I’m packing for the most epic assignment of my photographic career: race photographer for Atlantic Campaigns, organisers of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2019. Tomorrow I’ll be leaving my thick winter coat hanging on a hook at home (I can’t wait!) and lifting my arms and face up to the warmth of the sun in the small marina nestled safely below the sentinels of volcanic stone, that is La Gomera.
Looking up to Los Roques: these sentinels of stone are often shrouded in the wisps of mist protecting the ancient rain forest in the Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera. (This image was taken in the morning light to enhance the landscape shapes with deep shadow)
determined heroes
For me, this journey is about the 103 endurance athletes who have started arriving to do their final preparation before they set off on one of the greatest personal tests of their lives. People who have single mindedly battled their way to the start of row; extraordinary human beings who will board their vessels on Thursday 12 December and point their bows - bearing 270’ - to row 3,000 miles to Antigua.
Photos on land
My mission over the next couple of weeks? To try and capture the wave of emotion felt by this amazing community; to untangle the pre-race nerves and excitement, to see the humility, courage, spirit and incredible camaraderie of this mighty event - through my camera lens.
A 12-day unforgettable banquet of life-changing inspiration. Wish me luck!
photos at sea
Once the 35 ocean rowing boats leave the harbour and head for open sea, they are unsupported. Alone with only their memories, smartphones and cameras to record what will probably be the most incredible journey of their lives. I was fortunate to be part of the Atlantic Discovery support team last year and we would like to share what we learned with the 2019 fleet.
Jack videoing the team navigating their first rough water on a training row in Weymouth, June 2018 (I got down low in the support rib and tilted the horizon slightly to maximise the drama)
photo tips for ocean rowers
Take photographs and videos every day – they are your memories of this epic adventure.
Safety first – make sure you’re tethered, hatches are closed, and that a teammate is supporting you, particularly if the conditions are not calm.
Equipment check
Clean your lens daily (I use Zeiss lens wipes)
Keep phones/cameras charged
Back up images. Smartphones with SD slots mean you can backup images from your phone to an SD card easily
Keep your phone/camera nearby so you don’t miss the magical moments
What’s a good photo?
Subject in focus
Good light (early morning, late afternoon i.e. when the sun’s rays are near the horizon)
Balanced composition (rule of thirds - turn on the grid on your phone/camera for help, leading lines)
Emotion!
“We can see Antiqua!” The event participants will see the most magnificent vistas at sea (Two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset is usually the best time of day to take photographs)
Things to avoid
Direct sunlight on the face
Flat midday sun
Hat shadows on face - always try and get light in the eyes
Wonky horizons – unless it is for creative effect! (The grid helps with this too!)
Underwater
The water clarity on the first half of Atlantic Discovery’s crossing was the best - check for Dorado swimming below the boat
Practice submerging your gopro and videoing moving underwater subjects
Keep your device steady and slow - it’s easy to jerk about when you’re excited
Experiment…
With angles – waves look bigger when you go down low
With perspective – use your wide-angle view to take in the whole scene and then go in close to focus on a point of interest
With emotion - focus on eyes, expressions and body language to tell the story
With leading lines - use the side of the boat as a leading line (remember to counterbalance your weight)
With the rule of thirds – try not to always place your subject in the centre of the image
Finally – sometimes a sight or experience is so beautiful, it is best to forget the devices and let nature touch your soul. Atlantic Discovery saw a minke whale jump clean out of the water. (I can’t believe they missed the shot lol!)
We’re looking forward to sharing your journey with you through your amazing photographs. Be safe!
Throwing the mooring rope to the ecstatic crowd. The Dutch Atlantic Four arriving in Antigua, January 2019 to a champagne welcome.