Five wanderlust-inducing aerial views

LA-based aerial photographer Gray Malin travels the world to find bird’s-eye views that capture the wonderful feeling of escapism. Ahead of the release of his second book, The Club meets the intrepid snapper to discover the story behind five inspiring images

Escape (Abrams, £35) is out now

Interview by Ianthe Butt

The surf spot: Hamptons Surfers (New York, USA)

Whether you surf or not, everyone can understand the tranquillity of being out on the ocean. The sea is difficult to photograph because the water is dark. Hanging out the helicopter, I have to choose what to focus on – I’m not just looking at the surfers here, but also shapes, lines and repetitions – all while adjusting the lighting.

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Photo: Hamptons Surfers © Gray Malin graymalin.com

The snowscape: Skiers And Chairlift (Aspen, USA)

While shooting the beaches series, I loved how people looked against the sand, so I carried that idea over to snowy landscapes. Skiers tend to dress brightly, and the snow provides a beautiful blank canvas. It was -14°C on the ground when we shot this image, and much chillier at altitude flying at 50-60mph. The tears coming down my face froze on my skin.

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Photo: Skiers And Chairlift © Gray Malin graymalin.com

The pool: Bronte Pools (Sydney, Australia)

Floating in a pool offers such a mental break. Locals love swimming in this saltwater pool at the end of Bronte beach, a couple of beaches over from Bondi. I’ve swum in it myself and loved the way it combines the essence of a swimming pool with the ocean’s wildness.

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The beach: Palm Tree Beach – Kauai (Hawaii, USA)

Even if this hadn’t been a beach I grew up visiting, I’d still adore it. Walking from golf-course-like grass under towering palm trees, through soft grains of sand then into the water, is a unique experience for the senses. And from the air it makes for a spectacular composition and colour contrast.

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The park: The Bean (Chicago, USA)

Urban escapes are often overlooked. I took this picture when flying towards Chicago’s Millennium Park next door. When I glimpsed this iconic art installation from such a fun perspective I wanted to share it. Parks are where people go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to reflect. And that is literally what this sculpture does – it’s one large mirror that embodies the city.

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Gray Malin

Five wanderlust-inducing aerial views

The surf spot: Hamptons Surfers (New York, USA)

The snowscape: Skiers And Chairlift (Aspen, USA)

The pool: Bronte Pools (Sydney, Australia)

The beach: Palm Tree Beach – Kauai (Hawaii, USA)

The park: The Bean (Chicago, USA)

The surf spot: Hamptons Surfers (New York, USA)

The snowscape: Skiers And Chairlift (Aspen, USA)

The pool: Bronte Pools (Sydney, Australia)

The beach: Palm Tree Beach – Kauai (Hawaii, USA)

The park: The Bean (Chicago, USA)

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