Ming Nomchong believes beautiful places have a special energy and she spends most of her work days trying to capture that feeling in her photos. Raised on the east coast of Australia, with a camera in one hand and a surfboard in the other, Ming’s built a reputation as the queen of sunny ‘n’ salty photography. We chatted with her about birds, beaches, and making something from nothing.

Tell us about where you live?
I live in Byron Bay, a busy little coastal town. It’s got surf, nature, and a bustling little creative industry, which allows me to live and work here.

What are your favourite sounds?
The butcher bird call. I love hearing them sing outside my window in the morning.

What’s a book that’s moved you?
Shantaram.

What is heaven for you?
Fiji.

What’s the most remarkable sight you’ve seen in the world?
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue island, in the Seychelles. It truly is the most beautiful beach in the world.

What’s right with the world?
A growing global consciousness about our plastic waste.

What do you like most about your photography?
That’s a hard question, because I often don’t like my photography. I’m my biggest critic. I do love the freedom photography gives me to travel and create something tangible from images that start in my head.

Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles. It truly is the most beautiful beach in the world.

What’s something that gives you anxiety?
Being late.

What’s something you wonder about?
Why the hell we’re here.

Do you have a favourite souvenir from your adventures?
My growing art collection from the various countries I’ve explored.

When was the last time you cried?
I don’t remember!

To see more of Ming’s beautiful work, check out her website here or follow her on Instagram here.