the world offer a lifestyle that most people daydream about. I happen to be one of those people who constantly daydream about being in those places, and hence want to photograph what I dream of.

Where is your favorite place to surf?

Wategos and Broken Head. Definitely my fave places to surf no matter what the size of the waves.

You spend a lot of time shooting at beaches around the world - is there a dream destination you’re yet to visit?

I ticked the Seychelles off the list a couple of years ago, that was a pretty amazing trip. I haven't been to Mexico yet so that is probably high up on the list of places to visit.

Who is your favorite female surfer?

I can't pick just one. There are SO many inspirational female surfers that I love and respect. Most of my favourites though are all my friends who I surf with. People you may not know, but inspirational to me as I see them as strong independent women who are leading the lives they've dreamt of.

What do you love most about the ocean?

That it's ever changing, it commands respect, it's the giver and taker of life. There's something very special about being in or on a body of water that pulses with an energy that you can feel, ride, dive into and be one with.