Nyfiken på… Andrea Francolini, seglingsfotograf

Volvo Ocean Race in Melbourne.

Andrea Francolini är en italienare baserad i Sydney där han fotat de flesta stora kappseglingarna och många superyachts.

How did you start with sailing photography?
By pure chance. A cousin of mine was sailing on 470 and I went one day to take pictures. I also took pictures of other competitors and when I got back to land a mother came up to me wanting to buy images. The next day I was there and sold my first prints.

Geronimo.

Which picture are you most satisfied with?
The trimaran Geronimo and the helicopter above it. I love that pictures and everyone who sees it takes a long look before understanding where I was to take that shot!

Etchell Worlds in Perth 2006.

Best regatta to shoot?
Just recently the Etchell Worlds in Perth 2006. Fantastic light and wind every day above 18-20 knots

Worst regatta to shoot?
Any race where I fall asleep on the press boat…. (trust me it has happened!)

Who inspires you (other photographers)?
Carlo Borlenghi (who I worked with in Italy) for 2 yrs, Richard Avedon, Adam Pretty, Sebastiao Salgado…

Marten 49.

Rolex Farr 40 Worlds 2005.

What gear do you usually use/favor (camera/lenses)?
Canon EOS 1Ds MK II, 500mm f/4, 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 16-35mm – for sailing
Leica M6, Xpan and Mamiya 7 for commercial and personal work

Any advise for those who want to become a better sailing photograph?
Composition is the only important thing. You can have the best cameras in the world but if you do not know how to compose a picture then change job!

How do you see sailing photography develop in the future?
Digital will keep on changing and transmissions back to the client will have to be faster.

Skandia Geelong Race Week 2006.