Running our label means we are lucky enough to work with some creative minds and all around amazing women. Across Australia we have joined up with ladies in the industry who have huge talent and even bigger ambitions. India Payne from Philip Island in Victoria reached out to us earlier in the year as she could see that her photography and our brand aligned. We're stoked that she did. Here's our interview with the woman who is India Payne Photography. 

Who is India Payne?

I'm a 25-year-old surf photographer from Phillip Island, VIC. Having grown up traveling the world surfing from a young age the ocean has been a huge part of my life, which has now transitioned into my passion of photography and sharing my world with everyone.

I hope that through my images I can share the worlds beauty with you all. I want to inspire everyone to get outside and enjoy what our incredible world and ocean has to offer. Photography has taught me it’s not just the image but everything that happens alongside it, the fun surfs, the amazing people, the travel, the lifestyle and most of all the happiness that an image can bring.

When did photography come into your life?

Photography came into my life roughly a year ago when my partner and I were coming home from living in Canggu for a few months and I wanted someone to shoot my surfing and then I thought well why don’t I give photography a try and now the rest is history.

Do you have a favourite type of photography and what’s the most challenging part of your job?

It’s hard to say if I have a favourite type of photography. I absolutely love shooting surfing in the water, just the happiness it can bring someone to get a great shot of what they love doing most is really special. In saying that I've really gotten into fashion/lifestyle photography lately as well, I’m excited to see where it all takes me.

The most challenging part of my job at the moment is the weather, coming off a Victorian winter it makes is pretty difficult to get out there and do what I love when its 10 degrees and pouring with rain haha. 

You’re from a little slice of paradise called Philip Island, tell us about it?

Phillip Island is a small Island around 1.5hrs from Melbourne I’ve lived here my whole life, it is a really amazing place. Summertime is my favourite with endless sunsets, beach days and fun surfs. Winter is pretty freezing down here averaging around 10 dregrees a day but I'm very fortunate to escape to Indo throughout each winter. 

IM Glamping is a cool bizzo you’ve started up with model and friend Melodie Shakespear, what’s it all about?

IM Glamping is a beachfront glamorous camping accommodation we have set up in San Remo just before the bridge to Phillip Island. It’s a 4M Lotus Belle tent that accommodates couples looking for a weekend away or up to three girls wanting a girl's trip away. We have been open for roughly a month and it’s been so much fun having a business with my best friend. You can check out the tent and our slice of paradise at @imglamping on Instagram

Ok, most important question, favourite piece from the Sea & Sarong current collection?

How do I choose just one from the collection, they are all so stunning. Although if I'd have to choose one it would be The Cabana Sarong, I can’t say no to a little bit of leopard.

We’ve joined the movement of Take 3 For The Sea to help reduce plastic pollution, tell us a few simple ways that you reduce your use of plastic or any tips for doing so?

This is something really important to me as the ocean is a huge part of my life. A few simple ways I reduce my plastic use are; I always make sure I’ve got my reusable drink bottle, always say no to the use of a plastic straw, string bags for the weekly shopping and a keep cup for my coffee runs.

For the aspiring photographers out there, what advice can you give?

The biggest piece of advice I can give is you don’t know if you don’t try! Get out there have fun and do it for yourself, you never know what amazing opportunities are around the corner.