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Through the Port Hole

Through the Port Hole

This photo is one of the most iconic motor yacht photos of the last decade: a perfect circle of timing, the ripple effect of a powerful machine ploughing through the sea, of light, and the shadows. With the keen eye of Andrea Francolini, this breathtaking image is produced by the click of the camera at the perfect time.

About the photo

The image was taken a couple of years ago while shooting for the boat builder. It is a Warren 120s. It was taken from a R44 helicopter, using a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III with a 24-70mm lens.

Challenges

The biggest challenge was keeping the camera still because of the helicopter vibrations and the down-draft with the door open.

Photo advice

Try to see things differently. This was a shot the client did not ask to have, yet it is the one he used the most.

In his words

Photography came first (before sailing). I do not know how to sail, but I know enough about it so I can anticipate what will happen and be in the right locations to get the shots (sometimes!).

I love the way boats look—the shapes, sizes, and colour, and especially the water which always changes. In addition, you get to visit and see some very nice locations like Tahiti, Sardinia, Australia and many places in the Mediterranean.

The first and hardest thing about boat photography is keeping your cameras dry. It sounds stupid, but it is very important. In my 16 years of shooting boats, I have only lost one body and two lenses. So, I think that is a pretty good record.

The other issue is that sometimes you are very limited to where you can position yourself—whether you are on board the sailboat itself or on a chase boat. So you often have to “react” in order to get the shots you need. You can plan ahead, but when you are dealing with Mother Nature, she often decides what you can see or cannot see!

About Andrea Francolini: Andrea “Drew” Francolini is a well-known marine industry photographer. Now based in Sydney, Australia, Andrea was born in Milan, Italy, and educated in the USA and Switzerland. His freelance career has seen him working on every continent around the world. He has a passion for unique angles and capturing the images that bring readers right into the moment.