This man captures aerial photos of the most exquisite vacation spots in the world

Maroubra Bay Swimmers Gray Malin beach photography
www.graymalin.com

Beach photos are a dime a dozen on Instagram.

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But photographer Gray Malin serves up spectacular scenes of beaches and pools that turn the genre into art.

Malin's aerial shots of vacationers can make beach scenes look like playful, colorful wallpaper patterns or storybook illustrations. He even hops in a helicopter sometimes to get his shots.

There's something soothing about the way the photos come out — in fact, they're similar to the equally addictive Instagram trend of knolling.

Malin's most popular works feature aerial beach scenes, quirky animals, and a smorgasbord of colors. His Instagram account reaches nearly a quarter of a million users per day. 

Let's dive in to see what makes Malin so successful. 

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This is Gray Malin, the brilliant photographer behind the camera.

Gray Malin headshot
www.graymalin.com

Malin has cultivated a brand based on a lifestyle of passion, inspiration, and adventure.

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Italy and Australia are home to some of the most iconic shots.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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This one is from a series done at Congee Beach, located in Sydney.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Malin's knack for framing wave patters is uncanny.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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He calls this aerial shot of sunbathers "Beach Sprinkles."

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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His focus on brightly colored and uniquely shaped beach umbrellas embraces the whimsical side of beach life.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

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Precise rows of umbrellas make for stunning patterns.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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This blue and white color scheme comes from Miami.

Today's escape ova #MiamiBeach {graymalin.com} ☀️

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin) on Mar 7, 2015 at 4:42pm PST

 

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Malin uses balloons for surreal shots of oceans and pools, as seen in the next six photos from the ongoing "Up and Away" collection.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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No — those aren't photoshopped emojis. Just brightly colored Mylar balloons!

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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The pink flamingos in this shot look gorgeous against the teal ocean background.

Hello Weekend!

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin) on Apr 3, 2015 at 5:08pm PDT

 

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"Balloons are a universal symbol of celebration, happiness and joy." - Gray Malin

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

Source 

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Yes. Pineapple Mylar balloons exist, too.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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This post appeared on Malin's Instagram on Father's Day

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Malin's Instagram account is full of shots featuring fun food and drinks with gorgeous backgrounds.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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It's hard to say which is more appealing, the donut or the beach.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Malin uses the hashtag #LaDolceVita during his travels up and down the coasts of Italy.

Buongiorno from Capri ☕️ ☀️ #LaDolceVita

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin) on Jun 30, 2015 at 5:52am PDT

 

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The sweet life, indeed.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Malin's Instagram also features his photographs as displayed in homes across the globe.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

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This trio of framed beach photos looks phenomenal.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

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Those accent lamps perfectly match the shade of blue found in Malin's ocean photos.

 

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Malin describes the "Poolside" series as "a neon-hued revamp shot atop the pristine waters of a resort pool."

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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The glamorous collection was photographed at the Le Méridien Beach Hotel in Spain.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Naturally, many of Malin's iconic photos have been turned into merchandise for the summer-lovers of the world.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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The phone cases are a top seller.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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The napkin collection based on Malin's balloon series is also a big hit.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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There was even a limited edition run of these meta beach towels featuring Malin's ocean scenes.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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In early 2015, Malin collaborated with Sperry for a series of patterned summer shoes

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 Learn more about the shoes here.

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Clearly, Malin's summer settings are capturing the imagination of Instagram users everywhere.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

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Follow him today, and enjoy a daily escape into Malin's wonderful world of adventure.

A photo posted by Gray Malin (@graymalin)

 

If liking Malin's Instagram photos isn't enough, you can buy prints and follow his lifestyle blog here.

Instagram Summer Photography
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