There is no better time than summer in South Africa to share some stunning images from one of our best outdoor photographers, Greg Ewing.

I met Greg a few years back at the Billabong Pro in J-Bay while he was still working full time for Zig Zag magazine. Since then he became a freelance travel\sport\outdoor  photographer traveling the globe and taking breathtaking images that leaves one jealous to say the least. We at Phototalk raised a few questions with Greg to find out what he has been up to lately.

How long have you been in the photography industry?

15 years since my first image was published, though it took a few years after that to become a full time professional photographer.

Reunion Island Photo: Greg Ewing

 

Is there a specific moment you can recall when you decided “this is what I would like to do professionally?”

Probably seeing that first photo in print, I was hooked!

 

Downtown Dakar Photo: Greg Ewing

Can you describe/ provide your favourite photo?

My favourite photo is of surfer Ricky Basnett taken in February 2009 on a trip Dakar Senegal. There is really so much behind a photograph and often with the kind of work I do, so much time and money is put in to find your self in a specific location at a specific time that personally it is just so rewarding when it all comes together.

 

Ricky Basnett Photo: Greg Ewing

Is there a specific photo you feel “I wish I had taken that one?”

I see a photograph as such a personnel thing to the photographer taking the image and I also really respect what goes into taking a great photograph so maybe I would think more on the lines of… I would like to find myself in that situation and see what image would I get. At the end of the day no two images are alike and I guess that’s what is so great about what we do…

Marakech Photo: Greg Ewing

 

If in an emergency you are able to save only one piece of equipment, what would that be?

Ah tough one… My gear is insured so would have to be my laptop or my hardrives, whatever my images are on, cant replace those…

 

Ngor Island Photo: Greg Ewing

Which photo theme do you prefer capturing? Sport / portfolio/ wedding/ nature etc

Sport, outdoor, travel…

 

Photo: Greg Ewing

What would your best piece of advice be to young aspiring photographers?

Things just take time, so persevere. If the editor of a publication you have always wanted to work for doesn’t reply to your first mail, don’t give up. Mail him again… Take more, better images and keep at it.

 

Vervet - Kruger Photo: Greg Ewing

Do you have a blog/ website where people can view images captured by you?

http://www.gregewingphoto.com/

http://gregewingphoto.com/blog/

 

Maldives Photo: Greg Ewing

What do you regards as the best magazines to read to sharpen your skills in photography?

I don’t really read photography magazines but am addicted to magazines on things I like to shoot and find a lot of inspiration there. All surf magazines, travel magazines, National Geographic… I spent hours in the CNA as a kid filling my head with imagery. Once I had money to buy them things got out of hand, my mothers garage is still full of boxes of old magazines… ha-ha

 

Fisherman Morocco Photo: Greg Ewing

What do you regards as the best websites to browse to sharpen your skills in photography?

No specific sites, sometimes I just go looking or follow a link… though I do like to know whats going on with the latest in photography gear and start with www.canonroumers.com

 

Elands Bay Photo: Greg Ewing

If money is no issue – and you can go any place in the world to take as many photos as You wish to – what place would that be?

Honestly there are too many places. I do a lot of surf photography, which has led me to some of the most beautiful tropical locations around the world but I have a fascination with the other extreme and would love to go to Iceland on an editorial shoot. If it was a personal trip, Antarctica, ive always wanted to go there. I get so inspired when I see a wildlife/landscape portfolio from there.

 

What is your favorite software for retouching?

I’m an old school Photoshop guy, I have lightroom and use it for certain stuff but still get my best results from Photoshop

 

What times during the day do you think are best to take photos?

Like most photographers, early morning and late afternoon. I love rich, warm, saturated images.

 

If you could buy any camera and lens, which would it be?

I’m fortunate to have ‘most’ of the gear I need but there is a new 8-15mm Canon fish eye I would love to have… and a new water housing.